Apple's new MacBooks: faster CPUs, 1GB mem

Apple today updated its MacBook consumer notebooks with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model. The entry-level MacBook now features 1GB of RAM,a 80GB drive, combo drive (CD-RW/DVD) and a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 processor for $1,099, while the SuperDrive-enabled model features 1GB of RAM, a 120GB drive, and 120GB drive for $1,299. The black MacBook adds a larger 160GB drive for $1,499. Update Apple's online store is back online after the announcement early Tuesday morning.

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 120GB or 160GB (5400 rpm) or a 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

"The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers' growing library of digital music, photos and movies."

The MacBook consumer line features built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g. Every MacBook also includes a built-in iSight video camera for on-the-go video conferencing, Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and iLife '06, Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications. Apple now offers three models: white 2.0GHz ($1,099) and 2.16GHz ($1,299) MacBook models, and a black 2.16GHz MacBook model ($1,499).