Apple updates white MacBook with faster processor and graphics

Apple has quietly updated the least expensive laptop they sell.  The white polycarbonate MacBook has been bumped up to the 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and given the Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics chip, which is the same as in the aluminum MacBook Pro (13-inch).  The claimed battery life has been upped to 10 hours from 7 in the previous version.  All other specs are the same with 2GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive and of course, the obligatory 8x double-layer SuperDrive.  The price remains $999 in the US. 

I would save up and buy the 13-inch alloy one where you get a few more features including the backlit keyboard and much sturdier construction.

MacBook goes unibody, available as we read this

Apple today announced an updated version of its low-end MacBook laptop, which will be available immediately. The new model, while still clad in white polycarbonate, now features the same unibody construction and bright LED-backlit screens as Apple’s other laptops, as well as the same glass multi-touch trackpad found in the MacBook Pro line.

The new 13.3-inch MacBook bears the same $999 price as the old model, but is powered by a 2.26GHz processor. It also features 2GB of 1066MHz RAM, a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics chip, and a 250GB hard drive.

This new MacBook has a familiar look, but it’s thinner, with curved edges. Like Apple’s other MacBooks, it’s got a self-contained, non-swappable battery. As a result, the bottom of the laptop has no feet—instead, the entire bottom surface is rubberized, save for eight screws.

source:macworld

MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody Teardown

I have yet to get my hands on the newer 13-inch unibody, but the guys at iFixit have different ideas — they’ve already torn one open for your viewing pleasure. Other than that new sealed battery and the addition of FireWire and the SD slot, things are about the same as the original unibody MacBook.  Hit the link below and take it all in.

iFixit Teardown

2.13GHz White MacBook benchmarks

The latest entry-level MacBook rolled out by Apple a week ago offers more than just an improvement on the white laptop it replaces in Apple’s notebook line. According to Macworld Lab tests, this new system outperforms the 2GHz aluminum unibody MacBook that costs $300 more.

As you may recall, Apple closed the books on May with a quiet update of its $999 MacBook model. While leaving the price tag untouched, the company bumped the speed of the laptop’s Core 2 Duo processors from 2GHz to 2.13GHz and increased the hard drive capacity from 120GB to 160GB. The entry-level notebook also includes faster 800MHz DDR2 memory; the previous entry-level MacBook used 667MHz DDR2 RAM.

To measure the performance difference between the new white MacBook and its predecessor, we enlisted the help of Speedmark 5, Macworld’s overall system performance benchmark. In our tests we found the new 2.13GHz white MacBook to be approximately 6.5 percent faster than the 2GHz white MacBook the revamped machine replaces. The new model had faster test times across the board, including about an 8 percent boost in Photoshop times and iTunes MP3 encoding scores. Cinema 4D was about 5 percent faster on the new white MacBook.

This way for Macworld benchmarks

White Macbook quietly bumped up in speed

The only remaining white plastic MacBook model saw a minor update today. The previous model which was updated in January 2009 had a 2.0GHz processor, 2GB of 667MHz RAM and a 120GB hard drive.

The new model has a 2.13GHz processor, 2GB of 800MHz RAM and packs a 160GB hard drive. The white MacBook still has the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics card and price remains $999.

Run your MacBook Up To 32 hours

Of course there is a costly catch. You have to purchase the HyperMac external battery pack for $500(US). There are less expensive versions of course: $299.95 (100Wh), $399.95 (150Wh) and the 32 hour 222Wh for $499.95.

Part of press release:

SUNNYVALE, California - Sanho Corp., the company behind the HyperDrive photo backup devices introduces HyperMac - external MacBook battery packs that work with the entire Apple MacBook family of notebook computers, including all MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models.

Available in 4 different capacities of 60Wh, 100Wh, 150Wh and 222Wh (compared to MacBook Air 37Wh only internal battery), the external battery is capable of powering the MacBook for up to 32 hours - allowing for long haul flights, extended outdoor shoots, expeditions to remote locations or any situation where electricity is simply not an option. When on the road, there is also the HyperMac car charger which powers and recharges the MacBook directly from the automobile cigarette slot.

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Apple addressing cracks on white MacBooks casings

Apple is privately acknowledging an issue with the enclosure on some of its white 13-inch MacBooks, which in some cases have seen the formation of hairline cracks during normal usage patterns.

The Cupertino-based Mac maker is said to have issued a bulletin to its authorized service providers in March that essentially reverses its stance on replacing the bottom casing of notebooks that may be experiencing these symptoms.

It was reported in November that Apple was refusing to cover repairs for the bottom casing of the notebooks despite its willingness on occasion to address identical problems with the top portion of the casings containing the keyboard and palmrests.

The bulletin to providers reportedly identified four key areas of the case prone to hairline cracking, including the front portion of the case below the palmrests and trackpad, the areas around the I/O ports, the back rear corners, and the back rear ventilation area.

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