Macopinion

New Apple Notebooks Enticing But Not Without Shortcomings

Now that I've had a week to ponder the new MacBook and MacBook Pro models Apple unveiled last Tuesday, impressions are beginning to gel, and a lot of equivocation is setting in.

For example, I really like the styling of the new machines, but lament the engineering and practicality compromises that were necessary to achieve the look - pretty much the same dynamic that applied to the MacBook Air last January. The seductiveness of the aesthetics can't be denied, but it comes at a heavy cost in functionality.

The casualty list is lengthy: FireWire 400 on both machines (the Pro still has a lone FireWire 800 port, which can support FW 400 with an adapter dongle); the DVI video port on the Pro, since the skinny profiled unibody enclosure only has room for a Mini DisplayPort, a matte finish display option on the MacBook Pro - this one largely because of the "under glass" styling motif; roughly 16 percent less battery capacity on the MacBook Pro - the former model's 5600mAh/60Wh spec. downgraded to 4700mAh/50Wh.

However, they really look cool if you can live within the new limitations.

On the upside, new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro's unibody enclosures should be extremely strong and rigid, being crafted from a single block of aluminum, and both machines have more powerful graphics than their predecessors, using brand-new NVIDIA chipset technology. The MacBook gets NVIDIA's new GeForce 9400M integrated 3D graphics, which are expected to be dramatically superior to the Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics used in the preceding MacBooks, and which should be able to make the Macbook into a much more satisfactory gaming platform, although still well short of what it would take to satisfy serious gamers.

However, the new MacBook Pro gets both the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a full fledged NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor unit with 256MB or 512MB of GDDR3 video memory. All good in that department.

Both new models gat LED display backlights, which is an advance from the previous MacBooks, although the 15' MacBook Pro has been LED backlit since June, 2007. Another point to consider is that the glass surface of the display unit is bonded to the screen lid and can't be non-destructively disassembled, so if the glass ever gets broken, you'll be obliged to get a whole lid/display assembly to replace it.

Also new across the board are glass Multi-Touch trackpads with almost 40 percent more tracking area than before and supporting more Multi-Touch gestures like pinch, rotate and swipe. The new trackpads are also "buttonless." You just press downward on the trackpad surface to click, a feature that's getting mixed reviews.

Commendably, the entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components (the MagSafe power adapter cord still contains PVC), and displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass.

The new MacBook is essentially a smaller MacBook Pro and available in two models: the base unit with a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and a 160GB 5400 rpm hard drive, and a 2.4 GHz version with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a backlit keyboard, both with 3MB shared L2 cache and a 1066 MHz front-side bus. At At 0.95-inches thick and weighing 4.5 pounds, the new MacBooks are a tenth of a pound lighter than the old and sorely missed 12" PowerBook, and arguably at long last a suitable MacIntel replacement for that machine, although some will argue that the footprint obligated by the 13.3" display still makes then too large for a real 12" PowerBook replacement. I would suggest that for 12" PowerBook aficionados, this is probably as good as it's going to get unless Apple takes my advice and engineers a netbook Mac. IMHO, the new MacBook's biggest shortcoming as a 12" PowerBook successor is the lack of FireWire rather than the footprint.$1,299, and the high-end model at $1,599, or $100 more than the previous black plastic MacBook. The entry-level white plastic older model is carried over with bigger hard drives and a price cut to $999 in compensation.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro measures also 0.95-inches thick and weighs a modest 5.5 pounds. It's available in 2.4 GHz with 3MB shared L2 cache and 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache versions, and a 2.8 GHz CPU is a build to order option, all with a 1066 MHz front-side bus. The 2.4 GHz model has a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and the 2.53 GHz version a 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive, with a 128 GB solid state drive optional. Price points have held at $1,999 and $2,499.

All models except the 2.53 GHz MacBook Pro come with 2 GB of RAM upgradable to 4 GB, while the 2.53 GHz unit has 4 GB standard. All have 8x internal SuperDrive optical drives, built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a Gigabit Ethernet port; a built-in iSight video camera; two USB 2.0 ports; one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog. The MacBook Pros have one FireWire 800 port and an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot.

The MacBook Air also gets a mild tweaking for its first revision, with Intel Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs at 1.6 GHz and 1.86 GHz, with with 6MB shared L2 cache, the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, and a new 128 GB solid state drive option. Price points remain the same at $1,799 and $2,499, the latter with the SSD.

Finally, the old school 17" MacBook Pro is held over for a few more months until a new unibody model is ready with the high resolution 1920 x 1200 LED-backlit display now standard and a larger 320GB hard drive or an optional 128GB solid state drive at the same $,2,799 price point.

Personally, I'm both pleased and disappointed, with the new models, especially the diminishment of I/O connectivity across the board and the complete jettisoning of FireWire on the MacBook, which I would otherwise find very enticing as a compact MacBook Pro in all but name.

I'm not smitten with the glass, buttonless trackpads, nor for that matter the MacBook/MacBook Air style chiclet keyboard on the MacBook Pro. These are nice laptops and I don't doubt that many owners will be thrilled with them, but my inclination is now to pick up an early 2008 revision 15" MacBook Pro .

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Appendix - The Apple Late 2008 Notebooks Lineup Specs.

The new MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 17-inch MacBook Pro are now shipping and the new MacBook Air will be available in early November through the Apple Store ( http://www.apple.com ), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. An updated 13-inch white MacBook featuring 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a slot-load 8X SuperDrive is now available for $999 (US).

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch aluminum MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
* 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 1066 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 160GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* two USB 2.0 ports;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* glass Multi-Touch trackpad; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.4 GHz aluminum MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,599 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 1066 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* two USB 2.0 ports;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 250GB 5400 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch aluminum MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

* 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
* 1066 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 video memory;
* 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* two USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.53 GHz aluminum MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

* 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
* 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 1066 MHz front-side bus;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory;
* 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* two USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 250GB 7200 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm or a 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit high resolution 1280 x 800 glossy display;
* 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 1066 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 120GB serial ATA hard drive running at 4200 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* one USB 2.0 port;
* one headphone port;
* Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 45 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
* 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 1066 MHz front-side bus;
* 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 128GB solid state drive;
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* one USB 2.0 port;
* one headphone port;
* Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 45 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options and accessories for the MacBook Air include the MacBook Air SuperDrive, Apple USB Ethernet Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple Remote and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.5GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:

* 17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200 glossy display;
* 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 800 MHz front-side bus;
* 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 512MB with GDDR3 video memory;
* 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* DVI output port for video output (VGA adapter included);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* three USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
* 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, anti-glare display, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit http://www.epeat.net.

**The MobileMe service is available to persons aged 13 or older. Annual membership fee and internet access required. Terms and conditions apply.

***Time Machine requires an additional hard drive (sold separately).

****Video chatting requires a broadband Internet connection; fees may apply.



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cmoore@macopinion.com

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