From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The MacBook is a
manufactured by
from May 2006 to February 2012, and relaunched in 2015. It replaced the
series and 12-inch
series of notebooks as a part of the Apple-Intel transition from PowerPC. Positioned as the low end of the , below the premium ultra-portable
and the powerful , the MacBook was aimed at the consumer and education markets. It was the best-selling
ever. For five months in 2008, it was the best-selling laptop of any brand in US retail stores. Collectively, the MacBook brand is the "world's top-selling line of premium laptops."
There have been four separate designs of the MacBook. The original model used a combination of
casing which was modeled after the iBook G4. The second type was introduced in October 2008 alongside the 15-inch MacBook P the MacBook shared the more expensive laptop's unibody
casing, but omitted FireWire. A third design, introduced in late 2009, had a polycarbonate unibody casing.
On July 20, 2011, the MacBook was discontinued for consumer purchase as it had been effectively superseded by the MacBook Air whose starting price was lowered. Apple continued to sell the MacBook to educational institutions until February 2012.
A new, redesigned
was launched on March 9, 2015. Available in silver, gold or space grey, it is thinner than the MacBook Air and removes the traditional
charging port (along with all other ports, except the headphone jack) in favor of the multi-purpose
port. It also features a Retina display. On April 19, 2016, Apple updated the 12-inch Retina MacBook with new sixth-generation Intel Core M processors, longer battery life and a rose gold option.
First-generation black polycarbonate MacBook, 2006
First-generation white polycarbonate MacBook, 2006
The original MacBook, available in black or white colors, was released on June 28, 2006, and used the
processor and
, with Intel's
integrated graphics on a 667 MHz . Later revisions of the MacBook moved to the
processor and the
chipset, with Intel's
integrated graphics on an 800 MHz system bus. Sales of the black polycarbonate MacBook ceased in October 2008, after the introduction of the aluminum MacBook.
While thinner than its predecessor – the iBook G4 – the MacBook is wider than the 12-inch model due to its widescreen display. In addition, the MacBook was one of the first (the first being the MacBook Pro) to adopt Apple's
power connector and it replaced the iBook's
display port with a
display port. The iBook's discrete graphics chip was initially replaced by an integrated
solution, though the latest revisions of the MacBook were upgraded with the more powerful
9400M and later the 320M.
While the MacBook Pro largely followed the industrial design standard set by the , the MacBook was Apple's first notebook to use features now standard in its notebooks – the glossy display, the sunken keyboard design and the non-mechanical magnetic latch. With the late 2007 revision, the keyboard received several changes to closely mirror the one which shipped with the , by adding the same keyboard short-cut to control multimedia, and removing the embedded
and the Apple logo from the .
A more expensive black model was offered until the introduction of the unibody aluminum MacBook. The polycarbonate MacBook was the only Macintosh notebook (until the new 2015 model) to be offered in more than one color since the .
The ports are
on early models, from left to right, they are the MagSafe power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, mini-DVI, FireWire 400, 2 USB 2.0 ports, audio in, audio out and Kensington Security Slot.
For the unibody polycarbonate MacBook (2009), the ports from left to right are the MagSafe power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, Mini DisplayPort, 2 USB 2.0 ports, audio out and Kensington Security Slot.
On the front, there is a power light and an infrared receiver, while on the right edge, there is only the optical drive.
The polycarbonate Intel MacBook is easier for users to
than its predecessor. Where the iBook required substantial disassembly to access internal components such as the hard drive, users only need to remove the battery and the RAM door to replace the MacBook drive. Apple provides do-it-yourself manuals for these tasks.
In February 2007, the MacBook was recalled because the graphics card and hard drive caused the computer to overheat, forcing the unit to shut down.[]
Some early polycarbonate MacBook models suffered f Apple released a firmware update to resolve them.
There were also cases reported of discolored or chipping palmrests. In such cases, Apple asked affected owners to contact .
There were problems with batteries on some models from 2007 not being read by the MacBook. This is caused by a logic board fault and not a fault with the battery.[]
In February 2010, Apple announced a recall for MacBooks bought between
for hard drive issues. This is caused by heat and other problems.[]
Apple used the A1181 code, printed on the case, for this family of models, though 17 variations may be counted if color is included.
Table of models for Macbook A1181 family
Early 2006
Late 2006
Mid 2007
Late 2007 (Santa Rosa)
Early 2008
Late 2008
Early 2009 (White)
Mid 2009 (White)
Release date
May 16, 2006
November 8, 2006
May 15, 2007
November 1, 2007
February 26, 2008
October 14, 2008
January 21, 2009
May 27, 2009
Model numbers
MA254*/A MA255*/A MA472*/A
MA699*/A MA700*/A MA701*/A
MB061*/A MB062*/A MB063*/A
MB061*/B MB062*/B MB063*/B
MB402*/A MB403*/A MB404*/A
Model identifier
MacBook1,1
MacBook2,1
MacBook3,1
MacBook4,1
MacBook4,2
MacBook5,2
13.3-inch glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 × 800 pixel resolution (, 16:10 = 8:5 aspect ratio)
667 MHz
800 MHz
1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz
Intel Core Duo ()
1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.0 GHz or 2.16 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.0 GHz or 2.2 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.1 GHz or 2.4 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.1 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.0 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.13 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo ()
Two slots for
512 MB (two 256 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 2 GB
512 MB (two 256 MB) or 1 GB (two 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 4 GB (3 GB usable)5
1 GB (two 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 4 GB (3 GB usable)5
1 GB (two 512 MB) or 2 GB (two 1 GB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 6 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)
1 GB (two 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 6 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)
2 GB (two 1 GB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 8 GB 800 Mhz PC2-0;GB supported by Apple)6
2 GB (two 1 GB) 800 MHz PC2-6400
Expandable to 8 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)6
Shared with system memory
using 64 MB RAM (up to 224 MB in Windows through ).
using 144 MB RAM (up to 384 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)
9400M using 256 MB RAM
60 GB or 80 GB
Optional 100 GB or 120 GB
60 GB, 80 GB or 120 GB
Optional 160 GB or 200 GB, 4200-rpm
80 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB
Optional 200 GB, 4200-rpm
80 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB
Optional 250 GB
120 GB, 160 GB or 250 GB
120 GB
Optional 160 GB or 250 GB
120 GB
Optional 160 GB, 250 GB, or 320 GB
160 GB
Optional 250 GB, 320 GB, or 500 GB
5400-rpm unless specified
Base model only
8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 10× CD-RW recording
8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 16× CD-RW recording
Internal slot-loading 3
discs reads. 4× DVD±R & RW recording. 24× CD-R and 10× CD-RW recording
2.4× DVD+R DL writes, 6× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD-R, and 10× CD-RW recording
4× DVD+R DL writes, 8× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording
Connectivity
Integrated
Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated Airport Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n (draft-n disabled by default)1
Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Integrated Airport Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n (draft-n enabled)
Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Integrated Airport Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n (draft-n enabled)
Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Peripherals
2 × USB 2.0
1 × Firewire 400
1 × Optical digital / analog audio line-in
1 × Optical digital / analog audio line-out
(640 × 480 0.3 MP)
Latest possible OS X version
"Snow Leopard"
"" officially,
"" unofficially with
55-watt-hour removable lithium-polymer
5.2 lb (2.4 kg)
5.1 lb (2.3 kg)
5.0 lb (2.3 kg)
Dimensions
1.08 in × 12.78 in × 8.92 in (27.5 mm × 325 mm × 227 mm)
1 Requires the purchase of a wireless-N enabler software from Apple in order to enable the functionality. Also enabled in Mac OS X 10.6 and later.
2 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives.
3 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.
4 Beginning with the early 2008 revision, the
became an optional add-on.
5 Expandable to 4 GB, with .
6 Expandable to 8 GB, but with only 6 GB working stably with a Mac OS X older than 10.6.6 due to a software bug.
For the similar looking pro laptop, see:
The aluminum unibody MacBook
On October 14, 2008, Apple announced a MacBook featuring a new
chipset at a
press conference with the tagline: "The spotlight turns to notebooks".
The chipset brought a ;MHz system bus, use of
system memory, and integrated
9400M graphics. Other changes include a display which uses
backlights (replacing the fluorescent tube backlights used in the previous model) and arsenic-free glass, a new
(replacing the polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port), a
which also acts as the , and the removal of the
port (thus it doesn't support , used for data transfers or operating system repairs without
the system).
The design was all aluminum built and had several ports at the launch.
concluded it to be "our favorite MacBook to date," they did claim, at this time, its display was inferior to that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out colors, and dimmer backlighting. Similarly,
concluded it "may well be Apple's best MacBook to date" and "these are terrific choices—not only from an industrial design standpoint, but in specs as well" respectively, while also drawing attention to a lower quality display as compared with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Charlie Sorrel of
reached a similar conclusion about the MacBook display, citing its poor contrast and lack of vertical angle in comparison with the MacBook Pro and even the older white MacBook. Peter Cohen wrote an article discussing the loss of the FireWire port for , saying "The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway."
Table of models for Macbook A1278 family
Late 2008
Release date
October 14, 2008
Model number
MB466*/A; MB467*/A
Model identifier
MacBook5,1
13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 × 800 pixel resolution
2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2 GB (two 1 GB)
Expandable to 8 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)
Two slots for
Integrated
9400M with 256 MB shared with main memory
(up to 512 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)
160 GB or 250 GB 5400-rpm
Optional 320 GB HDD; 128 GB or 256 GB Solid-state drive ()
Internal slot-loading 2
Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD-RW
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, 24× CD
Connectivity
Integrated
802.11a/b/g/draft-n (BCM4322 chipset)
Peripherals
2 × USB 2.0
1 × Combined optical digital input/analog line in
1 × Combined optical digital output/analog line out
45-watt-hour removable lithium polymer
4.5 lb (2.0 kg)
Dimensions
12.78 in (32.50 cm) wide × 8.94 in (22.7 cm) deep × 0.95 in (2.41 cm) high
Latest possible OS X version
"" officially,
"" unofficially with
1 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7,200-rpm drives and .
2 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.
MacBook 2009
On October 20, 2009, Apple released a MacBook that introduced a new polycarbonate (plastic) unibody design, faster
memory, a multi-touch trackpad, an LED-backlit display, and a built-in seven-hour battery. The polycarbonate unibody MacBook, like its aluminum predecessor, lacks FireWire and, like the 13-inch MacBook Pro, has a combined . There is no infrared port and the Apple Remote is not included. On May 18, 2010, the MacBook was refreshed with a faster processor, a faster graphics card, improved battery life, and the ability to pass audio through the Mini DisplayPort connector. On July 20, 2011, the MacBook was discontinued for consumer purchases, but was still available to educational institutions until February 2012.
Unlike the MacBook Air, the MacBook follows the same design first seen in the MacBook P however, it is rounder on the edges than previous laptops in the MacBook line. This model has an all-white
glossy palm rest, unlike the grayish surface of its predecessor, and uses a
glass trackpad like the one found on the MacBook Pro. The video-out port is Mini DisplayPort. The bottom of the MacBook features a
non-slip finish. The built-in battery of the late 2009 revision, a feature introduced earlier in the year with the MacBook Pro, is claimed by Apple to last seven hours compared with five hours in the older models. However, in tests conducted by , the battery was found to last only about four hours while playing video at full brightness with AirPort turned off. However, Apple's battery life was calculated with the brightness at the middle setting and while browsing websites and editing word documents, not with video and at full brightness.
also reached about the same conclusion in their tests, but with AirPort turned on. The battery included in the mid-2010 model holds an additional five watt-hours over the previous model's and is claimed to last up to ten hours.
Despite being hailed by Slashgear as "one of the best entry-level notebooks Apple have produced," the unibody MacBook has received criticism for its lack of a FireWire port and
slot. Nilay Patel of
added that the USB ports were easily dented and the bottom of the laptop became worn and discolored after a few days. He also drew particular attention to the fact that the price was not lowered, stating the small price difference between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro makes it a "wasted pricing opportunity." However, most critics agree that the unibody MacBook's display is significantly better than its predecessor's.
states the new display "delivers significantly better color and viewing angle performance" than the previous MacBook, but still "not as vivid and wide-angle viewable as the MacBook Pro screens."
Table of models for Macbook A1342 family
Release date
October 20, 2009
May 18, 2010
Order Numbers
Model Numbers
Machine Model
MacBook6,1
MacBook7,1
13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 × 800 pixel resolution
2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ()
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ()
Two slots for
2 GB (two 1 GB)
Expandable to 8 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)
Expandable to 16 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)
Integrated
9400M with 256 MB shared with main memory
(up to 512 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)
Integrated
320M with 256 MB shared with main memory
250 GB 5400-rpm
Optional 320 GB or 500 GB HDD
Internal Slot-Loading
Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD-RW
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, 24× CD
Connectivity
Integrated
802.11a/b/g/n (BCM43224 chipset)
Peripherals
2 × USB 2.0
1 × Optical digital audio out / analog audio line-out/in
(640 × 480 0.3 MP)
Video only
Mini DisplayPort
with Audio-out
60-watt-hour non-removable lithium-polymer
63.5-watt-hour non-removable lithium-polymer
4.7 lb (2.1 kg)
Dimensions
1.09 in × 13.00 in × 9.12 in (27.4 mm × 330.3 mm × 231.7 mm)
Latest possible OS X version
1 Memory noted are the options available from Apple. As memory is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations possible, including use of two 2 GB RAM modules, for 4 GB of RAM, two 4 GB RAM modules, for 8 GB of RAM, and two 8 GB RAM modules, for 16 GB of RAM. Modules must be PC3-8500S, CL 7, 1.5 volts. Also possible: 2 + 1 = 3 GB; 4 + 1 = 5 GB; 8 + 1 = 9 GB; 4 + 2 = 6 GB; 8 + 2 = 10 GB; 8 + 4 = 12 GB. Modules may be 1Rx8 or 2Rx8.
2 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations possible, including capacities up to 2 TB and . For rotating drives, 5,400 rpm is recommended, for power and cooling reasons.
3 Noted optical drive speed is its maximum. It is possible to replace the optical drive with a caddy which accommodates an SSD or a second hard drive. Look for caddies which are intended for MacBook A1342 there are similar (but slightly different) caddies which are intended for MacMini models.
The rubber bottom of unibody MacBooks have been known to peel off. Apple has noticed this as a flaw and will replace the bottom for free, with or without a warranty. Some consumers have also reported defects in their LCD displays in mid- models.
The MagSafe power adapter of MacBooks has been known to fray, break, and stop working. Following a lawsuit, Apple replaces these adapters for US residents with affected adapters, purchased (or received as a gift) with computers or as an accessory.
Some MacBooks are affected by the
vulnerability, potentially allowing their iSight cameras to record the user without the user's knowledge.
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