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#1 2008-07-05 10:02 am

chezzy62
Member
Registered: 2008-07-05
Posts: 2

2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

MacBook review by hkkevinc
Specifications:
-2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
-2 GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
-Fujitsu 160GB Hard Drive @ 5400 RPM
-Apple Double Layer Slot Loading SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
-Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 graphics chip (Integrated)
-55 watt hour lithium battery (about 4.5 hours with best power saving)
-Stereo Speakers
-Airport Extreme card (802.11a/b/g/draft-n, bluetooth 2.0 + EDR)
-13.3 inch glossy widescreen monitor (1280x800 native resolution)
-Built in iSight webcam with microphone
-White color

I was in the market for a decent laptop as I needed something for word processing, internet, and good presentation abilities. I wanted to also have something where I could perform activities on a more “demanding” scale such as audio editing. I started my search with some lower priced Windows PC's. As I was going through my selection, many of the machines had Windows Vista pre-installed; an operating system which is full of glitches and errors. This gave me a second thought on my decision; maybe I should look at other options such as an Apple laptop. I had experience with a macbook numerous times previous to my decision, and I was very happy with the computer. The main conflict for myself was the price range. 1,100 dollars for the base model, without any discounts. I however purchased the macbook because I did not want to buy Windows Vista, and I was also in fear of sticking with old technologies such as Windows XP. I am confident I made the correct decision.

Physical features – Jonathan Ive is a semi-god

Apple has always been known for their sleek styling or more artistic approach to computers, for lack of a better word. This is because of their lead product designer, Jonathan Ive. He has designed many products from the colored iMacs to the iPod. His ideas have certainly hit the jackpot with the macbook. If I could describe the design in two words, it would be simple and elegant. It's amazing how simple the design is yet how eye pleasing it can be. The outer case is made of glossy polycarbonate while the inside is made of a more basic plastic. The keys are not your average laptop keys; they are lowered into the casing to be more flush with the surface. The trackpad is also very large; creating a decent amount of space to not be uncomfortable when moving the mouse. The dimensions and weight are also extremely convenient with a weight of only 5 pounds and a thickness of 1.08 inches. The small(er) screen also means a smaller laptop in general. While the screen is slightly small compared to other laptops, it still delivers with crisp colors and a high resolution. The built in iSight camera does its job as a webcam, but nothing too special there. The Airport Extreme card is probably one of the best wireless cards I have ever used. The range is far greater than any other wireless device I have used; I've picked up my neighbors connections 5 houses down. It also has the brand new wireless N technology which boasts much faster speeds and longer ranges. While this technolgy is not very widepsread yet, it is no additional cost for it to be installed. The bluetooth is also a good addition as it is still rarely installed on laptops standard. Another small nifty feature of the macbook is the battery level indicator on the bottom. Just press a button and 5 LED lights will let you know how much battery you have left, even when the macbook is off.

Full Review:

http://relevantreviews.net/showthread.php?t=4840

I think it's a very good review, and if I didn't already have a Power Mac G5, or wasn't such a heavy desktop user, I would probably get a Macbook.

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#2 2008-07-05 11:02 am

nayrk
User Error
From: Outland
Registered: 2004-05-01
Posts: 769

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

I still just wish it didn't have an integrated graphics card.

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#3 2008-07-05 1:20 pm

wellfleation
High on Life
From: Metheun, Mass.
Registered: 2001-11-13
Posts: 8679

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

nayrk wrote:

I still just wish it didn't have an integrated graphics card.

You and everybody else.


FIGHThttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/wellfleation/stern-h1_01.jpgPOWER

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#4 2008-07-06 2:26 am

ColourClassic
Now in Colour
From: OZ
Registered: 2004-05-19
Posts: 746
Website

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

I prefer it with integrated graphics. I like the low game play ability.


Mac Mini Core 2 Duo 1.83 2GB Ram 160GB HDD 22" X223W
iPod Touch 8GB
iPod Nano 2GB
Melblog

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#5 2008-07-28 10:34 am

chezzy62
Member
Registered: 2008-07-05
Posts: 2

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

Yea, the graphics card seems to be the only complaint about the Macbook. Looks very similar to the 2.4 GHZ Macbook Pro, so you can save the extra $700.

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#6 2008-07-28 10:46 am

pottymouth
Uncreative
Moderator
From: JP, MA
Registered: 2002-02-06
Posts: 17411
Website

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

The NOT GLOSSY higer res screen is worth at least $700 to me. wink

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#7 2008-08-02 11:10 pm

Antonio
Now with more cowbell!
From: San Francisco, CA
Registered: 2007-01-16
Posts: 689
Website

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

pottymouth wrote:

The NOT GLOSSY higer res screen is worth at least $700 to me. wink

Yeah, and I still think the MacBooks suffer from cheap construction using even cheaper plastic. Every one I've opened up has revealed broken standoffs and mounts - worse even than the chipping palmrests.

I recently replaced my 2Ghz C2D model with a 2.2Ghz Pro model, and it feels much more solid. It is faster than the MacBook, with its slight mhz boost and discrete graphics. The Finder itself is vastly more responsive, but I'll gladly pay more just for better construction. I guess you get what you pay for, either way.

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#8 2008-08-03 12:33 am

Graphic Autist
Scumdog of the Universe
From: Antarctica
Registered: 2003-06-08
Posts: 1043
Website

Re: 2.4 Ghz MacBook Review

Antonio wrote:

I guess you get what you pay for, either way.

Yup. I don't like cheaping out when I buy my Macs.


Mac Pro 2.66 ghz Quad Core - 9 GB RAM - Mac OS X 10.6.2 & 10.5.8
MacBook Pro 2.4 ghz Intel Core 2 Duo - 4 GB RAM - Mac OS X 10.6.2
G4 MDD Dual 1.25 ghz - 2 GB RAM - Mac OS X 10.5.8

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