Instant Expert Advice. -JustAnswerApple MacBook Fall 2009 (Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Nvidia GeForce 9400M)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MC207LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Apple's latest version of the popular $999 white MacBook gets an upscale makeover, while keeping the price the same. It's a strong alternative to the more expensive Pro line, if you can live without extras such as an SD card slot.
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CNET editors' review
Apple MacBook Fall 2009 (Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Nvidia GeForce 9400M) price range: $954.59 - $999.00
- Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
- Reviewed on: 10/22/2009
- Released on: 10/20/2009
The good: Sleek unibody design; LED display; big multitouch trackpad; long battery life.
The bad: Loses FireWire; no SD card slot; nonremovable battery.
The bottom line: Apple's latest version of the popular $999 white MacBook gets an upscale makeover, while keeping the price the same. It's a strong alternative to the more expensive Pro line, if you can live without extras such as an SD card slot.
While it's neither the less-expensive entry-level MacBook some had hoped for, nor the long-rumored touch-screen device, the new 13-inch MacBook can now escape its designation as the lone holdover system from Apple's previous generation, thanks to an upscale makeover that keeps the price stable at just under the $1,000 mark.
But, does that mean recent MacBook buyers should run out and upgrade?
If you own a recent polycarbonate MacBook, or even an older model that's still in good working order, we don't see an immediate need to upgrade. But, if you've been in the market for a MacBook, and waiting to see if the holiday season would bring lower prices, offering this new sleeker-looking version of the MacBook at the same price as the old one is as much of a slight recessionary nod Apple is likely to give.
The main knocks come from the loss of the FireWire port, and the lack of an SD card reader (now offered on the 13- and 15-inch Macbook Pro models) to replace it. Other than that, this is the best version to date of Apple's non-Pro laptop line.
| Price as reviewed | $999 |
| Processor | 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Memory | 2GB, 800MHz DDR2 |
| Hard drive | 160GB, 5,400rpm |
| Chipset | Nvidia MCP79 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce 9400M |
| Operating system | Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard |
| Dimensions (WD) | 13.0 x 9.1 inches |
| Height | 1.08 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 13.3 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 4.7 / 5.5 pounds |
| Category | Thin-and-light |
Like the aluminum MacBook Pro models, the MacBook now has a unibody chassis, although in this case, it's still made of polycarbonate. Unibody, Apple's preferred term, is a bit of a misnomer, as the bottom panel is separate, as are the multiple parts that make up the lid and display.
While still recognizably a MacBook, the new version has more gently sloped edges on its glossy white lid, making it look slightly slimmer when viewed straight on. The bottom half also has a rounded edge, making for an overall effect that's much less boxy, although it's still the same 1.08 inches thick as the previous version. The unibody switch shaves a little weight off the system, going from 5.1 pounds to 4.7 pounds.
The separate bottom panel is particularly interesting. It's a darker off-white color and has a matte feel, different than the glossy lid and keyboard tray. The unibody construction means the battery is no longer removable, as with the current MacBook Pro lineup--a cause for concern to some, but we've never thought that a nonremovable battery was a deal-breaker in a laptop.
The trackpad is the same large glass multitouch version found on the MacBook Pros, and it dominates the wrist rest area. While the entire pad depresses as a giant left mouse button, PC-style tapping can be turned on in the settings menu (although it really should be on by default). The extremely large surface area and the multitouch gestures--including four fingers to minimize every open window and the two finger tap to simulate a right mouse click--are so intuitive and useful that they make using any other laptop's trackpad a disappointing experience in comparison. We're frankly surprised that other PC makers have not done a better job of knocking off the MacBook's trackpad.
The 13.3-inch display, at 1,280x800, is now LED backlit (making that a standard feature across the entire Apple laptop lineup), which is better for both power consumption and environmental concerns. However, unlike the more expensive Pro models, you don't get the slick-looking edge-to-edge glass over the display. Other points of differentiation include the lack of an SD card slot and a backlit keyboard. One forward-looking change we'd like to see is a move to 16:9 displays, which are quickly becoming an industry standard.
| Apple MacBook Fall 2009 | Average for category [thin-and-light] | |
| Video | Mini-DVI | VGA plus HDMI or DisplayPort |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks | Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks |
| Data | 2 USB 2.0 | 3 USB 2.0, SD card reader |
| Expansion | None | ExpressCard/54 |
| Networking | Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, | Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional WWAN |
| Optical drive | DVD burner | DVD burner |
FireWire fans should note that the port has finally left the building. We would have thought this would be a good opportunity to add the same SD card slot found on the Pro 13-inch, but it was not to be. While we're not regular FireWire users, this does leave Apple open to accusations of removing functionality from the system.
Internal components are very similar to the previous plastic MacBook, including the Nvidia GeForce 9400 graphics. The Intel Core 2 Duo CPU has been bumped from 2.13GHz to 2.26GHz, and the default hard drive is now 250GB, up from 160GB. Configuration options are limited to 4GB of RAM (over the default 2GB) and 320GB and 500GB hard drives.
This new MacBook performed generally on par with the models released back in June 2009, and this version was a few seconds faster than the older 2.13GHz MacBook in our Photoshop and iTunes tests. More importantly, these mainstream Core 2 Duo CPUs easily outperformed the low-voltage versions found in thin-and-light systems such as the HP Envy 13 and the Toshiba T135-S1310.
 Juice box | |||
| Apple MacBook Fall 2009 | |
| Off (watts) | 0.52 |
| Sleep (watts) | 0.66 |
| Idle (watts) | 7.826 |
| Load (watts) | 31.452 |
| Raw (annual kWh) | 34.23 |
| Annual operating cost (@$0.1135/kWh) | $3.88 |
The Apple MacBook ran for 5 hours and 42 minutes on our video playback battery drain test, which is about 30 minutes longer than the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and nearly an hour longer than the previous white MacBook. Toshiba's Satellite T135-S1310, however, showed the advantage of using an Intel ULV processor, going for an additional 30 minutes to pass 6 hours of total running time.
Apple includes a one-year parts-and-labor warranty with the system, but keep in mind that this only includes 90 days of telephone support. Upgrading to a full three-year plan under AppleCare will cost an extra $249. Support is also accessible through an online knowledge base, video tutorials, and through e-mail with customer service. Driver and software downloads are easily accessible through Apple's Web site.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test laptops.
System configurations:
Apple MacBook Fall 2009 2.26GHz
OS X 10.6.1 Snow Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz; 2048MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M; 250GB Toshiba 5,400rpm
HP Envy 13
Windows 7 Professional (64-bit); 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SL9600; 3072MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330; 250GB Toshiba 5400rpm
Apple MacBook Summer 2009 2.13GHz
OS X 10.5.7 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13GHz; 2048MB DDR3 SDRAM 800MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M; 160GB Hitachi 5,400rpm
Toshiba Satellite T135-S1310
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit); 1.3GHz Intel Pentium SU4100; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 128MB (Shared) Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD; 320GB Toshiba 5,400rpm
Apple MacBook Pro Summer 2009 2.26GHz
OS X 10.5.7 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz; 2048MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M; 160GB Hitachi 5,400rpm
User reviews
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Nice evolution of a great product
by myles taylor on October 24, 2009
Pros: Slimmer and more sleek looking. Better battery life.
Cons: No firewire! Lack of an SD slot isn't a deal breaker, but is a minor annoyance.
Summary: A nice upgrade to the line without alienating those who recently purchased the previous models. I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of firewire port as I think it's ...
Summary: A nice upgrade to the line without alienating those who recently purchased the previous models. I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of firewire port as I think it's great for data transfers and such. The "unibody" construction is very nice and easy on the eyes. It should eliminate those annoying cracks from the previous models. I like the new enclosed battery. For those who are bothered by non-replaceable batteries, they are the minority. Most people never change their battery and with the new battery comes a longer warranty on it. I don't think batteries will be excluded from Applecare anymore and it's a stance I hope all computer manufacturers soon take. Something not mentioned in the CNet review was the lack of an IR port for a remote. I'm not sure if this means that the remote uses some other kind of technology or if the Macbook just lacks that capability. Either way, it's only slightly disappointing since I think that most people never use their remotes on their Macbook. The harddrive and ram are easy to replace and even some of the other repairs are easier to get to. While Apple will never advertise this fact, the unibody's are more resistant to liquid spill.
It's nice to see the Macbook line evolve along with the rest of Apple's products and I think this refresh was great with a few minor exceptions.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Classic Retro Light Notebook - Iconic Apple looks !
by karankapur on November 10, 2009
Pros: This is such a pretty and well executed laptop. Fast Processor, LED Display, Glass Trackpad, Cam & Mic built in, Good Hard Drive and Memory
Cons: If you like to follow the herd - its not silver, aluminium colored.
It does not have a back lit keyboard - but hey - do you like black keys ? because backlighting a white keyboard is not much use.Summary: The coolest little 13inch package to keep you connected with full service in terms of capabilities at a price point which is not so much higher than a premium netbook. ...
Summary: The coolest little 13inch package to keep you connected with full service in terms of capabilities at a price point which is not so much higher than a premium netbook. The glass trackpad and the super bright LED screen are at the cutting edge of laptop technology. The glass trackpad , LED Display and anti slip undercoating make this a superior laptop to buy compared to the entry level Macbook Pro which retails for $ 200 extra. It is flouted only for not have a few things like a Firewire port and and SD card reader. Its really not big deal to plug in an SD card adapter into the USB port just like you would on many other computers. And there no mistaking this litte gem as an Apple computer from any angle. If this is going to be the last of the white bodied Apple PC's then get it before they stop making them ! Just like the 1G and 2G ipods which will become collectors items in years to come, this is probably the last of the white looking Macs for some time.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice! But Why Always White?
by Lambert John on October 22, 2009
Pros: good components, LED screen, compact case, long battery life, Apple operating system
Cons: Non user-replaceable battery, White color.
Summary: White White White! It's a girl's color! Make it in black and I'll snap it up in a heartbeat. I've always wanted a Macbook, but not ...
Summary: White White White! It's a girl's color! Make it in black and I'll snap it up in a heartbeat. I've always wanted a Macbook, but not in white. Guess they do that on purpose to make you shell out $200 more bucks for the Pro version.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A beautiful up-scale change
by PrincessWeaser on October 28, 2009
Pros: Love the trackpad. I'm not sure I could live without it; I've had the Pro also - now this one is so similar I don't miss my Pro anymore
Cons: Can't find one
Summary: I reviewed two PC laptops, one netbook and the 15" MacBook Pro before I purchased the new 13" and I think Windows (and 7) differ from a Mac like the ...
Summary: I reviewed two PC laptops, one netbook and the 15" MacBook Pro before I purchased the new 13" and I think Windows (and 7) differ from a Mac like the difference between a rainy day and a sunny day. Why would you want to pay tons of money for software to have a PC when all you have to add to the MacBook is IWork for less than $100, and only $49 for one user. It takes approximately five minutes to open your Mac and set it up to be your own. A PC takes a number of days to get it all right. Simplicity added to brilliant design and development, I'll be a Mac girl forever.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's a nice budget machine
by hwarden on October 27, 2009
Pros: It's an excellent machine some of the features have been compromised such as the screen gloss and display to make it affordable, still a good deal
Cons: Dont see much of a problem other than some of modest components put together
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Powerful and amazingly fast!
by billid83301 on December 9, 2009
Pros: Performance; Light weight; Amazing battery; wonderful display; and many more
Cons: None that I can find
Summary: I love this laptop because it has the performance that I want in a laptop. I have looked at the pc laptops but could not find one that worked like ...
Summary: I love this laptop because it has the performance that I want in a laptop. I have looked at the pc laptops but could not find one that worked like this one. I have had other Apple laptops but this is the best so far!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love my new Macbook, great design & performance!!
by Janrym4 on November 14, 2009
Pros: Multitouch pad, LED screen, fast computer, good quality, long lasting battery...
Cons: None that I concern.
Summary: Great buy!!! Worth every penny. :D
Summary: Great buy!!! Worth every penny. :D
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I Like It But The Battery Is So Crazy!
by VervePark on October 23, 2009
Pros: It's just nice with the new thin shape, the same suitable price, big touch pad and polycarbon that safes our environment !
Cons: THE BATTERY, THE BATTERY I hate It , why they make it nonmovable, I know that it's got longer life but, it's still having the same problem with iPhone, I can't imagine that a laptop doesn't have a removable battery as much as cell phone !
2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great all purpose laptop; keyboard and trackpad
by bastones on February 5, 2010
Pros: Scrabble-tile like keys (keyboard), multi-touch trackpad, great 13" portable screen size, great quality webcam
Cons: Trackpad needs to be kept clean to remain smooth
Summary: I've had this MacBook since December and its the best notebook I've ever had. The keyboard is fantastic to type on, the trackpad has fantastic multi touch features ...
Summary: I've had this MacBook since December and its the best notebook I've ever had. The keyboard is fantastic to type on, the trackpad has fantastic multi touch features and despite some not appealing to the trackpad's integrated button it is easy to get use to, and feels natural after some time. Despite just a 13" screen it feels like a portable full-sized notebook and the included memory and hard drive are just the right size for my needs.
The only problem I have with this notebook is that the trackpad needs to remain clean to remain smooth when using it. After cleaning the trackpad with a slightly damp cloth and cleaning afterwards the trackpad was nice and smooth again, probably due to grease and smudge that caused it to not be as consistently smooth as before. Apart from that, this notebook is fantastic! -
nice looking, not such good performer
by francachas on October 28, 2009
Pros: nice look, quality materials, wide and clear screen
Cons: performance is not amazing (mac os consumes too many resources, it fails like a windows), noisy fan when too many apps running
0 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MC207LL/A
- Description: The MacBook uses a graphics processor that economizes space in a whole new way. A traditional computer logic board contains multiple components: the CPU, two chips that control communication throughout the computer, and the graphics processor. The logic board in the MacBook contains only two components: the CPU and a graphics processor with all of the core logic built into a single chip. Open your MacBook and you're instantly greeted by glorious full screen brightness. Anything you view, including the glossy widescreen display itself, is a spectacular experience. The LED-backlit display is more power efficient. And it's mercury- and arsenic-free, so it's greener than ever.
General
- Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
- Width 13 in
- Depth 9.1 in
- Height 1.1 in
- Weight 4.6 lbs
- Color White
- Notebook type Thin-and-light (4-6 lbs.)
- Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b
Processor
- Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz
- Multi-Core Technology Dual-Core
- 64-bit Computing Yes
- Data Bus Speed 1066 MHz
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Cache size 3 MB
RAM
- Installed Size 2048 MB / 4 GB (max)
- Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
- RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
- RAM configuration features 2 x 1 GB
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards EPA Energy Star
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 0 - 90%
Storage Controller
- Storage controller type Serial ATA
- Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-300
Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Hard Drive 250 GB - Serial ATA-300 - 5400 rpm
- Storage Removable None
- Hard drive type Portable
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (±R DL) - Integrated
- CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL)
- CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW)
Optical Storage (2nd)
- 2nd optical storage type None
Display
- Display Type 13.3 in TFT active matrix
- Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Features Glossy
Video
- Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9400M Shared video memory (UMA)
- Video Memory 256 MB
- Max Allocated RAM Size 256 MB
Audio
- Audio output type Sound card
- Audio Input Microphone
Notebook Camera
- Camera Type Integrated
Input Device(s)
- Input device type Keyboard, Trackpad
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Networking Network adapter
- Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Networking standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
- Interfaces 1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DisplayPort, 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Power cable ( 1 pcs.)
- Features Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Power
- Power device form factor External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery
- Technology Lithium polymer
- Installed Qty 1
- Battery capacity 60 Wh
- Mfr estimated battery life 7 hour(s)
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Apple MacOS X 10.6
- Software Front Row, Apple iCal, Apple iChat, Photo Booth, Apple Safari, Apple Spaces, Apple Dashboard, Apple QuickTime, Apple Spotlight, Apple iLife '09, Apple DVD Player, Apple Quick Look, Apple Address Book, Apple Time Machine, Apple Mac OS X Mail, Apple XCode Developer Tools
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year, Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days
Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Dec 2009) 5.1
Accessories
- Apple AirPort Extreme base station wireless access point (20852329)
- Apple Wireless Keyboard (30568482)115.99
- Apple AirPort Express Base Station (30910240)120.00
- Apple Mighty Mouse (31470406)99.99
- Apple MagSafe power adapter - 60 Watt (31903602)39.99 - 89.90
- Belkin Neoprene Sleeve for MacBook Air - notebook carrying case (32862051)13.92 - 23.83
- Belkin Vertical Sleeve with Shoulder Strap for MacBook Air - notebook carrying case (32861907)17.70 - 27.75
- BuiltNY Laptop Case Small - notebook carrying case (33366185)89.99
- 1 GB Cruzer Mini USB Flash Drive (30815313)23.79 - 25.00
- 128MB MICRO VAULT USB W/ DOCK USB 2.0 (30477696)49.95
- 2 GB USB 2.0 Swivel Flash Drive (31202347)9.13 - 107.05
- Apple Magic Mouse (33783857)68.00 - 69.99
- Apple Mighty Mouse (wireless) (31985391)129.99
- 3BTN MOUSE PS2 ONLY 95/98/W2K/WME/NT/XP (20584851)
- APPLE PRO KEYBOARD BLACK KEYS FOR MACINTOSH (20284876)35.99
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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