Apple MacBook Review (Late 2008 Model)

by Jerry Jackson

Whether you're a college student or a graphic artist Apple just added the most desirable item to your holiday wish list: the new MacBook. With Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Nvidia 9400M graphics, an optional 128GB solid state drive (SSD), and a stylish yet tough design, the new MacBook promises to be one impressive 13-inch notebook. This Mac might look amazing, but does it have the performance to justify the price? Let's take a closer look.

The Apple MacBook (starting at $1,299) is available with two choices of Core 2 Duo processors and a choice of hard disk drive or solid state drive. There is only one 13.3" screen offering, a 1280x800 WXGA glossy display with LED backlighting.

Our MacBook has the following specifications:

• Mac OS X v10.5.5 (Build 9F2114)
• Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2.0GHz (3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz frontside bus)
• 2GB 1067MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 160GB 5400rpm SATA hard disk drive
• 13.3" glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display (1280 x 800)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics (256MB of DDR3 shared memory)
• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• iSight webcam
• AirPort Extreme WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
• Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps), Audio out and microphone in
• Dimensions : 0.95" x 12.78" x 8.94" (H x W x D)
• Weight: 4.51 pounds
• Integrated 45-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
• 60W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system

Build and Design

The new "unibody" construction of the MacBook for late 2008 makes this MacBook one of the most impressively built 13-inch notebooks we've seen in recent memory. When you pick this notebook up it feels like you're holding a solid piece of metal. In a manner of speaking, you are. The unibody chassis is milled from a solid block of aluminum, making the MacBook one of the most durable 13-inch notebooks you can buy for less than $2,000. A thickness of less than an inch and a weight of roughly 4.5 pounds likewise help to make this update to the MacBook line a compelling choice for students and road warriors.

Bottom line, despite the impressive thinness of the design, the MacBook is quite solid and durable thanks to the aluminum construction. We don't recommend dropping the MacBook (or any notebook for that matter) but the MacBook should survive any use and abuse that a college student or corporate road warrior can deliver over several years of travel between home and school or home and work.

The MacBook lid does not have a latch to hold it closed, but the hinge mechanism works well and firmly holds the lid in place. While we're on the topic of the hinge, Apple made the strange choice of using black plastic around the hinge rather than brushed aluminum like the rest of a the chassis design. This isn't a major problem, but it looks a little odd and plastic doesn't give the same impression of durability as aluminum. On  the bright side there is almost no flex to the screen thanks to the metal lid.