First on AI: Owners of Apple Computer's new MacBook consumer notebooks will find that upgrading or replacing the computer's hard disk is as simple as adding more memory.
The again, only Apple would affix two screws to the left side of the computer purely for cosmetic purposes. That's right — they serve absolutely no function other than to sit there and look pretty.
Where the MacBook really struts its stuff is under the hood. There, innovation takes center stage — primarily in the front-most portion of the computer, beneath the wrist-rests.
Flipping a MacBook upside down and removing its rectangular lithium-polymer battery reveals two RAM slots, placed side-by-side on one wall of the battery cavity. Two metal levers aid in releasing or securing RAM in the slots.
Each RAM slot is capable of accepting up to 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, for a max of 2GB. For the best performance, Apple recommends that RAM modules be installed as pairs, with an equal amount of memory in each slot.
Below the two RAM slots (at the base of the battery cavity) is where you'll find the MacBook's hard disk drive. Without disassembling the notebook, users will be able to quickly removing some protective aluminum shielding and lift the drive out of the computer.
Apple's previous line of consumer notebooks, the iBook, required that an authorized service provider perform all hard drive replacements — a process that would typically take at least 10 minutes for technicians and possibly days in turnaround for the owner.
While the MacBook clearly takes a few steps forward with its industrial design, other aspects of the notebook have already drawn some concerns from insiders.
Like Apple's MacBook Pro professional notebooks, the company says the new MacBook has a tendency to produce a significant amount of heat. Though the notebook's operating temperature falls within national and international safety standards, it runs much hotter than the iBook G4s it replaces. Apple is offering these tips to customers who are concerned over the heat of their new MacBook.
Another potential concern is the notebook's keyboard. Apple redesigned the MacBook's keyboard to sit flush against the bed of the computer for a sleeker, lower profile. Though it offers a firmer touch, the keyboard is built-in as part of the MacBook's enclosure. Users who damage a key or two could find themselves having to replace the notebook's entire bottom casing and trackpad — a potentially hefty expense.
Speaking of costs, customers leaning towards a black-colored MacBook will find themselves feeding Apple's profit margins. For a mere 20GB of additional storage and the matte black finish, the company is charging a whopping $200 extra. Otherwise, the $1499 black MacBook is identical to the $1299 offering in white.
Each MacBook also supports Apple's extended desktop feature, allowing users to widen their horizons with a second display.
42 Comments
WOW! thanks Apple you got a few more few things right...
Removable Hard-drive and extended Desktop... Cheers!
P.S. I'll wait a while till you repeal your new colourist policy...
I'd like to challenge this and say this statement is false referencing the linked Apple doc. The document generalizes "Apple Notebooks" and the search strings at the bottom do not contain "kmb" for MacBook.
Then don't break it or give it to a 5-year old kid.
I understand keeping things "balanced" but I call BS.
Ah, the price of being the cool kid on the block.
Don't you see that by pricing the black model higher, Apple is making it even more attractive? I actually liked white, but now that I see I have to pay more for black, I am already starting to want it. Clever marketing.
Hmm...well, you know, I'd have to see it in person, but the white one looks better...not cleaner like people like to say, but more lighthearted and spacious looking...the black has a very edgy profile - personally I would prefer white. What ever happened to multiple colors eh?
If heat comes with THAT much speed, I'll take it!
Screws for looks alone? Apple would rather NOT have screws. If AI found them to be non-functional then I believe it, but I bet there's some other weird story there to explain why they're there. Like they are a holdover from a previous design iteration, and it wasn't worth fixing the error or something.
Maybe they even add Wi-Fi reception