Apple parts reseller iFixIt has just completed its photo disassemblies of the new MacBook and MacBook Pro, and notes that the design of both machines are largely inspired by the MacBook Air, with the 13-inch model structurally resembling a 13-inch version of the new MacBook Pro.
As part of its 15-inch MacBook Pro disassembly, iFixIt noted that:
- Upgrading the RAM and hard drive is very easy, but you do need a Torx screwdriver to replace the hard drive (noted yesterday).
- Contrary to some fears, the keyboard in the MacBook Pro is user-serviceable. It's a fair amount of work to remove (you have to remove 56 screws).
- The AirPort and Bluetooth boards are in the display assembly. The AirPort card is user-serviceable, while the Bluetooth board is not.
The MacBook Pro with its battery cover and base cover removed.
The MacBook Pro's stacked memory slots sit just above the battery bay.
Peeling back the MacBook Pro's chicklet keyboard .
Removing the lower display bezel reveals the AirPort card.
This is what the AirPort card looks like.
The MacBook Pros precision logic board.
An exploded view of the innards of the new MacBook Pro.
As for the 13-inch MacBook, iFixIt notes that:
- The new MacBook is really a 13" MacBook Pro. It uses the same design, and same manufacturing quality. Bridging the gap between consumer and professional model.
- The Superdrive is the same in the MacBook and MacBook Pro.
- We showed the parts to some industrial engineers familiar with manufacturing processes. Overall, they were extremely impressed by the build quality of the machine and the cutting edge mass-produced unibody.
The MacBook's logic board is tiny.
A closer look at the MacBook's logic board.
The MacBook's display module detached.
A semi-exploded view of the MacBook.
A big thanks to the guys over at iFixIt for sharing their photos and disassembly work with AppleInsider readers.
For more photos, full disassembly instructions, and additional comments and observations, please see the full version of iFixIt's guides:
Unboxing and comparison photos
Don't forget to check out AppleInsider's own unboxing and comparison photos, also published Thursday.
High-quality photo comparison: the new unibody MacBooks