apple's macbook introduced

[kugino]

the new replacements for Apple's ibook line is out today, dubbed, "MacBook"...say what you will about its color, specs, etc., but it now has digital in and out, making it a nicer alternative than past ibooks for use as a computer source. flame on...

 

[Wodgy]

I think it'll be a great little computer source, especially with the remote, Front Row, and the digital output. Very competitive price too.

 

[RockinOut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino the new replacements for Apple's ibook line is out today, dubbed, "MacBook"...say what you will about its color, specs, etc., but it now has digital in and out, making it a nicer alternative than past ibooks for use as a computer source. flame on...

I don't think there's much flaming to be had.

It's just a choice like any other.

Plus, like the other Intel Macs, XP and other OSes will probably be able to be used on these new MacBooks too. This is handy when people may have a need to use XP or Linux only software or websites.

Is there any other laptops with factory optical out? I don't know.

Macs may not be for everyone, but it is a really smart decision by Apple to put all their core and exclusive features such as MagSafe, FrontRow, iSight, and optical in/outs on their "budget" model.

Optical in/out was never available on iBooks or 12" PowerBooks. That was a shame.

I think they really made the smart move here putting the core options at all price levels.

It's also nice to see others here at Head-Fi interested also

.

There's so many nice notebooks out there right now Mac or XP, and I think laptop rigs are really cool generally. If they all have optical outs then all Head-Fiers will have even more choices to choose from.

 

[kugino]

main differences between G4 ibooks and the new macbooks:

1. transition to intel core duo processor, up to 2.0GHz. apple says it's 5x faster...debatable, but much faster nonetheless.
2. serial ATA drives at 5400 rpm. ibooks had ultra ATA drives at 4200 rpm with 5400 rpm as options.
3. a little bit bigger and about a pound heavier. many won't like this.
4. DVI output. need to purchase separate mini-DVI converter, but old ibooks only had VGA out. can now span on separate monitor.
5. optical input and output. nice.
6. integrated isight. nice.
7. front row with remote. not the best multimedia option out there, but nice option to have.
8. integrated 950 graphics. many HATE this, but for a consumer laptop it's fine. still a better option than the 32MB ati card in the ibook.
9. black option. will cost $150 more than comparable white one...silly apple ploy here, IMO.

with the option to install windows via boot camp, i think this is a fantastic little computer and i'll be ordering one shortly. sorry about my wallet...

 

[Nisbeth]

This looks very cool

The remote, the isight and the optical in/outs really makes me wish I had the funds to upgrade my existing iBook G4

/U.

 

[Jigglybootch]

I'm not sure what I think of it. I'm not a fan of the integrated graphics and I think the base price is a little too expensive (and the education discount only knocks off $50). But then again, I'm hard to please, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But I am a little disconcerted by the fact that I can build the same system in a desktop format with much better video and a much better hard drive for less than price of the MacBook.

 

[Nisbeth]

You're right that you can get more performance for less in a desktop, but if you need something to carry around, then IMO the macbook has it all and it is still smaller and lighter than most PCs. Small niggles for me are the graphics which could be more powerful and the price which jumps up quite rapidly when you start exploring BTO-options. Other than that, I consider it pretty much perfect

/U.

 

[RockinOut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino 3. a little bit bigger and about a pound heavier. many won't like this. 8. integrated 950 graphics. many HATE this, but for a consumer laptop it's fine. still a better option than the 32MB ati card in the ibook.

#3. Yeah, it's too bad it got a bit heavier and bigger. To me iBook is already a bit chunky and heavy although very useable and a decent compromise for "transportability & workability".

#8. Yep, the video is but one of the major differences with the MacBook Pro line. (I have no use for the upgraded video, others may want/need it)

I hope it doesn't have some of the noise issues like the MacBook Pro did (I'll be loitering around www.macintouch.com to monitor reactions to it).

 

[RockinOut]

The keyboard looks "different"

I'm gonna check it out in a few hours at my local Apple Store.

Edit: Forgot to credit pic to AppleInsider at
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1748

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch I'm not sure what I think of it. I'm not a fan of the integrated graphics and I think the base price is a little too expensive (and the education discount only knocks off $50). But then again, I'm hard to please, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But I am a little disconcerted by the fact that I can build the same system in a desktop format with much better video and a much better hard drive for less than price of the MacBook.

grain of salt taken...

still, you're comparing two way different things here - dare i say apples and oranges? building PCs is always cheaper, even cheaper than buying a pre-built one. if you want to make a somewhat even comparison, compare the MB to other PC laptops with the same specs...

 

[ak622]

The specs on the Macbook seem like a great compromise between a small 12" ibook and 17" imac.. It has a larger screen with higher resolution plus features such as optical in/out, isight, dvd-burner etc.. This primarily a consumer laptop and it it seems to have all hte bases covered. I don't find the size that much of an issue since I have 15" Fujitsu laptop so comparing that to my current laptop, its already smaller and lighter. However said, for pure portability, it might be larger than someone might want. Since I don't run any intensive applications and my laptop is getting old, I am interested in this.. If I were to buy one, I'll just wait to the 2nd batch for Apple to work out its kinks..

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino grain of salt taken... still, you're comparing two way different things here - dare i say apples and oranges? building PCs is always cheaper, even cheaper than buying a pre-built one. if you want to make a somewhat even comparison, compare the MB to other PC laptops with the same specs...

I meant that I could take the same processor (1.83 GHz Core Duo), same RAM, and a desktop motherboard that supports it and put together a system with a better video card and better hard drive for a lower price. And if I took one of the hard drives I already have (74 GB Raptor, 250 GB Samsung, 300 GB Maxtor, or 80 GB Seagate) it would take even more off the price. I was trying to be as fair as possible with respect to what hardware I choose for my theoretical desktop system.

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch I meant that I could take the same processor (1.83 GHz Core Duo), same RAM, and a desktop motherboard that supports it and put together a system with a better video card and better hard drive for a lower price. And if I took one of the hard drives I already have (74 GB Raptor, 250 GB Samsung, 300 GB Maxtor, or 80 GB Seagate) it would take even more off the price. I was trying to be as fair as possible with respect to what hardware I choose for my theoretical desktop system.

yeah, but the problem is that you can't build a mac. you can't buy a mac motherboard (well, old ones, you can). you can certainly buy processors, hard drives, video cards, etc., but you still wouldn't be able to build a mac. first, you're comparing DIY computers with pre-built ones and you're also comparing desktops to laptops...prices of pre-built and laptops will always be higher, even with comparable specs. the computer you build would still be a PC, even if you had comparable parts. that's why a comparison isn't really fair.

 

[Mercuttio]

I'm really interested in it, but I wish it had a better graphics chip. Same complaint as the Mac Mini, but I guess that's how things are going these days. I'd love to replace my 15" Powerbook with something smaller, but I really need a decent graphics chip for my CGR stuff.

Kudos to Apple on the addition of optical though. That definitely makes me take a second look.

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino you can certainly buy processors, hard drives, video cards, etc., but you still wouldn't be able to build a mac.

Who needs a Mac when you've got Linux?