Apple MacBook MB404LL/A 13.3-inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive) Black Reviews

• MacBook, Perfect Size & Power

  
  By A3BH4EGCKC4EOE on 2008-03-08
  I went back and forth between the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Which one? Will it be powerful enough? Big enough...?
  
  Maybe a Sony Vaio would be better?
  
  I'm a Windows software developer but I'm going back to school for my MBA and I wanted a smaller, simple notebook for papers and internet communication for classwork. It needs to be durable and I need it to work without a lot of fussing around with system bits.
  
  After much research I chose the MacBook over the pro because of the smaller size and the fact that the aluminum on the pro although cool, can dent easily. The matte black finish on the MacBook is elegant, tough, and the build quality it top notch. Does the the black eventually get smears on it from your hands and fingers? Yes it does but just wipe them off every so often. It's not a big deal.
  
  IMO, aside from a few points in processor speed the major technical thing the Pro gets your over the MacBook is a dedicated video card. The card in the MacBook uses part of your system memory and that's not a big deal if you aren't doing complex things like 3D Rendering or gaming. Even most photo editing tasks on the little MacBook will work well *if* you have enough RAM. I recommend 2GB or more.
  
  My MacBook arrived and I couldn't be happier. I personally think the black is nicer looking than the aluminum model. And this thing is fast! It makes my dual Intel Windows tower at work seem pokey. The glossy screen probably has more glare than a matte screen but the trade off in weight and size is well worth it.
  
  Also the built in wireless Airport is great and reception is wonderful. Just turn it on and available networks show up in your menu. It's really so much nicer than Windows. The bonus is that I can dual boot with BootCamp and run all my Windows stuff when I need to. I installed Neo Office (open source office suite) and now I can open and create all the documents for my coursework.
  
  Don't fool yourself into thinking the less expensive MacBook is less worthy for general computing tasks than the more sophisticated pro. It's very elegant looking and very powerful. If you don't need the power and size of the pro, I think you'll be happy and the money you save can be put toward other things. Maybe a new digital camera?
  
  

• When I Fell, I Fell Hard

  
  By A1LG9PWXNQQHNA on 2008-04-12
  I have always been a heavy Windows user dating all the way back to the release of version 3.1 (approx 16 years ago). I was never interested in the Mac do to what I perceived as the proprietary nature of their systems and what I thought was an expensive price tag. Here is what I discovered when I purchased this model of Mac:
  
  1. It just works. The boot up time is less than half of what it takes my Windows laptop, and the shut down time (4 seconds) is only a fraction of the 30-40 seconds of my Toshiba.
  2. It runs Windows Vista faster than my Toshiba. I still need to run a couple of Windows applications, so I went through the VERY easy bootcamp installation of Vista. It runs flawlessly and after having purchased Fusion for $79, I am now able to run Windows apps alongside Mac apps. Simply incredible.
  3. Battery life is great. I can get 4 hours out of mine running in low power mode.
  4. Why no card reader???? Almost all PCs now come with card readers to use with your digital camera. Why does Mac not include this??? :(
  5. It does NOT require the regular restarts that my Windows systems have always required. Simply close the lid and put it to sleep at night, and the next morning lift the lid and you are back in business. I can do this with my Toshiba but start getting errors in Windows after a couple of days and need to reset. Also, my Macbook runs very cool (with little heat) in the sleep mode, thereby allowing me to put it in my brief case in sleep mode without it heating up. I could never do that with any of my PC laptops. They would always heat up.
  6. No virus software needed. Happy, Happy, Happy. Surfing the internet is faster because of this. Also, opening a document in MS Word is faster because the Virus software is not screening it.
  I purchased MS Office and loaded it. It runs great and is almost identical to its Windows counterpart in functionality. But, Word and Excel seem to boot up a bit slower than the Windows versions. This is one thing that I do not like.
  7. I like the way the electric cord connects with a magnet instead of plugging in. This seems handier and better in design, but I wonder if the magnet will still be as strong two years from now?
  
  All in all, I am extremely pleased with this Mac. When you compare the price with the included features, it is only slightly more expensive than a comparable PC. To me it is worth the extra $200.
  
  Actually what is going to make this very expensive, is now that my wife and daughter have seen my Mac they are both wanting to replace their PCs as well. This is one expense I did NOT budget for.
  
  Thanks for reading. Hope this helps
  
  

• Fast & Cool with Outstanding Battery Life

  
  By A227GWGWES1OT5 on 2008-03-16
  I have been a PC user for many years and have had no complaints, particularly since Windows XP was rolled out. My current HP is five years old and it was time to consider a replacement. The availability of a $1000 (with rebate) Penryn based entry level MacBook from Amazon proved irresistible to me and am glad I gave Apple a try. I understand it is not a good choice for gaming due to its lack of a dedicated graphics card.
  
  I have been using it for two weeks now and have the following observations:
  
  * Very snappy performance including boot up and shut down time
  * Smaller screen than I am accustomed to but not a problem due to the excellent fonts
  * Small size and light weight is a plus.
  * Excellent wireless performance.
  * Amazing battery life (never less than 4 hours at 90% screen brightness).
  * Very little heat generation.
  * Fan and hard drive noise is very low.
  * Setting up a dual boot to Windows XP is well documented and easy to do.
  * Running Windows creates much more heat and consequent lower battery life.
  * 4 MEG of RAM can be purchased for under $100 but it runs very nicely with 1 MEG
  * I miss the two button trackpad.
  * It has a relatively sharp edge where one's palm usually rests when using trackpad
  * Free software is available to allow reading Windows .wmv sound files.
  * Built in automatic backup capability (Time Machine) is a plus.
  * Nothing is perfect but this is pretty close given the price and current technology.
  
  For those considering a switch and willing to learn a new operating system, I highly recommend it!
  
  

• Hallelujah, I just love it so

  
  By A10G4BPT5MGBHY on 2008-02-28
  Here's what I do with my laptop: I take it into Walt Disney World and write articles and reviews of attractions, restaurants and the like for a travel guide. I do much the same thing down here on Sanibel Island, where for another book I take my computer with me in my pickup, or on my bicycle, to dig up such details as beach parking lot spaces and hiking trail finds.
  
  As you can guess, I need good battery performance. And it's for that reason alone that I waited for this new-for-spring MacBook model, and the reason I'm so happy with it. For the most part I only use Pages, so I'm not much of a power pig, but this is the first laptop I've ever had that makes it all day in the field on one charge. Don't get me wrong, I'm not typing that whole time by any means, but I often leave my MacBook on as I walk around Disney or drive from one beach to another, often open it up to type in a paragraph or two, and usually get in a couple of solid hour-long writing blocks each day.
  
  From what I've read, the better battery performance comes from the brand-new Penryn processor these new MacBooks incorporate. I can't comment on that, as except for being able to install memory I'm not too knowledgeable about stuff under the hood. But I did test out the old 2.0 GHz model against this one at an Apple store, and I can tell a slight difference in speed. Visually this MacBook is identical to its immediate predecessor, model MB061LL/B.
  
  I chose this entry-level 2.1 GHz model (with simply the 1 GB of RAM) because, like I said, I really only use Pages, with an occasional Numbers spreadsheet or video-free Keynote presentation here and there. My 2004 iBook has been great except for its battery life; now there's nothing not to love. (My Apple store rep agreed with my choice. He thought the other new MacBooks, all of which come with SuperDrives, are worth the extra cash only for those who burn DVDs.)
  
  For what it's worth I've been a Mac addict since 1984. Over the years I've used 18 Macintosh models.
  
  

• Dead Pixel Marring Otherwise Great Computer/Amazon Comes Through!

  
  By A1WR0N9PK3R6YV on 2008-05-09
  ***** - 5 Stars (UPDATED BELOW)
  
  'Nuff said about how great this computer and Leopard are.
  
  HOWEVER, out of the box I have one DEAD PIXEL just off center which shows as a black dot the size of a small period. According to Amazon and Apple, one dead pixel is not enough to warrant replacement of a brand new computer. I know it's one tiny pixel out of a million but once you notice it you always seem to see it. It just seems to me that for $1300 you should be able to receive a computer without screen imperfections. I wouldn't care about discoloration or scratches on the case but the screen should be perfect. I don't buy Amazon's & Apple's excuse that this is acceptable: no Mac I've ever owned had dead pixels; none of my friends' Macs have dead pixels; none I've seen in Apple stores have dead pixels etc. Had I purchased in an Apple store I could have walked in within 30 days and they would have swapped it out. How can everyone I know and even my giant LCD TV not have any dead pixels but my brand new macbook has a permanent dot? On-line buyers beware.
  (END OF ORIGINAL REVIEW)
  
  UPDATE: AMAZON HAS COME THROUGH WITH FLYING COLORS AND SENT ME A BRAND NEW MACBOOK WITH NO DEAD PIXELS AT NO CHARGE. After a visit to the Apple Store (to confirm that if purchased there, they would replace it) I gave Amazon one more chance. Using the call-back feature, customer service instantly called me and without any hassle, told me that they would replace my defective Macbook. Sure enough, 1 day later my new Macbook arrived via FedEx and after staring intently at each and every pixel, I am completely satisfied. This is the kind of customer service I would expect, and makes me very happy to use and recommend Amazon in the future.
  
  A few things I've learned in this process. If you're worried about pixel issues, as soon as you get your new computer, download a Pixel Checker program or change your background to Red, Green, Blue, White, Black (separately) and check for any stuck or dead pixels. If there is a problem and you can live with it - enjoy your new computer, otherwise contact your dealer ASAP. Also, I had much better results dealing with the telephone support people as opposed to trying to resolve this by email. As long as Amazon takes care of its customers like this, I will be a lifelong user.
  
  I wish I could change the star ratings to 5-star but you're not allowed to edit that. This is really a great computer. Super fast and perfect for my needs. Weighs 5 lbs which is fine with me - not ultralight like the Airbook, but it seems lightweight enough to me. Leopard is a great OS and the bundled programs are fun and easy to use.
  
  
• Hits the sweet spot of price, portability and performance
  By A2UWPPU5GZLMQZ on 2008-03-16
  Like some others I looked at a lot of different laptops. I considered the MacBook Pro but since I don't do any heavy video editing, 3D or gaming there is little practical advantage to the Pro model. This is a fast little machine that hits a sweet spot of price, portability and performance. Build quality is nice, too. I think the black model looks a little bit better looking but I'm not paying a $140 premium for the color.(after hard drive upgrade price factored in)
  
  I also looked at Sony and Toshiba. (Don't tell my Mac friends) because I thought I might be able to save a few hundred bucks. I could, but not for a comparable notebook. It's true that you get what you pay for. Figuring in comparable specs, weight, AV/spyware software, and sound card quality there is really no Windows based laptop for less.
  
  At 5 pounds this is a nice and light computer. iBooks, and now I suppose, MacBooks have a good reputation for being tough enough to stand up to school kids so I don't have a problem with the plastic case. I was waiting until Apple announced an update and am glad I did. The faster processor is nice and finally Apple added a reasonable amount of RAM (2GB). The 160 GB hard drive is adequate for my needs and noticeably quicker than the 4200 RPM drive in my old laptop.
  
  Wi-Fi reception is pretty good, as is battery life. Both are a above average but not tops for laptops. The magnetic power connector is a great touch. I've tripped over power cords before. This should simply detach without tripping me or sending the MacBook crashing to the floor.
  
  The keyboard takes some getting used to. At first I didn't think I'd like the button like keys, but within a couple of days I found that I didn't notice. They do seem less likely to get crumbs under them than normal keys. I had a similar reaction to the glass screen. At first I was bothered by its reflectiveness, and quickly didn't see it anymore. It's there if I pay look for it but, usually just don't see it. And I like the punchier colors it displays compared to matte screens, as well as its ease of cleaning. There's no need for expensive specialty screen cleaners that the soft matte screens require.
  
  I do have a couple of small quibbles that didn't go away. I wish the trackpad had two buttons instead of one. It took Apple 15 years to finally decide to make a right clickable mouse and they should get on the ball and add a second button to their laptops. There is some two finger tap thing you can do with the trackpad but that isn't obvious or natural for me.
  
  My old iBook came with a RGB connector. The new MacBook doesn't, or any other video out connector. That's an add on that I had to spring for.
  
  I'm really liking the Leopard OS. I run OS X (Tiger), Windows XP and Gentoo Linux on other computers so am used to switching between operating systems. Each has strengths and weak spots but I find the new Leopard is the one that comes closest to just getting out of my way and letting me be productive.
  
  
• nice product
  By AWX0B7941WCYR on 2008-03-31
  I am a software engineer with twenty years experience developing system services for MS Windows and generic UNIX platforms. For the last ten years, my experience has been with MS based servers and workstations. The last time I used an Apple personal computer was in 1980 when I owned an Apple II+.
  
  On a whim I purchased a MacBook running OS X 10.5.2 for my wife who has virtually no computer experience and avoids all things computer. She was not happy with my home MS Windows systems and she was not happy with the available portable computers running windows.
  
  She has taken to the MacBook like a duck takes to water. She likes the package design, the display, and the desktop layout. She does not have the experience to appreciate the thoughtful interfaces and bundled applications that come with OS X. She just knows the entire package is enjoyable and not intimidating.
  
  Me - I like the UNIX foundation to OS-X. Knowing the internals of both operating systems, UNIX is the clear winner when it comes to reliability, durability, predictability, consistency, and security. Additionally, UNIX (with its open source variants) does not suffer from conflict of interest between operating systems and applications. One always wonders if some MS Windows quirk exists to solve a development problem in some MS application. I quickly put the terminal icon on the MacBook desktop so I could indulge myself with the UNIX shell command line any time I want ;-).
  
  I installed a third party wireless router and configured internet services on the MacBook in a few minutes. I also added a third party optical bluetooth mouse in about thirty seconds. It took longer to install the mouse batteries than configure the MacBook bluetooth capability.
  
  Apple has a very solid package with the current MacBook. There is little that one needs to add to the MacBook. It comes with just about every hardware interface available today. It has ample processor, RAM, and hard disk storage for average users. It comes with dual layer DVD RW. The bundled suite of applications is adequate for the full spectrum of casual computing (e.g., web browsing, email, chat, word processing, photo/video/audio processing). Apple stuff is a bit pricy but you receive the value you pay for.
  
  If you want a good comprehensive companion book for your MacBook, I recommend David Pogue's "Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual". This book is large and contains much technical detail but is very well written. It is not for the casual computing novice that finds reading and comprehension tedious.
  
  I have used Apple support one time and found the wait to be acceptable and support engineer to be competent, efficient and attentive. I have used MS support many times over the years and found them to be equally capable.
  
  I have not found anything I dislike about the MacBook after thirty days of usage. My wife, however, would like the Apple logo on the lid to glow red instead of white when the MacBook is powered up.
  
  
  
• Ditched my Dell -- went for the new MacBook
  By A1FS9U2K8XHUOW on 2008-03-08
  So after 3 Dell PCs...I thought it was time to change it up and go back to a Mac. PLUS I thought, do I really want to deal with bloated Vista?
  
  
  The new Mac book has been great - here are my pros and cons:
  
  Pros:
  - Simple to use, user friendly
  - Sharp looking laptop, awesome 13" screen, good processor, DVD, and webcam all built-in and working seemlessly
  - iLife and iWorks cover 90% of tasks needed
  - Handles photos MUCH better than a PC
  - Great battery life
  - You can run Windows XP or Vista if really needed
  
  Cons:
  - Almost no OS X game software available (Not sure whats up with that since Sim City was BORN on Macs 20 years ago!)..of course you can run Windows software if needed via bootcamp/parallels
  - Add-ons are white, so it doesnt match my nice black color MacBook
  - semi-pricey options: power adapters, keyboards, etc
  
  I was disappointed that Mac game Software is so limited. But really -- when you think about it, all you need is basic iworks software and an internet browser these days to do 99% of things you want to do. Plus I do have a windows option available.
  
  Overall -- Great laptop, does what I want to do, has a great size and is much better quality than a Dell. Plus it can run Windows XP or Vista as well.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• My MacBook turned out to be a LEMON!!
  By A2DV46G1ZB1T8S on 2008-05-01
  I am an IT product manager for a large nationwide AV technology company. I specify and recommend IT products to our many locations. I will no longer recommend Apple products based on my own personal experience. This laptop has given me nothing but issues over the time I had it. I won't go over the minute details, but basically it was in for repairs at least 5-6 times to replace the battery, hard drive, random reboot, discoloration on the plastic, SuperDrive, etc.
  
  The last issue I had was just this week. The screen began to flicker constantly and I was about to take it to my local Apple store when my wife accidently spilled water on the keyboard. As I said before, the logic board (motherboard) was already defective before the spillage. Because of the water damage, even though I have AppleCare, the repair is not covered--Apple wants close to $1000 for parts/labor to repair a system that at this point, it's not even worth that anymore. I was insulted when the suggestion was made.
  
  I have always been a big Apple fan for many years and own many of their products. I have bought and recommended Power Macs G4/G5, MacBooks/Pro, iMacs, CinemaDisplays, MacPros, etc. Many of our locations complain about the premium price that our company pays for an Apple product as opposed to a Dell system. After the way I've been treated, I no longer feel that the premimum price for a Mac system is worth it.
  
  
• From A Clunker (MS) To A Maserati (Mac)
  By A2CWSBE4NR23ZG on 2008-08-08
  I was a Windows user for 15 years. Although interested in a Mac, compatibility with the Windows network at my office made me hesitate. I'm now retired and since my ThinkPad was getting on (and acting up), I went with the MacBook.
  
  I was surprised at the marked superiority of the Mac right out of the box. By "superior" I mean in all material respects--operating system, hardware and software. I realize some IT types, gamers and others may see some advantages to Windows, but I see none for a user like me (primarily, internet, email, iTunes, word processing and photos). It was a revelation to find a computer so stable and user friendly. Other adjectives that come to mind: Solid, Fast, Fun, Pretty, Snappy, Sleek. From frustration to the sublime.
  
  I could go on describing the improved design, but let me give just one, seemingly trivial but representative, example. I don't like trackpads, so I use a mouse. In Windows several steps were needed to disable the trackpad and enable the mouse. On a couple of occasions I forgot the mouse and had to enable the trackpad using keystrokes. Frustrating and time consuming. I ordered a wireless mighty mouse with the MacBook and enabled it in 30 seconds. While searching Help to disable the trackpad, I noticed it was already disabled. Then I realized it was automatically disabled when the mouse was added. Then I learned it was automatically enabled when the mouse was turned off or moved away from the computer. Such a simple solution, but apparently lost on the Windows engineers.
  
  Finally--the operating system and compatibility. The Mac OS is different from Windows and takes some getting used to. But not as much as I expected due to the intuitive nature of the Mac, the actually helpful Help menu and the hundreds of very well done tutorials on the Apple web site. As to compatibility, I expected to buy the Office for Mac suite, but after reading the critical reviews on Amazon I downloaded the less expensive iWork suite from Apple on a trial basis. It includes word processing (Pages), spreadsheets (Numbers), and presentations (Keynote). While those programs don't have all the bells and whistles of Word, Excel and Power Point, I had no problem opening and editing documents and spreadsheets in iWork and sending them back to Windows.
  
  In short, my apprehensions about making the switch proved groundless, while being treated to a distinct upgrade in product. Go ahead and do it. You'll be glad you did.
  
  
• What was I waiting for?
  By AYWRO8UZCF1T2 on 2008-03-15
  I just opened up my brand new Penryn Macbook and I am smitten. It's just a great computer. I have been a Windows sufferer all my life and I am terribly glad I decided to take the plunge. The OSX interface is just much friendlier and intuitive than any Windows could ever be.
  
  The keyboard takes a little time to get used to, but I was happily typing away normally in no time at all. And the glossy screen? Don't believe what others tell you; the colors are vibrant and beautiful. I am not at all bothered by the glossy screen. I got more than five hours of time out of the battery, and this is more than even Apple's estimate. The form factor on this laptop is very nice. It is a head turner for sure although the design is not exactly new or innovative.
  
  So if you're debating whether to buy the MacBook, I would give this computer a glowing reccomendation. This thing makes my HP look absolutely junky in comparison.
  
  If you're debating whether to jump the Windows ship, I say do so immediately.
  
  
• Good design, but cheap parts.
  By A1G3LC2EQH6B66 on 2008-05-01
  My HD just died on me and lost a month worth of notes etc (after my last backup). This is after the battery, disc drive, and mainframe were replaced for failing, all at different times within the past 2 years. The tech support at the genius bar has been great (thank God I purchased an extended warranty), but it's just one thing after another with this computer. Apple's quality control has fallen from what it once was.
  
  
• Better Value than the Macbook Pro
  By A24LOLDN0RK6LR on 2008-04-19
  I'm a first-time mac user and have been very happy with this notebook. I thought 10 years of windows use would make the first month or so a hassle, but it was a surprisingly easy transition. Leopard is fast, easy to use, and has great features. The browser Firefox and Microsoft Word are the same, and bootcamp/parallels allow you to run Windows within Mac seamlessly if you need a windows program for some reason.
  
  Just one tip for people trying to decide between this or the considerably more expensive Macbook Pro- aside from the video card, the main difference is the screen size and the speakers. For this upgrade, you pay about double the price. I suspect they deliberately kept the Macbook screens stuck at 13" to push people to go up a tier.
  
  By buying the Macbook, you can afford to get 2 extra gigabytes of ram to compensate for the videocard, a full-size, 22" monitor, a decent 2-button mouse, and a mac external keyboard.
  
  At your desktop, hook up the mouse and the keyboard to the macbook and make the larger monitor your primary one, and you have an excellent desktop computer. If you have parallels, you can run windows on the macbook monitor, and OSX on the larger monitor, and switch between then effortlessly. When you leave work, just unplug the macbook from the keyboard and monitor, and boom, your powerful desktop just turned into a laptop. It's the best of both worlds.
  
  These extras more than compensate for the Macbook Pro's extras, And it'll still be cheaper for you to do it this way!
  
  
• LOVING MY MACBOOK!!
  By A1ULCFDUYEGJVE on 2008-04-14
  Apple. What's not to love about this company? Now with Intel-based processors, its systems are faster than ever. And Apple loves to keep cycling through upgraded models every 6 months or so. So I had to think long and hard about what system I would purchase next. I already have 3 Power-PC based systems, a 15" Powerbook, a 17" Powerbook and a Mac Mini. As soon as the Intel boxes came out, I purchased a 17" iMac. I bought my little sister a Macbook for her graduation last year, and I use a Quad Core Mac Pro at work. Yes, I'm a Mac addict. Plus WWDC is coming up in June, and I'll be there, ready to learn how to program stuff for my iPod Touch. But I need an Intel-based laptop if I want do any coding...so that left me with choosing between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro. Sigh. I like the processor power and video capabilities of the Macbook Pro, BUT the price was a little steep for a system I would just be using as an interim development system (I always have my Mac Pro at work to do the REAL coding). So I went for the Macbook...and I LOVE it! It's a speedy little thing, and it didn't kill my wallet.
  
  
• Very pleased with Apple
  By A34EFI04PS4YSC on 2008-07-01
  This is my second mac, the first died due to my own fault - apparently a computer can't handle having a bottle of beer dumped on them ;). For the next purchase, I got the same as the first. I've been pleased both times. I am not a tech so this review is not going to get into tech specifics.
  
  The pros:
  
  Loading time is super fast - about 10 seconds from turning it on and I'm ready to go. Same with shutting it down.
  
  I like that all the ports are on the side and not the back so you're not flipping your laptop around trying to get the right port.
  
  Easy to use - buy it, open it up, and it's ready to go!
  
  Weight - I think mine is just under 6lbs and I carry it to class with no problems. It's also not bulky like a lot of other laptops. It's slim, lightweight, and professional looking.
  
  Battery life is about 5-6 hours right now.
  
  The cons:
  
  I don't like the magnetic power cord. I move my laptop around a lot and watch videos as I go to sleep. As I move around inevitably the cord comes out without me knowing it and I don't find out until all the battery power is gone.
  
  Keyboard - took some time getting used to it. Also, while typing for lengths of time (and who doesn't as a student?) I come away with marks on my arms from the corners of the computer. I do like that it would be very very hard to get anything underneath a key.
  
  Another USB would have been nice, but it's not a deal breaker for me.
  
  Overall, I would buy this computer again. I love the speed and how easy it is to use for someone who had never had a mac before.
  
  
• It might just be perfect...
  By AJT2QMCKK9M6I on 2008-03-07
  This machine is fantastic. The CPU makes incredible time, and 2 GB memory seems to be plenty for most multitasking. All my Macs have been reliable and consistent in the past, and this one is be the best yet as far as performance. Make sure you take time to really explore all the features available to you in Leopard, especially if you are new to Macs.
  
  
• Great Build Quality and a Wonderful OS
  By A2VB35OF0G7PSC on 2008-04-09
  I came back to Mac after a ten year hiatus. I have to say that it was a mistake to ever leave. I don't really have anything remarkable to add to other reviews. A few highlights:
  
  The sound quality is exceptional for laptop speakers. I don't crank my music so I don't need loud - I need clear and crisp; that is what the Macbook delivers. Pandora sounds great on this baby.
  
  The screen is beautiful.
  
  As noted by other reviewers the OS rocks. Why goof with Vista when you can have an ingeniously designed and bombproof OS? Like I said, big mistake to leave the Mac OS, absolutely moronic.
  
  That's about it. The magsafe power plug is a neat innovation. Buy this computer, you won't regret it.
  
  
  
• I Used to Be a Hardcore MS Windows advocate....
  By A113EXY3MASTGG on 2008-04-20
  Once you have spent any amount of time on this MacBook - You will be obsessed!
  
  No need to spend time with details - The Macbook is simply a SPECTACULAR piece of technology / software.
  
  HIGHEST RATING - Nothing competes......
  
  
• Cutting edge design - literally
  By A39BQGU6L9U0WU on 2008-06-21
  The good:
  
  Excellent software, well integrated peripherals (camera, mic, speakers), low weight, good battery time, dissipates low heat.
  
  The bad:
  
  You can't open it at a wide angle.
  Sharp edges are uncomfortable and will leave marks on your palms.
  The keyboard feels cheap - it's not conducive to fast typing.
  When the battery runs out, there's not enough time between the warning you get and the laptop going to sleep mode (it happens in seconds).
  
  The ugly:
  
  The chassis is very flimsy - if you push on the left side, the plastic gives in, making a squeaky noise.
  Poor quality control- the power adapter, although being sealed, with a serial number and all, came with some deep scratches.
  Poor quality of the audio output, with white noise.
  My screen has 2 dead pixels.
  
  
• Best laptop I've ever owned
  By AQNMX2L5DGMHE on 2008-06-18
  What is there to say? The last Mac I owned was in 1989, it was an Apple II+ (I kid you not). Since then, it's been PC after PC for me, until now. In March 2008, I needed a new laptop, and I purchased the Black MacBook. So far, I am a seriously happy camper. A few tweaks to make sure I could use my favorite Windows programs (ie also installing Windows XP via VMware Fusion) and I'm very content.
  
  PROS:
  * Mac OS X is intuitive, user friendly, and easy to understand. I am a big fan, and I've only had this laptop for 3 months. The more I use it, the more I like it.
  * The screen is stunningly beautiful. It is the clearest, brightest, easiest screen to read I've ever had. Set it next to any PC laptop, and there is no comparison.
  * The "MagSafe" magnetic power connector is perfect. I've never knocked the MacBook off of a table, even though I've pulled the cord out many times.
  * I didn't have to leave behind my killer Windows XP programs! I installed VMware Fusion, and now boot Windows XP right from within Mac OS X. Very VERY nice and handy. My only suggestion is to bump the RAM to 4GB before installing VMware Fusion. Works stunningly well.
  * Battery life (and power management) are stunningly good. I get a legit 3-4 hours of battery life out of this laptop, compared to 1-2 hours out of all of my old PC laptops.
  * User friendly software built in such as iMovie. My wife needed a DVD created for work. An hour later, I had a DVD with menu system, her photos, music, etc. Everybody loved it.
  * User friendly System Preferences and settings in the Apple menu. Much better than Start --> Settings --> Control Panel in Windows. Just a better design and more user friendly access to settings.
  * GEEKY: The fan does not vent on the bottom! So your legs aren't blocking it and feeling warm fan air. Instead the fan vents up the front of the screen. Very VERY smart, and I rarely hear it running.
  * GEEKY: Programs install as one .app file. Sure there are settings hiding in various places, but Mac programs usually involve one BIG .app file.
  * GEEKY: Better flash drive integration. This is similar to Linux (and obviously UNIX), drives are mounted and dismounted. No two or three clicks to "safely remove hardware" like in Windows. You just "eject" a flash drive (or CD or other drive) and remove it... as it should be.
  * GEEKY: Encrypted disk images. You can use built in software to create password protected "Disk Images". These can easily be mounted and unmounted, protecting sensitive files.
  * GEEKY: Terminal, Automator, the Dock, and Finder. Well made robust tools that allow my "inner geek" to customize and do whatever they want.
  
  CONS:
  * No card reader built in? This is a VERY stupid idea on Apple's part. Almost every PC laptop now comes with a built in card reader. MacBooks should also.
  * Only two USB slots. Would be nice to have 3 or 4. Not the end of the world, but could be improved.
  * Cost. Mac people always tell me about TCO "Total Cost Of Ownership" and the like when justifying the higher cost. Fact is, the MacBook DOES cost more. Don't let anybody tell you it doesn't. But the more I use it, the more I think the extra cost is worth it and the less the cost bothers me. "You get what you pay for" is what obviously comes to mind. For lack of a better term, it's an elegant machine.
  * That's about it. Seriously, there aren't really any other major problems with this laptop.
  
  ON THE FENCE:
  * The keyboard is (at first) very different coming from a PC background. I have since grown to love it, but it is an acquired taste. Now that I'm used to it, I am impressed with how easy text "flows" and how much less effort I need to press keys. However, white letters on black keys is tough in lower light conditions sometimes.
  
  Overall, the MacBook is what a laptop computer really should be. Little details individually don't mean much, but when many subtle touches are added together with a powerful stable user-oriented clean UNIX based operating system like OS X, the result is the best laptop I've ever had.
  
  I will be sticking with Macs for a long time to come I think.
  
  
• MacBook Woes
  By A3C7TRHQX96NA8 on 2008-07-26
  I purchased my MacBook almost three months ago based on the reviews. My mistake. I admit that I did expect to find the change from Windows to Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5.4) a challenge. What I did NOT expect was that the support personnel at Apple would be so poorly trained that their help was almost useless. The standard solution after 2-3 hours on the phone was to reinstall the operating system. Big mistake. I downloaded Adobe, and it would not work properly on this laptop. I could no longer open simple pdf files. So, I called Apple support. Two hours later I was told to archive and reinstall the operating system. After doing that I still couldn't view pdf files, but finally used spotlight to find that there was still a small adobe file that needed to be deleted. That whole problem should have been a 5 minute phone call. Unfortunately now the printer would not work. Two more hours on the phone, and the "support tech" told me to remove the printer and then add it back. Bingo, the printer now worked. But again, more wasted hours. The next day I tried to access the Itunes store. Nope, couldn't do that either anymore. Three more hours on the phone, and I was told that it isn't possible to access the Itunes store from a managed account. Interesting that I have been doing just that for the past three months. Bottom line, don't expect decent support from Apple. If you buy a Macbook, you are really on your own. If you are familiar with Apple computers or have superior technical skills, you should do OK. But if you are coming over from Windows, you will only find frustration and misery. I will attempt to force Apple to take this thing back, and give me a refund. If that fails, I will try to find someone who still thinks that Apple is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and sell this MacBook to them!!!
  
  
• Best computer purchase I ever made!
  By A1Q1TXJGADZYB5 on 2008-04-05
  I was very hesitant to jump over to the mac, being a pc user all my life, but I am so glad I did. It is very easy for me to suffer buyers remorse over a major purchase. Many times items don't live up to my expectations. With this purchase my expectations were exceeded. This computer is fantastic and the Leopard OS is awesome. It truly worked right out of the box and has all the simplicity of a plug and play device.
  I have the white, 2.4Ghz, 2GB, 160Hd mac. The screen is beautiful, bright, crisp and colorful. The keyboard is just that with handy function keys that jump to the things I need. The track pad with the two finger scrolling is a very functional and handy feature. From the built in camera to the magnetic closing lid, it just feels like a well and solidly built computer.
  I am just beginning to scratch the surface as to what the Leopard OS can do. This is a family computer that will be used for family things: Photos, movies, music, email and the like. Whatever application I do play around with, I find different things that make the entire computing experience enjoyable and fun. I can't wait to pick up Leopard for dummies and discover all the tricks this thing can do. (Like writing this review)
  This computer made me write my very first review because I am so pleased with my purchase. It costs a bit more than some of those "deals" I see in the paper but so far seems well worth it.
  PS. Thanks Amazon for dropping it off on my doorstep a day after I ordered it with Amazon prime!
  
  
  
• Lemon - buyer beware
  By A36BM1KM2O12N6 on 2008-06-13
  Bought two laptops from Apple last year and first one for my daughter - this MacBook - was lemon from beginning. After year of issues, took it back to Austin TX Apple store and they refused service, though it had extended care. Good luck getting the company to stand behind their product. Manager there told us Amazon might have sold us a "send-back", so beware of that, too. Buyer beware! Apples sucks.
  
  
• A Long Review on a Great Computer
  By AQQHY7JGJ1DIY on 2008-07-03
  As a student, I tend to find myself in a situation where I must make a PowerPoint presentation, video, or a CD. When performing these tasks on a Windows system, the quality of the outcome is either average or poor. Not to mention the it will quickly eat up your RAM. In case you don't know what RAM is, the easiest way I can describe it is like this; Your Hard Drive's memory stores the PROGRAMS, RAM stores the DOCUMENTS. So, without a doubt, spending the extra money on more RAM will defiantly be a good investment, getting the most Hard Drive space is a very good idea also. Another issue with a PC is that it is not able to burn your video projects to a DVD.
  The MacBook, which starts at $1,099 is the ideal notebook for a person who is up-to-date with the information age that we live in today.
  My first task, creating a PowerPoint presentation, is easy with the Macintosh version of PowerPoint, called Keynote. If you have been using a PC all your life, and running PowerPoint for most of it, making the switch to Keynote may be a little bit hard. But, after you adjust to the change, Keynote has the ability to make amazing, eye-opening presentations.
  My second task, creating a video, is on of the actions that Macs are famous for. iMovie '08 is the successor of iMovie HD '06. iMovie HD '06 had the ability to do many things, like changing the film to make it black and white, septa (the type of coloring The Wizard of Oz had when Dorothy was still in Kansas), and it could also add some basic special visual effects, such as lightning, flashes or color distortion. iMovie HD '06 could also add subtitles, music from your iTunes Library and sound effects from it's own library. iMovie '08 does seem to be smaller version of iMovie HD '06. The '08 version may not be able to do as much as its predecessor, but what it does do, it does fantastically well. I haven't found visual effects in iMovie '08 yet, so they might not be included in this year's version. I don't know why apple would make the decision to drop visual effects, it tends to be a fun add to any film. Also, iMovie '06 had the ability to insert words that spin or flash, but iMovie '08's title frames only have the ability to create still words, either in the middle frame or at the bottom. The color quality of films made via iMovie is simply amazing. This part is very important, if you plan to burn your video projects to a DVD, you MUST GET THE DOUBLE-LAYER SUPERDRIVE!!!!! The combo drive does not have the ability to burn a DVD.
  My third and final task of burning a CD is the easiest of all. Even if you have a PC, odds are you have had some form of contact with the iPod and iTunes. You simply drag songs you want to add to the CD to a playlist, and once you have compiled your playlist, click the button on the bottom right-hand side of the screen that reads "Burn CD", it's as simple as that.
  Leopard, the system that the new MacBooks run on is nothing less than amazing. The stacks, lists of currently used items, such as downloads and documents, make everything so much easier. The graphics are great, and it is the fastest computer system I have ever come in contact with.
  If you want to buy the black MacBook, which is more expensive, you should keep in mind that you are mostly spending the extra money because the computer is black. Yes, there is more RAM and Hard Drive space, but simply upgrading the white macbook is cheaper. Upgrading is available only on the apple website store, not on amazon.com.
  Perhaps the most important things to do when you get a MacBook is:
  1. Make sure that the notebook you are purchasing has the double-layer superdrive, or else you won't be able to burn a DVD.
  2. Get the AppleCare Protection Plan, if you want technical support from someone in California who knows what their talking about, and if your MacBook has a sudden breakdown and need a repair, you can get both for three years.
  3. Make sure you have a wi-fi connection for the internet. Shop around, you may find a good deal. Once you have a wi-fi station set up, click on the button on the top taskbar with curved lines. Once you choose this, in fainted gray, there will be words that say "Airport: Scanning...." and underneath it, there will be a list of available wi-fi networks. Select yours, and you will be connected to the internet.
  4. If you plan on writing documents, purchase iWork, Apple's version of Microsoft Office, it is an amazing program.
  5. If you don't plan to make hard-core movies, music, or photos, don't purchase Aperture, Final Cut or Logic. Aperture is a beefed up version of iPhoto, Final Cut is the beefed-up version of iMovie, and Logic is a beefed-up GarageBand.
  I hope my review of the MacBook has been helpful. The MacBook is an amazing piece of technology, and it stands head-and-shoulders above the rest of the personal computer industry.
  
  
• From PC to Mac...almost
  By A1EHDR5P4DXS4 on 2008-08-18
  You know what? It just works. Why 4 stars? It could have included a basic office suite - like an iWorks Lite. Now this wasn't TOO critical for me as I knew it didn't come with an office suite and I primarily wanted this for writing, I had planned on downloading Open Office (I have and the writing module, at least, works well). Also, some things have just not been as intuitive as I thought they would be. I haven't used an Apple in many years. As my 8 year old desktop PC (built it myself) is about out of steam and in need of a new build I started to shop for parts. I have also been more seriously pursuing my creative writing over the past two years and was thinking about a laptop. Until a few months ago I figured it would be a Windows based machine - I HAVE NOTHING BUT THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR XP - IT HAS BEEN FLAWLES FOR YEARS AND I LEAVE MY MACHINE RUNNING 24/7. Then I got to play with a Mac. Hmmm. After some reading and the desire to learn a new operating system (and frankly to see just what all the fuss was REALLY about) I decided I would dive in to the Apple corner. I still have no desire to give up my PC desktop - yet. Now that I have the Mac and have moved iTunes to it, I started to clean my old system and realized that the Mac probably bought me another year with my desktop. At that time I might decide to go all Mac - WAY too early to tell. A few things I really like:
  
  -The machine starts and is ready to use SO quickly that leaving it on in Sleep mode vs. Shut Down is a crisis for me when I am walking away!
  
  -iTunes works faster than I can think! Now I know this is an Apple program and I was using it on an older, bloated (PC) machine that took forever for iTunes to start, but when I click on a song now it starts as I click! It is as if the songs are in flash memory instead of the hard drive. Is this possible? I even tried jumping from song to song to song and they start as I am clicking. That's incredible.
  
  -The slickness factor. Things like Spaces are cool. I didn't think I would use that - but I find that I do and it is especially helpful on a small laptop screen. There are other nice touches like the keyboard which is very comfortable and I am especially impressed by the keys - something that jumped out at me right away. I have used other laptops for work and even my wife's that is quite large and the keys are not nearly as nice as these. I can't really explain it other than they are low and smooth. There are many intangibles in the slickness factor.
  
  A few things that could be better:
  
  -Slot covers. I live in a dusty area and we have two big dogs. As soon as I saw the open USB, Firewire, et al, slots, I was concerned. Now it is too soon to know if they are going to be a problem, but a tip from the digital camera that my wife has - small rubber plugs attached to the body that you pop out (and they stay attached) until you are done would be nice and keep the look clean when everything is covered (and protected). And before anybody says anything about them breaking off or falling out - she has had the camera for about 4 years and we both use it a lot and never has anything fallen off and they still fit their respective holes snugly. I am sure Apple could do as well if not better.
  
  -Cover cont'd - it's a laptop - it's going in your briefcase or backpack or nothing, maybe. It just should have a protective skin - period. It should at least come with something simple. I am quite certain that whatever Apple would package with it (if they ever do) would meet no ones needs - this is why the accessory market is so HUGE and profitable. I knew that I would be carrying this in my backpack and to avoid things scratching it (or poking in to the slots) I purchased the Tucano Second Skin. It absolutely does nothing else but protect my Macbook and exceeded my expectation by actually having a little thickness padding my investment. If I have read the design correctly, the little flap inside (which I had no idea of before I got it) goes over the edge of the computer to keep it from sliding out when you unzip it. Nice touch.
  
  -Volume - preset or some way to control when off. Sometimes it is like a commercial blaring on after a quiet passage from a T.V. show. Either when I am turning it on or when I click on something that produces a sound effect, if I forgot to turn down the volume before, I get surprised. Now it's a laptop with tiny speakers in the back - it isn't shattering my ear drums, but would be nice if I had something more automated as so many other things are.
  
  As I continue to live with and learn the computer I am sure there will be many more things that I learn and like and I am also certain that the plusses will greatly outweigh the minuses.
  
  By the way, did I use (like this) too many parentheses?
  
  Hope this was helpful!
  
  
  
• MacBook-Best Laptop for the Money
  By A1FVRD5P065GYS on 2008-04-10
  I have been an Apple fan since the first Macintosh introduced in 1984. The progression over the years has been very impressive especially in the portable line. I do not have any negative comments about the MacBook 13.3" only glowing praise. It does all that most people would need and then some. Easy to use, great display, fast, big hard drive, plenty of RAM, wonderful operating system, good battery life, wi-fi ready, etc. Now that you can get software to run (ugh) Windows (for those who have not seen the light), why use anything else.
  
  
• There is no good reason *not* to switch
  By A13K3ZLWAWN1EI on 2008-04-18
  The pros: So many! Lightweight, good battery life, lovely Mac operating system, great software you can buy like iLife and iWork, and virtualization software like VMWare that takes any last doubt away about needing Windows for something. Easy wifi/bluetooth. Cost for it all.
  
  The cons: This configuration chokes on motion graphics/ intensive video rendering in pro apps, even with 4 GIGs ram. Still need a Mac Pro desktop to do that. The screen is NOT okay to use for graphics editing, as it has fewer colors, and a bad aspect ratio that changes the colors when in different positions. You can still plug it into a real monitor with fine results, but being a laptop, one would like to be able to see accurately the colors of things when editing photos, etc. So that is a decided con on this model. Also, a little less durable and fake feeling than the higher end laptop.
  
  Overall great model for most users, very flexible for work and for play, but pro design users should consider other (read: more expensive) mac models first.
  
  
• Couldn't have asked for a better computer
  By A2G0IXGK2CAU25 on 2008-04-20
  After my HP laptop died for the 7th time (never ever will buy an HP product again ... had trouble with 2 printers of theirs as well), I decided to go with this little wonder of a laptop, mostly because we use them in our middle school, and I figured, if these babies can get beat up by middle school students day after day after day, why not just buy one? It looks good, speedy, keyboard feels great, sleep mode and start up are almost instantaneous ... no more waiting for hours while the HP booted up like before. Since I also use some windows programs, I decided to install Parallels with XP, and it runs WAYYYYYY faster and better on this little macbook than it ever did on any other PC or laptop I've tried before. If you want a computer that will last you a long time, is reliable, can take a tough environment, and looks great, this one is it. The only caveat I have with the black one is that it shows fingerprints very easily, but they also wipe off easily. We have the white ones in school, and you can't see any fingerprints on the outside. They keys on the inside, however, and the wrist wrest can get quite dirty, so you may want to invest in a keyboard cover from iSkin (I'm using one right now ... fits perfectly and makes typing comfortable and quieter), and a wrist pad cover from marware, and you should be good to go if you're worried about dirt. I'm fastidious about keeping things clean, and these just fit the bill perfectly. DVD performance on this thing is outstanding ... there is no reason to not get this high quality computer from Apple. Apple really cares about their customer experience, from shopping to customer service. BTW, I recommend getting the apple care package as well ... always have been helpful when I had simple questions about hooking up wireless and printer. I didn't get my macbook from Amazon, but from the apple store in Braintree, MA. They were very helpful, had answers to all my questions. For Windows users who are concerned about the lack of a right mouse button, you can set up the track pad in preferences to read a one-finger tap of the pad as a mouse click, a two-finger tap as a right mouse click, and a two finger glide to scroll. Great!
  
  
• The best laptop Mac has made, for the price.
  By A3DPFZI1L9AWJK on 2008-04-23
  This is by far the best little laptop (13.4") that Mac has ever made. At 2.4 GHz, the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor is blazing fast. With it's 250 GB hard drive, you should have plenty of space for all your files. I couldn't be happier with my new Macbook. If you use a pc, it's time to switch. If you want to upgrade from an Ibook, it's well worth the price.
  
  
• Finally made the change to mac, WOW, awesome, no more pc
  By A2F92M62KN324B on 2008-07-05
  I have been using a pc for MANY years... in fact, my pc knowledge has definitely helped me advance in my banking career (technology and banking). I used to build pc's, troubleshoot, fix, etc...Let me tell you from beginning to end to get a pc the way I want it from a fresh install is about 3.5 hours. Macbook fresh install done much quicker and programs install much faster. Plus, mac gives you restore disks, not bullcrap partition on your hard drive. Also, you dont see the junk that you do on new pc's.
  
  Enter the macbook. Mine> 2.4 ghz core2 duo, 4gb ram, 13.3 white. I love this damn thing.
  
  Story: my brother gets accepted to Cal and has no money for a laptop. I give him my hpdv6701 (great pc but w/ vista, eghhh). so im in need for a new laptop. I hear about macbooks so I go to best buy and check them out. I was hesitant at first but its because of my lack of knowledge about macs...I was trying to compare based on specs but not power/performance. I thought they were expensive (they are) but rightly so. A comparable pc would be the same price, if not more expensive!! DONT COMPARE 500-600 DOLLAR PC'S TO THIS MACBOOK BASED ON SPECS....THE PROCESSOR IN THIS MACBOOK IS STELLAR!!!
  
  I made the decision to buy and WOW, i am totally impressed. Somethings were different in making the transfer..but lets go over some things for those not to savvy with computers. Now, keep in mind, i had no troubles with my pc's, but im not the average joe, so here goes:
  
  pros
  * for those who dont know how to protect themselves, MACS do not get viruses!!! the old macs had about 60-80 viruses, but the new systems have no documented viruses. Windows? thousands of viruses.
  *installing applications is drag and drop. EASY
  *looks are beyond comparison
  *battery life is excellent
  *no need to consistently restart computer
  *powerful processor
  *weighs less than 5 lbs (13.3 macbook)
  *powerful (add the 4gb and you fly). BTW, dont upgrade ram through apple, wayyyyy to expensive. Check out new egg dot com
  *graphics are amazing
  *i never had to pay for any software but there are some free programs that are fantastic - neo office for those who need productivity comparable to ms office.
  * it just works, no setting up thousands of options
  
  cons
  *apple uses mini dvi port for projectors and or external monitors on the macbook (pro uses regular dvi). mini dvi gets loose and just not that good of a connector. wish it was dvi or vga.
  *if using it for awhile, macbook can get a bit warm. newest versions are not like older ones that had heating problems...if you get an ilap you will be good.
  *you will not want to get off your macbook
  
  conclusion:
  buy it, its totally worth it.
  
  
  amin---out.
  
  

• Apple Cinema 20-inch Flat-Panel Display
• Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Flat-Panel Display
• Apple Cinema 30-inch HD Flat-Panel Display
• Apple iWork '08
• Apple Mac OS X Version 10.5.4 Leopard [5-User Family Pack]

• AppleCare Protection Plan MA519LL/A for MacBook Air / MacBook
• Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Home & Student Edition
• Apple iWork '08
• Apple Mighty Mouse Wireless Kit
• VMware Fusion [OLD VERSION]