New MacBooks add metal cases but no FireWire
Apple has just released a major update to the MacBook line, leaving the original white plastic model in the mix but lowering the price to $999; the two new models are priced at $1299 and $1599. You can see a video overview of the new beasties at Apple's site.
The new models feature the same unibody aluminum construction process as the MacBook Pro; video chores are handled by the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M display subsystem with 256 MB of shared video RAM, a dramatic performance boost from the older Intel integrated graphics -- Apple claims 2.5x-6x better 3D performance on gaming tests.
Both new models support up to 2560x1600 pixels on an external display (via the new Mini DisplayPort connector) and sport a native 1280x800 13.3" glossy LED screen. Both models include the new all-glass trackpad, built-in iSight, 8x Superdrive and 2 GB of RAM. They are under one inch high (2.41 cm), 12.78 inches (32.5 cm) wide, and they both weigh 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg). Neither MacBook model includes a FireWire port (unlike the big boys, which have a single FireWire 800 port) -- this is a definite drawback for anyone thinking of one as a mobile video workstation.
Lower-end model:
* Price: $1299
* Main Specs: 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo, 3MB L2 cache, 2GB of RAM expandable to 4 GB, 160GB HD
* Display & Other: 13.3" screen, 8x Superdrive, 2 USB
* BTO: Add RAM (up to 4 GB), up to 320 GB HD or 128 GB SSD
High-end model:
* Price: $1599
* Main Specs: 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, 3MB L2 cache, 2GB of RAM expandable to 4 GB, 250GB HD
* Display & Other: 13.3" screen, 8x Superdrive, 2 USB
* BTO: Add RAM (up to 4 GB), up to 320 GB HD or 128 GB SSDL33tdawg: We're already looking into grabbing these new machines for the upcoming Open Hack competition at HITBSecConf2008 - Malaysia. Hopefully we can get them shipped over to Malaysia in time.
