MacBook |
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Last Updated: May 23, 2008
The Apple MacBook offers an affordable Mac with easy to use iLife software. Go to the extremes by either getting the least expensive model or the most expensive.
MacBook for $1,100
| Part | Model | Comment |
| Color | White | White is the classic Mac color. Unfortunately, the palm rests discolor over time. It looks dirty. |
| Processor | 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | This is a respectable speed at this price range. |
| Screen | 13.3 inch1280×800 | The good looking, glossy screen is the same on all MacBooks. |
| Memory | 1GB | 1GB is good for business apps and iLife, but software over $300 (Photoshop CS3, Final Cut Express) knows how to use all of the available memory to process tasks faster. However, people who buy the MacBook probably don't install software that costs $300 or more. That's why 1GB is good for the MacBook. |
| Hard Drive | 120GB | Most people don't need more than 15GB for OS X, the software applications, and the data files. 5,000 songs (400+ CDs) from iTunes take 20GB. 2,000 photos from a 10 megapixel camera takes 10GB. Home movies straight from the video camera take 7-13GB/hour. DVDs take 5GB/movie. As long as you manage the video, 120GB should be plenty. An external hard drive for $100-$150 is the best way to store extra files. |
| DVD | DVD-ROM | Watch DVD movies, create music CDs, or make backups to CD. You can't make your own DVDs with this drive. |
| Software | iLife '08 | iLife is installed on every Mac. It includes iPhoto, iWeb, GarageBand, iDVD and iMovie. iMovie is strictly for beginners. |
| Software | Photoshop | Although iPhoto is great, Photoshop CS3 or Photoshop Elements 6 are the best in class for photo editing. |
MacBook for $1,500
I'd recommend the same as above, but with these changes.
| Part | Model | Comment |
| Color | Black | Black hides dirt marks better than white. |
| Processor | 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | This is a respectable speed at this price range. |
| Hard Drive | 250GB, 5400rpm | Most people don't need more than 15GB for OS X, the software applications, and the data files. 5,000 songs (400+ CDs) from iTunes take 20GB. 2,000 photos from a 10 megapixel camera takes 10GB. Home movies straight from the video camera take 7-13GB/hour. DVDs take 5GB/movie. As long as you manage the video, 120GB should be plenty. 250GB offers more breathing room. An external hard drive for $100-$150 is the best way to store extra files. |
| DVD | 8X DVD burner | Make your own DVD movies or backup photos on the road. |
Here are the technical specs.