This is a great laptop. First, let me say, I'm a software developer, so I'm very particular about my computers. I was in the market for a new laptop. After a lot of shopping around, I went with a laptop from HP for around $700. It was my first PC with Vista, and it was frustratingly slow. Here's an example... Put your laptop into sleep mode. Come out of sleep mode, and how long does it take to connect to your WiFi network? The HP laptop would take about 45 seconds while the macbook takes less than 5 seconds. It's a small detail, but it's the tip of the iceberg.
So, after I purchased my HP laptop, my wife bought a macbook. I was so impressed, I took mine back and got my own macbook. The battery is great. I haven't timed it yet, but it's easily over three hours. The LCD is great. You don't get all that bloatware that comes with a new PC (like antivirus software that you can't seem to delete) that fills up your new hard disk. And, there's no need to even worry about antivirus software since 99.9% of viruses are designed for Windows.
As for performance, these macbooks are plenty zippy. And, yes dual core does make a difference. If you like to multitask (browse the web while playing mp3 music), then you'll notice the difference. The user interface is more responsive during heavy loading. Just for fun, I took a program I wrote for work and ran it on my new macbook. (I won't bore you with the details of what it does, but it's CPU intensive.) On the HP laptop, the program took about 13 minutes to run. On the macbook, it took 3 min, 30 seconds. Just for fun, I ran the same program on a fully loaded Dell 820 ($3000), and it finished in about 3 minutes. So, I'm very pleased with the performance of this macbook.
And, there are great open source (free) applications you can get for Mac OS X now. So, I quickly installed Firefox, Thunderbird (email), NeoOffice (MS Office replacement), Chicken of the Sea (VNC client), XAMPP (Apache/PHP/MySQL), Transmission (BitTorrent), Burn (CD/DVD burner), and Eclipse (Java development).
The only way they could improve this macbook would be to bundle the DVD writer in the entry-level model instead of a combo drive (CD writer, DVD reader). It's not an issue with me since I have many other DVD writers on my LAN, but others may want to purchase the next model up that comes with the DVD writer.
This is my first Mac computer as well, after many years of using Windows PC at home and at work. I'm very impressed with both Macbook and OS X. Macbook, performance is awesome with just 1g of ram memory.
From the first time Mac user, I'm very pleased with Apple hardware and software, it just works. And I'm impressed with how it all works together.
As for this specific version of the macbook, I have found no problems at all, works beautifully as advertised. The only thing I found is that mabook's screen needs to be calibrated or adjusted. Don't settle for default screen profile, pictures will appear washed out. Calibrate screens settings; you should be able to get it pretty close to what it should be with just what macbook has in OS X.
I also recommend buying this model, since it has a bigger harddrive, its worth it. This laptop is very fast and reliable!
Buy Apple MacBook MB061LL/A 13.3" Notebook PC (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Now
I will try to give a unbiased and responsible review of this MacBook. As a college student I struggled with the decision between purchasing a Windows laptop or a MacBook, but due to all the horror stories out there about Vista imcompatibility and my previous Windows nightmares, I decided to give Mac a try. I don't regret it. The screen is glossy and beautiful, albeit the 13.3" screen can make the font in programs (especially in instant messaging programs) a bit small. You can adjust the font to larger size in, say, AIM, but then that would render the person you are talking to to receive ridiculously large font sizes from you as well. And, if you are new to MAC OSX, there is definitely a learning curve and an experimental phase, so you should be patient; fortunately, there are alot of MAC OSX tutorial sites on the web and resources as well. I love the fast fast FAST boot time (around 20 seconds!!!) from off to on. BRAVO!! And the 2.0 ghz processor is more than enough for me. The MacBook is also very very silent. One thing I don't like though is the mouse track pad. Even on the fastest sensitivity setting, it just doesn't keep up with my fingers. A bit annoying, but a problem that can be solved with an external USB mouse. Let's see how my MacBook holds up in the next four years.
Read Best Reviews of Apple MacBook MB061LL/A 13.3" Notebook PC (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Here
[UPDATE: Written 18 months after the review below: Compared to my iBook this machine proved better built (on the outside), maintained a tighter-action keyboard, was noticeably faster--for 15 months, at which point the hard drive simply, suddenly, and unexpectedly, died.] It's predecessor, the iBook, on the other hand, developed problems like letters disappearing from the keys of the keyboard along with the keyboard action becoming sloppy, loose, and chattery. I'd rather replace a keyboard than a hard-drive any day, but I probably got my money's worth out of both machines (Apple's least expensive models). If I had to do it again, I'd order the extended warranty plan with any Apple laptop. It's expensive, and it's not guarantee (if Apple judges the damage due to the user's incorrect or inappropriate use of the machine), but if it's a laptop and it sees heavy use, the two extra years are probably worth the several hundred extra. (With desktop models I'm still inclined not to buy the extended warranty.)}
I ordered my last small-screen iBook from Amazon just two summers ago. As usual, my heavy touch started shorting out the keyboard, and I couldn't afford several weeks of down time. Factor in the wait, the cost of repairs, and the improvements, and this 13" MacBook from Amazon seemed the best way to go.
It's about a hundred bucks more than the prior edition but worth it. The screen is wider, sharper and brighter (though I had no complaints with the predecessor). The speed of unloading internet pages is noticeably faster, a time-saver. The magnetically attached power cord should save the user the cost of an Apple adapter or two (about $80 each time you snap the thin wire). The keyboard area is larger, which is nice, though the different feel of the tracking area and right thumb-click (little play--it barely seems to go down) takes a bit of getting used to.
I didn't need a built-in camera or remote control, but what can you do. At least I was able to avoid the Superdrive (haven't found much use for DVD burning) and all the extras (and sales tax) they push if you buy from Apple Store. This machine doesn't require any additional memory or RAM, unless you're a heavy duty movie editor/audio engineer. It's a one-click purchase. I even took a pass on Apple's current iPod incentive (I still buy CDs, mostly from Amazon).
Even as I type this review, I'm conscious that the keyboard has a tighter feel and is quieter than the previous model. It also gets around in the often cumbersome and sluggish MS Word more quickly than the comparable machine of only two years ago. A great little work horse, and the transfer of information from your old computer has never been easier (make sure you have a firewire cable handy).
Want Apple MacBook MB061LL/A 13.3" Notebook PC (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Discount?
I have been used to blazing fast desktops for years. This mac really combines all of the great features and capabilities you would expect from a powermac into a great little package.
I love the display, the ease of setup, the keyboard, ...
I thought the gloss display would bug me, but I love it.
Not sure I will want to go back to my desktop now that I have the freedom of wireless!
On thing I will note: The white plastic is like static cling. Dust, hair and dirt just love attaching to it.
ALSO, this does NOT come with a VGA adapter. If you plan on giving presentations, you will need to pick one up.
We recently purchased this laptop to serve as a portable gaming machine. Also, was waiting for one with USB 3.0, which this one has. There is very little to complain about with this model. It's fast with a great screen display. I will list a few nit picks here. Screen in bright lights is a bit glary while gaming. It does get warm but not hot, I would recommend one of the laptop fan units to place under it. I'm not a fan of the mouse drag on any laptop so an external mouse was a must for me, as was a headset (built in speakers are a bit bright sounding and bass shy). Battery life is good unless into heavy gaming but I usually use the external power anyway. Since it is a gaming rig, all other functions run very smooth; movies, live video, favorite TV shows, etc. Oh yeah, the keyboard has one of the nicest feels of all I tried and the matt finish does not show up finger prints. I probably should have given this 5 stars but I am a bit tight on my recommendations.
