Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - black (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD)

Average user rating from 4 users 9.2/10 Spectacular Read user opinions >>

Product Summary

This configuration of the Apple MacBook 2008 is a 5.1-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,495.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.Features Intel GMA X3100 graphics with 144MB of video RAM.

Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - black (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD)

Manufacturer: Apple

Part Number: MB404LL/A

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.4 GHz); RAM installed: 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM; Weight: 5.1 lbs See full specs >>

Price range: $1,419.18 - $1,499.99

See all products in the Apple MacBook 2008 Edition series

CNET product brief

Description: This configuration of the Apple MacBook 2008 is a 5.1-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,495.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.Features Intel GMA X3100 graphics with 144MB of video RAM.

Pros: Has a 250GB hard drive, which is considerably larger than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook has 2 GB RAM, which is more than some similarly priced notebooks.

Cons: Has only a 13.3-inch screen size, which is smaller than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Dell D430, a -pound notebook at around $1, 350, has a 12.1 screen size.Also, this notebook has an integrated housing media bay, which is somewhat less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the HP Business Notebook Nc6400, a 5.1-pound notebook at around $1, 590, has a plug-in module media bay.The Apple MacBook 2008 comes with entry-level word processing software ? if you often create complex documents you will likely need to upgrade to a more powerful office suite.Shared video memory has an adverse effect on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs.Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.

Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.Archive your digital videos using this computer's DVD burner.With 144MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do very well compared to most other notebooks, when it comes to multimedia applications and games.Also, this notebook comes packaged with photo editing software to help you select, crop, and print the images from your digital camera.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.

Value: In general, this notebook's features are as expected for this price.However, the average price of general-purpose products with a comparable screen size is quite a bit more -- in fact around $2,202.

Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this laptop's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

User opinions

9.2/10 Average user rating from 4 users Spectacular

WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW How would you rate this product?

9/10 Spectacular April 17, 2008

by n.amin (see profile)

"This macbook is one of the good laptop out there" Read more >>
9/10 Spectacular July 3, 2008

by Iced217 (see profile)

"Best laptop ever" Read more >>
8/10 Excellent June 23, 2008

by jogabonito7 (see profile)

"Best laptop I've ever had, although I've only had one laptop..." Read more >>
WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW See all 4 user opinions >>

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