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Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - white (Core 2 Duo 2.1GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD)

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At a Glance


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Description: This configuration of the Apple MacBook 2008 is a 5.1-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer. Compared to other mainstream consumer notebooks on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,075. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in. Features Intel GMA X3100 graphics with 144MB of video memory.

Pros: Has only a 5.1-pound weight, which is lighter than some similarly priced notebooks. By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this light a weight is $1,350. Also, this notebook has a Core 2 Duo processor. This is more efficient than the average notebook on the market today, but is to be expected for a notebook of this price.

Cons: Has only a 13.3-inch screen size. This is not out of line with the product's price, but is smaller than the average notebook on the market today. Also, this notebook has a CD-RW/ DVD-ROM combo removable disc drive, which is somewhat less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks. The Apple MacBook 2008 comes with entry-level word processing software -- serious business or academic writers probably will want to upgrade to a more powerful office suite . This notebook's Intel GMA X3100 graphics chip uses system RAM, which sometimes results in slower performance.

Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook. Travel with your own digital entertainment center – this laptop comes with a DVD player. This computer also has a CD writer, allowing you to compile your own audio CDs or video CDs. 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. Develop your digital darkroom savvy using the photo editing software bundled with this computer. If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.

Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this notebook has good features for the money. Generally, not targeted at the gaming crowd, this computer will likely fulfill more modest notebook needs.

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 Internet 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.

Basic Specs

Product Specifications:
Product Description: Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo 2.1 GHz - 13.3 in TFT active matrix
Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.8 in x 8.9 in x 1.1 in
Weight: 5.1 lbs
System Type: Notebook
Built-in Devices: Stereo speakers , Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory: 3 MB - L2 cache
RAM: 1 GB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz - PC2-5300 ( 2 x 512 MB )
Floppy Drive: None
Hard Drive: 120 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical Storage: CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - Integrated
Optical Storage (2nd): None
Storage Removable: None
Display: 13.3 in TFT active matrix 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
Graphics Controller: Intel GMA X3100 - 144 MB
Audio Output: Sound card
Telecom: None
Networking: Network adapter - Ethernet , - IEEE 802.11a , - IEEE 802.11b , - IEEE 802.11g , - Fast Ethernet , - Gigabit Ethernet , - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR , - IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Notebook Camera: Integrated
Input Device: Keyboard , Trackpad
Voltage Required: AC 120/230 V
Battery: Lithium polymer
Run Time (Up To): 4.5 hour(s)
OS Provided: Apple MacOS X 10.5
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year warranty


Buying choices

for Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - white (Core 2 Duo 2.1GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD) from online stores:
$1,025.00 - $1,249.00

$1,098.95 | In stock: Yes
$1,098.99 | In stock: No
$1,099.99 | In stock: Yes

See prices from 17 stores


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