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Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - white (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB 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, consumer level notebook computer. Compared to other mainstream consumer notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,290. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in. Features Intel GMA X3100 graphics with 144MB of video RAM.

Pros: Has 2 GB RAM, which is more than some similarly priced notebooks. By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this ample a RAM is $1,585. Also, this notebook has only a 5.1-pound weight, which is lighter than some similarly priced notebooks.

Cons: Has only a 13.3-inch screen size, which is somewhat 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 Compaq nc6400 , a 5.1-pound notebook at around $1, 390, has a plug-in module media bay. The Apple MacBook 2008 comes with no-frills word processing software – if you often need access to special character sets you will likely need to upgrade to a full-fledged office suite . This notebook's Intel GMA X3100 graphics chip uses system memory, which sometimes results in slower performance.

Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook. Comes with a DVD recorder, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital camcorder onto DVDs. 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. Even the best photographers benefit from some editing; bring out the best in your digital images by using this notebook’s included photo editing software. 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 general, this notebook has good features for the money.

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 2.4 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 2.4 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory: 3 MB - L2 cache
RAM: 2 GB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz - PC2-5300 ( 2 x 1 GB )
Floppy Drive: None
Hard Drive: 160 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical Storage: DVD±RW (±R DL) - 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 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD) from online stores:
$1,242.77 - $1,299.99

$1,279.99 | In stock: Yes
$1,299.99 | In stock: Yes
$1,294.00 | In stock: Yes

See prices from 16 stores


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