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Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) on Tuesday unveiled the newly designed MacBook featuring the Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) Core Duo processor and a 13-inch glossy widescreen display.
Together with the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros, the new MacBook completes Apple's Intel-based portables lineup and replaces both the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook. Apple said the new design is up to five times faster than the iBook and up to four times faster than the 12-inch PowerBook.
"Apple began the transition to Intel Core Duo-based notebooks in February with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and now just 90 days later we have completed the transition with the release of the all new MacBook," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. "The complete MacBook lineup leads the industry with Apple's trademark innovative design and advanced mobile features -- from top to bottom it is the best notebook line that we have ever offered."
Pricing Misconceptions
With prices starting at US$1,099, the MacBook lineup includes three models: a 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook in a white enclosure and a 2.0 GHz MacBook in a black enclosure. At about one-inch thin, the new MacBook is 20 percent thinner than the iBook with a display 79 percent brighter than both the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook.
Many consumers think Apple computer use comes at a premium, but comparative online shopping reveals only two other laptop brands with Core Duo technology priced lower than the MacBook -- one from Lenovo, the other from Acer. However, Apple beats them both on processor speed at 1.83 GHz compared to 1.66 GHz for its closest comparable competitors.
"It's a misperception that Apple is pricier than other PCs. Apple typically doesn't sell at costs as low as some of the Windows-based PCs, but feature for feature you will find that Apple is comparably or better priced," JupiterResearch analyst Joe Wilcox told MacNewsWorld. "Granted, Apple is not out there selling a $400 notebook, but it's not trying to compete in that market, either."
Feature for Feature
Every new MacBook comes with a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go using Apple's iChat AV, or recording a video Podcast or iMovie using iLife '06. The MacBook also includes Photo Booth, an application that lets users take and share quick snapshots with the built-in iSight video camera.
The new MacBook gives customers a way to enjoy their digital lifestyle content wherever they go -- including music, photos and videos from across the room using the Apple Remote. With Front Row, users can access shared iTunes playlists, iPhoto libraries and video throughout their home via Bonjour, Apple's zero configuration wireless networking built into Mac OS X.
"We have data showing that significantly more households running Mac OS have a notebook than households running Windows PCs," Wilcox noted. "Apple is very much about selling a mobile lifestyle. What's iPod? Music to go. Apple has had wireless as a standard feature on its notebook longer than anyone else."
iLife on the Go
Designed to withstand the rigors of life on the go, every MacBook comes with Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter, created for mobile users. MagSafe is designed to simplify charging the notebook's battery by magnetically coupling the power cord to the MacBook.
The MagSafe Power Adapter safely disconnects from the notebook when there is strain on the power cord, helping to prevent the notebook from falling off its work surface. Every MacBook also includes Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor designed to protect the hard drive in case of a fall. All MacBooks include a Scrolling TrackPad to scroll through long Web pages or pan across large photographs.
Targeting the Educational Market
Why is the least expensive MacBook the last to make its way to the market? Apple's first priority was accommodating its professional customers that have been patiently waiting for a faster process, Wilcox said, noting that the timing is right to introduce this feature-rich MacBook aimed at consumers.
"This notebook is right on time for back to school. It's well timed for the beginning of the education buying cycle. While the students may not be buying until August or September, the schools are making their purchasing decisions now," Wilcox concluded.
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