MacBook (2006–2012)

Polycarbonate (2006–2009)

Polycarbonate MacBook

The original MacBook, available in black or white colors, was released on May 16, 2006, and used the 32-bit Intel Core Duo processor and 945GM chipset, with Intel's GMA 950 integrated graphics on a 667 MHz front side bus. Later revisions of the MacBook moved to the 64-bit Core 2 Duo processor and the GM965 chipset, with Intel's GMA X3100 integrated graphics on an 800 MHz system bus. Sales of the black polycarbonate MacBook ceased in October 2008, after the introduction of the aluminum MacBook, however the white model continued to be sold until the introduction of the redesigned unibody polycarbonate MacBook.

The MacBook is thinner than its predecessor, the iBook G4, but it is wider than the 12 in model, and has a widescreen display. The MacBook was one of Apple's first laptops to adopt the MagSafe power connector (the first being the MacBook Pro), and it replaced the iBook's mini-VGA display port with a mini-DVI display port. The iBook's discrete graphics chip was initially replaced by an integrated Intel GMA solution, though the latest revisions of the MacBook were upgraded with the more powerful Nvidia GeForce 9400M and later the 320M.

The MacBook was Apple's first notebook to use features now standard in its notebooks – the glossy display, the sunken keyboard design and the non-mechanical magnetic latch. With the late 2007 revision, the keyboard received several changes to closely mirror the one which shipped with the iMac, by adding the same keyboard shortcuts to control multimedia, and removing the embedded numeric keypad and the Apple logo from the command keys.

A more expensive black model, with a larger capacity hard drive, was offered until the introduction of the unibody aluminum MacBook. The polycarbonate MacBook was the only Macintosh notebook (until the new 2015 model) to be offered in more than one color since the iBook G3 (Clamshell). The black MacBook was Apple's second black notebook, after the PowerBook G3.

Ports

The ports are all on the left edge; on early models, from left to right, they are the MagSafe power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, mini-DVI, FireWire 400, 2 USB 2.0 ports, audio in, audio out and Kensington Security Slot.

For the unibody polycarbonate MacBook (2009), the ports from left to right are the MagSafe power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, Mini DisplayPort, 2 USB 2.0 ports, audio out and Kensington Security Slot.

On the front, there is a power light and an infrared receiver, while on the right edge, there is only the optical drive.

User serviceability

The polycarbonate Intel MacBook is easier for users to fix or upgrade than its predecessor. Where the iBook required substantial disassembly to access internal components such as the internal hard drive, the Macbook requires that users only remove the battery and the RAM door to access or replace the hard drive. Apple has provided do-it-yourself manuals for these tasks on the Apple website.

Quality problems

In February 2007, the MacBook was recalled because the graphics card and hard drive caused the computer to overheat, which would force the unit to shut down.

Some early polycarbonate MacBook models suffered from random shutdowns; Apple released a firmware update to resolve them.

There were cases reported of discolored or chipping palmrests. In such cases, Apple asked affected owners to contact AppleCare.

There were problems with batteries on some 2007 models not being read by the MacBook. This is caused by a logic board fault and not a fault with the battery.

In February 2010, Apple announced a recall for MacBooks bought between 2006 and 2007 for hard drive issues. This is caused by heat and other problems.

Technical specifications

Apple used the A1181 code, printed on the case, for the 1st generation polycarbonate family of models, though 17 variations may be counted if color is included.

Aluminum unibody (2008)

Aluminum MacBook

On October 14, 2008, Apple announced a MacBook featuring a new Nvidia chipset at a Cupertino, California press conference with the tagline: "The spotlight turns to notebooks". It was replaced by the 13 in MacBook Pro the following year.

The chipset brought a 1066 MHz system bus, use of DDR3 system memory, and integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics. Other changes include a display which uses LED backlights (replacing the fluorescent tube backlights used in the previous model) and arsenic-free glass, a new Mini DisplayPort (replacing the polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port), a multi-touch glass trackpad which also acts as the mouse button, and the removal of the FireWire 400 port (thus this model doesn't support Target Disk Mode, used for data transfers or operating system repairs without booting the system).

There was only one product cycle of the aluminum MacBook, as Apple rebranded the next revision in June 2009 as a 13 in MacBook Pro using the same chassis with an added FireWire port and SD card slot.

Design

The design of the unibody MacBook has stylistic traits of the MacBook Air that were also implemented into the design of the unibody MacBook Pro. This model is thinner than the original polycarbonate MacBooks, and it made use of a unibody aluminum case with tapered edges. The keyboard of the higher-end model included a backlight.

Reception

Although Gizmodo concluded it to be "our favorite MacBook to date," they did claim, at this time, its display was inferior to that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out colors, and dimmer backlighting. Similarly, AppleInsider and Engadget concluded it "may well be Apple's best MacBook to date" and "these are terrific choices—not only from an industrial design standpoint, but in specs as well" respectively, while also drawing attention to a lower quality display as compared with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Charlie Sorrel of Wired News reached a similar conclusion about the MacBook display, citing its poor contrast and lack of vertical angle in comparison with the MacBook Pro and even the older white MacBook. Peter Cohen wrote an article discussing the loss of the FireWire port for Macworld, saying "The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway."

Technical specifications

Polycarbonate unibody (2009–2010)

Polycarbonate Unibody model

On October 20, 2009, Apple released a MacBook that had a new and more rounded polycarbonate (plastic) unibody design, faster DDR3 memory, a multi-touch trackpad, an LED-backlit display, and a built-in seven-hour battery. The polycarbonate unibody MacBook, like its aluminum predecessor, lacks FireWire and, like the 13 in MacBook Pro, has a combined audio in/out port. There is no infrared port and the Apple Remote was not included.

On May 18, 2010, the MacBook was refreshed with a faster processor, a faster graphics card, improved battery life, and the ability to pass audio through the Mini DisplayPort connector. On July 20, 2011, the MacBook was discontinued for consumer purchases, but was still available to educational institutions until February 2012. It was the last Mac to use a plastic shell, as every Mac since has used aluminum.

Design

The polycarbonate unibody MacBook is rounder on the edges than previous laptops in the MacBook line. This model has an all-white fingerprint-resistant glossy palm rest, unlike the grayish surface of its predecessor, and uses a multi-touch glass trackpad like the one found on the MacBook Pro. The video-out port is Mini DisplayPort. The bottom of the MacBook features a rubberized non-slip finish. This was prone to peeling off and Apple offered free replacements fitted by authorised agents until at least 2015 internationally. The built-in battery of the late 2009 revision, a feature introduced earlier in the year with the MacBook Pro, is claimed by Apple to last seven hours compared with five hours in the older models. However, in tests conducted by Macworld, the battery was found to last only about four hours while playing video at full brightness with AirPort turned off. However, Apple's battery life was calculated with the brightness at the middle setting and while browsing websites and editing word documents, not with video and at full brightness. Gizmodo also reached about the same conclusion in their tests, but with AirPort turned on. The battery included in the mid-2010 model holds an additional five watt-hours over the previous model's and is claimed to last up to ten hours.

Reception

Slashgear praised the polycarbonate unibody MacBook as "one of the best entry-level notebooks Apple have produced", but criticized it for its lack of a FireWire port and SD card slot. Nilay Patel of Engadget added that the USB ports were easily dented and the bottom of the laptop became worn and discolored after a few days. He also drew particular attention to the fact that the price was not lowered, stating the small price difference between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro makes it a "wasted pricing opportunity." However, most critics agree that the unibody MacBook's display is significantly better than its predecessor's. AppleInsider states the new display "delivers significantly better color and viewing angle performance" than the previous MacBook, but still "not as vivid and wide-angle viewable as the MacBook Pro screens."

Technical specifications

Models of the Macbook A1342 family

Criticisms and defects

The rubber bottom of unibody MacBooks have been known to peel off. Apple has noticed this as a flaw and will replace the bottom for free, with or without a warranty. Some consumers have also reported defects in their LCD displays in mid-2010–2011 models.

The MagSafe power adapter of MacBooks has been known to fray, break, and stop working. Following a lawsuit, Apple replaces these adapters for US residents with affected adapters, purchased (or received as a gift) with computers or as an accessory.

Some MacBooks are affected by the iSeeYou vulnerability, potentially allowing their iSight cameras to record the user without the user's knowledge.

Supported operating systems

Timeline

Notes

References

References

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66. Requires at least 10.4.9 due to 64-bit EFI. No graphics acceleration are available for the GMA X3100.
67. Screen brightness control and audio input/output will not work. Display color profile and some trackpad settings will also be unavailable. Screenshots will not be rendered properly, causing image corruption.
68. NVDAResman.kext needs to be deleted. Graphics acceleration and audio input/output will not work. Display color profile, display brightness and some trackpad settings will also be unavailable.
69. Requires system files patching. Up to 10.7.3 or 10.7.5 with no Wi-Fi.
70. There are no graphics drivers available for the GMA 950 after OS X Mountain Lion.
71. There are no graphics drivers available for the GMA X3100 after OS X Mountain Lion.
72. Although bootable, macOS Big Sur and later does not have any drivers for the internal keyboard, trackpad and USB ports. The GMA X3100 also has no drivers since OS X Mountain Lion, making the system unusable. No patcher supports this model.
73. (March 10, 2015). "System requirements to install Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp".
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77. Windows XP can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3 or earlier. This includes Mac OS X 10.6 or earlier and copies of Mac OS X 10.7 that have not been updated to Boot Camp 4.
78. Windows Vista can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3 or earlier. This includes Mac OS X 10.6 or earlier and copies of Mac OS X 10.7 that have not been updated to Boot Camp 4.
79. The 32-bit version of Windows 7 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3.1 to 6.0. This includes OS X 10.11 and earlier.
80. The 64-bit version of Windows 7 can only be installed on Macs with Boot Camp 3.1 or later, running macOS High Sierra or earlier. Later versions of macOS no longer support Windows 7.
81. This version of Windows is not supported with Boot Camp on these Macs. Later versions of Windows can be installed via Windows in-place upgrade.
82. This version of Windows is not supported on these Macs however, these can still be unofficially installed.