Apple Introduces New Intel-Based MacBooks

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) released its new line of MacBook consumer notebooks based on the Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) Core 2 Duo processors on Wednesday.

The lineup includes two models in white -- one running at 1.83 GHz and a 2.0 GHz system -- and a black 2.0 GHz model. All three models are amped up with the new Intel processors that can run up to six times as fast as the iBook.

The new 2.0 GHz models also include double the RAM (random access memory) and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a double-layer SuperDrive for burning discs. Prices start at US$1,099.

"MacBook has helped drive Apple's notebook market share to over 10 percent in U.S. retail," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing . "With Intel Core 2 Duo processors across the entire line, these new MacBooks are up to 25 percent faster than their predecessors."

The Usual Upgrades

The new MacBooks come with the expected package upgrades and new software. The consumer notebook models come with 13-inch glossy widescreen displays that will be more than adequate for viewing videos, DVDs and photos.

The MacBook, which is a mere 1-inch thin, includes a built-in iSight video camera that can be used for video conferencing via iChat AV, recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife '06, or taking snapshots with Photo Booth.

The systems ship with the latest release of Mac OS X 10.4.8 (Tiger), which includes the Safari Web browser, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

Just in Time Move

The release of the consumer notebooks is a positive move for Apple in a quarter that has seen the company aggressively upgrade its notebook line, starting with the MacBook Pro, according to Tim Deal, senior analyst at Pike & Fischer.

"It would have been more beneficial if the company had been able to release [them] a little earlier in the quarter to benefit from fourth quarter consumer sales , but the Apple still has a good month and a half to benefit from [their] availability," Deal told MacNewsWorld.

Investment Protection

The new notebooks are designed for the mobile lifestyle, said Apple. They include the MagSafe Power Adapter, which magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects under strain, preventing the notebook from falling off its work surface.

Apple's new MagSafe Airline Adapter lets users connect to an airplane's in-seat power ports so that they can keep working as they fly. The Sudden Motion Sensor is designed to protect the hard drive if it falls, and there is an intuitive Scrolling TrackPad for scrolling through long Web pages or panning across large photographs.

A New Media Platform

The MacBook design includes built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (enhanced data rate), allowing users to hook into to the Internet anywhere there is a connection or WiFi spot.

In addition, these models come with built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output ports, and a mini-DVI video output that supports up to a 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

iLife '06, Apple's latest suite of multimedia applications, features iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD and GarageBand. iWeb lets users create .Mac-hosted Web sites containing digital photos, blogs and podcasts.