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Product summary
This configuration of the Apple MacBook 2008 is a 5.1-pound, general-purpose notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream consumer notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,085.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.Features Intel GMA X3100 graphics with 144MB of video memory.
Specifications: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.1 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM; Weight: 5.1 lbs; See full specs
Price range: $849.99 - $1,399.83
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Apple MacBook 2008 is a 5.1-pound, general-purpose notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream consumer notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,085.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.Also, this notebook comes with Apple MacOS X 10.5 OS.This is more favorable 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, which is somewhat smaller than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Dell Studio 17, a -pound notebook at around $1, 055, has a 17.0 screen size.Also, this notebook has a CD-RW/ DVD-ROM combo removable disc drive, which is considerably less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.The Apple MacBook 2008 comes with entry-level word processing software if you often need access to special character sets you will likely need to upgrade to a more powerful office suite.Shared video memory has a negative impact on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs.Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.
Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.Bring along your favorite movies and watch them on your notebook with the included DVD player.You can compile wav CDs with this notebooks CD burner.With 144MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do OK with some games and multimedia applications, but will fall short of satisfying the serious gaming enthusiast.Clean up your digital photos with the photo editing software included with this computer.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Internet from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.
Value: Overall, this notebook has great features for the money.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of consumer level products with a comparable screen size is quite a bit more -- in fact around $1,535.Generally, while it won't impress at LAN-parties, this item may be just the ticket for a buyer on a tight budget.
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 Web more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this computer's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, PDA 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.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Thin-and-light laptop computer
A thin-and-light laptop computer offers the optimal combination of portability, performance, features, and cost. Power-tuned mobile processors deliver enough power to keep you working smoothly, and unlike ultraportables, most thin-and-light laptops have a more reasonably sized keyboard and display, a larger hard drive, and a built-in optical drive. Yes, they're more expensive than slightly larger, heavier mid-size laptops, but if you need maximum productivity in a portable package, this is the best choice.
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EPA Energy Star compliant notebook computer
The EPA's Energy Star program helps buyers easily identify the products with efficient energy consumption among a broad range of electronics and appliances.
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Laptop computer wireless capabilities
| Wireless capability | Description | |
| WiMAX | WiMax is a new wide area wireless Internet service. Think of it like 3G but with enough bandwidth to make it efficient for use at home or a coffee shop across town. If WiMax comes to your area and works as intended, you may be able to consolidate your home and mobile broadband service. | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth is still optional in most laptops, and so far, it isn't used to its potential. Expect this short-range wireless protocol to become a standard as electronics increasingly interface with each other. | |
| Wi-Fi 802.11 | Pre-N or Draft N is the newest protocol for Wi-Fi home networking. 802.11g is currently the most common protocol and is sufficient for most Web activities, but don't expect it to stream movie files from networked storage. Wi-Fi is backward-compatible so the new, faster protocols will work with older protocols like 802.11a. | |
| Mobile broadband | Like WiMax, mobile broadband is a paid service and the built-in connectivity hardware is carrier specific. |
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Student laptop computer
Students and others on a tight budget should look for a cheap laptop computer that delivers the most bang for the buck. In particular, students need a notebook that is small and light enough to lug back and forth across campus but rugged enough to withstand bouncing around in a backpack.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
RoHS compliant notebook computer
Electronics sold in the EU market that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive have reduced levels of toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, and cadmium.
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Where to buy
Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - white (Core 2 Duo 2.1GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD):
$849.99 - $1,399.83
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$1,399.83 | See Site |
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$899.95 | Yes |
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$849.99 | Yes |
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$967.99 | Yes |
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