Ars Reviews the MacBook
The techies of Ars Technica have written a thorough review of Apple’s new MacBook laptop. After reading this review, I’m amazed how this laptop beats the recently-released MacBook Pro that also costs more. Yeah, the MBP has extra neato stuff but performance-wise, the MacBook keeps pace. I guess that’s why Apple speed-bumped the MBP, to keep a performance difference.
Maybe a black MacBook instead of a MBP??
Technorati Tags: Apple, MacBook, Macintosh
May 20, 2006 @ 7:57 am
Dell E1505 Dual Core ($1,241) http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=e1505s2&cs=19&dgvcode=ss&c=US&l=EN
* Duo processor T2500
* Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
* 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife
* 2x1GB PC2-4200 SODIMM (+$69) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145593&ATT=20-145-593&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r*
* 100GB 7200rpm SATA (+$104) http://castle.pricewatch.com/s/search.asp?s=100GB+7200rpm+SATA&c=Notebook+Drive&i=101
* 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
* 1390 802.11b/g Mini Card
* 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 HyperMemory
* One FireWire 400, two USB 2.0 ports
* 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MS, MS Pro, MMC, xD)
* S-Video port
* Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED HD Audio
* 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (2.6hr)
* 8.2 pounds
* Sell original HD and RAM on craigslist or ebay
TOTAL $1,414
MacBook Pro 2.0Ghz [apple.com] ($1,999) http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6154000/wo/8i3sebF0IYm92VKE6pZ1AQn3ksc/21.?p=0
* Duo processor T2600
* 15.4 inch Wide Screen TFT Display
* 2x1GB PC2-5300 SODIMM (+$97) http://dealmac.com/deals/dealram-update-1-GB-PC2-5300-DDR2-SO-DIMM-hits-73-shipped/118194.html?ref=rss_dealmac_7
* 100GB 7200rpm SATA (+$74) http://castle.pricewatch.com/s/search.asp?s=80GB+5400rpm+SATA&c=Notebook+Drive&i=101
* 4x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* AirPort Extreme Card & Bluetooth 2.0
* 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 and dual-link DVI
* Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
* One FireWire 400, two USB 2.0 ports, and ExpressCard/34 slot
* Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS – U.S. English
* Built-in iSight Camera, DVI, VGA (DVI to VGA adapter included)
* 5.6 pounds
* Sell original HD and RAM on craigslist or ebay
TOTAL $2,170
May 20, 2006 @ 10:56 pm
Thanks for the price comparison. I never tried configuring similar systems to see the price difference. A delta of about $700 isn’t too bad all things considered.
Fortunately, I’ve been blessed without having to make cost my #1 factor when buying a computer. Yeah, Macs tend to be more expensive, but I like the complete package I get for the price. Things like the iSight, Front Row, and the backlit keyboard are small things that enhance the Mac’s mystique. These “bonuses” make you understand how computing can be.
Other factors like craftsmanship matter as well. Ever run your hand over a Powerbook/MacBook keyboard or closed lid? There’s a feel to it that I can’t explain. Same can’t be said for a Dell.
In all, for me, a Mac laptop is more inspiring and invigorating to work with than other PC models. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but the enjoyment is worth $700.
June 11, 2011 @ 8:47 pm
I’m so love this blog, already bookmarked it! Thanks.