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Mon, 28 Sep 2009 Entry-level white MacBook could add built-in battery

New MacBook could debut alongside new iMacs

Nick Spence

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You can add built-in batteries to rumours of a new slimmer lighter entry-level white MacBook.

Apple's "cutting-edge internal battery technology" is part of a white MacBook refresh due sooner than later according to AppleInsider. The company's built-in batteries have not been a hit with all Mac users, due to the fact they cannot be easily replaced without a visit to Apple.

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Cnet adds that low-cost Intel ultra-low-voltage "ULV" processors like the SU4100 or SU7300 are likely to be part of the new models, boasting extra-long battery life, some claiming up to 10 hours.

AppleInsider also now believes the new MacBook could debut alongside new iMacs, rumoured to be available as early as next month.

A new iMac is likely to be thiner and come with what one analyst describes as "smoothed or rounded edges."

The Mac enthusiast Web site also reported that the 13-inch laptop would come with a slimmer, lighter enclosure and restructured internal architecture.

In August, AppleInsider quoted Ben Reitzes, an analyst with Barclays Capital, who believed a price cut was on the horizon for the cheapest MacBook currently available on the market.

"We [...] believe the MacBook line needs to be revamped (there is only one MacBook available now, an old white model) and that we could see a lower priced line soon, positioned below the new MacBook Pro models."

In May, Apple adjusted the price of the entry-level white 13-inch MacBook from £719 to £749 on the Apple UK store following a specification upgrade, while the price remained the same in the US at $999.

In January, the price increased from £704 to £719, when Apple added improved NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics cards.

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Comments received


Slinky said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

If they could just get it down to £500... doubt if they will though.

Stunning said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

Just in time for the EU to outlaw it. Lock-in (formerly known as Apple).

Mark Hattersley said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

I've come round to the idea of the built-in battery. The bigger battery life - for me - is a now major factor to take into account when choosing a MacBook. I'd definitely take one of the models with a built-in battery rather than an older one with the separate battery.

It does mean you have to physically upgrade the battery by taking apart the system (or get Apple to do it for you) but seeing as you'll only have to do this after at least two years or - if Apple's claims turn out to be true - after four to five years I think the trade-off is worth it.

Jon said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

@stunning
Outlaw battery lock-in?

Chapel said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

@Jon

Yea - EU looking at banning all batteries that cannot be changed by an end-user.

Mr Lizard said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

@ Chapel,

The batteries in the macbooks (pro & air) can be replaced by the end user by removing the screws.

The problem is with batteries that are soldered in.

@Mr Lizard said on Mon, 28 Sep 2009

Yeah, Apple need that extra buck. They deserve everything in your pocket when you think about it.

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