Mac > All Reviews > Hardware > MacBooks > MacBook > MacBook 2.4GHz review

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 MacBook 2.4GHz review

Sitting between the old MacBook and MacBook Pro is this high-spec aluminium MacBook from Apple.

Jonathan Seff and Mark Hattersley, Macworld.com

Manufacturer: Apple
Pros: Sleek new design; greatly improved graphics power; Multi-Touch glass trackpad; bright LED display, backlit keyboard
Cons: Entry price higher than before and perilously close to MacBook Pro; no FireWire port; battery life shorter than previous MacBook model; no video adapters or Apple Remote in the box. Glossy display may not appeal to everybody
Min specs: Height: 2.41cm, width 32.5cm, depth 22.7cm; weight 2.04kg; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with 3MB of L2 cache; NVIDIA GeForce 9400m; 2GB DDR3 SDRAM; 13.3in LED backlit glossy display; MagSafe power port; Gigabit ethernet; two USB 2.0 ports; Mini Display Port; Audio line in; Audio line out; Kensington lock slot; built in iSight camera; Airport Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (802.11n specification); multi-touch trackpad; backlit keyboard
Price: £1,149
We rate this 4 out of 5.Star rating:

With their faster graphics cards, higher performance cache and new DDR3 memory, the new MacBooks are closer than ever to the MacBook Pros (which have also seen a refresh). In many ways this is a good thing (as we'll see in this review), but there is always the price issue. At £1,149 this model of MacBook is only £250 cheaper than the MacBook Pro. As with the cheaper MacBook 2.0GHz there is the issue of the price in general, but with this model it is compounded by its relative closeness to the MacBook Pro. Should you pay the extra £250 and go the whole way up to the Pro model, that's the question?

In the two and half years since the first MacBook model, Apple has tweaked and improved its consumer-level laptop line three times. But the latest (fourth) version is a giant leap for the MacBook, compared to the baby steps of the earlier updates. With the latest design (both inside and out), the MacBook has become a lot more like a MacBook Pro mini.

There are some differences though, As with the MacBook 2.0GHz, Apple has removed the FireWire option.

The new MacBook has a very different look and feel to the model it replaces

Next: The new MacBook's unibody design

Continued...
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For MacBook 2.4GHz [Aluminium] 2008

Reevoo Reviews For MacBook 2.4GHz [Aluminium] 2008

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

What version of Adobe Creative Suite do you use?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest PC industry news

Latest news from MacVideo

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.