Apple MacBook Updated with Core 2 Duo Processor

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The Apple MacBook finally has what many have been waiting for, a spec bump in that it now uses the Core 2 Duo.

Before today the 13.3&quot; screen MacBook was available with a 2.0GHz Core Duo processor, but Apple has now released a 13.3-inch MacBook with a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processor. The pricing remains the same, you can get a $1099 version white MacBook with a 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo processor with 512MB of SDRAM, 60GB 5400RPM hard drive, combo optical drive and 802.11g Wi-Fi. The black MacBook Pro with a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 80GB hard drive is available for $1499.

Performance enhancements of the Core 2 Duo over the Core 2 Duo are estimated at about 10%, while heat and power consumption remains mostly the same between the processors. Although, we kind of hope Apple has made a few strides to improve heat related issues with the MacBook since the first batch was released. Either way, you're getting more power for the same price and just in time for the holidays, so if you were sitting on the fence waiting for this update -- have at it!

 

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the original Core Duo Macbook only have a single-layer dvd drive? The Core 2 Duo model(s) has the capability to write dual-layer discs.

edit:

On what I think about the Core 2 Duo Macbook..

Though I'd have to say I really dig the Macbook lol, I might as well wait for the next generation for the switch. It's a great pity that they stuck with the old GMA 950 IMHO. I mean, it doesn't even have to be a dedicated chip. Even an XPress 1150 IGP would do. Let's hope Apple makes a better choice with its graphics chip selection next time around with the Core 2 Duo transition to Socket P.

 

for all those people who said it was rumor only...good job apple

 

I think the reason that Apple is still not willing to put a dedicated graphic card into the Macbook is that they want to maintain the performance gap between Macbook and Macbook Pro and really distinguish the two product lines. Imagine if Macbook is equipped with even just an X1300, how many potential MBP buyers would change their mind and buy this much cheaper baby instead.

 

Yes, the C2D Macbooks can burn faster and dual layer discs.

 

Exactly.
Apple always use the latest technology; they are the first one to use core duo.
Apple is not like Sony, who is still selling Pentium-M.
I hope no one listened to those people and bought a MB before today.
Geez, they even said core duo is a good enough CPU and no need to wait for C2D.
I am glad that I insisted on waiting and got a MBP with C2D.

 

Uh, folks, this just came out now. So yes, until now it was in fact just a rumor, and while Apple may have been early to the party with the Core Duo, they're a bit behind on the Core 2 Duo. Many other manufacturers have Core 2 notebooks out already, though being on time for the upcoming holiday shopping season is what really matters.

On an unrelated note, it does appear that Apple isn't charging more for the Core 2 Duo than for the Core Duo. That's certainly refreshing, though not totally surprising given how Apple releases notebooks.

 

I still think the Macbook will get an improved GPU, integrated or not, in the next generation, but I am completely satisfied with my C2D Macbook Pro 2.33 Ghz. No regrets with my purchase so far.

 

Performance enhancements of the Core 2 Duo over the Core 2 Duo are estimated at about 10%.

abaxter: did u mean Core 2 duo over core duo?

 

core2duo is not much an improvement over coreduo especially if you buy the 2.0Ghz one or faster; the FSB needs to be faster for it to fully benefit what the new chip can do. what i hate about this new core2duo macbook is now they include 1GB RAM and 80GB HDD as standard on 2.0Ghz white model and 120GB on the black model .

 

I'm surprised at how quickly Apple announced the Core 2 Duo MacBook only two weeks after MacBook Pro. Still, its a good thing.

 

For what it is, the MacBook is a nice little system. So a bump up to C2D is definitely nice. And nice to see there's no Merom "premium" attached to the upgrade.

 

Wake me when MB has dedicated graphics...

 

Then maybe you should wake up from your stasis until... never.

 

Well, color me embarassed. I was adamantly predicting that Apple wouldn't make this move in the very near future as they've always had the habit of keeping the specs on the consumer line well below their pro offerings to keep a clearly defined distinction between the two product categories. So I'm surprised they've now decided to blur the line between the two by only really seperating them in any obvious way by a slightly better processor and dedicated graphics being available in the Pro. Seems very "un-Apple-like" based on their past history. But hey, it's a win for the consumer so I'm definitely not complaining.