Customer Reviews

Apple MacBook MB062LL/A 13.3" Notebook PC (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive) White

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

This is my first Mac computer as well, after many years of using Windows PC at home and at work. I'm very impressed with both Macbook and OS X. Macbook, performance is awesome with just 1g of ram memory.

From the first time Mac user, I'm very pleased with Apple hardware and software, it just works. And I'm impressed with how it all works together.

As for this specific version of the macbook, I have found no problems at all, works beautifully as advertised. The only thing I found is that mabook's screen needs to be calibrated or adjusted. Don't settle for default screen profile, pictures will appear washed out. Calibrate screens settings; you should be able to get it pretty close to what it should be with just what macbook has in OS X.

I also recommend buying this model, since it has a bigger harddrive, its worth it. This laptop is very fast and reliable!

This is a great laptop. First, let me say, I'm a software developer, so I'm very particular about my computers. I was in the market for a new laptop. After a lot of shopping around, I went with a laptop from HP for around $700. It was my first PC with Vista, and it was frustratingly slow. Here's an example... Put your laptop into sleep mode. Come out of sleep mode, and how long does it take to connect to your WiFi network? The HP laptop would take about 45 seconds while the macbook takes less than 5 seconds. It's a small detail, but it's the tip of the iceberg.

So, after I purchased my HP laptop, my wife bought a macbook. I was so impressed, I took mine back and got my own macbook. The battery is great. I haven't timed it yet, but it's easily over three hours. The LCD is great. You don't get all that bloatware that comes with a new PC (like antivirus software that you can't seem to delete) that fills up your new hard disk. And, there's no need to even worry about antivirus software since 99.9% of viruses are designed for Windows.

As for performance, these macbooks are plenty zippy. And, yes dual core does make a difference. If you like to multitask (browse the web while playing mp3 music), then you'll notice the difference. The user interface is more responsive during heavy loading. Just for fun, I took a program I wrote for work and ran it on my new macbook. (I won't bore you with the details of what it does, but it's CPU intensive.) On the HP laptop, the program took about 13 minutes to run. On the macbook, it took 3 min, 30 seconds. Just for fun, I ran the same program on a fully loaded Dell 820 ($3000), and it finished in about 3 minutes. So, I'm very pleased with the performance of this macbook.

And, there are great open source (free) applications you can get for Mac OS X now. So, I quickly installed Firefox, Thunderbird (email), NeoOffice (MS Office replacement), Chicken of the Sea (VNC client), XAMPP (Apache/PHP/MySQL), Transmission (BitTorrent), Burn (CD/DVD burner), and Eclipse (Java development).

The only way they could improve this macbook would be to bundle the DVD writer in the entry-level model instead of a combo drive (CD writer, DVD reader). It's not an issue with me since I have many other DVD writers on my LAN, but others may want to purchase the next model up that comes with the DVD writer.

I will try to give a unbiased and responsible review of this MacBook. As a college student I struggled with the decision between purchasing a Windows laptop or a MacBook, but due to all the horror stories out there about Vista imcompatibility and my previous Windows nightmares, I decided to give Mac a try. I don't regret it. The screen is glossy and beautiful, albeit the 13.3" screen can make the font in programs (especially in instant messaging programs) a bit small. You can adjust the font to larger size in, say, AIM, but then that would render the person you are talking to to receive ridiculously large font sizes from you as well. And, if you are new to MAC OSX, there is definitely a learning curve and an experimental phase, so you should be patient; fortunately, there are alot of MAC OSX tutorial sites on the web and resources as well. I love the fast fast FAST boot time (around 20 seconds!!!) from off to on. BRAVO!! And the 2.0 ghz processor is more than enough for me. The MacBook is also very very silent. One thing I don't like though is the mouse track pad. Even on the fastest sensitivity setting, it just doesn't keep up with my fingers. A bit annoying, but a problem that can be solved with an external USB mouse. Let's see how my MacBook holds up in the next four years.

[UPDATE: Written 18 months after the review below: Compared to my iBook this machine proved better built (on the outside), maintained a tighter-action keyboard, was noticeably faster--for 15 months, at which point the hard drive simply, suddenly, and unexpectedly, died.] It's predecessor, the iBook, on the other hand, developed problems like letters disappearing from the keys of the keyboard along with the keyboard action becoming sloppy, loose, and chattery. I'd rather replace a keyboard than a hard-drive any day, but I probably got my money's worth out of both machines (Apple's least expensive models). If I had to do it again, I'd order the extended warranty plan with any Apple laptop. It's expensive, and it's not guarantee (if Apple judges the damage due to the user's incorrect or inappropriate use of the machine), but if it's a laptop and it sees heavy use, the two extra years are probably worth the several hundred extra. (With desktop models I'm still inclined not to buy the extended warranty.)}

I ordered my last small-screen iBook from Amazon just two summers ago. As usual, my heavy touch started shorting out the keyboard, and I couldn't afford several weeks of down time. Factor in the wait, the cost of repairs, and the improvements, and this 13" MacBook from Amazon seemed the best way to go.

It's about a hundred bucks more than the prior edition but worth it. The screen is wider, sharper and brighter (though I had no complaints with the predecessor). The speed of unloading internet pages is noticeably faster, a time-saver. The magnetically attached power cord should save the user the cost of an Apple adapter or two (about $80 each time you snap the thin wire). The keyboard area is larger, which is nice, though the different feel of the tracking area and right thumb-click (little play--it barely seems to go down) takes a bit of getting used to.

I didn't need a built-in camera or remote control, but what can you do. At least I was able to avoid the Superdrive (haven't found much use for DVD burning) and all the extras (and sales tax) they push if you buy from Apple Store. This machine doesn't require any additional memory or RAM, unless you're a heavy duty movie editor/audio engineer. It's a one-click purchase. I even took a pass on Apple's current iPod incentive (I still buy CDs, mostly from Amazon).

Even as I type this review, I'm conscious that the keyboard has a tighter feel and is quieter than the previous model. It also gets around in the often cumbersome and sluggish MS Word more quickly than the comparable machine of only two years ago. A great little work horse, and the transfer of information from your old computer has never been easier (make sure you have a firewire cable handy).

I have been used to blazing fast desktops for years. This mac really combines all of the great features and capabilities you would expect from a powermac into a great little package.

I love the display, the ease of setup, the keyboard, ...

I thought the gloss display would bug me, but I love it.

Not sure I will want to go back to my desktop now that I have the freedom of wireless!

On thing I will note: The white plastic is like static cling. Dust, hair and dirt just love attaching to it.

ALSO, this does NOT come with a VGA adapter. If you plan on giving presentations, you will need to pick one up.

I've been using the Macintosh on and off for about 20 years but left for over 10 years to be a devoted Windows user. Recent issues with Vista and increasing problems with run-time bloat, incredibly long startup times, malware, and endless updates with their associated mandatory and automatic reboots began to get me thinking about checking out the Mac again. Particularly with my iPod and iPhone showing me how superior Apple products could be compared to the competition.

So I bit the bullet and purchased my first Macintosh laptop, the new MacBook with glossy screen, dual core Intel processor, and a gig of RAM. For the most part, the laptop has been a pure joy to use, is built with amazing solidity, and does what it's advertised to do. However, since I use computers of all kinds all day, I have racked up a number of pros and cons for this mostly stellar new laptop product as I've used this MacBook (in gorgeous matte executive black) the last three weeks on a daily basis.

PROS:

- Amazingly fast boot time, about 20-30 seconds in my tests. Wayyy better than Windows.
- Extremely solid construction and feel.
- Elegant and compact power cord setup with the famous magnetic detach system to prevent annoying and damaging cord yanks.
- Comes with lots of software and apps that really work.
- Roomy storage and good overall performance.
- Does not run too hot, even when performance settings are turned up.
- Supports Bluetooth 2.0 and a lot of the newer, sexier Bluetooth profiles including A2DP and stereo headsets.
- Big, bright, clear screen.
- The built-in camera takes decent video and it works well with Skype.
- With Parallels, runs Windows Vista Ultimate flawlessly so far, even with old apps, simultaneously with the Mac OS.
- The feel of the latest Mac desktop seems brawny yet nimble with lots of seductive graphics, morphing windows, flip screens and more. Makes it a joy visually.
- Battery life is acceptable, not finding myself wanting a lot more juice frequently (though occasionally I do.)
- Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection works surprisingly well to control and use Windows PC's remotely, a genuine pleasure since I usually work with 2-4 computers at a time, and I can just Alt-Tab between them from the MacBook.

CONS:

- User interaction often seems weirdly sluggish with a brief, unexplained pause when many common actions are initiated in applications. Not significantly off putting, but strange for a system with two powerful CPU cores.
- WiFi seems slow and inconsistent. Not a lot of dropped connections, but slower for sure than my PC laptops.
- Bluetooth stereo support is crude, with no automatic switching between internal and wireless speakers/mics.
- The leading Mac apps (iLife, iWork, Mac Office) just aren't as stable as their Windows counterparts. Not a lot less stable, but definitely noticeable and sometimes frustrating.
- The trackpad and associated button feels heavy and ponderous and is tedious to use for long periods. Definitely invest in the wireless Mac mouse for serious work, it works well.
- Irritating sharp beveled edge on front of the case where your wrists rest. All edges on the MacBook are smooth except for the one which you rest your wrists. Careful placement and angling of MacBook can help, but seems inexplicable in terms of good design.
- Screen has slightly uneven lighting, not enough to bother but Sony laptops run rings around the MacBook in terms of mind-blowing clarity and lighting consistency.
- No extended battery available from Apple (that I know of), not good for serious business users.
- No built-in WWAN support, had to buy something from Verizon that hangs off the side, another knock on business use of this product.
- 1 GB RAM is not enough for serious daily use, I had to upgrade to 2GB to get things to work right, particularly with Parallels.

For lighter family use, the current MacBook is more than ready for almost any computing task. For serious business use, the MacBook is just barely there and requires some additional investment (mouse, WWAN, extra battery, Parallels) but that's true of many Windows laptops as well.

One star is subtracted from a perfect score for the strange design shortfalls (average Bluetooth support, sharp edge on the front of the case, so-so trackpad, less than great app stability, less than zippy response of apps.)

I would recommend this product to almost anyone however, the Macintosh has re-arrived on the personal computing scene for sure. I hope you enjoy it!

I guess all Apple reviews eventually become a comparison between PCs and Windows to the virtues of Macs. Most of us really only have these two options.... we can look at RAM, memory, processor speed and a variety of other indicators - but to be honest what characteristics really matters? Hopefully, this review can help make this as painless as possible for the non-tech savvy (The power users already have their preferences). By the way, I use both PCs and Macs during the course of the day, so I will give my opinion on the strengths and weaknesses.

Apple - Strengths

- The Apple goes from "off" to "surfing the internet" in 15 seconds. It is truly amazing how fast it gets booted-up and ready to run.
- Video editing is a breeze - lots of power here.
- Lack of viruses ...there are some... but not nearly as many as Windows based computers...an added benefit is that you don't have use "Norton" or "McAfee" and all of the annoying pop-ups that those programs provide.
- Ichat... my wife is able to have a picture perfect video conference with her sister every night...even though they live 2500 miles a part. The best part? It is free!
- Apple support is top-notch! You make an appointment at a store and they bend over backwards to help you! This is sooo much better than calling into some random help desk.
- Quality of construction - sorry, I have had to many PCs die from hardware related issues over the last 5 years... Apple's seem to last forever.

Apple - Weaknesses

-Spreadsheets - It is true you can get a Mac version of Excel - but it is absolutely horrible. Things that you take for granted on Windows based Excel...i.e adding a comment in a cell are missing!
- You can not buy (at least at the time of this review) music and videos on Amazon.com - they do not support Macs at this time.
- Lack of programs in general. While there are many cool programs and games for PCs there are only a handful available for the Mac.
- Attaching photos to email is not as easy as using a PC and Yahoo.
- a 13.3" monitor really is too small.

My final recommendation? If you have to have ONE computer you probably want to strongly consider a PC. The variety of programs and the power of spreadsheets have become critical to most of us.... especially for our jobs. However, if you need a computer simply for "fun" (not counting games) and surfing the internet the Apple is impossible to beat.

If you need a computer for work or Video Games = PC/windows
If you need a compuer for surfing the internet/photos/videos = Apple/MacOS

I've had my Macbook (MB) for about two weeks now and I have to say I love it, and I'll tell you why:

1) Ease of use. After you get over the PC to Mac unfamiliarity (it took me a day or so), you'll realize that everything on this MB is so much more user friendly than any PC/Notebook I've ever used. For example, deleting items/programs off the computer. There is no need to uninstall...just drag the item to the trash and bingo, the program is gone. There is no registry in OS X to deal with. Wireless connectivity is a breeze - just walk into a hotspot and a little window pops up asking if you want to connect. That simple! My previous laptop - Dell Insipiron - took some windows configuration which if you're new to wireless connectivity could take awhile to get used to. Bluetooth comes standard and any device is automatically detected. I have a BT mouse that I just turned on and the MB took care of the rest. It was that easy -- so far I haven't had to deal with drivers and updating and the like.

2. Security -- I am still a litle wary about this aspect of the MB, but no anti-virus software! I have not yet (knock on wood) encountered any spyware/viruses whereas in PC, that is the first thing you have to contend with. That is not to say Macs are not vunerable, but much less so than PCs from what I've read.

3. It is sleek, light, and great looking. Aesthetics aren't too important to me, but it is a plus. The MB looks great and works well. Not to mention its 1" all around size. It is slightly heavy, a little over 5lbs with the adapter. Fits nicely in my school bag -- not much heavier
than a 5 star notebook with about the same dimensions.

4. Little things. So you can probably get more functionality/customizibality from a Dell for at or just under the price of this MB. But what the Dell probably won't offer is the little things. For example, the AC adapter comes in two parts - one much like the IPod adapter with two prongs for travel and then a three pronged extension when using at home. The fast connectivity of this MB - I never have to turn it off/restart, I just close the lid and the its goes to sleep. When I open the lid, the computer starts right up and picks up where I left off in seconds. On that note, the use of magnets for the lid closure and power cord connector -- that is ingenious! No latch to break, no hard cable connection to send your MB flying from the careless, unaware college kid. Installing applications -- just download app, an icon appears on your desktop, drag it to your applications folder and you are done. There are many more little things that I could mention, but this review is turning out too long as it is.

Bottom line: I am very happy with this MB. It is my first Apple Computer, and when my Dell XPS dies, I intend on replacing it with an Apple PC. They just seem so much more user friendly. I am not a computer whiz and the Mac seems to target the average user like me. I love every aspect about this MB from the size, weight, design, to its functionality. Switching from PC to MAC is really not that difficult and if you get stuck, just google whatever it is you need and someone somewhere has probably had the same question. Most of the stuff is common sense. Unlike some other users, I don't think the MB gets overly hot on my lap after many hours of usage. The keyboard is flat and takes a bit of getting used to, but I love it.

All in all, well worth the price. I bought mine off the Apple store, used the student discount ($100 off), got a free IPOD. Granted you cannot upgrade much on this machine (I got a larger HDD), so it won't replace a regular computer for gaming or serious graphic design. If you want more value for your money - you're probably better off with something like a Dell. But if you have the money (although it's not overpriced for compared to other notebooks in its class), and want a well thought out, nicely built machine - with very little headaches that are associated with PCs, you should get this MB. You won't be disappointed!

Well after dealing with Vista for the past few months I gave in and purchased a Mac for the 1st time ever.

Wow!!! What a difference. I will not go back to VISTA which is the worst OS that MS has ever sold. I had nothing but issues with running VISTA on my 2 desktops and 1 laptop. Apple knows how to do it right an it shows.

Well worth the money. I will keep this for years to come.

I cannot find on amazon where to have this corrected but the title is wrong this is NOT MB062LL/B it is the MB062LL/A, the older model. If you read down the page you will see this unit came out in MAY which is the "A" not November which is the "B" as listed. Amazon could get a lot of people asking for credits if they do not correct this.