Customer Reviews

Apple MacBook MA254LL/A 13.3" Laptop (1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW Drive)- White

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

My first Mac! I purchased this computer (over the mac mini) on Amazon the day after it was released. I always wanted a Mac and I always wanted a laptop. The Macbook was the best solution for me and is a great second computer. I'm extremely pleased. The 13.3 inch screen is bright, glossy, and crystal clear. I love it! I purchased apple's "mini DVI" to DVI adapter, the apple bluetooth mouse and keyboard and use this laptop (with the clam shell closed) with my Viewsonic VA1912wb 19 inch monitor when I want more screen real estate (I didn't even have to install drivers for the bluetooth mouse, bluetooth keyboard, or monitor...the computer recognized those devices and they just worked.) However, the image on the laptop itself is the best image I've ever seen on a laptop computer and way better then the image on my viewsonic flat panel monitor! The machine is whisper quite. The airport extreme worked with my current 802.11g router. It's so cool streaming my itunes music over wifi from my PC to my macbook from any room in the house. This laptop had everything I needed right out of the box: email, web browser, word processor (text editor), along with the iLife package. I recommend this computer to all those PC users out there (like me) who want a great little second computer and who always wanted to experience owning a Mac. Cons: No superdrive on this model and the machine gets warm on your lap.

I'm not a computer expert, so this review is for average users like myself.

This is my first time using Apple, but it was easy to get up and on the Internet. I found out that the delete key will let you page backwards. If you click the apple on the toolbar you can tweak some settings under "systems preferences". I changed the trackpad settings under "keyboard and mouse" to add dragging and took off "ignore accidental trackpad input". I had to change them back because my cursor would jump around when I was writing emails. I did add clicking to the trackpad input with no problems.

I easily added 2 gig of ram. I bought it from new egg for $176 gskill brand 20-231-066. I used a precision screwdriver size 00 to loosen the 3 phillips head screws. You don't remove the screws from the L-shaped bracket, just loosen them. When you push the memory in far enough (and it takes a little force) the levers will have some resistance. When replacing the bracket, there is a notch on the short side so put it in first. When you've done that, click the Apple on the toolbar and click "about this Mac" and your new memory should show up.

I then downloaded Aspyr's game agent to find out what games my system can play. To my surprise, the game agent says that I have 256 mb of video memory, not the 64 that I expected to see. I checked Intel's website to read up on the GMA 950 and wasn't enlightened much, but it did seem like the GMA 950 could increase the memory if resources were available. It also said that it's upgradeable. Perhaps someone more sophisticated in computers can explain this in a later review! The game agent also said it wasn't sure which games would run with an Intel chip, so I will just read the game reviews to find out what works. Aspyr also said I have 37gb available on the hard drive. I haven't added any other programs yet, so I guess the operating system must take quite a bit. If I ever need more, I'll probably just get something external.

I'm in my 40's and was afraid that the 13.3 inch screen would be too small for me to read. All I had to do was to increase the font size. To do this, click on "View" on the toolbar and click on "make text bigger". Most websites still look good that way. Since I also have vision problems I was afraid the bright screen would have too much glare. I did adjust the brightness down some and there is no problem with glare or reflections.

After 12 years of using Windows, I'm still feeling my way around with this, but I think I'll like it. It was nice not having to take AOL and a lot of other junk off for once and that made this a 5 star computer!

Update 12/30/2006
Dang, I love this thing! It's got all my pictures in it now. I thought I'd never use Itunes, but I just bought a Shuffle (Gen 2) and now it's got all my favorite music in it, too. I've never had to send it for repairs, because Apple fixed minor problems with their updates as they occurred. I can relax on the sofa, while I'm using this, and it even keeps me warm on these frosty nights! ; )

This is so easy and fun to use that I'm using it for much more than just browsing the web. I love it, love it, love it!

My first notebook, but not my first Mac. I couldn't be happier. Wasn't sure if giving up my G5 for this MacBook would pay off given the smaller screen. However, this high definition glossy screen is even better than the G5, and the 17" screen on my G5 wasn't big enough to fully show 2 programs side by side anyway.

Mine is also whisper quiet, fast, and the keyboard is a dream. Heat not worth complaining about. I agree, better to have whisper quiet than loud fans.

My MacBook would have taken a few spills already had it not been for the magsafe power cord. And did I mention the built in bluetooth makes going wireless so easy for a non computer geek like myself?

My only complaint is the low volume from the speakers. For such a dream machine, I don't know why Apple didn't give us more volume!!! Surely the next gen will have better volume.

Even my PC friends think this is an awesome machine.

Don't wait a minute longer to order yours. You won't regret it!

I love my macbook!It is just amazing, i had a couple of monts deciding which laptop i should buy. A mac was not in my list, but when the macbook came out I know it was just perfect, great price AMAZING features.

So well i picked the 1.83 model, it has everything you may need and more, iLife, totally useful, photo booth to entertain yourself a lil bit and front row! front row is awesomei tlet you see all your pictures, videos, dvds, etc.And using it is just amazing, it feels like using your iPod!!

The mag safe power conector is awesome,luckily my mac has not been threated by any fall, but knowing it wont go flying is really cool.

Mac os x its just really intuitive, i had never use a mac before and i thought it would be a little though at first,but none of that! the next day i had all my info in my mac!!

This computer its beautiful, inside and out, the apple logo in the front looks georgeus when its illuminated.

I would have just like it had a super drive and not a combo drive:( but well it cant be perfect!

The only issue is that the computer runs extremely hot!! specially on the bottom, its not like some people say that you can not even touch, you can use it perfectly, but i would recommed you to use it in your lap.


In conclusion, I think this is the better laptop i could have bought! i simply love it!!

Update : My first Mac has gone from being a secondary laptop to being my primary laptop. Mainly due to the excellent OSX and Safari web browser, which beats Windoz and IE hands down. I've become more proficient with Macs.

What I HATE about the Macbook(and also a 17" Powerbook I bought to play around with) is that these things COOKS- an egg! Flip it upside down and they work as George Foreman grill and you can fry burgers on these. Updating to 10.5 Leopard is even more demanding. In Summer I wonder if the laptop is heating up the room more. It makes the Macs feel inefficient and even (undeservedly) low tech and unreliable. I hope they use better cooling and one of those centrino or whatever comes up next cooler running processors.

Sometimes I wonder if the white plastic casting will melt. It hasn't but it has turned yellow at the track pad, palm rest etc where in comes with contact with human skin. This is a manufacturing defect and Apple has acknowledged it and fixed the issue on later White Macbooks. They offer a free replacement (the palmrest etc only) for the earlier Macbooks IF it is still under the one year warranty. Well, I didn't know about this so I missed the deadline . While most Macbooks are quite problem free, there are many other issues with reliability with the Macbooks and Macbook Pros you can easily find online with a search.

x x x
My first Mac. Switching is like learning to drive a right hand drive car. A little frustrating at times but the MAC OSX is Very well designed and intuitive and user friendly. The upcoming Windows Vista looks a lot like a MAC OS.

If you're new, your local store can offer help if you have questions. I also signed up for Pro Care. $99/year . Also bought .Mac for $99 (or family pack for $179).

When you buy it, it is so nice to carry that box in your hands.

PROS:
Security. Virus, spyware etc are rare, almost none.

STABLE.
Hard to crash. Especially if you're doing video editing, 3D computer modeling and animation etc. Pros all switched to Macs now. Once you go Mac you don't go back.

FAST.

USER FRIENDLY. Simplicity. Most Mac users love their Macs. Some very smart little touches.

Very responsive interface. Computer starts fast. Programs starts fast.

iMovie HD is nice for doing simple hi def HDV editing(upgrade to Final cut express or final cut pro), iphoto a little too basic but ok for digital photo work(upgrade to Photoshop or Aperture), Garage Band is fun and quite versatile if you're a musician, iSight camera is fun for a short while but I hardly use it, good for iChat perhap.

Motion sensing Harddrive! Prevents damage from sudden movements/ drops of the laptop. My Sony topend laptop dropped merely one inch on the desk and needed a new harddrive. Not with the Mac.

CONS :
No word processor!
Throw in that word processor darn it. It comes with a 30 day trial of Apple's own 'Pages' and you can buy MS Word or any other software you want. It does come with a very basic Text edit.

Laptop gets hot.
Thats why they call it notebook now cause you'll heat your laps, esp when plugged in to ac/dc.

The new GLOSSY Screen is BRIGHT and SHARP with great COLORS. But the Blacks are are not really true black except from certain viewing angles. This is not obvious viewing text. But only when you use a screensaver with a lot of black(which Apple cleverly avoid putting in the system) or viewing DVDs or editing photos. Most laptops under $1000 are like that except a few premium ones like my other laptop with an x-black screen(on select Sony models) and the blacks are just black and watching DVD's, editing photos are fantastic. On the Macbook it's just not bad. Texts look good. That's a shame because Mac users are often working with graphics. Macbook PROs are better but at $2-2.7K.

***Tip : You can increase or decrease text size easily by pressing the Apple button and + or - key. How convenient.

Touchpad is large but marginally less responsive if you're used to moving your finger fast. Also it has only one button instead of two like on PC laptops makes it less convenient. But someone on Amazon told me you can go to system preferences>keyboard & mouse>trackpad and enable two finger on trackpad for secondary button.

Magnetic Macsafe power adaptor is nice.

One of the softest sounding built in speakers on the market! I guess they expect you to use either headphones or external speakers. But bring on less wimpy speakers next time please.

NO PCMCIA or PCIexpress slot. Can't use Verizon Wireless Broadband etc cards. Need Macbook Pro for these(and they use the new PCIexpress, not PCMCIA. Airport(wifi) works great but is not truly mobile.

$200 for a DVD burner upgarde when Dell charges only $50 for upgrade to DVD burner AND a 20GB HD. DVD burners don't cost more on Macs than on PCs. Another $200 for the Black instead of white shell. Overpriced! $1099, $1199, $1299 seems about right for the 3 Macbook models. Or throw in some iPod shuffle or nano with those models.

SOLID body but easiy scratched. I always protect mine with a case.

Battery life = a full 4 hrs! You'll see mac guys using no extention cords often while PC notebooks struggle with their 75 mins. Also very accurate battery meter compared to PCs!

Software updates takes awhile to download. Can't they just sell the CDs at the stores or by mail for a coupla bucks ?

I heard the next OS Leopard is going to be faster and better optimised for the Intel core duo.

Did I say fast for video editing? To my surprise it is similar in speed to the Pro models! Even in HiDef mode(HDV).

The Macbook PRO models are great for gamers with the seperate graphics card. But since i'm not too much a gamer , I don't need it. I HOPE APPLE MAKES A MACBOOK IN 15.4 INCH OR EVEN 17" SCREEN(aluminium or plastic case)PRICED LESS THAN MACBOOK PRO.

[I also put in a 1gb ram(a must for video editing), it is easy to do yourself. Just search Yahoo/google. Take out the battery, unscrew a metal cover and push a lever firmly and quickly to remove the 256mb ram. 1gb+256=1.25Gb ram works fine(don't have to be 512+512mb). Thousands of us have 256mb rams sitting around going to waste. ]

To get the negatives out of the way: The Macbook gets hot. This is rather unfortunate as it fits great while resting on your knee or in your lap. If someone is looking for a true 'laptop' I would recommend something on the PC side with the Pentium M processor as they are just warm to the touch. Another issue is with the potential whine from the processor 'idleing'. There are work arounds however that strangely fix the issue. Hopefully this will be a firmware fix in the future. Also the Macbook does indeed 'moo'. With that said it doesn't bother me as I understand the what is going on. Basically everytime you hear a 'moo' that's the fan under the hood blowing some air on the processor to keep it at a certain temperature. Preferably I think many people would rather have the fans running at a low but constant speed so as to keep the Macbook cooler.

Ok so now onto the positives and why the base model Macbook receives five stars:
Power! First off I must say that I have upgraded the ram to 1.25 gb. The stock 512 is ok but you'll find it sloggy after opening a couple of apps. Running a couple of non-scientific tests I feel the Macbook for non-GPU related tasks is just as fast as my dual processor 2ghz Powermac G5. The Macbook feels faster in day to day tasks like internet browsing and even under Final Cut Pro. The Intel Core Duo chip is a gem of a processor. After finally getting the screen calibrated properly (out of the box it has a pinkish tint) I have to say glare is a non-issue and that overall it's quite beautifull. Better than the glossy screens I've seen on other low-end PC notebooks.
Of course the software suite that comes with the Macbook is excellent. I don't think a lot has been mentioned about Front Row. Put simply it's a lot of fun, easy to use and I love the remote. It's great for showing content to people and in my opinion adds a lot of value. For color correction and cropping iPhoto is almost a Photoshop replacement for a casual user. Speaking of Photoshop, it's important to note that it is not universal yet. I find it tends to run slow but it's useable.

So if you need a new 'portable' Mac or are considering the switch then I think the Macbook is an excellent value for the power.

I had read quite a bit about the new Intel MacBooks, but was really blown away by the reality of the one we brought as a graduation present for our daughter. It is beautiful for the eyes, and to the touch, and even its size and heft are perfect. It set up in minutes, connected to our home wirless network and flawlessly downloaded updates to the operating system and to MicroSoft Office, which I bought separately. The glossly screen does not provide the glare I feared it might. Instead it makes the colors deep and vibrant. I have not had any issues adjusting to the keyboard, nor has she. It is a fun, friendly and very useful little machine. We've had it for three weeks now, and I want one for myself!

First...don't be fooled by the few vocal posters complaining about lemons. Any new electonic device has the potential to be DOA, but these are rare, and if you are unlucky enough to get one, AppleCare will take care of the problem with its best-in-industry service...not to mention Amazon's great return policies.

Now, on to the review....

This machine is great. Here's what's best about it:
1) The OS and free bundled software are awesome!! This doesn't get much mention, but it is HUGELY important. iLife is great, OS X is super easy to get going, very secure (do NOT install antivirus [..] as this stuff isn't necessary at this time and can cause problems) and a real pleasure to use.

2) Size. The Macbook is just over 1" thick and it is relatively light. But it also feels very sturdy and well built.

3) It runs Windows XP, just like any other PC. I'm not sure why you'd want to do this, but you can install and run Windows natively with Apple's freely downloaded Boot Camp, and this adds considerable value.

4) The screen is very bright and clear. I don't much care for the glossy screen because of glare that can appear in certain lighting conditions, but it does look good and many people swear these are better than matte screens.

5) Built-in webcam is actually pretty useful and definitely fun.

6) Upgrades to HD and RAM are very easy to do yourself as access is a breeze. Just be sure you have a 00 philips and an 8x Torx wrench.

7) My macbook runs very cool. Even when reinstalling the OS without all the extra languages and stuff I don't need (this gives you several extra gigs), which requires lots of CD reading, disk spinning and stuff, the Macbook never got hot. Warm, of course, but nothing like what people are suggesting is common.

Now, the not so good...
1) 512 MB of RAM is just NOT good enough, sorry. I think upgrading to 1 GIG (2x512) is basically a requirement ASAP, which adds about $100.

2) A 60 Gig drive is also not enough for me. I'd say 100 Gig is a minimum. This adds another $100, but you can do this when space starts to be really an issue and you also get an extra 60 Gig drive to use as a backup, so it is actually not that expensive and works out in the end.

3) The trackpad and button aren't as comfortable feeling to me as those on my Macbook Pro. In fact, I'm not sure that I like it at all, but it would probably be easy to get used to.

SUMMARY: I really do think that this notebook is going to give you the best experience and out-of-box capability for the price. Just be sure to upgrade the crappy 512 RAM that it comes with and you'll be good to go!!!

I enterered the Mac world last January when I purchased a Mac Mini (with the PPC chip) for family use. I like it very much. This July was time to upgrade my laptop computer, and I was facing a dilemma, as I need some Windows only applications (basically Access databases) in my job. Then Apple unveiled the Boot Camp solution, and a couple of days after that Paralells launched a wonderful apllication called Paralell's Desktop for Mac (a US$ 50 investment) that allows Windows to run inside the Mac OS environment, so I dont't need to face the dual booting hassles. Voilá! Now I'm a very satisfied MacBook owner, using Mac OS applications most of the time, and switching to Windows almost seamlessly, when I need to. My MacBook is the low end model, with memory upgraded to 1 GB (This is an upgrade I stronly recommended) . The performance is great using the Mac OS and very good using Windows (the only perceivable delays are related to file management chores, like opening and saving files; when I run Excel macros and generate Access reports in medium size databases the performance is amazing). I haven't faced the problems related to noise that were reported by many users, but the heat at the bottom of the computer makes operating it on my lap very unconfortable. The glossy screen is very confortable, with great colors. I haven't played with the remote control/Front Row application, so I can't comment about it. For practical reasons I'd rather prefer the black body, but I didn't want to spend the extra money. This computer is a small wonder, and for US$ 1.200 (with 1 GB) is a great value. Go for it!

This is my first new computer in 10 years and it's the one to get. I've built a website , made movies, all kinds of great programs that come right on the Mac. It's so easy to use and figure out, and the help programs are excellent, the computer will tell you how to use it. The built in camera is high def and Macs are very artist friendly with their great graphics and creative programs, it's all one needs. The size and product design is sleek and minimalistic, almost Swedish :) This computer IS the future, period.