Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION)

by Apple

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 12.8 x 1 inches ; 5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001QCWQNK
• Item model number: MB881LL/A
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,092 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 26, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Stylishly and intelligently designed for your on-the-go digital lifestyle, Apple's MacBook is the perfect confluence of affordability, innovation, and powerful computing. This latest iteration of the affordable "white" MacBook line (model MB881LL/A) gets a boost in video processing power from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics chip and doubles the RAM to 2 GB (with a 4 GB maximum capacity). You'll enjoy quick and nimble multitasking thanks to the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor--which bumps the frontside bus speed from 866 MHz to 1066 MHz--and the 13.3-inch glossy widescreen display provides the perfect combination of pixels and portability. This MacBook also features a 120 GB hard drive and an integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi LAN that provides compatibility with older 802.11b/g routers as well as the faster throughput of Apple's Airport Extreme.

Measuring 1.08 inches thin and weighing only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). See a larger version of this image

Measuring a mere 1.08 inches thin and weighing in at only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). A durable polycarbonate shell in white keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life. It also offers a unique keyboard design that sits flush against the bed for a sleeker, lower profile--which means you experience a firm, responsive touch when typing. Other standard Apple "extras" includes a built-in iSight video camera and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.

It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser.

Other hardware features include a 24x combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 400 port, DVI video output, and Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144 MB of shared memory.

Apple Innovations
One of Apple's most celebrated innovations is the MagSafe power adapter connector with offers a magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, if you happen to trip over a power cord, you won't send MacBook flying off a table or desk--the cord simply disconnects, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors.

Cleverly integrated above your MacBook display is an iSight camera, providing easy video chat capability when using iChat. You can also snap photos in Photo Booth to send via email, as well as record videos and then edit them in iMovie before uploading them to web sites.

The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook, if you trip over the cord.

With two-finger scrolling, the trackpad becomes a fast track to wherever you want to go.

The trackpad can tell if you've got one finger on the pedal, or two. With two, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus. When you need right-click functionality, simply open "Keyboard and Mouse" in System Preferences and enable the secondary click preference. Opening and closing your MacBook is also a pleasure, thanks to a magnetic latch that catches without a catch. And because it's a magnet, there are no moving parts to snag, jam, or break.

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, ultra-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With a substantial 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.

Hard Drive and Memory
The 120 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 512 MB) have 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.

Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.

Display and Graphics
Whether you're working on a Keynote presentation or watching a movie before you catch a flight, every document, video, and photo on your MacBook will look sharp on the glossy 13.3-inch widescreen display. With pixel-perfect 1280-by-800 resolution, it's great for viewing and working with media. Video is powered by the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor, which shares 256 MB of DDR2 SDRAM with main memory. Graphics-intensive features in iPhoto and iMovie are smoother and 3D game play--from Spore to Call of Duty--is faster and more responsive. You'll get extended desktop and video mirroring, with simultaneous support of full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display--both at millions of colors

Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.

Other Features

Connect to your network, a desktop monitor and all your peripherals with two USB 2.0, one FireWire, one DVI video output, and one Gigabit Ethernet.

• 24x slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW super drive (writes 24x CD-R, 16x CD-RW; reads CDs at 24x and DVDs at 8x)
• Mini-DVI port for video output (VGA adapter and mini-DVI to DVI adapter sold separately)
• Built-in stereo speakers and omnidirectional microphone
• Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in
• Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out
• Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port
• Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded numeric keypad
• Solid-state scrolling trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
• Kensington cable lock slot
• Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
• Measures 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5 pounds

Preloaded with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks).

Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '09
The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:

• Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
• A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
• Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
• Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
• A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
• Major enhancements to Mail and iChat

Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, email and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network.

Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.

The MacBook also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an email address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.

Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand); Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive; iWork '08 (30-day trial)

Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Amazon.com has certified this product is Frustration Free. A Frustration-Free Package is easy-to-open and comes without hard plastic "clamshell" casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It's designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping. Products with Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without the need for an additional shipping box. Learn more about Frustration-Free Packaging.

What's in the Box
MacBook, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, lithium-polymer battery, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation

Product Description

MacBook has everything you need to do everything you need. Advanced NVIDIA graphics provide outstanding performance for 3D games and graphics-intensive applications. The fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of memory standard give you more than enough horsepower to get the job done. MacBook includes a 13-inch glossy widescreen display that makes images come alive and offers a slew of innovative features, including a built-in iSight camera,4 AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi,2 a 120GB hard drive,3 and a SuperDrive for burning CDs and DVDs. And since MacBook is sure to become your constant companion, a durable white polycarbonate shell keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life. (2)Based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Wireless Internet access requires a base station or other wireless access point and Internet access; fees may apply. Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort Extreme. (3)GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less. (4)Video chatting requires a broadband Internet connection; fees may apply. (5)Weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 132 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full Review of the New MacBook... by a former Windows PC User, February 10, 2009

By 

E. Riley - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION) (Personal Computers)

My review... take it for what it is... mine. (I provide my story so that you can see why I purchased this computer. If you don't care, don't read the review).

To me, Mac always seemed like it would take a leap of faith. Having had very little interaction with Macs and even less knowledge about them, I was set to be a Windows boy for life. However, recently I found out that I will be going on a ship that is gone all of the time (I'm in the Navy). Needing to have my kids see me reading books to them and me needing to see my kids, I planned on leaving my current laptop with my wife and getting a new one for me (she doesn't care about electronics). This way we could create DVDs and send them to each other for our kids and myself. I went into a store looking to spend not too much and was attracted by the HP entertainment laptops. However... when looking at a $[...] laptop I knew I would have to add an anti-virus ($[...]-$[...]) and a movie making program ($[...]-$[...]). The guy at the store told me that for what I was looking at in price I should check out the Macs.

Low and behold... there were the Macs. Each sitting there, looking different, and pricey. I was then told about iLife and how I would be able to use iMovie to make my movies, iChat to chat with my family on webcam, iPhoto to import and fix up pictures, and other stuff. WoW! My previous experience with the Windows based programs of this nature was that you'd be better off buying these types of software than using what was included by the computer. However, the sales guy, who was not on commission, swore by them. Also, Macs don't need anti-virus software to boot! I was sold when he told me the difference in the customer satisfaction index when comparing Macs and all of the other computer makers.

I took the plunge.

As you can see from my stars... I'm glad I did. I will NEVER go back to a windows based PC. EVER. While this computer has a few cons, which I will list later, it is much better than what you can get for the same price as far as a PC. Here is what I liked:

The Exterior:

This computer is small. Its compact, it feels really sturdy, and its stylish. There is an apple on the back that lights up from the light of the LCD screen, pretty neat. Also, the keys have just the right punch for those of us that know how to type. The F keys also double for the bright level of the screen, the feature expose (which is outstanding!), and movie stop, go, vol, etc. There is an eject button next to the F12, which works well with this type of drive.

The Interior: iLife is a great program. All of the stuff that comes with it will ensure that unless you need something very very professional you won't have to buy any software. Home videos are awesome with this thing. I can't really compare Leopard to the previous operating systems... since this is my first mac... but I can tell you that it kicks vista's butt. An example; I wanted to hook up my printer, which has only been used on Windows PCs before, and I plugged it in. That's it. I plugged it in and it worked. No drivers, no software, nothing. As soon as I plugged it in and click to make it my default printer it was printing. HOLY COW! THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN MISSING! Since I've started using my Mac I have had ZERO "trying to find a solution to the problem" pop ups, ZERO "this program has stopped working", ZERO freezes, ZERO compatibility issues with current hardware (external drive of music and wireless network), and ZERO defects found.

Now the cons:

1) 120 GB hard drive... Yes its easy to hook up the "time machine" or to keep all of your photos or movies on an external hard drive, but for a company that has a 120 GB MP3 player that's just over $[...]... come on!

2) The mouse pad doesn't let you double click for actions to occur. You have to push the button. As a lifetime Windows user this took some getting used to. However... you can scroll up and down easily by using two fingers. I've enjoyed this so much that I'm going to call it a draw :)

3) No multimedia slot for media card, etc. Apple! What are you doing?!?! Its a simple thing to install and it make it much easier for me so that I don't have to always remember where that stupid USB cord that hooks my camera to my computer is. I'd much rather take the card out and insert it.

That's all of my cons.

Once again... I LOVE THIS MAC. On the 2 GB of RAM that it has it works just as well as a windows PC with 4 or more GB. That's because the OS is designed better and the processes don't bog it down. The processor is fast enough to where this seems faster than my wifes 2.4 gHZ laptop (of course that is in conjunction with other aspects of the computer). The colors are great, and the system is great. You WILL have the "Mac Learning Curve" as I was told... it takes about 4-5 hours to get used to and 10-15 to really get to know, but its worth it. Plus, Apple puts videos on each function so that when you open it, it explains how to use it.

I took the leap of faith, and now I'm a believer. So long windows!!! Never again! Spend the extra [...]-[...] bucks... you'll save it anyway by not having to get the anti-virus and having all the stuff you need on it. Oh, and go to [...] after you get your Mac. Its a non-profit site that I've started using to help me learn the system and it's great.

FIVE STARS!

***UPDATE***

Still using this MacBook and still loving it. I've gotten really good with what it has to offer and am still amazed at how easy it is to use compared to Windows based PCs. The iLife 09 software (incl) has proven itself very useful and works well with other software. An example, Photoshop works well with iPhoto. I haven't run into any wall and still recommend it with 5 stars.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply works...., February 13, 2009

By 

D. Simko (PA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION) (Personal Computers)

This is my first mobile Mac - and I like it. I had spent more than a few hours pondering the decision of which MacBook to get and I feel that I picked the right one for my needs.

This White 2.0 MacBook is a terrific combination of price and features: you can expect similar performance to the uni-body Aluminum 2.0 MacBooks, but $100s cheaper. Plus, this MacBook comes with FireWire and uses cheaper DDR2 ram. Only significant trade off that I can see is losing the uber-cool uni-body design. Less significant is not getting the uni-Body's LED backlight, multi-touch, and some monitor support.

Comparing this MacBook to previous generation MacBooks (non-unibody); the change to the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M will provide a large boost in graphics performance over the Intel units. Supposedly, this is new hardware that OS X 10.6 will be able to take further advantage of.

Overall performance has surprised me. I had planned to drop in 4GB of ram and a 7200 rpm hard drive, but I am so pleased with the operation that I just don't see the need. I use it for web browsing, iPhoto, Mail, Word, Excel, etc. So far I have not experienced any stutters or pauses. If I were to run Vista apps or edit HD video, I am sure that this might change the need for more ram.

Regarding comfort, I have not noted any heat build-up, nor is there excessive fan noise. Keep in mind that I haven't taxed it much. The overall build quality seems fine.

Through the years I usually bought from Apple's refurb store, but I am am very pleased with this purchase and feel that I received an excellent value.

Follow-up Feb 26, 2009: "Still 5 Stars"

After several weeks of use on a daily basis, I continue to be impressed by this product and just how much OS X has advanced (and I am also a very heavy XP/Vista laptop user in my professional life). Everything just comes together so well and this MacBook's performance continues to surprise me. I just slammed it pretty hard by applying facial recognition to our 12,000+ piece iPhoto library and it just works great. Apple sure made up some ground in the last couple years.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Good to Be Home Again, February 13, 2009

By 

G.Ernest B "Mlodger42" (Romney, WV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION) (Personal Computers)

My first Apple was an Apple II Plus way back in 1980. Those five hundred dollar each 5.25 drives still haunt me. Then came 1985 and I switched to Microsoft and sold my box of Apple stuff. Since then I have been a Windows user both personally and professionally, finishing up a third career as a systems person managing hundreds of installations, servers etc etc. Upon retirement (who else has three laptops and five desktops running Linux, XP, Vista, and now OS X) I began to dabble once again in the Apple world. I think it was Vista that pushed me over the edge; Vista and all the evildoers who try to infect our PC machines with viruses and malware. Dante should have a new circle of Hell for them.

First I tried a MacMini to try out the operating system. It wasn't easy to upgrade but I did it--bigger HD and more memory. I love that little machine and it was cheap.

Then my old Toshiba laptop began to exhibit signs of death. Time for a decision. I could continue to use my test box Dell laptop D600 (solid machine) with three swapping HD's--Linux, XP, and FreeBSD (yeah, I know), or make the switch to Apple for good.

Being retired and semi-poor, I researched and went with this new MacBook White 2.0. First you just have to upgrade the HD and memory, but that is easy and cheap. The Momentus 320/7200 and some Crucial memory are the way to go, and your total cost is only about 130 bucks. Using SuperDuper to clone the drive is dead easy.

The MacWhite is kinda ugly, no doubt about it. Even my wife who is a very practical, no nonsense computer user and never cares what a computer looks like as long as it works, said it was an ugly little thing, yes? And yes, for the same bucks you can get a seemingly faster PC laptop with bigger screen. But hey, for a bigger screen, I use my MacMini on a nice old 19inch LCD. Laptops are for laps, for traveling, for packing around, and for daily use. If you can only afford one and want both, then by all means spend a couple of grand and get the big one with 17inch screen.

Overall I like the following: OS is a dream to use; ergonomics the best, software better than most and no time wasted on all that junk that you have to do to keep XP/Vista safe and running smoothly. Could that be the Unix ancestry? I think so. Weight and size are just fine for my needs. It is portable and connects quickly to foreign and domestic networks. I like the firewire that they kept, and the superdrive they added. I like the keyboard and ease of cleaning the case.

Things I would change if Apple hired old computer guys from the trenches: keypad on this model probably not as cool as that on the more expensive model; a black model would cost so much to offer for the same price; the display okay but again probably not as cool as the 1250 dollar model of the same machine with the aluminum case and backlit screen. Which has a smaller carbon footprint--polycarbonate or aluminum? Who knows. It seems tough and probably won't dent.

If you want good guts, though, and aren't a fashion conscious poser, then this is the box for you. Take the 3 or 4 hundred dollar savings and buy some extra goodies--bluetooth mouse, case, and some software plus upgrades and you will be much happier.

If you want a gamer, go upscale or get a high-end PC. I have Fusion on my MacMini and the Vista package only gets used about once a month. I may try the boot camp routine on this laptop if Windows 7 is worth anything, then again, by then I may be totally brainwashed and have only Linux and OS X.? Ubuntu sure has come a long way.

The price schedule could be improved for Apple products but then again, sometimes even a used Lexus is a better deal than a new Chevy.

I give it 4.5 stars. Good luck and enjoy your Macbook.

P.S. Oh yes, there are lots of good videos, training materials etc to get you from PC to Mac. And one last thing: their delete key is too bizarre: it is really a backspace key, but you can fool it into becoming a PC delete key by holding down the fn key while you use it, then it goes forward like we old PC geeks are used to seeing.