Ports

The ports are all on the left edge; on early models, from left to right, they are the MagSafe power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, mini-DVI, FireWire 400, 2 USB 2.0 ports, audio in, audio out and Kensington Security Slot.

For the unibody polycarbonate MacBook (2009), the ports from left to right are the MagSafe power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, Mini DisplayPort, 2 USB 2.0 ports, audio out and Kensington Security Slot.

On the front, there is a power light and an infrared receiver, while on the right edge, there is only the optical drive.

User serviceability

The polycarbonate Intel MacBook is easier for users to fix or upgrade than its predecessor. Where the iBook required substantial disassembly to access internal components such as the internal hard drive, the Macbook requires that users only remove the battery and the RAM door to access or replace the hard drive. Apple has provided do-it-yourself manuals for these tasks on the Apple website.^[10]

Quality problems

In February 2007, the MacBook was recalled because the graphics card and hard drive caused the computer to overheat, which would force the unit to shut down.^{[citation needed]}

Some early polycarbonate MacBook models suffered from random shutdowns; Apple released a firmware update to resolve them.^[11]

There were cases reported of discolored or chipping palmrests. In such cases, Apple asked affected owners to contact AppleCare.^[12]

There were problems with batteries on some 2007 models not being read by the MacBook. This is caused by a logic board fault and not a fault with the battery.^{[citation needed]}

In February 2010, Apple announced a recall for MacBooks bought between 2006 and 2007 for hard drive issues. This is caused by heat and other problems.^{[citation needed]}

Technical specifications

Apple used the A1181 code, printed on the case, for the 1st generation polycarbonate family of models, though 17 variations may be counted if color is included.^[13]

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.^{[lower-alpha 1][14]}

Design

The design of the unibody MacBook has stylistic traits of the MacBook Air that were also implemented into the design of the unibody MacBook Pro. This model is thinner than the original polycarbonate MacBooks, and it made use of a unibody aluminum case with tapered edges. The keyboard of the higher-end model included a backlight.

Reception

Although Gizmodo concluded it to be "our favorite MacBook to date," they did claim, at this time, its display was inferior to that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out colors, and dimmer backlighting.^[36] Similarly, AppleInsider and Engadget concluded it "may well be Apple's best MacBook to date" and "these are terrific choices—not only from an industrial design standpoint, but in specs as well" respectively, while also drawing attention to a lower quality display as compared with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.^[37][38] Charlie Sorrel of Wired News reached a similar conclusion about the MacBook display, citing its poor contrast and lack of vertical angle in comparison with the MacBook Pro and even the older white MacBook.^[39] Peter Cohen wrote an article discussing the loss of the FireWire port for Macworld, saying "The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway."^[40]

Technical specifications

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.^{[lower-alpha 1][14]}

Design

The polycarbonate unibody MacBook is rounder on the edges than previous laptops in the MacBook line. This model has an all-white fingerprint-resistant glossy palm rest, unlike the grayish surface of its predecessor, and uses a multi-touch glass trackpad like the one found on the MacBook Pro. The video-out port is Mini DisplayPort. The bottom of the MacBook features a rubberized non-slip finish. This was prone to peeling off and Apple offered free replacements fitted by authorised agents until at least 2015 internationally. The built-in battery of the late 2009 revision, a feature introduced earlier in the year with the MacBook Pro, is claimed by Apple to last seven hours compared with five hours in the older models. However, in tests conducted by Macworld, the battery was found to last only about four hours while playing video at full brightness with AirPort turned off.^[48] However, Apple's battery life was calculated with the brightness at the middle setting and while browsing websites and editing word documents, not with video and at full brightness.^[49] Gizmodo also reached about the same conclusion in their tests, but with AirPort turned on.^[50] The battery included in the mid-2010 model holds an additional five watt-hours over the previous model's and is claimed to last up to ten hours.^[51]

Reception

Slashgear praised the polycarbonate unibody MacBook as "one of the best entry-level notebooks Apple have produced", but criticized it for its lack of a FireWire port and SD card slot.^[52] Nilay Patel of Engadget added that the USB ports were easily dented and the bottom of the laptop became worn and discolored after a few days. He also drew particular attention to the fact that the price was not lowered, stating the small price difference between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro makes it a "wasted pricing opportunity."^[53] However, most critics agree that the unibody MacBook's display is significantly better than its predecessor's. AppleInsider states the new display "delivers significantly better color and viewing angle performance" than the previous MacBook, but still "not as vivid and wide-angle viewable as the MacBook Pro screens."^[54]

Technical specifications

Models of the Macbook A1342 family

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.^{[lower-alpha 1][14]}