As I mentioned previously, I purchased a MacBook so I will start my first Buyer's Guide on this particular model class. Lets start with the configurations which are available for this product class. From the table below, you can see the 3 different choices available. The entry level has a 2.0GHz CPU where the mid-level and high-end models have a 2.2GHz CPU. As the CPU is soldered onto the motherboard, you cannot upgrade this at a later stage even if you wanted to. The second difference to focus on is the optical drive. The entry level has a DVD readable & CD read/writable drive whereas the mid-level and high-end models have a SuperDrive which gives you DVD & CD read/writable drives. Again, these MacBooks are not like the PC counterparts where you can easily switch out the components. They are imbedded into the MacBook and will require a professional for exchange or upgrade. Then for each model you also have an increase in hard disk size and price. The last difference which does not sound so significant is the color. You will see that the color does plays an important role in the cost factor. The entry level and mid-level come in white whereas the high-end model comes in black. So to sum up, to go from entry-level to mid-level you pay $200 and get a better CPU, optical drive and larger hard disk (+40GB). To go from mid-level you again pay $200 dollars and you get a bigger hard disk (again +40GB) and a black MacBook. Did everyone get that? You are clearly paying a premium for a black laptop! If you do a simulation on the Apple Store it cost $1374.00 to have the same specs, which calculates to $175 for the color black! Here are the specs so you can see for yourself.
Configurations
| 2.0GHz MacBook(MB061LL/B) | 2.2GHz MacBook(MB062LL/B) | 2.2GHz MacBook(MB063LL/B) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | White | White | Black |
| Price | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,499 |
| Processor | 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| L2 cache | 4MB shared | 4MB shared | 4MB shared |
| System bus | 800MHz | 800MHz | 800MHz |
| Memory | 1GB (two 512MB) of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300); supports up to 4GB | ||
| Hard drive | 80GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm | 120GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm | 160GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm |
| Slot-loading optical drive | Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) | 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) | |
| Graphics | Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory | ||
| Video | Built-in iSight camera; mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video (requires adapters, sold separately) | ||
| Display | 13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy TFT widescreen display, 1280 by 800 resolution | ||
| FireWire | One FireWire 400 port (8 watts) | ||
| USB | Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps) | ||
| Audio | Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, combined optical digital audio input/audio line in, combined optical digital audio output/headphone out | ||
| Networking | Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet | ||
| Wireless | Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module | ||
| Hardware accessories | Apple Remote, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, lithium-polymer battery | ||
There are optional upgrades for the memory and hard disk which are available when you purchase your Mac and can be purchased at a later stage.
For the reasons mentioned above, I purchased a mid-level MacBook with a 1GB memory upgrade (2GB total). I do not have the additional 40GB hard disk but I have a more powerful Mac and still paid less than the black one.
For more information, you can refer to the MacBook website here.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment