MacBook Released
Apple finally released the MacBook this morning after what seems like a month of false-rumors about the launch date. It comes with either a 1.8GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo, 512MB RAM, and a 60, 80, 100 or 120GB hard drive. Some have complained that the weight of the unit is too much. Weighing in at 5.9 pounds, that is actually heavier than the 14″ iBooks.
The display is a 13.3-inch “glossy” widescreen display, and that is what I have a question about. Why would anyone want a glossy display on a computer that is going to be used in all kinds of light situations? It would seem to me that the glossy screen would just throw back a reflection and make the screen harder to see in bright-light situations, such as outside. I guess I will have to see one to know whether or not that makes sense, but just reading it doesn’t.
Also, they are offering a white and a black version of the MacBook, which replaces not only the 12 and 14 inch iBooks, but also the 12 inch Powerbook (in size). For the black MacBook (or the BlackBook, as it has been called), it is an extra $200 ($1499) for the black finish in the exterior and 20 extra gigabytes of hard drive space. Is the cost of the black shell really that much more expensive. To add the 80GB to the $1299 version of the white MacBook is only $50, so essentially you are paying $150 for the black shell.
My instinct tells me that maybe Apple is just waiting to see what the demand for the BlackBook is. If lots of people start ordering it, maybe they will drop the premium for black exterior, and possibly refund any money paid for it before the units start shipping.
In addition to announcing the MacBook today, they also bumped the processor speeds of the 15″ MacBookPro, pushing the 1.8GHz to 2.0 and the 2.0 to 2.16. They have also dropped the glossy display into the 15″ MacBookPro.
I am just glad I got my 17″ before they decided to drop the glossy screen in it. I can use the mirror on the wall if I want to look at myself all day.
May 16th, 2006
I had the same feelings/questions about the “glossy” display. I’m interested in seeing one close-up because it just doesn’t make good sense to me either.
May 16th, 2006
I wonder if Cafe.Mac in Homewood has any in stock already? I have seen some Flickr photos of people going and buying MacBooks at Apple Stores today.
May 16th, 2006
Interesting observations about the price of the black one. I didn’t realize they were gouging people like that. After what you wrote about the glossy screen, I’m thinking maybe I’ll just go ahead and get a Mini (previously, was waiting to see what the MacBook news would bring).
May 16th, 2006
Turns out that if you are purchasing a MacBookPro (15″ or 17″) you can choose whether you want the glossy or matte display.
Quoting the Apple Store:
The glossy is standard on the MacBook.
May 16th, 2006
Still can’t get over the fact that the black one is $200 more… Like people won’t buy a black MacBook… That’s like saying the black iPod’s won’t be popular…
May 16th, 2006
My wife’s new HP laptop has a glossy display, and the color is great on it. Glare isn’t as bad as one might think, either.
May 16th, 2006
Maybe it is to offset the extra cost of producing the black cases?
I also noticed that the 60GB drive was not even an option on the BlackBook.
May 16th, 2006
Chris - is it one of those displays where it isn’t glossy if you are looking at it dead on?
May 16th, 2006
My wife has a VAIO with a glossy screen and the glare really isn’t bad and it’s crazy bright (It burns through a battery in no time)
However, I still prefer the screen on my MacBook Pro (non-glossy).
May 16th, 2006
Yeah, Jeremy, it is.
May 16th, 2006
Interesting. I guess I will just have to see it to formulate a solid opinion on it.
How does it perform in bright-light situations, like outside?