Windows - compatibility, ComboDrive, Screensize, Expensive upgrades
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
My fellow Ciao members,
Today I want to share my experiences with the Apple Macbook 2.0 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo - basic version AND all of this in context of daily usage.
The review will be structured as follows
Configuration, Cost, Look & Feel
Macbook in Action
Conclusion
1) Configuration, Cost, Look & Feel
* The standard configuration and comments
* Processor Using the Intel Core 2 Duo is definitely one of the best ideas Apple came up with for their computers. It is running quite smoothly and increases the user experience in my opinion.
* 1 Gb RAM (2x512 Mb) This memory is sufficient if you are not a multitasking person and tend to perform some basic office tasks. Sort of cumbersome if you want to upgrade to 2 Gb since you need 2 new chips like in my case.
* 13" display The display is okay for short sessions in my opinion - looking at this quite small display, especially for professional purposes is not one of the most comfy experiences in my opinion. However, if you have an extra monitor - no probs! Generally, the Macbook Pro is the laptop to go for if you want to use it professionally.
* Combo Drive This is one of my major critics for the Macbook - how can Apple show up with such an outdated device? I mean, honestly - nowadays, their SuperDrive should be standard and not only available with the more expensive versions.
* 80 GB HD The hard disk is absolutely sufficient with extra-cost for upgrading being fairly low. That looks absolutely fine to me.
* Cost The cost with currently 1099 USD at the official store is not overprized for an Apple product. As addressed above, some configuration upgrades from manufacturer's side could make this product much more appealing to a broader audience. Upgrades are fairly expensive, especially to 4Gb RAM, which is currently 850 USD - I mean, go for a Macbook Pro in that case!
* Look & Feel As per usual, a key strength of most Apple products, which also -admittedly- made me buy this laptop. Keeping it tidy is sort of difficult if used on a daily basis, however, the white computer is definitely sort of an eye-catcher on my desk!
2) Macbook in Action
For all basic tasks like running Office programs, Internet browsing etc the Macbook in its basic configuration is sufficient. If you fancy multitasking, it comes to some performance issues - better to upgrade your RAM. The screen is too small for longer sessions, and my neck never feels too relaxed after one of them;-) For games, don't even try it - If you like good computer games, forget about buying a Macbook, there are much better laptops available for the same prize. The Intel processor looks like a milestone to me but Windows performance via any of the available 'emulators' is still not entirely satisfactory, which is a major problem - but all this is no real news to most of PC users.
3) Conclusion
Like with many 'lifestyle products' this is definitely a nice-to-have computer. Strengths are solid performance on basics and great design. On the other hand, Professional usage is less recommendable with the standard Macbook (which it is not intended for maybe?): Screensize, RAM, and Windows performance don't allow for this. Honestly, the built-in ComboDrive is kind of a joke for a product from this manufacturer. Overall, I like my product - However, for daily usage it is not the laptop to go for! That's why I only give 2 out of 5 stars. In my opinion, it is recommendable for people who just like browsing with a nice gadget for some boring hours at home.
So far from my side - looking forward to your comments!
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