New MacBook more than a better iBook

The MacBook, no suffix, made its debut this week, and those expecting an underpowered replacement for Apple Computer's iBook lineup should have a pleasant surprise. Apple said the MacBook replaces both the 12-inch PowerBook G4 and the iBook line. And unlike the iBook's role as a kissing cousin to the PowerBook, the MacBook is a favored sibling to the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook comes in white and black models. The black version isn't a color option; it's a $200 premium above the next model down for a mere 20 GB of additional hard-disk space. Call it a cool tax. The MacBook's standard configurations cost $1,099, $1,299 and $1,499.

Beyond what's skin deep, all MacBooks have 13.3-inch LCD displays that handle 1280 x 800 pixels. Apple says the display is 70 percent brighter, with 30 percent more area (because of denser pixels) than the 12-inch iBook.

Besides the clipped name, there is much less to differentiate the professional model and consumer — or cheaper — laptop than there has been with the iBook/PowerBook, even after the iBook moved up to a PowerPC G4 processor.

The MacBook sports a 1.83-gigahertz or 2.0-GHz Intel Core Duo processor; it had been expected that Apple might opt for the single processor unit Intel Core Solo, which so far is found just in the cheapest Intel-based Mac mini. The MacBook Pro has 2.0- and 2.16-GHz models.

While all MacBook models include 512 MB of RAM, Apple charges just $100 to upgrade to a full gigabyte. Because the included RAM is two modules of 256MB, adding a 1GB card (for 1.25GB total) costs more than $150 when purchased from a third party. However, this is an easy laptop to which to add memory, so don't think you'll need a crowbar to do it yourself.

The consumer notebook has gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), as does its faster sibling, and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR networking. A modem is optional, as with the Pro line.

Where performance will vary is on the graphics side. The MacBook Pro has either 128 MB or 256 MB of dedicated high-speed graphics memory, depending on the model. All Pro models have connections that can drive LCDs up to Apple's mammoth 30-inch display, which requires two separate DVI (digital video interface) connectors.

By contrast, the MacBook follows the lead of the Mac mini released in February by using some of the included 512 MB of system RAM for graphics handling. It can handle up to a 23-inch external LCD display at 1920 x 1200 pixels, which is still impressive.

But where the iBook lacked second-monitor support, the MacBook can extend a desktop across internal and external monitors. Before you write in, yes, you could hack an iBook to use an extended desktop, but Apple didn't support that.

If you spend more than just a couple hours a day using programs that involve more than text (word processor, instant messaging, e-mail, desktop publishing), voice and the Web, it's worth considering a MacBook Pro. For regular video editing outside of iMovie, the MacBook isn't a good choice.

Apple offers DVI, VGA, composite and S-Video support through separately sold adapters. The DVI connector is a mini-DVI plug, and Apple probably knows its market by not raising the price to include a mini-DVI-to-DVI connector.

Hard drives and optical drives are another way to tell the models apart. The MacBook has a 60- or 80-GB drive that runs at 5400 revolutions per minute (rpm). The MacBook Pro includes an 80-, 100- or 120-GB 5400-rpm drive. Only the Pro line offers a 10-GB 7200-rpm built-to-order option.

Unlike the iBook, which has involved 50 screws and a few hours to upgrade a hard drive, the MacBook's spinning storage has but a few screws and no complexity involved in a swap. This may not be important today, but if you want a 7200-rpm drive today or a 250-GB laptop drive when such a thing exists in a year or two, you'll appreciate it.

The least expensive MacBook includes a Combo drive (CD burner, DVD reader); the two more expensive options have 4x SuperDrives (CD/DVD burner). The MacBook Pro 17-inch model has an 8x SuperDrive.

The MacBook lacks the ExpressCard slot found in the MacBook Pro. ExpressCard is a high-speed adapter slot that will likely be utilized by Pro users for FireWire 800, fast versions of Serial ATA and SCSI for external hard drives, and advanced networking, such as cellular data network adapters scheduled for release later this year, and next-generation Wi-Fi known as 802.11n probably next year. If your list of needs doesn't include those items, then the MacBook's built-in FireWire 400 (one port) and USB 2.0 (two ports) should suffice.

It's clear that Apple thinks the future of videoconferencing is no longer next week. The MacBook includes an iSight video camera located just above the LCD display. All Intel Mac models have included this 640 x 480-pixel camera; a separately purchased iSight is $150. (Whether purchased or included, an iSight is a nice extra, as I can attest after my in-laws upgraded to broadband this month to wave at their grandson cross-country.)

All Intel Macs also include Front Row and the Apple Remote, which turns a Mac into a photo, video and music center from across a room.

The larger PowerBooks differentiated themselves from an iBook by a little-used PC Card (PCMCIA) slot, DVI output and a FireWire 800 port; the 12-inch model, only by DVI. With FireWire 800 found only on the 17-inch MacBook Pro and DVI included with the MacBook, it's clear to see why Apple didn't need another Pro model.

Glenn Fleishman writes the Practical Mac column for Personal Technology and about technology in general for The Seattle Times and other publications. Send questions to gfleishman@seattletimes.com. More columns at www.seattletimes.com/columnists