The flashy new MacBook

Apple Inc., the California-based consumer electronics company behind the ubiquitous iPod, has added a new set of computers to its electronic stable.

The new MacBook is freshly redesigned from its popular, previous generation with a host of new updates. The most highly touted of these is the updated aluminum “unibody,” as Apple calls it, which involves much of the base of the computer being hewn out of extruded and milled aluminum. This design lightens and strengthens the computer, simplifying and reducing complexity of construction. However, despite aluminum’s strength against breakage and twisting, it is also prone to denting, more so than the previous generation MacBook’s polycarbonate casing. This means dropping the computer can cause minor cosmetic damage, but will still be fairly invulnerable to serious damage.

Another addition to the new MacBook is the sophisticated, LED-lit screen. It uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the screen. LEDs are smaller, brighter and more energy-efficient than the liquid crystal display, or LCD of the previous generation MacBook. By switching to LEDs for the screen display, Apple also has increased color saturation, response time and picture clarity.

The button has been removed from the mouse pad on the keyboard, being replaced with a mouse pad that is in itself a giant button, simplifying ergonomics with a simple, intuitive design.

Apple Inc. has also touted its energy-efficiency in the redesign. The new MacBook is EnergyStar compliant and EPA Gold rated, meaning it is both more efficient and recyclable. And in addition, Apple has downsized the packaging of the MacBook, meaning it can fit more in a shipment, requiring less energy to distribute the MacBook. Its packaging is also recyclable, reducing the all-important carbon footprint that the computer has.

Aesthetically, the MacBook’s new, aluminum skin contrasts with the new black monitor surround and keyboard. The mouse pad is made from substantial glass. The new look is polarizing, with some praising its evolution and family resemblance with the new iMac, and some decrying its bi-chromatic color scheme. For those people, the classic white MacBook is still available.

Prices for the new MacBook start at $1299 for the 2.0 GHz model, rising to $1699 for the upgraded 2.4 GHz versions. If Apple’s reputation for high quality and consumer-friendliness continues, count on the new MacBook being a hit.

source:kealakai.byuh.edu