My wife and I wen to the new Garden State Plaza (Paramus, NJ) Apple Store in order to check out the MacBook. I have to say, if the display model is typical, I am very impressed. I am an owner of an iBook G4 12" 800 (Oct 2003 rev) that died after about 2 years of abuse (nearly took two HDs with it). Even further back, I owned a first gen iBook for 4 years (the blue toilet edition) that survived multiple dissasemblies for HD upgrades and a CDRW. A few items of note that I have not seen posted:
1 - BUILD QUALITY - So far, Wow! Again, if the shipped computer is this good, I have to think that APple finally woke up to the manufacturing problems inherent in the iBooks. Between family members and students I have had the chance to use about ten different iBook G4s of various configurations. Almost all of them had something not quite right - misalignment of top and bottom case, the battery never siting flush, weird mouse behavior - And dont get me started about the amazing disappearing rubber feet.
The Macbook is TIGHT (like a tiger...). The design feels much more meticulous than the iBook G4s, it moves silently, everything feels precision made - the iBook felt a little junky from the get go. Feels like a return to the build quality of the clamshell iBook (if not the durability - that thing was a friggin tank). I would like to addprops to apple for adding the solid hinge to this level of computer - a weakness of the iBook line that is now stronger.
Due to the magnetic closure I would say there is less stress on the hinge, as it does not have to "pop up" whenever a catch is sprung - making for a smoother ride.
2 - Speed - screamingly fast - instant opening of programs - sweet. Also, though Im sure this is affected by the number of open programs,sleep seems pretty instantaneous.
3 - Keyboard - I like it - my wife likes it - and the iBook keyboards were always one of the weakest links in the computer. They often arrived at least slightly warped, and keys popped off way too easily. This new design already feels more solid - though I have no idea how well it will hold up. Only time will tell. Also, the function buttons are full size now- a great improvement.
4 - Trackpad - Love the new double finger salute - both for right clicking and scrolling. Who needs a second button now?
5 - Battery - So I disconnected the magsafe adapter. With screen on full and running airport, reported 5:17 left. I know that will not be reality, but a better start than the iBook G4.
6 - The color - The white looks just like iBook white - and yes, it can be painted. The black looks awesome - very professional, very sleek, much more subtle than the white. Unfortunately, Im a teacher and dont have 150 to burn. Many people agree - the wait time on black is up to 5-7 days. As my wife said - its awesome, but a waste of $. Maybe on the next round...
Overall - this is just what it should be. It takes the iBook design flaws and fixes them, with some major improvements along the way. It's solid, and aspects of the iBook which felt cheap dont feel that way here. As for complaints about the graphics - not everyone is even close to a gamer, and it sounds like one for you guys will be coming out soon anyway.
Of course I ordered one - should have it by next week. Sweet.
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