Apple MacBook Aluminium
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Average of 34 scores (from 43 reviews)
Reviews for the Apple MacBook Aluminium
PowerBook 12" Successor. Apple actually introduces a 13.3" MacBook Pro with the new Aluminium MacBook. In contrast to its bigger brother this smaller consumer laptop does neither have a dedicated graphics card nor FireWire nor ExpressCard slot. In this review you'll find out whether this new design notebook is to be recommended.
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
While we have our reservations about the cheapened trackpad and mouse button, the revised Apple MacBook is still a good value laptop with a very impressive balance of capabilities. A new graphics processor raises the game, making the MacBook well-suited to the high-definition video age. It may appear expensive set against circa-£500 laptops but its inclusive feature set, generally high build quality and bomb-proof operating system combine to make the entry Apple notebook a wise purchase. Add in the powerful iLife '09 suite of software, and the new MacBook represents an ideal choice for no-nonsense creative computing on the move.
80, Preis 80, Ausstattung 80, Verarbeitung 80
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/13/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% features: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: notebookforums.com Archive.org version
Some necessary background: I have always been a "PC guy". I need to say that up front. Back in 2007, when I was looking for a replacement for my aging Acer Ferrari 3200 notebook, I went and looked at a MacBook Pro then, and although I thought they were nice, I couldn't pull the trigger on one, considering I was going to pay about $300 or more then I would pay for a similarly configured Dell with my corporate discount. So, I bought a Dell, which I have been very happy with. This year, I decided I needed to broaden my horizions and after seeing the Macworld Keynote and how cool the new iLife looked, I thought I would buy a used mac on ebay and explore MacOSX and add that to my resume. Overall I'm extremely happy, and I will probably be selling my Dell once I get my data all on this laptop.
Leistung 90, Display 100, Mobilität 100, Verarbeitung 100
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/03/2009
Rating: performance: 90% display: 100% mobility: 100% workmanship: 100%
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
But the biggest problem, as always, is the staggering price: $2549. Dell’s XPS M1330 (web ID: 128888) is the same size and offers similar power and features for $1000 less – and that’s inclusive of the price of Windows. The design is nice, but it isn’t worth that much. So, while the Nvidia graphics chip is interesting, we’d advise keeping your wallet in your pocket until it appears in a more reasonably priced Windows laptop.
Preis schlecht
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/08/2009
Rating: price: 40%
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
In terms of design, this notebook is the class of the field. Not only does it look nice, but the materials are top notch and Apple’s thoughtful touches such as the MacBook’s innovative touch pad give it a good balance of form and function. If everything else was equal, or at least close to equal, a recommendation to buy this notebook would be easy to make. Performance is acceptable. This is certainly a step up from the previous generation MacBook, but it falls short of many notebooks in the same price range. Frankly, the old MacBook was always a disappointment with its weak IGP and temperature problems when pushed through even medium intensity tasks.
Verarbeitung gut, Leistung gut, Preis schlecht
User Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/31/2008
Rating: price: 40% performance: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
Like the MacBook Pro, this is Apple turning its design eye to the laptop and making a very shiny toy that is likely to appeal to the Mac set through and through. However like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook doesn't go completely unscathed. If this was my full time machine (I currently use a now old MacBook Pro) the two USB sockets so close together would frustrate me when it comes to being online via a dongle and accessing a USB stick - it would be impossible. The advantage here is that if you are prepared to loose a couple of the features - like the second graphics card and the ExpressCard slot then this is a great offering if you're tight on cash, but still want a Mac.
9 von 10, Display gut
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/19/2008
Rating: Total score: 90% display: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
Like the MacBook Pro, this is Apple turning its design eye to the laptop and making a very shiny toy that is likely to appeal to the Mac set through and through. However like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook doesn't go completely unscathed. If this was my full time machine (I currently use a now old MacBook Pro) the two USB sockets so close together would frustrate me when it comes to being online via a dongle and accessing a USB stick - it would be impossible. The advantage here is that if you are prepared to loose a couple of the features - like the second graphics card and the ExpressCard slot then this is a great offering if you're tight on cash, but still want a Mac.
9 von 10, Display gut
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/19/2008
Rating: Total score: 90% display: 80%
Source: Laptop Logic Archive.org version
Overall, we found the new MacBook a real pleasure to use as with all Mac products we've tested. It's a gorgeous, sexy piece of machinery and certainly the best MacBook yet. But we do question Apple's decision to make the MacBook so closely identical in looks and features to the MacBook Pro... Anyway, at $1299 starting, it's a tad more expensive than we had hoped it would be, but you do get a lot for your money namely the aluminum casing, glassy multi-touch buttonless trackpad and of course, the revolutionary unibody "brick" construction and for a whole $700 cheaper than the cheapest MacBook Pro model. Nonetheless it's a excellent buy for one of the best notebooks around on the market.
(von 5): 3.7, Ausstattung 3, Mobilität 4, Leistung 3, Verarbeitung gut
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/17/2008
Rating: Total score: 74% performance: 60% features: 60% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
As we’ve seen, the new line of Apple MacBooks isn’t without its faults. The absence of Firewire and the glossy screens are part of the problem (for certain users at least). There are also certain ergonomic failures, like the need to close and restart a session on the MacBook to change one graphics setting for another (the new Sony VAIO Z does it on the fly). The performance of the battery life isn’t very impressive, given that it’s less than that of the previous series. Lastly, let’s not talk about Apple’s stinginess, since it is operating these machines on the same processor as it does for the iPods. Then there’s the empty box of accessories (apart from the charger, luckily). That’s the last straw, all for a price that’s definitely not low.
Ergonomie mangelhaft, Display mangelhaft, Mobilität mangelhaft, Preis schlecht
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/11/2008
Rating: price: 40% display: 50% mobility: 50% ergonomy: 50%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
What we have then is a product that's unlikely to win over too many sceptics. It's simply too fundamentally Apple-like to do so. But if you're already an Apple user and are looking to upgrade, then you should start saving now. Lack of FireWire excluded the new MacBook is better in pretty much every way and if you're already Apple-minded, is well worth the premium.
(von 10): 8, Preis 7, Leistung 8, Asustattung 8
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/11/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 80% features: 80%
Source: Comp Reviews Archive.org version
Apple has done some major updates with their latest 13.3-inch MacBook design. It uses the same fabrication process as their aluminum clad MacBook Pros the give it a superb design and very solid frame. The updated technology increases performance by a fair margin and the ability to swap out the hard drive and battery make this a great alternative to those looking at the very limited MacBook Air. Still, the MacBook does have some issues such as its limited expansion ports and the glossy screen prone to reflections.
4 von 5, Display mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/10/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% display: 50%
Source: vnunet.com Archive.org version
Overall, it's impossible not to be impressed by the Macbook. The design is great, and Mac OSX is as easy to use as ever. On the other hand, it's also impossible to ignore the poor choice of sockets, shallow keyboard and slightly high price. For many people the plastic £719 model will be a better bet, but this is still a classy, if flawed, alternative to a powerful Windows notebook.
4 von 5, Preis mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/04/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 50%
Source: Mobile Computer Archive.org version
Though the specifications alone aren't much better than the old model, the new MacBook is still a well-specified laptop and the looks alone almost justify that price...
5 von 6, Verarbeitung gut, Leistung gut, Preis schlecht
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/30/2008
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 40% performance: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
You'll have a hard time finding anyone in the United States today who hasn't heard the phrases, "I'm a Mac" and "I'm a PC." Apple heavily invested in both design and advertising around that design over the last decade. Those investments have clearly paid off, but is the new MacBook really as impressive as Apple wants you to believe? Well, the answer depends on your answer to this question: Are you a Mac, or are you a PC? The lack of ports and overly glossy screen make the MacBook a less than compelling option for students and road warriors. On the other hand, if you specifically need a "Mac" the new MacBook is an excellent value. Bottom line, if you need a Mac laptop for less than $1,500 then the new MacBook makes a good choice.
Verarbeitung gut, Emissionen gut, Display schlecht
User Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/27/2008
Rating: display: 40% workmanship: 80% emissions: 80%
Source: vnunet.com Archive.org version
The new Macbook does not – as you might expect – replace the old one. There’s an updated version of the original Macbook with the white case still on sale, with a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB Ram and 120GB hard disk for £719. The metal Macbook is certainly an improvement over its predecessors, but the higher prices are disappointing.
(von 5): 4, Ausstattung 4, Leistung 4, Preis 3
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/23/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80% features: 80%
Source: Digital Trends Archive.org version
A variety of aesthetic updates, including Apple's unibody frame, LED-backlit display, and multitouch pad make the latest MacBook sharper than ever, but it may not be enough to justify the $1,299 base price if style isn't part of your agenda. Though its 13.3-inch frame puts in a highly portable size class, its weight and battery life both speak against it as a truly road-worthy notebook, and many cheaper competitors are more up to the task. However, for style-conscious portable computer users who need a notebook that looks and feels as good as it performs, Apple's new MacBook truly is the total package.
8 von 10, Display gut, Preis schlecht, Mobilität schlecht
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/23/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 40% display: 80% mobility: 40%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Some users may be put off by the reflective screen, and perhaps more again by the exclusion FireWire, leaving just ethernet and two USB for physical data ports. Then there is the issue of price, since the entry point for buying a Mac portable has now been raised, even by accepting the plastic-bodied starter at £719; but appreciably more if you want a unibodied metal ’Book, ast £949. Yet it is in construction terms that the MacBook has the trump card. With evey component seemingly blueprinted for a low tolerance fit, this MacBook is a marvel of engineering, which truly feels like no other. To experience its build quality hands-on is to want one.
(von 5): 4, Preis 3.5, Verarbeitung 4.5, Ausstattung 3.5, Display gut
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/20/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% features: 70% display: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The result is a surprisingly robust and streamlined notebook. It's a thing of beauty: The lines are clean, sharp and crisp. It's slightly lighter than its predecessor, but still fairly hefty at 2.04 kg. The new case design also facilitates easier access to the hard drive than in the previous MacBook.
4 von 5, Display gut, Leistung mäßig
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/20/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 60% display: 80%
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
Overall, the MacBook is a gorgeous and sturdy thin-and-light notebook that is well worth the premium. It matches serious graphics punch with good endurance, and its buttonless touchpad is surprisingly easy to use. The only major flaws are the dearth and placement of USB ports, and the continued lack of an ExpressCard and/or memory card slot. The $1,599 model we tested is excellent, but the $1,299 model (a 2-GHz CPU, 160GB HDD, and no backlit keyboard) offers better bang for the buck.
4 von 5, Display mäßig, Leistung gut, Mobilität gut
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/17/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% display: 60% mobility: 80%
Source: Reg Hardware Archive.org version
There’s no doubt that the new MacBook knocks spots off its predecessors in terms of both design and performance. However, the increased price does mean that Apple is taking something of a gamble with one of its most successful product lines. We suspect that the gamble will pay off – we really do like the new metal models, and we think punters of all kinds will when they get their hands on one – although the worldwide financial apocalypse may make some people think twice about upgrading their existing MacBook right away.
85%, Preis gut
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/17/2008
Rating: Total score: 85% price: 80%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
Apple's redesigned 13-inch MacBook is essentially a shrunken version of the more expensive 15-inch Pro line. With its new aluminum body, new trackpad, and Nvidia graphics, it's an even more attractive choice for mainstream laptop buyers than was the plastic model it replaces.
4 von 5, Verarbeitung gut, Display mäßig, Leistung schlecht
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/16/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 40% display: 60% workmanship: 80%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
The new MacBook is, as we all expected, very good but very expensive. We can see where all the money is going, though -- it's an absolutely gorgeous piece of engineering that you'll spend hours just looking at. If you've got the cash, we'd thoroughly recommend it. If not, you'll get more for your money buying a Windows machine.
8 von 10, Verarbeitung gut, Preis schlecht
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 40% workmanship: 80%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The Apple MacBook 13-inch (Aluminum) couldn't be more glamorous, glorious and magnificent—from a design standpoint. Shaping aluminum metals into gorgeous designs is the company's creed, and its skills easily surpass those of its Windows counterparts. Performance, meanwhile, gets a necessary lift from the Intel Centrino 2 platform and nVidia graphics. However, this is not the $800, or even the sub-$1,000 laptop, that we were all expecting. With the financial meltdown and the holidays looming, a $1,599 price (or $1,299 for the midrange model) may cause some hesitation from consumers, especially when these price tags come with a set of features more meager than Windows systems. If history serves me right, though, none of these pitfalls will matter, because design is what ultimately sells Apple laptops.
3.5 von 5, Leistung gut, Preis mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/14/2008
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 50% performance: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Notebookinfo DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 81% performance: 72% features: 75% display: 85% mobility: 73% workmanship: 95%
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/22/2009
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 80% display: 78% mobility: 87% workmanship: 98% ergonomy: 94% emissions: 91%
Source: Mac Welt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/18/2009
Rating: Total score: 95% performance: 97% features: 84% ergonomy: 98%
Source: c't - 2/09
Comparison, , Long, Date: 01/01/2009
Rating: performance: 80% features: 70% display: 70% mobility: 90% ergonomy: 90% emissions: 90%
Source: Tom's Hardware DE→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/17/2008
Rating: performance: 80% mobility: 80%
Source: PC Welt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/09/2008
Rating: Total score: 53% price: 89% performance: 24% features: 22% mobility: 100% ergonomy: 70%
Source: SFT - 12/08
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2008
Rating: performance: 80% display: 80% ergonomy: 90%
Source: e-media
Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 12/01/2008
Rating: display: 50% workmanship: 80%
Source: Connect - 1/09
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 12/01/2008
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 98% features: 66% mobility: 77% ergonomy: 92%
Source: Mac Welt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/10/2008
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 80% display: 50% emissions: 80%
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/31/2008
Rating: price: 40% performance: 80% features: 80% display: 40% workmanship: 80%
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2008
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 81% display: 80% mobility: 87% workmanship: 99% ergonomy: 94% emissions: 87%
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/29/2008
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 60% performance: 70% features: 30% display: 40% mobility: 50% workmanship: 100% ergonomy: 70%
Source: Magnus.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/28/2008
Rating: Total score: 100% performance: 80% display: 80% workmanship: 90% emissions: 90%
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/28/2008
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 70% performance: 70% features: 30% display: 50% mobility: 50% workmanship: 100% ergonomy: 70%
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/28/2008
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 90% display: 87% mobility: 83% workmanship: 99% ergonomy: 94% emissions: 89%
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2008
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 81% display: 82% mobility: 87% workmanship: 99% ergonomy: 95% emissions: 87%
Source: ZDNet DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/21/2008
Rating: Total score: 78% price: 30% performance: 80% features: 80%
Source: Arturogoga ES→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 11/12/2008
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: MuyComputer ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/28/2008
Rating: Total score: 84%
Source: PCM NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/07/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% display: 50%
Comment
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (G) / ION (LE): Integrated (shared Memory) graphics adapter. Built in in current MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air laptops and also used in the ION (LE) platform for netbooks. Also called GeForce 9400M G. Fastest available motherboard GPU (in 2009). Integrated PureVideo HD (VP3) video processor to decode HD videos with the GPU.
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Core 2 Duo: This is the Core Duo and Core Solo successor with a longer pipeline and 5-20% more speed without more power consumption. As an addition to the Core Duo design there exists a fourth decoder, an amplified SSE-unit and an additional arithmetical logical unit (ALU).
The Core 2 Duo for laptops is identical to the desktop Core 2 Duo processors but the notebook-processors work with lower voltages (0.95 to 1188 Volt) and a lower Frontside bus clock (1066 vs 667 MHz). The performance of equally clocked notebooks is 20-25% lower than Desktop PCs because of the lower Frontside bus clock and the slower hard disks.
P8600:
Fast but still not overpriced dual core CPU. For most games and multimedia applications sufficient and due to the 25W TDP even for smaller notebooks useable.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.13.30":
There are hardly any tablets in this display size range anymore. For subnotebooks, on the other hand, it is the standard format.
The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small and therefore easily portable. The smaller display also has the advantage of requiring less power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is more strenuous on the eyes. High resolutions are more likely to be found in standard laptops.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Apple: Apple is a US company founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, the company is known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, and manufactures computers and consumer electronics as well as operating systems and application software. Apple is also a leading provider of software and services such as the App Store, iTunes and iCloud.
Apple has earned a reputation as a company that focuses on design and ease of use. As for their notebooks, they are mostly in the high-priced segment, have their own operating system, but also run Windows on the newer Macbooks.
Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world and has a loyal following of customers and fans. The company also has a strong presence in the entertainment industry, with services like Apple Music and Apple TV+. In 2023, Apple had an approximate 8% market share of global PC sales, ranking it 4th after Lenovo, HP, and Dell.
82.62%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.