Meet the Family. Now complete.

Apple has released the Intel Macbook, in three configurations, starting at $1099. The rumors were correct that there is a black and white version, although the black Macbook is only available in the $1499 2.0ghz model. All models include Front Row and the built in iSight camera, 13″ 1280×800 display, 512MB of RAM (expandable to 2GB of RAM). The Macbook includes an integrated graphics system based on the Intel GMA 950 graphics processor, with up to 64MB of memory (shared from main system RAM).

While the pricing seems a bit higher, the Macbook is a definite improvement in quality and features over the iBook. Apple has apparently tried to bridge the gap between the consumer iBook and the professional Powerbook user.

The biggest grips from potential buyers will be that the integrated graphics system is sub par, and the black Macbook, which is sure to be in demand, is $200 higher than the white version, and all you get (apart from a black exterior) is 20GB extra of hard drive space. Is Apple intentionally trying to steer people to the  $1299 white Macbook? Time will tell…

Category: News