Apple's new 13-inch MacBook impresses
The new MacBook's bigger touchpad.
In case you missed it after checking out our rumor mill posts, live coverage of the Apple press conference, and even our collection of "unboxing" pictures of the actual hardware, you can now read CNET's full review of Apple's new 13-inch MacBook.
The redesigned MacBook is a solid improvement on an already well-loved system. The new aluminum frame essentially makes it a smaller version of the MacBook Pro, and even the new Nvidia chipset and integrated graphics are impressive, offering playable frame rates in games such as Quake IV and Call of Duty 4 (as long as you keep your expectations modest).
It's a shame the entry $1,099 price is gone (replaced by a $999 version of the previous plastic MacBook model), and that the FireWire port went out to get some milk and never came home. Otherwise, we're calling this one an overall winner.
New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan. 
I tell ya these trade blogs just give Apple a rubber stamp and move on. Nevermind any true innovation, or quality. Check the Apple discussion forums for s glimpse inot the real world of Apple. Alot of manufacturing shortcuts being taken, alot of mysteriously missing posts.
I also saw the 8.9" and 10" Eee PC's there as well. Very slick little machines at a fraction the cost of the new Macbook. In fact, they are running a promotion through the end of October - for a chance to win all you need to do is visit http://www.arod.tv and enter your name and email address. I get an assist (please rank with 5 stars) in trying to win a contest and everyone who votes is also entered to win. Since there are not a lot of people voting you'd stand a pretty good chance at a free netbook. Good luck!
- by jscott418 November 4, 2008 4:25 AM PST
- With the problems Apple has had lately with new products. I think I will wait a while before considering.
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- by stewbacca November 13, 2008 10:42 AM PST
- What's with the tired mouse button argument. For the record, the track pad features a right and a left mouse click by, imagine this, clicking the pad on the left or right side, accordingly.
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(9 Comments)I was really not happy with the fact that Apple much touted Firewire was gone and again as with the one button mouse. Apple has decided we need NO mouse button. Another port I was hoping for was a SD card reader slot. Again in Apple's one sided design thought process I guess it would have made things look too cluttered. I don't know what their reasoning is but the lack of features can be accepted on a MacBook Air. But certainly not on a MacBook Pro or even a MacBook.