Apple Updates MacBook with Faster Processors

Apple on Tuesday updated its consumer MacBook computers adding faster processors, 1GB RAM and larger hard drives in all models.

The new MacBooks come in three models — a white 2.0GHz and 2.16GHz, and a black 2.16 GHz model. All of the MacBooks include a built-in iSight video camera and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking. The notebooks also come with iLife ‘06 and Mac OS X 10.4.9 Tiger.

“Our Mac business is doing just great right now and the MacBook is a huge part of that,” Todd Benjamin, Apple’s director, Portables Product Marketing, told Macworld. Quoting data from market research firm NPD, Benjamin said that Apple now holds more than 10 percent of the U.S. notebook market.

The MacBook, which turns one year old tomorrow, has seen a significant speed boost since its introduction. The new models run between 24 percent and 37 percent faster than the original models. As Benjamin points out a lot of that performance boost has to do with the move to Intel Core 2 Duo chips.

The 2.0GHz 13-inch white MacBook costs $1,099 and comes with an 80GB hard drive and a slot-loading Combo drive; the $1,299 2.16GHz white MacBook comes with a 120GB hard drive and a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support; and the $1,499 2.16GHz 13-inch black MacBook has a 160GB drive and a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support. There are also several build-to-order options available from the online Apple Store, including larger hard drives.

“Our consumer users are big fans of iPhoto, iMovie and buying music on iTunes, so there is a big demand for more storage,” said Benjamin.

Apple explained that instead of moving to Intel’s new Santa Rosa chip for this update, the company decided to focus on the value of the MacBook line.

“MacBook already offers some of the technologies available in Santa Rosa,” said Benjamin. “We decided with this update that we would add more value with processor speeds, RAM and hard drive space. We feel this is the prefect line-up for the Spring.”

Update: Added information from interview with Apple executive.