Pada musim semi 2006, Apple meluncurkan MacBook, laptop 13 inci (33 sentimeter) yang akan segera menjadi fenomena. Ini menggantikan laptop sehari-hari Apple , iBook, dan model profesional, PowerBook -- dua laptop yang telah populer, tetapi tidak sesukses MacBook kemudian [sumber: Gallagher ]. Dalam waktu singkat, MacBook plastik putih mengkilap dapat terlihat memenuhi meja kafe di seluruh dunia, mempertaruhkan klaim mereka untuk mengimbangi ruang di samping latte dan muffin gourmet.
Mungkin kesederhanaan mesin yang membuatnya begitu populer. Dengan desain yang ramping dan elegan, tidak dibebani dengan embel-embel atau tambahan yang tidak perlu, komputer ini menjadi komputer klasik untuk mahasiswa baru, profesional muda, dan keluarga. Tubuh putih standar, dihiasi dengan logo Apple yang bersinar , tidak salah lagi familiar, meskipun beberapa bersedia untuk menghabiskan tambahan $200 memakai model bertubuh hitam yang lebih ramping. Tentu, pemilik PC memiliki komputer multi-warna dalam berbagai bentuk dan ukuran, dan dengan banyak tombol dan opsi yang dapat disesuaikan, tetapi pemilik MacBook tidak peduli karena mesin mereka kuat, sederhana, dan indah. Plus, itu adalah Mac, yang berarti ia menghadapi beberapa masalah yang mengganggu PC, seperti crash atau virus [sumber: Stein ]
Dengan semua kekuatan dan keandalan Mac, portabilitas dan tampilan profesional laptop PC serupa serta kesederhanaan dan kemudahan penggunaan yang membuat pecinta Mac dari banyak mantan pemilik PC, MacBook sesuai dengan gagasan banyak orang tentang komputer yang sempurna.
Tapi kemudian, tiba-tiba, itu hilang.
Pembaruan model terakhir untuk MacBook tradisional datang pada pertengahan 2010, dan pada Juli 2011 model tersebut telah dihentikan demi MacBook Air yang tipis dan model MacBook Pro yang sangat kuat. Apple tidak membuat masalah besar dari transisi -- mereka hanya berhenti menjualnya. Tetapi meskipun Anda tidak dapat membeli MacBook baru akhir-akhir ini, model yang diperbarui masih tersedia dan banyak orang terus memiliki komputer trendi yang menggemparkan pasar laptop pada dekade pertama milenium.
Jadi apa yang membuat Mac terlaris dalam sejarah begitu hebat? Teruslah membaca untuk mencari tahu.
- Spesifikasi MacBook
- Perangkat Lunak MacBook
- Aksesoris MacBook
Spesifikasi MacBook
Banyak dari spesifikasi dasar MacBook tetap tidak berubah selama empat tahun diproduksi. MacBook pertama memiliki lebar 13 inci (33 sentimeter), memiliki layar beresolusi 1280 x 800, menggunakan bodi plastik (polikarbonat) dan tersedia dalam dua warna: hitam dan putih. Versi final 2010 juga memiliki spesifikasi yang sama. Satu-satunya perubahan bodi utama terjadi pada 2008, ketika model unibody aluminium dirilis. Namun, pada tahun 2009 versi aluminium unibody diganti namanya menjadi MacBook Pro 13 inci [sumber: Apple ].
Perangkat keras internal, di sisi lain, ditingkatkan dari waktu ke waktu. Pada Mei 2006 ada tiga versi MacBook yang tersedia. Yang pertama memiliki prosesor Core Duo 1,83 GHz dan hard drive 60 GB . Dua yang kedua sedikit lebih bertenaga, dengan prosesor 2.0 GHz dan hard drive 80 GB. Ketiga versi memiliki memori 512 MB . Namun, pada pertengahan Juli, Intel meluncurkan prosesor Core 2 Duo barunya, dan penawaran MacBook November 2006 mencerminkan perubahan itu. Ketiganya dirilis bulan itu memakai prosesor Core 2 Duo baru (dalam 1,83 dan 2,0 GHz). Perubahan besar lainnya pada akhir tahun 2006 adalah MacBook tingkat atas sekarang memiliki hard drive 120 GB dan memori 1 GB -- ruang penyimpanan dua kali lebih besar dari model tingkat pertama [sumber: EveryMac ].
Selama empat tahun berikutnya, semua spesifikasi di MacBook terus meningkat. Pada saat komputer dihapus secara bertahap pada tahun 2010, penawaran telah meningkat pesat -- prosesor 2,4 GHz, hard drive 250 GB, dan memori 2 GB -- tidak jauh dari apa yang ditawarkan MacBook Pro 13 inci pada saat itu. .
MacBook juga menampilkan mouse touchpad (atau trackpad) yang berada tepat di depan keyboard dan kamera internal tepat di atas monitor. Model 2006 bisa mendapatkan 6 jam masa pakai baterai dari baterai lithium-polimernya, dan pada 2010 baterai bisa bertahan selama 10 jam. MacBook juga memiliki beberapa port untuk memungkinkan Anda terhubung dengan perangkat lain. Semua versi MacBook menampilkan port Ethernet, dua port USB, DisplayPort mini (untuk terhubung ke TV atau monitor komputer), port FireWire (untuk menghubungkan ke jaringan komputer) dan drive DVD. Beberapa versi awal memiliki port audio masuk dan keluar yang terpisah, tetapi versi yang lebih baru menggabungkannya menjadi satu [sumber: Apple , Apple ].
Berapa Biayanya?
Harga MacBook secara mengejutkan sedikit goyah selama masa tugasnya selama empat tahun. Ketika MacBook pertama diperkenalkan pada awal 2006, harga eceran awal adalah $1.099 [sumber: Apple ]. Versi terakhir MacBook pada tahun 2010 dijual seharga $999 [sumber: Bradford ] -- hanya $100 lebih murah dari pendahulunya.
Perangkat Lunak MacBook
Apple is known for putting great quality software on all its computers. One of the highlights has always been the Mac operating system. Distinctly different from the Windows operating system found on most PCs, the Mac OS has been applauded for its simplicity, high quality and ease of use. In 2006 the standard operating system on the MacBook was Mac OS X Tiger -- which included a bunch of useful tools like Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, QuickTime, Address Book and DVD Player. The 2006 MacBook also came with iLife (which included iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb and Garage Band) and Front Row, a media application [source: Apple].
It's clear that Apple found a winning combination with the MacBook's standard software, because by 2010 not much had changed. The operating system had gone through two iterations -- Leopard in 2007 and then Snow Leopard in 2009. Snow Leopard featured upgraded versions of the programs available with Tiger and Leopard, and a few additional features including Time Machine (a backup tool) [source: Apple]. It also offered iLife, which was made up of all the same programs as the 2006 version, except for iTunes (which is now available as a free download online).
While MacBooks already come with a great suite of software to make work and life easier, Apple offers a ton of extra software you can use to upgrade your system. One of the most popular software compilations is iWork, Apple's equivalent of Microsoft Office that includes page layout and design software, a spreadsheet program and presentation software. You can still get Microsoft Office for Mac, however, and Apple's version has file types that are compatible with the Microsoft version.
Another popular program for the MacBook is Logic Studio, which lets you record, mix and edit music. If you're a professional or amateur photographer, the Aperture software lets you edit and organize your photos. Final Cut Pro, another popular software, lets you edit video and other media using professional editing tools. With so many design and media tools, it's not surprising that Apple's software is used and loved by at-home experimenters and industry professionals alike.
MacBook Accessories
The standard accessory you'll get with a MacBook is a power cord -- which is good because even though MacBooks have a long battery life, a laptop is useless without a power source. Everything else, however, must be purchased separately.
Apple offers a wide variety of MacBook accessories for sale; many improve the functionality of your MacBook, making it easier to use. A mouse and keyboard -- either with a USB cord or wireless -- are great if you spend a lot of time on the computer or use the MacBook for work. The mouse is especially helpful because the MacBook's fingertip trackpad can be difficult to use for extended periods of time. You can also buy a variety of adapters, such as cords to hook the computer to a television or even to covert the power supply so you can use your computer in other countries. Other functional add-ons include a stand, a smart card reader and a projector [source: Apple Store].
Some accessories you can purchase make the MacBook more fun to use. For example, if you like listening to music you might want to buy headphones or speakers . On the other hand, if you like creating music, Apple offers several types of DJ controllers so you can mix your own music, a guitar input so you can hook up your guitar to the computer, a microphone and even a music keyboard. If you use your computer for watching movies, purchasing a remote control would allow you to control the video playback from a comfy place on the couch. You can also get a webcam for chatting or business.
Sure the MacBook is fun and functional, but it’s not exactly cheap. If you buy one, you’ll probably want to protect your investment by making sure the MacBook is safe from theft or damage. For that purpose, Apple offers locks so you can stop your computer from walking away, and screen and keyboard protectors to defend against scratches and spills. If you’re worried about losing the information stored on your computer, you can buy Time Capsule, which is an external data backup device that ensures you won’t lose any files if something goes wrong.
To learn more about Macs, browse the links on the next page.
I'm a Mac
You may have heard it said that there are two types of people: Mac people and PC people. But what is it about Macs that makes their users love them so much? One great thing is their simplicity. Sure, you can't rebuild the hardware or tweak the specs like you can a PC, but for the average computer user that's not a problem. Plus, it comes with great, quality software and isn't loaded down with unnecessary extras. Macs also have an especially stable operating system, which means they run faster and crash less often than most PCs [source: Stein].
Lots More Information
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- How the iPad Works
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- Fact or Fiction: Apple
- Top 5 Myths About Apple
- How Apple TV Works
- 10 Differences Between Macs and PCs
Sources
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- Apple Press Info. "Apple Unveils New MacBook Featuring Intel Core Duo Processors." Apple, May 16, 2006. (August 17, 2011). http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/05/16Apple-Unveils-New-MacBook-Featuring-Intel-Core-Duo-Processors.html
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