Review: Apple Macbook Core 2 Duo notebook computer

Apple’s computer range runs from basic desktops through to high-end Macbook Pro notebooks, but it’s the relatively cheap MacBook that steals the show.

The latest breed of Macbook, now with Intel’s Core 2 Duo processors providing the oomph, is an update of 2006's dual-core version introduced last year.

Outwardly, not much has changed from last years Macbook, apart from the replacement of the Core Duo processor with the more recent and faster Core 2 Duo. However, several months using the original Macbook unearthed a number of overheating cases that shut down the computer when it got too hot.

Thankfully, this isn’t something we’ve noticed with two Core 2 Duo notebooks we tested, although both became uncomfortably warm after prolonged use. Nevertheless, it seems Apple has addressed these issues.

We discussed several benefits and shortcomings of last year's Macbook and they apply equally to the new version; we still think the fastest model with the black finish (tested here) is criminally overpriced compared to the white versions.

The keyboard is also rather odd, with individual keys planted into the outer shell. That said, it's comfortable to type on. The screen is glossy but also stunning to look at, and the Apple operating system, OS X Tiger, runs fast and smooth.

Our Macbook had a 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of system memory and a 120GB hard disk. The notebook’s wireless adapter found more wireless access points than we saw from a similarly-specified Fujitsu Siemens notebook.

Incidentally, our Macbook's matt-black finish felt much better than the white version. The overall design is far superior to most Windows-based notebook computers too.

We were also able to successfully install and run Windows Vista using Apple’s Boot Camp software.

However, an extra £120 for a different colour and 40GB more storage space doesn't represent good value and we'd recommend opting for the white Macbook instead.

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