MacBook Early 2008

The Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.1 13-Inch (White - Early 2008/Penryn) is powered by a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.1 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T8100), which contains two independent "cores" on a single silicon chip. It includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus, and 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) installed as a pair of 512 MB modules. For storage, it has a 120.0 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology and an 8X/24X DVD/CD-RW "Combo" drive (which was upgraded to an 8X DL "SuperDrive" after October 14, 2008). The system uses an integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor sharing 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM with main memory and drives a 13.3" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1280x800 native resolution).

The MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" series retains the easily upgradable case design of its predecessors. Connectivity is also consistent, featuring AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire "400" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and mini-DVI for external display support.

These "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models also feature the "scrolling TrackPad", a built-in iSight video camera, the "MagSafe" power connector, a "flush against the bed" keyboard that avoids screen contact, and a "no moving parts" magnetic latch. Similar to the preceding "Late 2007" MacBook series, the keyboard does not have an integrated "numeric keypad". However, unlike previous MacBook systems, the Apple Remote was offered as a US$19 optional extra instead of being included as standard.

When compared to the models they replaced, the "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" MacBooks are driven by slightly faster and more power-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors, as opposed to the 65 nm "Merom" processors in the "Late 2007" series. A trade-off is the smaller 3 MB level 2 cache (down from 4 MB). Additionally, the "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models were shipped with larger hard drives and double the standard RAM in the 2.4 GHz configurations.

Released in early 2008, this MacBook garnered attention for featuring a Core 2 Duo processor based on the more energy-efficient 45nm "Penryn" architecture. This move promised both improved performance and better battery life. Many users appreciated this steady evolution from the previous model and also welcomed the larger standard hard drive capacity. However, some tech-savvy users noted the reduction in L2 cache from 4MB to 3MB. Additionally, some disappointment was expressed over the Apple Remote no longer being included as a standard accessory and becoming an optional extra. Overall, this model gained solid support as a machine that brought the polycarbonate MacBook closer to its definitive form.