Original MacBook 13-inch Explained

MacBook 13.3-inch iSight
Source: apple.com – MacBook 13.3-inch iSight

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain products stand out as pioneers, marking a significant shift in the industry. The Original MacBook 13-inch also known as “MacBook 13-inch Mid 2006”, introduced in 2006, is one such landmark product that redefined what a notebook computer could be.

In May 2006, Apple unveiled the MacBook 13-inch, setting a new standard for consumer notebook computers. Powered by the Intel Core Duo processor, it boasted remarkable performance capabilities. The sleek design, featuring a stunning 13-inch glossy widescreen display, captured the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide. Compared to its predecessors, the MacBook was up to five times faster than the iBook and four times faster than the 12-inch PowerBook, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

The MacBook lineup introduced several cutting-edge features that set it apart from the competition. With a built-in iSight camera, users could engage in video conferencing on the go, a groundbreaking feature at the time. The inclusion of Front Row, coupled with the Apple Remote, transformed the MacBook into a multimedia powerhouse, allowing users to enjoy music, photos, and videos with unparalleled ease.

MacBook 13.3-inch Black
Source: apple.com – MacBook 13.3-inch Black

Designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, the MacBook came equipped with Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, ensuring easy charging and safeguarding against accidental falls. The Sudden Motion Sensor provided an added layer of protection for the hard drive, while the Scrolling TrackPad enhanced usability, making navigation a breeze. With built-in connectivity options like Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme WiFi, and Bluetooth, the MacBook offered seamless integration into both home and professional environments.

The MacBook shipped with a suite of software applications, including iLife ’06, which empowered users to unleash their creativity through photo editing, movie making, and music production. Running on Mac OS X Tiger, the MacBook delivered a seamless and intuitive user experience, further enhancing its appeal to consumers and professionals alike.

Despite being discontinued in 2006, the MacBook 13-inch remains a cherished piece of Apple history, coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its influence can be seen in subsequent MacBook models, which have built upon its foundation of innovation and design excellence. As we commemorate 17 years since its release, we celebrate the legacy of the MacBook 13-inch and the visionary spirit that drove its creation.

MacBook 13.3-inch White
Source: apple.com – MacBook 13.3-inch White

As we reflect on the legacy of the Original MacBook 13-inch, we are reminded of the transformative power of innovation. Its impact reverberates through the years, shaping the trajectory of the technology industry and inspiring future generations of inventors and entrepreneurs. While the first MacBook 13-inch may be a relic of the past, its spirit lives on in every iteration of the MacBook that follows, serving as a testament to Apple’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

MacBook 13.3-inch in White and Black
Source: apple.com – MacBook 13.3-inch in White and Black

Original MacBook 13-inch Details

IntroducedMay 16, 2006 – 17 years ago
DiscontinuedNovember 8, 2006 – 17 years ago
Time on the Market176 days (5 months)
Model IdentifierMacBook1,1
Model NumberA1181
EMC2092
Order NumberMA254LL/A (White)
MA255LL/A (White)
MA472LL/A (Black)
Price$1,099
$1,299
$1,499
ColorsWhite (1.83 GHz and 2 GHz)
Black (2 GHz)
Weight5.2 Ibs.
2.358 KG
Dimensions1.08” H x 12.78” W x 8.92” D
2.74 cm H x 32.46 cm W x 22.65 cm D

MacBook 13-inch Mid 2006 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorIntel Core Duo T2400 “Yonah” (1.83 GHz)
Intel Core Duo T2500 “Yonah” (2 GHz)
Processor Speed1.83 GHz
2 GHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores2
System Bus667 MHz
Cache2 MB on-chip shared L2

Storage & Media

Storage60 GB
80 GB
100 GB
120 GB
Media1 – 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive

Memory

Built-in Memory512 MB
Maximum Memory2 GB
Memory Slots2 – PC2-5300 DDR2 200-pin SO-DIMM 667 MHz
Interleaving SupportYes

Display

Built-in Display13.3″ Color TFT glossy widescreen Display
Pixel Density114 dpi
Brightness250 cd/m²
Resolutions640 x 480
720 x 480
800 x 500
800 x 600
1024 x 640
1024 x 768
1152 x 720
1280 x 800 (native)

Graphics

Graphics CardIntel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 950
Graphics Memory64 MB DDR2*
Display Connection1 – Mini-DVI (S-Video, VGA, and Composite with adapter)
Display ModesDual display extended and video mirroring
External ResolutionUp to 1920 by 1200 pixels
CameraiSight
*shared with main memory, minimum memory usage is 80 MB

Expansion

Expansion SlotsNone
Hard Drive Interface1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
Optical Drive InterfaceUltra ATA/100 (UATA/66)
BaysNone

Connections

Wi-FiAirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g
Ethernet10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45 – support for jumbo frames)
ModemApple USB Modem MA034Z/A (Optional)
BluetoothBluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Infrared1 – For Apple Remote Only
ADBNone
FireWire1 – 400 Mbps
SCSINone
USB2 – 480 Mbps
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical combo jack
1 – Built-in microphone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical combo jack
2 – Built-in speakers
Display1 – Mini-DVI (S-Video, VGA, and Composite with adapter)
Security Slot1 – Kensington cable lock

Sensors

Motion SensorSudden Motion Sensor (SMS)
Liquid SensorNone

Keyboard and trackpad

KeyboardBuilt-in Full-size 78-key (U.S.) or 79-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys, the embedded keypad
TrackpadBuilt-in Solid-state trackpad (Tap, double-tap, drag, and scroll)

Software

Original OSMac OS X 10.4.6
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.6.8
FirmwareIntel Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI)
Bundled SoftwareMac OS X 10.4
iLife ’06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive
iWork ’06 (30-day trial)
QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition
Comic Life
FileMaker Pro trial
Omni Outliner
Photo Booth
Front Row
Big Bang Board Games
Apple Hardware Test

Power

System Battery55 W Lithium-Polymer
Backup BatteryNone
Battery LifeUp to 6 hours
Maximum Battery Cycles300
Maximum Continuous PowerUnknown
Line Voltage100-240 V AC
Power Adapter60 W MagSafe Power Adapter

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Further Reading and References

Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.