What are the differences between the "Late 2006" MacBook Core 2 Duo models?

Please note that the "Late 2006" MacBook Core 2 Duo models were discontinued on May 15, 2007.

The "Late 2006" MacBook Core 2 Duo systems -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 13-Inch, MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 13-Inch (White - Late 2006), and MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 13-Inch (Black) -- have much in common.

Photo Credit: Apple Computer

All use the same relatively compact and easy to upgrade polycarbonate case introduced by the original MacBook models with the same 13.3-inch "glossy" widescreen display with a 1280x800 native resolution, "flush against the bed" keyboard design, and "catchless" magnetic latch. Each has a "scrolling Trackpad" with "two-finger click" capability, integrated iSight video camera, bundled Apple Remote, and "MagSafe" power connector.

Each additionally has the same connectivity -- AirPort Extreme (802.11g, although the "Late 2006" models are upgradable to 802.11n with a firmware update), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire "400" port, mini-DVI out (supports an external display up to 1920x1200 pixels), and optical digital audio in/out. None support an internal modem, although an external Apple USB Modem was available for US$49.

Internally, the "Late 2006" MacBook notebooks use a similar logic board with Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors -- each with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip -- a 667 MHz frontside bus, support for 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) RAM, hard drives with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology that stops the hard drive heads from moving if the notebook is dropped, and integrated graphics -- "the Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory". The entry-level MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 13-Inch only has 2 MB of shared "on chip" level 2 cache, but the 2.0 GHz models have 4 MB.

Apple quotes a maximum battery life of six hours for all MacBook notebooks with the provided 55-watt-hour battery, although the company estimates 3.5 hours while using wi-fi and 2.5 hours of DVD playback.

The modest differences between the "Late 2006" models -- configuration, color, and price -- are summarized in this handy chart:

MacBook "Late 2006"	1.83	2.0 (White)	2.0 (Black)
Intel Processor:	T5600	T7200	T7200
Processor Speed:	1.83 GHz	2.0 GHz	2.0 GHz
Level 2 Cache:	2 MB	4 MB	4 MB
Hard Drive Size:	60 GB†	80 GB†	120 GB†
Standard RAM:	512 MB	1 GB	1 GB
Optical Capabilities:	8X "Combo"	6X DL "SuperDrive"	6X DL "SuperDrive"
Case Color:	White	White	Black
Apple Part No:	MA699LL/A	MA700LL/A	MA701LL/A
Price:	US$1099	US$1299	US$1499

†The "Late 2006" MacBook models also could be upgraded at the time of purchase with a 160 GB (5400 RPM) or 200 GB (4200 RPM) hard drive. The 80 GB hard drive in the 2.0 (White) configuration could be upgraded to a 120 GB hard drive for US$150, so the black color alone commanded a US$50 premium.

Site sponsor PowerMax has new and used configurations of the MacBook available free of sales tax.

Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook model to any other G3 or later Mac.