Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.







Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.1 13" (White-08) Specs

Identifiers: Early 2008 - MB402LL/A* - MacBook4,1 - A1181 - 2242

All MacBook Models | All 2008 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Download: PDF Manual


Apple MacBookThe Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.1 13-Inch (White - Early 2008/Penryn) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.1 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T8100), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus, 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) installed in pairs (two 512 MB modules), a 120.0 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology, an 8X/24X DVD/CD-RW "Combo" drive (8X DL "SuperDrive" after October 14, 2008), an Intel GMA X3100 integrated "graphics processor with 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory", and a 13.3" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1280x800 native resolution).

The MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" series shares the same easy to upgrade case design as previous MacBook systems, and connectivity likewise includes 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 video out capabilities (mini-DVI) that supports an external display.

The MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models also include the "scrolling Trackpad", built-in iSight video camera, "MagSafe" power connector, "flush against the bed" keyboard that does not touch the screen, and "no moving parts" magnetic latch that "catches without a catch". Like its immediate predecessors in the "Late 2007" MacBook series, the keyboard lacks an integrated "numeric keypad", but unlike previous MacBook systems, the Apple Remote was a US$19 option rather than standard.

Compared to the models each replaced, the MacBook "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models are powered by modestly faster and more energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors -- compared to 65 nm "Merom" processors in the "Late 2007" series -- albeit with smaller 3 MB level 2 caches (compared to 4 MB). The "Early 2008 Core 2 Duo/Penryn" models additionally shipped equipped with larger hard drives and twice the default RAM (in the 2.4 GHz models).

Also see:

  • What are the differences between the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Core 2 Duo models?
  • What are the differences between the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Core 2 Duo models and the "Late 2007 Santa Rosa" MacBook notebooks that they replaced?

Buy Newer Macs at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.

Sell Newer Macs at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!

Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Memory, storage & more.



  • Tech Specs
  • Ports
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


February 26, 2008* January 20, 2009
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

On October 14, 2008, Apple reconfigured this model with a DL "SuperDrive" and lowered the price to US$999.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2008.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
2827 3201
Details: Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1057 1791
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1043 1509
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1363 2388
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
N/A N/A
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2.1 GHz Core 2 Duo (T8100)
Details: The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (T8100) 45 nm "Penryn" processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.

Also see: How much faster is the "Early 2008 Penryn" MacBook Core 2 Duo compared to the "Late 2007 Santa Rosa" MacBook Core 2 Duo?
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
Soldered Integrated
Details: Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the MacBook?
800 MHz 2.1 GHz (Built-in)
Details: 800 MHz frontside bus. The system bus in this model can be dynamically "downclocked" to conserve battery life.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: Also see: Does the MacBook have a ROM or BIOS?
32k/32k 3 MB (on chip)
Details: Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.
PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz
Details: Supports 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the MacBook? How much RAM of what type does it support?
1 GB 6 GB*
Details: 1 GB of RAM is installed as two 512 MB modules, no slots free.

*Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM but third-parties have been able to upgrade the system to 6 GB of RAM using one 2 GB and one 4 GB memory module.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this MacBook.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
None 2
Details: Apple recommends that one install RAM in matched pairs for optimum performance.
Intel GMA X3100 Integrated
Details: Also see: How much faster is the Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor in later MacBook models compared to the Intel GMA 950 in earlier models? Is gaming performance improved?
144 MB 144 MB
Details: Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 144 MB (an additional 16 MB is required when using an external display). This results in 880 MB of system memory available" with the default 1 GB installed.
13.3" Widescreen 1280x800
Details: 13.3" color widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1280 by 800 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports "1152 by 720, 1024 by 768, 1024 by 640, 800 by 600, 800 by 500, 720 by 480, and 640 by 480 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; [and] 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio".

Also see: What exactly is a glossy display? Is the glossy display used in the MacBook better or worse than the previous iBook display?

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook.
Dual/Mirroring 1920x1200
Details: The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 1920x1200.
120 GB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the MacBook?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
2.5" (9.5 mm) Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s)
Details: This model supports a single SATA I (1.5 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick.
8X "Combo Drive"* None
Details: Apple reports that this slot-loading "combo" drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) "reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed, [and] reads CDs at up to 24x speed." On October 14, 2008, Apple reconfigured this model with an 8X DL "SuperDrive".

Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the MacBook models? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs?
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was available for US$49.
802.11a/b/g/n 2.0+EDR
Details: AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR standard.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
2 (2.0) 1 (400)
Details: Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port.
None None
Details: No expansion slots or bays provided.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and accessories, including docks, cables, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook.
Full-size Trackpad
Details: Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." It does not have an embedded numeric keypad.

The trackpad supports "two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag".

Also see: How does the MacBook keyboard "feel"?
Notebook MacBook
Details: This MacBook uses a white case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch.
MB402LL/A* Early 2008
Details: The configuration released October 14, 2008 with a DL "SuperDrive" was assigned MB402LL/B.
A1181 (EMC 2242) MacBook4,1
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1181 Model Number, the 2242 EMC Number, and the MacBook4,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
55 W h Li-Poly 4.5 Hours
Details: Apple reports that this model has a "55-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery". For previous MacBook models, Apple provided estimated battery life for usage without wireless, with wireless, and for DVD playback, but for the "Early 2008" models, Apple decided to report one number -- "4.5 hours of wireless productivity".

Also see: What is the MacBook battery life in "real-world" tests?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook.
X 10.5.2 (9C2015) X 10.7.5*
Details: *This system can run the last version of OS X 10.7 "Lion" if upgraded to at least 2 GB of RAM. It is not supported booting into 64-bit mode when running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard." It does not support "OpenCL" either. Please also note that OS X Lion is not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as it does not support the "Rosetta" environment.
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* 7 (32-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers. Readers have reported successfully running the 64-bit version of Windows 7, as well.
None Boot/Virtualization
Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?

For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 5.0 lbs (2.27 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.75 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm).
US$1099* US$50-US$100
Details: *On October 14, 2008, Apple reconfigured this model with a DL "SuperDrive" and lowered the price to US$999.

Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.



Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


1 (mini-DVI) None
Details: Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. VGA output supported by optional Apple DVI-to-VGA adapter (sold separately).
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
2 (2.0) 1 (400)
Details: Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: No internal modem. An external Apple USB modem was available for US$49. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR standard.
None 1
Details: S-video Out provided by optional adapter (sold separately).
1 (Internal) 1
Details: Internal omnidirectional microphone. Optical digital audio in.
1 1
Details: Single Optical digital audio out port doubles as a headphone jack.
1 None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 100V-240V AC, 60W "MagSafe" power adapter. Also see: How does the MagSafe power connector on the MacBook work?

Global original prices for the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.1 13" (White-08) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

C$1149 R$3.249
N/A US$1099*

Original Prices - Europe

€999 €999
N/A N/A
€999 €999
€999 €999
N/A €999
NOK 8.690 €999
€949 SEK 9.795
CHF 1'579 £699

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 9,898 HK$8,600
N/A N/A
¥129,800* N/A
N/A N/A
S$1,688 NT$38,900
N/A N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$1499 NZ$1799

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook models follow.



Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices



<< MacBook (Home) | Also see: MacBook FAQ




Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.