Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.1 13" (White-08) Specs
Identifiers: Early 2008 - MB402LL/A* - MacBook4,1 - A1181 - 2242
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The 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?
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- 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.
| Introduction Date: |
February 26, 2008* |
Discontinued Date: |
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. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
2827 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
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. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
1057 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
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. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
1043 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
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. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
1363 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
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. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
N/A |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
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. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.1 GHz |
Processor Type: |
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? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the MacBook? |
| System Bus Speed: |
800 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.1 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
800 MHz frontside bus. The system bus in this model can be dynamically "downclocked" to conserve battery life. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Details: |
Also see: Does the MacBook have a ROM or BIOS? |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
PC2-5300 DDR2 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
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? |
| Standard RAM: |
1 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
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. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
2 |
| Details: |
Apple recommends that one install RAM in matched pairs for optimum performance. |
| Video Card: |
Intel GMA X3100 |
VRAM Type: |
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? |
| Standard VRAM: |
144 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
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. |
| Built-in Display: |
13.3" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
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.
|
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
1920x1200 |
| Details: |
The maximum resolution supported on an external display is 1920x1200. |
| Standard Storage: |
120 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| Storage Dimensions: |
2.5" (9.5 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
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. |
| Standard Optical: |
8X "Combo Drive"* |
Standard Disk: |
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? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Details: |
An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was available for US$49. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
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? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (400) |
| Details: |
Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port. |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
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. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
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"? |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook |
| Details: |
This MacBook uses a white case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: |
MB402LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Early 2008 |
| Details: |
The configuration released October 14, 2008 with a DL "SuperDrive" was assigned MB402LL/B. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1181 (EMC 2242) |
Model ID: |
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. |
| Battery Type: |
55 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
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. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.5.2 (9C2015) |
Maximum MacOS: |
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. |
| Minimum Windows: |
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
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. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
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. |
| Dimensions: |
1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 |
Avg. Weight: |
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). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1099* |
Est. Current Retail: |
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. |
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
| Canada: |
C$1149 |
Brazil: |
R$3.249 |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$1099* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€999 |
Belgium: |
€999 |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
N/A |
| France: |
€999 |
Germany: |
€999 |
| Ireland: |
€999 |
Italy: |
€999 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€999 |
| Norway: |
NOK 8.690 |
Portugal: |
€999 |
| Spain: |
€949 |
Sweden: |
SEK 9.795 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'579 |
United Kingdom: |
£699 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 9,898 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$8,600 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥129,800* |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
S$1,688 |
Taiwan: |
NT$38,900 |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1499 |
New Zealand: |
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.
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1 (mini-DVI) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (2.0)
1 (400)
1 (RJ-45)
None
1
1 (Internal)
1
1
1
1
None
N/A
1