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White & Black MacBook Q&A - Published January 23, 2009
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What are the differences between the "Early 2009 NVIDIA" MacBook Core 2 Duo and the MacBook that it replaced?
Please note that all models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The White "Early 2009" MacBook was replaced by the "Mid-2009" MacBook on May 27, 2009.
Externally, the quietly released "Early 2009/NVIDIA" MacBook model -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 13-Inch (White - Early 2009/NVIDIA) -- and the model it replaced -- a modestly reconfigured MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.1 13" (White - Early 2008/Penryn) -- effectively are identical.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
The "Early 2009/NVIDIA" MacBook Core 2 Duo uses the exact same relatively compact and easy to upgrade white polycarbonate case as previous MacBook models, and has the same 13.3-inch "glossy" widescreen display with a 1280x800 native resolution, "flush against the bed" keyboard design, and "catchless" magnetic latch. All MacBooks share the same "scrolling Trackpad" with "two-finger click" capability, integrated iSight video camera, and "MagSafe" power connector.
With the exception of Bluetooth -- the "Early 2009/NVIDIA" model has been upgraded to Bluetooth 2.1+EDR from 2.0+EDR -- connectivity is identical -- AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), 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.
Apple quotes the same battery life for the "Early 2009/NVIDIA" MacBook as well -- 4.5 hours "of wireless productivity".
Internally, however, the "Early 2009/NVIDIA" MacBook is equipped with a different processor, logic board design, and significantly improved graphics processor. The "Early 2009/NVIDIA" model has a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo (P7350) processor -- down in terms of clockspeed from a 2.1 GHz Core 2 Duo (T8100), a 1066 MHz system bus -- up from 800 MHz, and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256 MB of RAM shared with the system, compared to a Intel GMA X3100 with 144 MB of shared RAM. Both models support 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory.
These differences, as well as configuration differences, are summarized below:
| MacBook: | "Early 2008" 2.1 13" | "Early 2009" 2.0 13" |
|---|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.1 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T8100) | 2.0 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (P7350) |
| System Bus: | 800 MHz | 1066 MHz |
| Level 2 Cache: | 3 MB | 3 MB |
| Standard RAM: | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Int. Graphics: | Intel GMA X3100 | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M |
| Shared VRAM: | 144 MB* | 256 MB* |
| Hard Drive: | 120 GB | 120 GB |
| Optical Drive: | 8X DL "SuperDrive"† | 8X DL "SuperDrive" |
| Bluetooth: | 2.0+EDR | 2.1+EDR |
| Apple Part No: | MB402LL/B† | MB881LL/A |
| Original Price: | US$999† | US$999 |
* Both models "borrow" memory from the system for video functionality. Minimum graphics usage is either 144 MB or 256 MB, respectively.
† This "Early 2008" model originally was introduced on February 26, 2008 with a "Combo Drive", model number MB402LL/A, and sold for US$1099. It was reconfigured with a "SuperDrive", model number MB402LL/B, and sold for US$999 starting October 14, 2008.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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