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White Unibody MacBook Q&A - Published May 20, 2010
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What are the differences between the White "Mid-2010" MacBook and the White "Late 2009" MacBook that it replaced?
The "Mid-2010" MacBook -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Mid-2010) -- and the "Late 2009" MacBook -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (Late 2009) -- look identical but there are a few modest differences.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (White "Unibody" MacBook).
Externally, the "Mid-2010" MacBook uses the same "Unibody" case introduced by its "Late 2009" predecessor. The Unibody case design is molded as a single piece of white polycarbonate (with a removable aluminum bottom panel coated in a "non-skid" rubber surface) -- and has no seams or screws along its edges, which contributes to a generally sleek look. Both models weigh 4.7 pounds.
Both models also have LED-backlit 13.3" widescreen displays with a 1280x800 native resolution, the same integrated "iSight" video camera, the same "flush against the bed" keyboard design, and the same "catchless" magnetic latch. The "Mid-2010" model, however, ships with a revised silver-colored "MagSafe" power connector that places the cord to the side of the connector rather than straight out from it. It is believed that this design places less stress on the cord.
The trackpads also are different. The "Late 2009" model has a glass four finger "multi-touch" trackpad that supports a variety of gestures, and the "Mid-2010" model goes a step further with the same design and gesture support in addition to support for new "inertial scrolling" (like the scrolling on the iPhone), which Apple describes as an "intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites."
Connectivity is almost the same as well. Both models have AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, the same "combined optical digital output/headphone out (user-selectable analog audio line in)" port used by the iPhone, and a Mini DisplayPort that can support an external display up to 2560x1600. However, the Mini DisplayPort provided by the "Mid-2010" model passes an audio signal as well as the video signal whereas the "Late 2009" model only supports video. Neither model has an IR receiver to support a remote.
Both models share the same internal "non-swappable" battery design -- and iFixit discovered that the batteries are even interchangeable -- but the battery in the "Mid-2010" model is rated for 63.5 W/Hr and provides an Apple estimated 10 hours of runtime, up from a 60 W/Hr battery with an estimated runtime of 7 hours for the "Late 2009" model.
Internally, the "Mid-2010" model has a modestly faster processor (a 2.4 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor up from a 2.26 GHz processor of the same type) and a notably faster graphics processor (a NVIDIA GeForce 320M rather than a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M), although both graphics processors are "integrated" and share 256 MB of RAM with the system. Both models are configured by default with 2 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, and an 8X dual-layer SuperDrive.
Officially, the "Late 2009" and "Mid-2010" models each support 4 GB of RAM, but site sponsor OWC discovered that both actually are capable of using 8 GB of RAM.
These differences are summarized below:
| MacBook: | "Late 2009" 2.26 13" | "Mid-2010" 2.4 13" |
|---|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.26 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (P7550) | 2.4 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (P8600) |
| System Bus: | 1066 MHz | 1066 MHz |
| Level 2 Cache: | 3 MB | 3 MB |
| Standard RAM: | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 8 GB* | 8 GB* |
| RAM Type: | 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 | 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 |
| Int. Graphics: | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M | NVIDIA GeForce 320M |
| Shared VRAM: | 256 MB† | 256 MB† |
| Display Size: | 13.3" | 13.3" |
| Native Resolution: | 1280x800 | 1280x800 |
| External Display: | 2560x1600 | 2560x1600 |
| Hard Drive: | 250 GB | 250 GB |
| Optical Drive: | 8X DL "SuperDrive" | 8X DL "SuperDrive" |
| Video Out: | Mini DisplayPort (No Audio) | Mini DisplayPort (w/ Audio) |
| Trackpad: | Multitouch | Inertial Multitouch |
| Battery Type: | Integrated | Integrated |
| Battery Life: | 7 Hours†† | 10 Hours†† |
| Apple Order No: | MC207LL/A | MC516LL/A |
| Dimensions (In): | 1.08 x 13.00 x 9.12 | 1.08 x 13.00 x 9.12 |
| Weight: | 4.7 lbs (2.13 kg) | 4.7 lbs (2.13 kg) |
| Original Price: | US$999 | US$999 |
* Officially, Apple supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM in both models, but the actual capacity is 8 GB.
† Both models "borrow" memory from the system for video functionality. Minimum graphics usage is 256 MB.
†† Battery life as officially reported by Apple using a "wireless productivity" test.
Ultimately, the differences between the "Mid-2010" MacBook and the "Late 2009" model it replaced are quite modest. For some users, the improvements offered by the "Mid-2010" MacBook in processor speed, graphics performance, battery life, trackpad, and Mini DisplayPort functionality are welcomed. Others may prefer to purchase a "Late 2009" model at a discount price on the used market. The decision is up to you.
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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