Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
White Unibody MacBook Q&A - Updated June 6, 2010
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
How can I transfer all my files from my old Mac to my White "Unibody" MacBook without using Firewire?
Because the White "Unibody" MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (White Polycarbonate Unibody/Late 2009) and MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Mid-2010) -- do not have a Firewire "400" or Firewire "800" port, the long favored method of system migration using the Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant utility and a Firewire cable to connect the two computers is not an option for this Mac. It is not possible to transfer files between systems using the convenient Firewire Target Disk Mode method either.
Fortunately, it is possible to easily migrate to a White "Unibody" MacBook from an older Mac using the Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant utility via Ethernet, wi-fi, or an external drive. When migrating from a system released in the last few years, the "Unibody" MacBook also can be connected to the older Mac with a standard Ethernet cable.
For additional information, please refer to the "Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant FAQ" from the Apple Support Site.
What ports are provided by the White "Unibody" MacBook? Why does Apple not support Firewire?
The White "Unibody" MacBook -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (White Polycarbonate Unibody/Late 2009) and MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Mid-2010) -- have one Mini DisplayPort, two USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a "combined optical digital output/headphone out (user-selectable analog audio line in)" port, a Kensington security port, and a "MagSafe" power connector.
The only difference in connectivity is that 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. Both models lack a Firewire port.
Apple does not support Firewire on the White "Unibody" MacBook as a means of product differentiation between the "consumer-grade" MacBook and the "professional" MacBook Pro.
Which White "Unibody" MacBook models can pass an audio signal via Mini DisplayPort and which models cannot?
The original White "Unibody" MacBook -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (White Polycarbonate Unibody/Late 2009) -- cannot pass an audio signal via Mini DisplayPort, only video. The Mini DisplayPort on the current "Mid-2010" MacBook -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Mid-2010) -- passes an audio signal as well as the video signal.
Does the White "Unibody" MacBook support 802.11n?
Yes, the White "Unibody" MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (White Polycarbonate Unibody/Late 2009) and MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Mid-2010) -- both support 802.11n.
For the wireless capabilities of all "recent" -- G3 and later -- Macs, please refer to the AirPort Capability listing.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
Who designed the White "Unibody" MacBook?
Apple's industrial design for the last several years has been performed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, led by Jonathan Ive.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< White Unibody MacBook Q&A (Main)
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.