MacBook: Features & Specifications of Apple’s Lightest Laptop

08 October, 2017, by Gregory Wang

The MacBook is a handy and lightweight laptop that provides high-speed connectivity along with superb performance. It might not be a powerhouse for editing 4k videos because that can be a bit of a headache, but it won’t disappoint you while coping with your regular work routine. However, Apple has left only one USB-C port in this MacBook, trading extra outputs for portability. Apple presents this laptop as a perfect on-the-go choice for travelers that could cope with all their necessary business tasks on the slimmest and most lightweight laptop in the range of Macs.

The latest model of the MacBook boasts a considerable increase in speed compared to previous models with configurable 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor for snappier performance. Though it is the slimmest laptop in the Apple’s lineup, Apple managed to squeeze in advanced battery that boosts the MacBook’s life by 35% compared to its predecessors in 2016 and 2015.

Graphics & display

The newest MacBook sports robust Intel HD Graphics 615 chip instead of Intel HD Graphics 515 from 2016 model.

The retina display possesses 2304×1440 resolution that is great for watching high-def videos in HD.

Size and weight

The laptop weighs just over 2 pounds, 2.03 to be exact, and 11.04 inches in width which make it the lightest and smallest laptop currently available from Apple.

Communications

As usual, there’s a Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth embedded in the laptop for wireless connections.

Since the primary goal for Apple was to make a compact MacBook, it lacks additional USB-C connectors, so you’ll have to buy an extra adaptor to use things like a printer or a hard drive. In fact, you can easily purchase an adapter from Apple’s official store or any other credible outlet like Amazon. But since the release of the USB-C connectors that Apple has introduced in their laptops for two years straight, we see a rapid growth of USB-C hubs filling the market. What’s great about these tools is that you can connect multiple devices and use them simultaneously, as if your laptop had more outputs, without bothering to interchange them.

Color options

Apple offers a more diverse palette of the MacBook colors in this range which includes four options: Gold, Rose Gold, Space Gray and Silver.

Models and configurations

Apple offers two standard configurations, and each model can be customized to your preference. Here are primary & configurable specifications for the two models.

The standard models of the MacBook range from $1,299 to $1,599, but as far as customization is concerned, the prices can rise. Here are the basic and max configurations of the newest laptop for both models.

1) 1.2GHz dual-core Core m3 processor, 8GB of memory, 256GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 615, single USB-C port. Configurable max to 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, 16GB.

2) 1.3 GHz dual-core Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, 512 GB of SSD, Intel HD Graphics 615, single USB-C port. Configurable max to 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz, with 4MB L3 cache, 16GB.