Last week was a big one for Microsoft, with the Windows 7 launch, but it looks like Apple wants to steal away some of the spotlight with their new MacBook. It could be a necessary update, random chance, or an actual direct competitor to sway the potential Windows 7 users. Whichever it is, the new MacBook has many upgrades, making it that much more like its bigger brother, the MacBook Pro, ading incentive for those looking to buy a cheaper Apple laptop.

First of all, there were some minor changes to the internal specs of the MacBook. These include a processor upgrade to 2.26 GHz (up from 2.13 GHz), a hard drive capacity of 250 GB (up from 160GB), and new DDR3 memory (upgraded from DDR2). Aside from those tweaks, there weren’t any major changes to the internal components of the MacBook.

Now on to the more serious business: the external changes. Most of the features include implementing the MacBook Pro technology into the MacBooks. The multitouch trackpad, allowing users to perform zoom, scroll, and more is now possible just by using a couple of quick finger swipes. The screen now has LED backlighting, giving the display a brighter, more eye-catching feel. And finally, Apple’s very valuable feature, the built-in battery; though you won’t be able to remove or replace the battery, you get a much better battery life, and less degradation over time.

The last change the MacBook received was a rubberized bottom. I have to say, this isn’t one of my favorites, and I’m a little confused as to why Apple decided include it. Traction usually isn’t a problem, even on a slick surface. The heat generated by the laptop combined with that rubber bottom could also prove to be a small disaster. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Priced at $1000 and coming out during the week of the Windows 7 release, Apple has given several users that have been swaying between PC and Mac another reason to go Mac. With overwhelmingly positive reviews of Windows 7, we’ll have to wait and see if the new Macbook is a real contender this holiday season.

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