Apple's new MacBook and MacBook Pro torn down (photos)
Apple parts reseller iFixIt has just completed its photo disassemblies of the new MacBook and MacBook Pro, and notes that the design of both machines are largely inspired by the MacBook Air, with the 13-inch model structurally resembling a 13-inch version of the new MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro Disassembly Guide
As part of its 15-inch MacBook Pro disassembly, iFixIt noted that:
Upgrading the RAM and hard drive is very easy, but you do need a Torx screwdriver to replace the hard drive (noted yesterday).
Contrary to some fears, the keyboard in the MacBook Pro is user-serviceable. It's a fair amount of work to remove (you have to remove 56 screws).
The AirPort and Bluetooth boards are in the display assembly. The AirPort card is user-serviceable, while the Bluetooth board is not.
The MacBook Pro with its battery cover and base cover removed.
The MacBook Pro's stacked memory slots sit just above the battery bay.
Peeling back the MacBook Pro's chicklet keyboard .
Removing the lower display bezel reveals the AirPort card.
This is what the AirPort card looks like.
The MacBook Pros precision logic board.
An exploded view of the innards of the new MacBook Pro.
MacBook Disassembly Guide
As for the 13-inch MacBook, iFixIt notes that:
The new MacBook is really a 13" MacBook Pro. It uses the same design, and same manufacturing quality. Bridging the gap between consumer and professional model.
The Superdrive is the same in the MacBook and MacBook Pro.
We showed the parts to some industrial engineers familiar with manufacturing processes. Overall, they were extremely impressed by the build quality of the machine and the cutting edge mass-produced unibody.
The MacBook's logic board is tiny.
A closer look at the MacBook's logic board.
The MacBook's display module detached.
A semi-exploded view of the MacBook.
A big thanks to the guys over at iFixIt for sharing their photos and disassembly work with AppleInsider readers.
For more photos, full disassembly instructions, and additional comments and observations, please see the full version of iFixIt's guides:
MacBook Disassembly Guide
MacBook Pro Disassembly Guide
Unboxing and comparison photos
Don't forget to check out AppleInsider's own unboxing and comparison photos, also published Thursday.
High-quality photo comparison: the new unibody MacBooks
High-quality unboxing photos: late 2008 13" MacBook
High-quality unboxing photos: late 2008 15" MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro Disassembly Guide
As part of its 15-inch MacBook Pro disassembly, iFixIt noted that:
Upgrading the RAM and hard drive is very easy, but you do need a Torx screwdriver to replace the hard drive (noted yesterday).
Contrary to some fears, the keyboard in the MacBook Pro is user-serviceable. It's a fair amount of work to remove (you have to remove 56 screws).
The AirPort and Bluetooth boards are in the display assembly. The AirPort card is user-serviceable, while the Bluetooth board is not.
The MacBook Pro with its battery cover and base cover removed.
The MacBook Pro's stacked memory slots sit just above the battery bay.
Peeling back the MacBook Pro's chicklet keyboard .
Removing the lower display bezel reveals the AirPort card.
This is what the AirPort card looks like.
The MacBook Pros precision logic board.
An exploded view of the innards of the new MacBook Pro.
MacBook Disassembly Guide
As for the 13-inch MacBook, iFixIt notes that:
The new MacBook is really a 13" MacBook Pro. It uses the same design, and same manufacturing quality. Bridging the gap between consumer and professional model.
The Superdrive is the same in the MacBook and MacBook Pro.
We showed the parts to some industrial engineers familiar with manufacturing processes. Overall, they were extremely impressed by the build quality of the machine and the cutting edge mass-produced unibody.
The MacBook's logic board is tiny.
A closer look at the MacBook's logic board.
The MacBook's display module detached.
A semi-exploded view of the MacBook.
A big thanks to the guys over at iFixIt for sharing their photos and disassembly work with AppleInsider readers.
For more photos, full disassembly instructions, and additional comments and observations, please see the full version of iFixIt's guides:
MacBook Disassembly Guide
MacBook Pro Disassembly Guide
Unboxing and comparison photos
Don't forget to check out AppleInsider's own unboxing and comparison photos, also published Thursday.
High-quality photo comparison: the new unibody MacBooks
High-quality unboxing photos: late 2008 13" MacBook
High-quality unboxing photos: late 2008 15" MacBook Pro
Comments
Nobody has mentioned the fan. Is it noisy? How are the processor and the chipset cooled?
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Pretty impressive, the logic board of the MacBook is minimal and crowded. It seems there was no place for FireWire anyway.
What do you call that last inch of space after the other ports? This space intentionally left blank.
What do you call that last inch of space after the other ports? This space intentionally left blank.
I don't see an inch of space after the other ports on the Macbook.
The MacBook Pros precision logic board.
Really, was the word "precision" necessary there. No.
It's clear to see that the next hurdle to overcome is the removal of the fans. Can you imagine how much smaller they could make the system board if they didn't have to accommodate two fans?
Nobody has mentioned the fan. Is it noisy? How are the processor and the chipset cooled?
Wondering the same....I looked at the machine yesterday and could not identify where the fan exhausts.
I don't see an inch of space after the other ports on the Macbook.
I think that is where the lock is. They could have put that somewhere else
Looking at the internals though, it seems like Apple has a great foundation for a Netbook to be named later...
So, does the nVidia chipset handle firewire, or is it a discrete chip?
Looking at the internals though, it seems like Apple has a great foundation for a Netbook to be named later...
I was thinking the same thing, with that tiny MacBook logic board, you can imagine them using it in a 10" screen mini-laptop quite easily. A huge amount of space inside the MacBook is taken up by the Superdrive, something that I could quite easily do without to be honest. Here's hoping.
Update:
It won't if you do it correctly.
"WARNING: Apple recommends that you have an Apple-certified technician install
replacement drives and memory. Consult the service and support information that
came with your computer for information about how to contact Apple for service. If
you attempt to install a replacement drive or memory and damage your equipment,
such damage is not covered by the limited warranty on your computer."
Nobody has mentioned the fan. Is it noisy? How are the processor and the chipset cooled?
Their are two fans. Check out the iFixit website for some close ups. I believe they even mention that Apple has been using fans with many more fans blades than in other notebooks to allow for more airflow at lower RPMs, thus creating less noise and using less power.
Wondering the same....I looked at the machine yesterday and could not identify where the fan exhausts.
It looks like they vent out the back, like on all the other machines, but it can be hard to see as the display lid tends to cover up any direct line-of-sight of the vents when open.
PS: There was a patent awhile ago from Apple that was for a material that would not pass liquid, but would pass air so the MoBo could be cooled by drawing air in (or maybe out) from the keyboard, thus creating a more efficient cooling system.
What do you call that last inch of space after the other ports?
Taint...
Wow, they really voided the warranty on that computer, eh?
Taint...
I shouldn't be encouraging you but I just spit up the Coke I was drinking. it burns the sinuses!
I saw the opening (no pun intended) and resistance was futile.
Resistance may be futile, but it is fun.
I'm glad those guys do those tear downs, it slakes my curiosity, without my having to abuse my poor baby. *keeps eyeing the FedEx page* C'mon!! Deliver it already!!
Their are two fans. Check out the iFixit website for some close ups. I believe they even mention that Apple has been using fans with many more fans blades than in other notebooks to allow for more airflow at lower RPMs, thus creating less noise and using less power..
I wonder if they did or did not manage to use the aluminium body as a cooler. After all, why not use passive cooling given the size of metal used in the design? Yet, I wonder if that would fit the needs of both the CPU and the chipset...