Revisiting the 13″ MacBook (Pre-Unibody, Late 2007) / MB062LL/B

Released in November 2007, the 13″ MacBook (Pre-Unibody, Late 2007) with model number MB062LL/B was an upgrade to its mid-2007 predecessor. This model carried on the legacy of Apple’s popular white polycarbonate laptops, offering users better performance and enhanced graphics at a time when portability and power were gaining more importance in personal computing.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Here are the core specifications of the 13″ MacBook (Pre-Unibody, Late 2007) that made it stand out:

• Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (2 cores)
• RAM: 1GB PC2-5300-667MHz DDR2 SO-DIMM (expandable)
• Storage: 120GB 5400 RPM 2.5″ Hard Drive
• Graphics: Integrated Intel GMA X3100 with 144MB of shared VRAM
• Display: 13-inch, built-in screen
• Optical Drive: 8x DL SuperDrive for DVD and CD reading/writing
• Wireless: AirPort 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• Weight: Approximately 5.0 lbs
• Dimensions: 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 inches
• Price at Launch: $1,299

What’s New in the Late 2007 Model?

The MB062LL/B was an incremental yet meaningful upgrade from its predecessor. The standout improvement was the inclusion of the Intel GMA X3100 graphics chip, which offered 144MB of VRAM, a notable upgrade from the Intel GMA 950 graphics in the mid-2007 model. While still not a powerhouse for heavy graphical tasks, it provided smoother performance for multimedia applications and casual gaming compared to previous models.

The 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor offered a slight performance boost over the earlier 2.16 GHz version, improving the MacBook’s responsiveness in everyday computing tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and basic multimedia editing.

Design: The Iconic White Polycarbonate Continues

Much like its predecessors, the Late 2007 MacBook retained the iconic white polycarbonate design. It measured just 1.08 inches in thickness and weighed 5.0 lbs, making it portable without sacrificing functionality.

The polycarbonate casing was known for its sleek appearance, though it was prone to scuffing and cracking with heavy use. Nonetheless, the design remained durable and appealing for students, professionals, and casual users who wanted a compact yet capable machine.

Performance and Usability

At its core, the 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 1GB of RAM made this MacBook suitable for everyday tasks, such as document editing, light photo management, and video watching. Although the 1GB RAM was sufficient for basic use, the system could be upgraded to support more memory, which was helpful for those who needed to run more demanding applications.

The Intel GMA X3100 graphics were a marked improvement for graphics performance, enabling smoother playback for high-definition content and supporting higher resolutions on external displays via the Mini-DVI port.

For connectivity, this model was equipped with a MagSafe 1 power connector, two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, and an Ethernet port. The AirPort wireless card supported Wi-Fi up to 802.11g, and Bluetooth 2.0 allowed easy pairing with wireless peripherals.

Portability and Battery Life

Weighing in at 5.0 lbs, this MacBook remained an easy device to carry around, especially for students or professionals who were always on the go. Its form factor and light weight for the time made it a popular choice for those who needed a reliable laptop for everyday tasks without the bulk.

Battery life was around 4-5 hours with light use, which was competitive for its time. The 60w MagSafe 1 power adapter allowed users to charge their MacBook quickly, and the magnetic connector was designed to safely detach if pulled, preventing the laptop from accidentally being dragged off a surface.

Legacy and Final Thoughts

The 13″ MacBook (Pre-Unibody, Late 2007) is a testament to Apple’s ability to blend functional design with solid performance. While today’s laptops have vastly outstripped it in terms of power and technology, the MB062LL/B remains a nostalgic favorite for many who started their computing journey with this machine. It was a solid option for those needing portability, durability, and affordability wrapped in a sleek, classic design.

If you ever come across one of these in working condition, it’s worth holding onto as a piece of Apple’s rich laptop history. Whether as a collector’s item or for light tasks, this Late 2007 MacBook remains a symbol of an era when Apple laptops started to become ubiquitous in classrooms, coffee shops, and offices around the world.