On February 26, 2008, Apple released the 13″ MacBook MB404LL/A, the top-tier model of its pre-unibody MacBook lineup. This version came in a sleek black polycarbonate shell, setting it apart from its white counterparts and giving it a distinct, stylish look. Powered by a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and featuring a 250GB hard drive, the MB404LL/A was designed for users who needed a bit more power and storage for their daily tasks.
Key Specifications:
- Model Number: A1181 (MacBook4,1)
- Order Number: MB404LL/A
- Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (2 cores)
- RAM: 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM (expandable)
- Storage: 250GB 5400 RPM 2.5″ hard drive
- Graphics: Intel GMA X3100 with 144MB VRAM
- Display: 13″ built-in screen
- Color: Black
- Weight: Approximately 5.0 lbs
- Dimensions: 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 inches
- MSRP: $1,499
Design & Build
One of the most recognizable features of the MB404LL/A is its matte black exterior, which was a departure from the more common white models. The polycarbonate case, although prone to scuffs and scratches, was durable and lightweight, making it ideal for students, professionals, and on-the-go users. With dimensions of 1.08 inches thick, 12.78 inches wide, and 8.92 inches deep, the MacBook was compact and portable, weighing in at around 5 lbs.
The 13″ glossy display provided a crisp resolution for its time, perfect for tasks like document editing, web browsing, and watching media. Like other models in the series, it came equipped with Apple’s original trackpad, renowned for its smooth navigation and multi-touch gesture support.
Performance
The MB404LL/A boasted a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a powerful option in 2008 for multitasking, running applications smoothly, and handling more demanding tasks like light photo and video editing. It came with 2GB of RAM, which was sufficient for basic tasks, but many users upgraded it to 4GB or more to push performance further.
This MacBook model was equipped with the Intel GMA X3100 graphics card, providing 144MB of shared memory for graphics processing. While it wasn’t designed for high-end gaming or intensive graphics work, it was perfectly suited for day-to-day computing and media consumption.
Storage and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the MB404LL/A compared to its predecessors was its larger 250GB 5400 RPM hard drive, offering ample storage for documents, music, and other media. This MacBook included an 8x DL SuperDrive, which allowed users to burn CDs and DVDs, making it an all-in-one media machine during the late 2000s.
In terms of connectivity, the device came with AirPort 802.11a/b/g for wireless internet, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR for wireless peripherals, and a 60W MagSafe 1 power adapter, which ensured safe and easy charging through its magnetic connection.
The Legacy of the MB404LL/A
Though technology has advanced significantly since the release of the MacBook MB404LL/A, this model is still fondly remembered by Apple fans as one of the most iconic pre-unibody designs. Its striking black color, solid performance, and reliable build made it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish yet functional laptop.
Today, the MB404LL/A remains a cherished collectible for vintage tech enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of Apple’s journey from plastic polycarbonate designs to the sleek aluminum unibody Macs we see today. It’s more than just a device—it’s a piece of tech history, a testament to Apple’s design philosophy of blending beauty with functionality.
For those who still own this model, it’s a piece of nostalgia that brings back memories of an era where optical drives, hard disk storage, and the now-retired MagSafe 1 charger were considered state-of-the-art.
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MacBook MB404LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MB404LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBook4,1
- Model Number
- A1181
- EMC
- 2242
- Processor Speed
- 2.4GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (2 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core 2 Duo
- Hard Drive
- 250GB 5400 RPM
- Hard Drive Type
- 2.5″
- RAM
- 2GB
- RAM Type
- PC2-5300-667MHZ-DDR2-SO-DIMM
- Video Card 1
- Intel GMA X3100
- VRAM
- 144MB
- Built-in Display
- 13″
- Color
- Black
- Input
- Original Trackpad
- Optical Drive
- 8x DL SuperDrive
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth
- 2.0+EDR
- Power Brick
- 60w MagSafe 1
- Dimensions
- 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 5.0 lbs
- Release Date
- February 26th 2008
- MSRP
- 1499
