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Definition: MacBook
The MacBook is Apple's third laptop computer family, introduced in 2006 (see PowerBook and iBook). In 2015, new MacBooks featured Apple's Retina Display and higher resolutions, as well as the Force Touch trackpad that senses different pressure levels. By the end of 2016, all MacBooks used solid state drives (SSDs).
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro was the first Mac laptop to use Intel CPUs, and the Pro line offers the fastest processors and largest screens (see MacBook Pro).
The Non-Pro, Non-Air MacBook
The "just plain" MacBook is Apple's entry-level laptop. Debuting in 2007, it was dropped in 2011 only to be resurrected thinner and lighter in 2015 with a USB-C port for both charging and connectivity (see USB Type C).
MacBook Air
Launched in 2008, the Air's touchpad added gesture-based multitouch introduced on the iPhone. In 2018, the Air added a high-res Retina Display, Touch ID and USB-C ports. The Air without the Retina Display screen was the entry-level laptop until 2015. See Macintosh Portable, PowerBook, iBook and Mac computer.
From PowerBook to MacBook
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro was the first Mac laptop to use Intel CPUs, and the Pro line offers the fastest processors and largest screens (see MacBook Pro).
The Non-Pro, Non-Air MacBook
The "just plain" MacBook is Apple's entry-level laptop. Debuting in 2007, it was dropped in 2011 only to be resurrected thinner and lighter in 2015 with a USB-C port for both charging and connectivity (see USB Type C).
MacBook Air
Launched in 2008, the Air's touchpad added gesture-based multitouch introduced on the iPhone. In 2018, the Air added a high-res Retina Display, Touch ID and USB-C ports. The Air without the Retina Display screen was the entry-level laptop until 2015. See Macintosh Portable, PowerBook, iBook and Mac computer.
CURRENT MACBOOK MODELS
SSD Max
Screen Storage RAM Weight
Size (GB) (GB) (lbs)
Pro TB* 16" 512-8192 64 4.3
Pro TB* 13" 256-4096 32 3.1
Air RD** 13" 256-2048 16 2.8
MacBook 12" 256-512 16 2.0
* Touch Bar ** Retina Display
The processing power in the 2016 MacBook (right) is nearly seven million times greater than the first Mac PowerBook laptop in 1991. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)