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Definition: MacBook
Apple's laptop computer family, introduced in 2006. By the end of 2016, all MacBooks used solid state drives (SSDs). The MacBook Pro was the first MacBook and the first Mac laptop to use Intel CPUs, and the Pro line offers the fastest processors and largest screen size. In 2015, new models featured Apple's Retina Display and higher resolutions, as well as the Force Touch trackpad which senses different pressure levels. In 2016, MacBook Pros were introduced with the Touch Bar interface (see image below).
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 the multitouch capability introduced on the iPhone, which supports gestures. The 2018 Air with Retina Display has a high-resolution screen, Touch ID and USB-C ports. The non-Retina Display model became Apple's entry level laptop.
MacBook Pro - Touch Bar and Touch ID
In 2016, MacBook Pro models added a touchscreen toolbar in place of physical function keys. The touch keys switch to different menus, icons and sliders depending on the running application. The Touch Bar also includes Apple's Touch ID for Apple Pay and logins. See Macintosh Portable, PowerBook, iBook and Macintosh.
MacBook Pro Touch Bar
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 the multitouch capability introduced on the iPhone, which supports gestures. The 2018 Air with Retina Display has a high-resolution screen, Touch ID and USB-C ports. The non-Retina Display model became Apple's entry level laptop.
MacBook Pro - Touch Bar and Touch ID
In 2016, MacBook Pro models added a touchscreen toolbar in place of physical function keys. The touch keys switch to different menus, icons and sliders depending on the running application. The Touch Bar also includes Apple's Touch ID for Apple Pay and logins. See Macintosh Portable, PowerBook, iBook and Macintosh.
CURRENT MACBOOK MODELS (End of 2018)
SSD Max
Screen Storage RAM Weight
Size (GB) (GB) (lbs)
Pro TB* 15" 512-4096 32 4.02
Pro TB* 13" 256-2048 16 3.02
Pro 13" 256-1024 16 3.02
Air RD** 13" 128-1536 16 2.75
Air 13" 128-512 8 2.96
MacBook 12" 256-512 16 2.03
* Touch Bar
** Retina Display
The Pro line includes models with a touch toolbar in place of function keys. Very innovative, each application displays essential functions for the currently running process. F1-F10 keys can also be simulated, and in some apps, users can configure their own keys. (Images courtesy of Apple Inc.)