MacBook Core 2 Duo (C2D) Review Update (Part 3)
Well, I can definitely say that my new MacBook C2D is MUCH better. Typically the CPU runs at about 50C (122F) when just sitting there doing very little work (compared to 60C (140F) on my previous one). That's a full 10C (18F) cooler! When doing light work, because of the cooler temperatures, the fan is much less audible than my previous version. Also, it now takes a lot more heavy work for the fans to kick in- watching a National Geographic video podcast now, for instance, doesn't cause the fans to go full out. Things that really utilize the CPUs, like wandering around the 3D virtual world SecondLife, do cause the fans to kick in loudly though. The temperature when running a CPU intensive process is still about 80C, same as before. For normal light to moderate use, the bottom of the machine gets fairly warm, but is actually usable on my lap, whereas my previous one was even warmer, to the point of being uncomfortable on my lap after a while. With the quieter fan and cooler temperatures, when doing light to moderate work, I am so much happier now, it's amazing. I am no longer afraid of using my MacBook in a quiet library.
Another benefit of this exchanged MacBook is its battery life is much better than my previous one. Previously, doing moderate work with the screen at 3 notches below max, I got 2 hours 20 minutes of battery life- now, with the same settings, I get about 3 hours 8 minutes of battery life. Running at maximum brightness doing quite a lot of work on it, I got 2 hours 40 minutes. Being more aggressive with power savings (such as lowering the screen brightness, turning off bluetooth), I can easily get over 4 hours of battery life, and in fact, I think over 5 hours is achievable if you turn the screen brightness all the way down (which for me though, is a bit too dim). I'm quite happy with the battery life now.
Now that I've owned a Core 2 Duo MacBook for about two weeks, I have some longer-term comments. First, the finish on my black MacBook seems to be very delicate. Carrying it around for a few days in my backpack, I've already noticed several blemishes- some of the finishes around the corners are wearing out, and also, the bottom has developed several very noticeable scratches. I don't remember what else I had in my backpack, but it might have been some compact disks, a mouse, or a spiral bound notebook. Anyways, to keep your MacBook looking good, you have to be extra careful with how you store and carry it. Another thing that has developed is the hinge on my screen creaks noticeably when opening and closing. Oh well, at least I now have a much quieter fan and better battery life!
Normally I don't buy extended warranties, but, with the MacBook, I decided to buy AppleCare, which extends the warranty to 3 years. I think it's worth the extra peace of mind since, at least in my limited experience, and in reading various forums about the MacBook and MacBook Pro, Apple seems to have quality control issues.
See Also:
MacBook Core 2 Duo Review Part 1
MacBook Core 2 Duo Review Part 2