Apple Dumps iBook, Unveils 13-inch MacBook

Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday finished its shift to Intel processors in its portable line as it introduced a trio of MacBook models that replace the aged PowerPC-based iBook.

The new MacBook -- available in both white and black -- is powered by Intel's Core Duo chip, sports a 13.3-inch screen, and like the bigger MacBook Pro, is equipped with a built-in Web camera. Unlike the brawnier Pro, however, the MacBook lacks a dedicated graphics processor; instead, it relies on the Intel chipset's integrated graphics engine and takes a portion of system memory for graphics RAM.

Priced between $1,099 and $1,499, the MacBook replaces the consumer-oriented iBook (which was priced starting at $999) and the business-style 12-inch PowerBook G4. Those notebooks have been removed from Apple's online store.

The black-coated MacBook is essentially a slightly upgraded white-case model (it sports an 80GB hard drive rather than a 60GB unit), but costs $200 more.

Also Tuesday, Apple swapped faster processors in its MacBook Pro line-up, dropping the 1.83MHz Core Duo and replacing it with a 2.0GHz processor in the lowest-priced $1,999 Pro. The $2,499 model's CPU was bumped up from 2.0GHz to 2.16GHz. All MacBook Pro models can now also be ordered with a glossy widescreen 15- or 17-inch display at no extra charge."Apple began the transition to Intel Core Duo-based notebooks in February with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and now just 90 days later we have completed the transition," boasted Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of product marketing.

The new MacBook and the updated MacBook Pro are available immediately at retail and direct from Apple.