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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Apple's new MacBook and MacBook Pro torn down (photos)

By Sam Oliver

Published: 10:00 AM EST

Apple parts reseller iFixIt has just completed its photo disassemblies of the new MacBook and MacBook Pro, and notes that the design of both machines are largely inspired by the MacBook Air, with the 13-inch model structurally resembling a 13-inch version of the new MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro Disassembly Guide

As part of its 15-inch MacBook Pro disassembly, iFixIt noted that:

  • Upgrading the RAM and hard drive is very easy, but you do need a Torx screwdriver to replace the hard drive (noted yesterday).

  • Contrary to some fears, the keyboard in the MacBook Pro is user-serviceable. It's a fair amount of work to remove (you have to remove 56 screws).

  • The AirPort and Bluetooth boards are in the display assembly. The AirPort card is user-serviceable, while the Bluetooth board is not.


MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro with its battery cover and base cover removed.


MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro's stacked memory slots sit just above the battery bay.


MacBook Pro
Peeling back the MacBook Pro's chicklet keyboard .


MacBook Pro
Removing the lower display bezel reveals the AirPort card.


MacBook Pro
This is what the AirPort card looks like.


MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pros precision logic board.


MacBook Pro
An exploded view of the innards of the new MacBook Pro.


MacBook Disassembly Guide

As for the 13-inch MacBook, iFixIt notes that:

  • The new MacBook is really a 13" MacBook Pro. It uses the same design, and same manufacturing quality. Bridging the gap between consumer and professional model.

  • The Superdrive is the same in the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

  • We showed the parts to some industrial engineers familiar with manufacturing processes. Overall, they were extremely impressed by the build quality of the machine and the cutting edge mass-produced unibody.


MacBook Pro
The MacBook's logic board is tiny.


MacBook Pro
A closer look at the MacBook's logic board.


MacBook Pro
The MacBook's display module detached.


MacBook Pro
A semi-exploded view of the MacBook.


A big thanks to the guys over at iFixIt for sharing their photos and disassembly work with AppleInsider readers.

For more photos, full disassembly instructions, and additional comments and observations, please see the full version of iFixIt's guides:

MacBook Disassembly Guide
MacBook Pro Disassembly Guide

Unboxing and comparison photos

Don't forget to check out AppleInsider's own unboxing and comparison photos, also published Thursday.

High-quality photo comparison: the new unibody MacBooks
High-quality unboxing photos: late 2008 13" MacBook
High-quality unboxing photos: late 2008 15" MacBook Pro

Filed under : Current Hardware 34 Comments ] 
Story topics: MacBook Pro, MacBook   Print ] [ Story Link ] 


(13") $1,094.00 (15") $1,579.00 (15") $2,089.00
(13") $1,394.00 (15") $1,799.00 (17") $2,249.00
See more prices in AppleInsider's Mac Price Guide
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