A Few More Random Notes on the MacBook

Just a few things I didn't mention in my rambling hands-on look:

* I failed to mention that the MacBook comes with gigabit Ethernet (good!) and that it doesn't have a modem (bad in theory, but I wonder what percentage of prospective purchasers would ever need or want to do dial up?).

* I also didn't note that it doesn't have a PC Card or ExpressCard slot. These days, the main thing you might want to stick into such a slot would likely be a card for EvDO or another form of high-speed wireless; USB adapters are on the way, as well as phones such as the Treo 700P which will double as high-speed modems.

* I praised the MacBook for showing few obvious signs of cost-cutting, but I should have mentioned that, like the iPod, it follows Apple's philosophy of adding a bunch of cool new features, but stripping out some mundane accessories and making them extra-cost options. My PowerBook came with adapters to connect to a display or projector via VGA or DVI; with the MacBook, either of these will set you back $19. Not a huge deal, but a little chintzy, especially with the premium-priced black version.

* Apple doesn't have a great track record when it comes to allowing for easy upgrades, but AppleInsider has the happy news that the MacBook has a new hard-drive setup that makes it reasonably easy for an end user to swap in a new drive. Cool.