Best MacBook Prices

2012.01.27

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White MacBook Apple last updated the 13" MacBook in May 2010 and discontinued it with the introduction of the Mid 2011 MacBook Air, although it was still available in the education channel for a while after that. New inventories are depleted, bur Apple has refurbs - and there's a good selection of used MacBooks. The most recent model claimed up to 10 hours of wireless productivity, has faster CPUs (2.4 and 2.66 GHz) than previous versions, and uses Nvidia's 330M graphics processor.

Apple updated the white MacBook in 2010 using the same technology found in the 13" 2010 MacBook Pro, but without the SD Card reader and FireWire port found in the Pro model.

black MacBook None of the first generation MacBooks (the ones with Intel Core Duo CPUs) support 64-bit operation in OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, and only the models with Nvidia 9400M graphics support OpenGL. See individual model profiles to learn which Snow Tiger technologies are supported.

All MacBooks have a 1280 x 800 glossy display, and all current models include a dual-layer SuperDrive. The current 2.4 GHz MacBook has a 250 GB hard drive and 2 GB of RAM (expandable to 8 GB).

Aluminum Unibody MacBook

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is supported on all pre-2010 MacBooks. If you want to upgrade an older MacBook to 10.5, be sure to check our Best Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Deals. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard requires 1 GB of RAM (we recommend at least 2 GB) and will run on all Intel-based Macs. Check out prices in our Best Mac OS X Snow Leopard Deals.

The Core 2 CPU runs quite a bit cooler and has more power at the same clock speed compared to the Core Duo. Because the Core Duo MacBooks tend to run hot, we recommend the Core 2 models - and only Core 2 models support 64-bit operation.

We strongly recommend running your MacBook with at least 1 GB of memory. If you can swing it, max out to 2, 3, 6, or 8 GB. (See Is More RAM More Important than Matched RAM in the MacBook? for more on unmatched memory.)

Units have a SuperDrive (SD) unless otherwise noted. The best deals are marked in bold type in the full listings below. Canadian dealers are listed separately. Listings note RAM (in GB unless otherwise noted)/hard drive size. Units are white unless noted. MacBooks listed as Unibody are the aluminum Unibody model.

Best Used Prices, Polycarbonate MacBook

SuperDrive included unless otherwise noted. We do not include GainSaver here, because they strip out the factory supplied SuperDrive, replacing it with a Combo drive, reduce system memory and hard drive size from Apple's base configuration, and don't even include a MagSafe power adapter at their listed price.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, Combo, $399, LA Computer, Mac of All Trades, Wegener Media
2.0 GHz Core 2, $430, MacResource
2.0 GHz Core 2, black, $499, ExperCom
2.1 GHz Core 2, $450, MacResource
2.16 GHz Core 2, $479, ExperCom
2.2 GHz Core 2, black, $529, ExperCom
2.4 GHz Core 2, $529, ExperCom
2.4 GHz Core 2, black, $600, Mac of All Trades

Best Used Prices, Aluminum Unibody MacBook

2.4 GHz Unibody, $829 shipped, PowerMax

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

PC5300 (pre-Unibody): 512 MB, $15.99; 1 GB, $17.99; 2 GB, $33.99; 2 GB kit, $29.97, 3 GB kit, $45.99; 4 GB kit, $58.97; 6 GB kit, $114.99.
PC6400 (2009 Nvidia): 1 GB, $18.79; 2 GB, $29.99, 4 GB, $58.99; 4 GB kit, $58.99, 6 GB kit, $112.99.
PC8500 DDR3 (Unibody): 2 GB, $14.79, 4 GB, $24.99; 4 GB kit, $27.99; 6 GB kit, $41.99, 8 GB kit (Late 2009 MacBook and 2010 only), $47.99.

Best Mac OS X Prices

Be sure to factor in shipping costs and possible sales tax. Your best value depends on whether you need/want a color printer, extra RAM, etc.

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to visit their sites for full details.

Core Duo models are listed before Core 2 models, which are more efficient and run cooler. Other than that, models are listed by CPU speed. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices toDan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

Profiles

Core Duo, May 2006, 1.83 and 2.0 GHz: 2 GB maximum RAM, Intel GMA 950 graphics
Core 2 Duo, Late 2006, 1.83 and 2.0 GHz: 3 GB* maximum RAM, Intel GMA 950 graphics
Core 2 Duo, May 2007, 2.0 and 2.16 GHz: 3 GB* maximum RAM, Intel GMA 950 graphics
Santa Rosa, Late 2007, 2.0 and 2.2 GHz: 6 GB maximum RAM, Intel X3100 graphics
Penryn, Early 2008, 2.1 and 2.4 GHz: 6 GB maximum RAM, Intel X3100 graphics
White, Late 2008, 2.1 GHz: 6 GB maximum RAM, Intel X3100 graphics
Aluminum Unibody, Late 2008, 2.0 and 2.4 GHz: 6 GB maximum RAM, GeForce 9400M graphics
White (Nvidia), Early 2009, 2.0 GHz: 6 GB maximum RAM, GeForce 9400M graphics
White, Mid 2009, 2.13 GHz: 6 GB maximum RAM, GeForce 9400M graphics
White Unibody, Late 2009, 2.26 GHz: 8 GB maximum RAM, GeForce 9400M graphics
White Unibody, Mid 2010, 2.4 GHz: 8 GB maximum RAM, GeForce 9400M graphics

* Although you can install 4 GB of memory, these MacBooks will only be able to access 3 GB.

Used & Reseller Refurbished

Computer Trends Canada

CTC is located in Calgary, Alberta.

2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/120, C$599.99

DV Warehouse

Shipping may add $20 or more.

2.1 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $474
2.4 GHz Core 2, 1/160, $649
2.26 GHz Core 2, 2/250, $668

ExperCom

Estimated shipping is $15.50.

2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/80/Combo, $449
2.0 GHz Core 2, black, 2/80, $499
2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $479
2.2 GHz Core 2, black, 4/160, $529
2.4 GHz Core 2, 2/160, $529

GainSaver

GainSaver appears to have an ongoing daily 10% off sale on Apple products, but we list the undiscounted price just in case. Prices include a 30 day warranty; 90 day warranty is $40 additional. Diagnostic testing costs $25, and shipping insurance costs $25.32. Price includes regular desktop version of Mac OS X. The optical drives have sometimes been downgraded from factory standard to CD-ROM or Combo - you can upgrade to a Combo drive os SuperDrive for a fee. Add $29 for an AirPort Extreme card, $79 for a new battery, $39 for an Apple MagSafe power adapter. You can custom configure your MacBook Pro with larger hard drives, various memory configurations, and more. We strongly recommend that you verify the equipment you want is in stock before placing an order. Caveat emptor.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, 512 MB/60/CD, $489
2.0 GHz Core 2, 512 MB/60/CD, $519
2.0 GHz Core 2, black, 512 MB/60/CD, $529
2.1 GHz Core 2, 512 MB/60/Combo, $549
2.16 GHz Core 2, 512 MB/60/Combo, $559
2.16 GHz Core 2, black, 512 MB/60/Combo, $579
2.2 GHz Core 2, 512 MB/60/Combo, $569
2.2 GHz Core 2, black, 512 MB/60/Combo, $589
2.26 GHz Core 2, 512 MB/60/Combo, $629
2.4 GHz Core 2, 512 MB/60/Combo, $599
2.4 GHz Core 2, black, 512 MB/60/Combo, $729
2.0 GHz Aluminum, 512 MB/60/CD, $799
2.4 GHz Aluminum, 512 MB/60/Combo, $799

LA Computer Company

Ground shipping may add $18 or more. LA Computer collects sales tax on orders shipped within California. 30 day warranty.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, 1/80/Combo, $399
2.0 GHz Core 2, 2/120, $499
2.4 GHz Core 2, 2/160, $549
several other configurations listed

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $30. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track and collects sales tax on orders shipped within FL.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, 1/60, $399.99
2.1 GHz Core 2, 2/120, $499.99
2.16 GHz Core 2, black, 2/160, $549.99
2.4 GHz Core 2, black, 2/160, $599.99
2.0 GHz Aluminum, 2/160, $699.99

MacResource

Ground shipping may add $28 or more. 30 day store warranty.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, 1/120, $399.99
2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/80, $429.99
2.1 GHz Core 2, 1/120/Combo, $449.99
2.13 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $479.99

PowerMax

Free ground shipping.

2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo, 1/80/Combo, $619 shipped
2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $649 shipped
2.2 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $669 shipped
2.2 GHz Core 2, black, 1/160, $699 shipped
2.4 GHz Core 2, 2/160, fine line on screen, $719 shipped
2.4 GHz Core 2, black, 2/250, $769 shipped
2.4 GHz Unibody, 2/250, $829 shipped
many other configurations listed

Teksale.com

Ground shipping can add $15 or more.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, 1/60/Combo, $499
2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/80, $549
2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $569
2.16 GHz Core 2, black, 1/160, $679
2.2 GHz Core 2, black, 1/160, $699
2.4 GHz Core 2, 2/160, $679

TechRestore

30 day warranty. Inventory changes daily.

2.1 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $499.98

Wegener Media

Ground shipping may add $19 or more 60 day warranty. Apple Remote $9.99 additional.

1.83 GHz Core Duo, 512 MB/60/Combo, $399.99
1.83 GHz Core Duo, 1/80/Combo, $439.99
2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/80/Combo, $479.99
2.0 GHz Core 2, black, 1/120, $519.99
2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/120, $579.99
new battery, $49.99

Need something thinner and lighter with most of the power? Check out our Best MacBook Air Prices. Need something bigger and more powerful? See our Best 15" MacBook Pro Prices and our Best 17" MacBook Pro Prices.