Apple Computer is powering up its MacBook notebooks for consumers.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company announced on Nov. 8 that it would start to offer Intels Core 2 Duo processor in the MacBook, which Apple has been marketing to consumers.
The company announced its first Intel-based notebooks and desktops in January and since then has worked to convert its entire line of computers to Intel processors. Starting on Sept. 6, the company has steadily introduced the Core 2 Duo into its lineup. In addition to the MacBook, the iMac and MacBook Pro feature the dual-core processor.
The new MacBooks are up to 25 percent faster than previous models, according to Apple.
Apple is offering three versions of the new Core 2 Duo MacBooks. Each includes a 13-inch display and a range of Apple products, including an iSight built-in camera and iLife, the companys suite of applications for taking video and pictures. All three models run the latest version of the Mac operating system, called Tiger.
The first model, priced at $1,099, comes with a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 512MB of RAM, a 60GB hard drive, an Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950 graphics processor and AirPort Extreme wireless networking.
The second model offers a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo with 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, the Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950 graphics card and AirPort wireless networking. It sells for $1,299.
The third model also offers a Core 2 Duo that runs at 2.0GHz, as well as 1GB of RAM. This model comes with a 120GB hard drive, the Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950 graphics card and the AirPort Extreme. Its suggested retail price is $1,499.
The new Core 2 Duo MacBooks are available immediately.