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Described by Apple as the world's most advanced consumer notebooks, the designs complete Apple's Intel-based notebook line up (there are 15-and 17-inch MacBook Pros). They replace both the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook.

As expected there is a 13.3in widescreen, and they run Mac OS X version 10.4.6 'Tiger', including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, plus the iLife '06 suite. There's also DVI with dual display support, optical digital audio input and output, Gigabit Ethernet, Sudden Motion Sensor, Scrolling TrackPad and MagSafe Power Adapter and a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing. At the heart of the notebooks are Intel Duo Core processors (1.83 and 2.0GHz,).

Apple claims the new machines are five times faster than the iBook and up to four times faster than the 12-inch PowerBook.

'Apple began the transition to Intel

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Core Duo-based notebooks in February with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and now just 90 days later we have completed the transition with the release of the all new MacBook,' said Apple's senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Philip Schiller. 'The complete MacBook lineup leads the industry with Apple's trademark innovative design and advanced mobile features - from top to bottom it is the best notebook line that we have ever offered.'

In terms of pricing, the 1.83 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook has a suggested retail price of £749, the 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, £899.00, and the 2.0 GHz, 13-inch black MacBook, £1,028.99.

The first has a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo, 512MB memory (2 x 256MB SODIMMs), a 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive and a Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW). The second has a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo, 512MB memory (2 x 256MB SODIMMs), a 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive and a SuperDrive (DVDRW, CD-RW). The most expensive version has 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo, 512MB memory (2 x 256MB SODIMMs), a 80GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive, and a SuperDrive (DVDRW, CD-RW).

According to Apple, additional build-to-order options include the ability to upgrade to 80GB, 100GB or 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

More info can be found at www.apple.com/macbook