MacBook Unibody A1278

Track down a number of hardware problems using the MacBook Unibody Model A1278 Troubleshooting Guide.

There are a number of components in the MacBook Unibody that can be cost effectively upgraded.

• Memory: The MacBook Unibody comes with 2 GB RAM standard. If your MacBook is still running with only the stock RAM, upgrading will provide a dramatic performance boost. Upgrading to the maximum of 8 GB ( One 4 GB stick and one 4 GB stick) can be done very easily.
• Hard Drive: 160 or 250 GB hard drives came standard with the MacBook Unibody. You can upgrade the drive up to 750 GB.
• Battery: Replacing the battery no longer requires a coin or a flat-edge tool to release the battery latch, which can be opened with a finger. The battery can be replaced in less than 30 seconds.

It updated the look of the MacBook laptop line by mimicking the look of the more expensive, aluminum-cased MacBook Pro. Apple released the new design on October 14, 2008, about two and a half years after the MacBook line was introduced.

Significant changes to the MacBook line occurred with the introduction of the MacBook Unibody. A new Nvidia chipset and GeForce 9400M graphics provided much faster video processing capability. The polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port was replaced with Mini DisplayPort. Apple also switched to LED-backlit LCDs to the MacBook Unibody. An innovative glass trackpad replaced the stock trackpad and enabled the tracking area itself to function as a mouse button. Apple also removed the FireWire 400 port, unfortunately eliminating the useful Target Disk Mode feature. Target Disk Mode allowed you to mount the laptop as an external drive in another computer, and was extremely useful for troubleshooting older MacBooks. There is no equivalent technique with the MacBook Unibody.

The MacBook Unibody is clearly differentiated from other MacBooks by its aluminum case. However, it does resemble its larger siblings, the MacBook Pro 15" Unibody and the MacBook Pro 17" Unibody. You can find out for sure whether you have the MacBook or MacBook Pro by looking at the writing below your laptop's screen.

Use the [/info/ID-your-Mac|laptop identification system] to help you identify your machine. MacBooks tend to look very similar, and it's important to know which machine you have before ordering any replacement parts.

• iFixit: List of Troubleshooting Guides
• iFixit: Mac OS X HD Reinstallation Tips
• iFixit: DIY Laptop Upgrades
• Wikipedia: MacBook
• Mactracker: Application with Apple Product Specs
• EveryMac: Online Apple Product Specs
• iFixit Blog: MacBook Unibody Model A1278 Teardown
• iFixit Blog: MacBook Unibody Backlit Keyboard Upgrade