Gallery: Apple's new unibody polycarbonate MacBook

With every other laptop in Apple's current lineup using the "Pro" moniker, the single non-Pro MacBook was starting to look a little dated. While many industry watchers expected Apple to lower prices on the white polycarbonate version, the company has given the system an upscale makeover, keeping the price the same.

The final product is more like the MacBook Pro than ever. But, some features found in the Pro that you won't find in this new MacBook include the SD card slot and backlit keyboard (and the FireWire port has finally kicked it, as well).

While still recognizably a MacBook, the new version has more gently rounded edges on the lid, making it look slightly thinner from a side angle.

Like the aluminum MacBook Pro models, the MacBook now has a unibody chassis, although in this case, it's still made of polycarbonate.

Internal components, including the Nvidia GeForce 9400, are either the same, or very similar to, current models.

A separate bottom panel has a matte non-slip feel, as opposed to the glossy white upper body. The unibody construction means the battery is no longer removable--also like the current Pro lineup.

While consumers have long called for lower entry prices for Mac laptops, Apple has always been reluctant to stray into the lower-margin sub-$1,000 market. With this new upscale version of the MacBook, Apple is giving a slight recessionary nod to buyers, without having to dive into the Netbook price wars.