Apple today updated its MacBook consumer notebooks with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model.

The new MacBook is now only one-inch thin and includes built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g. Every MacBook also come bundled with a built-in iSight video camera for on-the-go video conferencing and instant messaging, Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and iLife ‘06, Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications.

"The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales," said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers’ growing library of digital music, photos and movies."

The lightest and thinnest MacBook released until now has 13-inch glossy widescreen display, and comes in three models: two sleek white models, with 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz CPUs, and a stunning black model with a 2.16 GHz processor. The MacBook includes a built-in iSight video camera for video chatting using Apple’s proprietary iChat AV software, for recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth. Designed for the mobile lifestyle, the MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.

Every new MacBook comes bundled with iLife ‘06, the next generation of Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBooks will be powered by Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger, which includes the Safari browser, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook will cost $1,099 in the US, while 2.16 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook will cost $1,299. The black edition of MacBook will cost $1,499.