How to visually identify your black or white MacBook model

Check the keyboard

Look at the computer's keyboard. White and black MacBooks from late 2007 onward should have the new media control keys across the function key row as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 below.  These MacBooks—MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008), Macbook (13-inch, Late 2008), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009), and MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)—do not have an embedded keypad.

Figure 1, above: Left side function keys

Figure 2, above: Right side function and new media keys

For more information on this keyboard layout, see MacBook (Late 2007) and later: Key placement and Functionality.

Check the rear vent

1. Look at the back of the computer with the display closed. You should be able to see the spacing of the vent fins that are located along the bottom of the computer, just below the display hinge.
2. Compare the vent fins to Figures 3 and 4 below. The MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008), Macbook (13-inch, Late 2008), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009), and MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009) have much wider spacing between the vent fins than other MacBook computers.

Figure 3, above:  MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008), Macbook (13-inch, Late 2008), MacBook (13-inch Early 2009), MacBook (13-inch Mid 2009)

Figure 4, above: MacBook computers before late 2007.