Updated Apple has begun shipping a pair of new MacBook configurations through its retail chain, bumping up the specification and upping the price accordingly, it has been claimed. The two new models sit, respectively, above the current white and black 2GHz MacBooks.

According to an AppleInsider report, the new white MacBook has 1GB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive, both higher than the launch model's 512MB and 60GB specs. The new black notebook likewise doubles the current black model's memory to 1GB.

The new models are said to be retailing in the US for $1,449 and $1,599, respectively - $150 and $100 more than the previous top-of-the-line white and black MacBooks, which are still available in Apple's retail outlets and online. The higher price matches precisely what a consumer would pay if they upgraded a MacBook using the online AppleStore's build-to-order facility. However, the upgraded specification is not offered yet as a standard configuration online.

Update
The new machines are also available in the UK, prices at £1,009 and £1,099, respectively. ®