Apple Computer Reviews: Best Apple Desktop, Best Apple Laptop

Best Apple laptop.

*Est. $2,500 and up Compare Prices

Apple has just revised its laptop line and initial reviews say the latest MacBook Pro models deliver faster performance and better video quality than their predecessors. Styling also earns mostly raves. Testing indicates… that the MacBook Pro is functional and powerful enough to serve as your only computer, but it is expensive. For those that can get by with a little less power, a base version (*est. $2,000 and up) with a slower processor, a smaller hard drive and less system and video memory is available. The newest MacBook Pro laptops are crafted from a single piece of recyclable aluminum with LED-backlit displays containing no arsenic or mercury along with glass touchpads.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Arstechnica.com: In the first part of this two-part review, Clint Ecker and Jacqui Cheng focus on the style and build quality of the Apple MacBook ...

Arstechnica.com: Ars Technica follows up the first half of its report on the MacBook Pro with this article, which includes extensive performance ...

Macworld: Macworld is one of the few reviewers to compare the 2.4 GHz and 2.53 GHz versions. Testing is comprehensive, though not as ...

PCMag.com: PC Magazine gives the 2.53 GHz MacBook Pro a good rating, though reading the review reveals some shortcomings. Benchmarks are run ...

Laptop Magazine: The 2.53 GHz 15.4-inch MacBook Pro gets a balanced and comprehensive review here. Dana Wollman calls the machine stunning, but ...

CNet.com: CNet's review of the 2.53 GHz 15.4-inch MacBook Pro is shallower than most, but still has some useful insights. Most noteworthy, ...

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Budget Apple laptop.

2.0 GHz 13-inch MacBook

*Est. $1,300 and up Compare Prices

The newly revised MacBook now has an LED-backlit display and it shares the same aluminum chassis as the more expensive MacBook Pro laptops. Critics say the 13-inch MacBook may be the best value among Apple notebooks.… Standard features on the 4.5-pound MacBook include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a remote control and an integrated webcam. The lack of a FireWire port is a major negative in the newest MacBooks, according to some reviewers -- something to keep in mind if you use FireWire for a camcorder or backup hard drive.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Macworld: This comprehensive and balanced review tests both of the recently updated MacBook laptops, and benchmarks them against each other ...

Laptop Magazine: This review focuses on the 2.4 GHz version of the MacBook, and Dana Wollman likes the laptop well enough to grant it an Editors' ...

CNet.com: While most of the attention here is spent on the 2.4 GHz version of the MacBook, CNet is impressed enough to name it an Editors' ...

PCMag.com: In one of the more negative reviews we saw of the Apple MacBook, Cisco Cheng says features are weak considering the price. The ...

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Best Apple computer for families.

2.66 GHz 20-inch iMac

*Est. $1,200 and up Compare Prices

The best value among Apple desktop computers is the iMac -- an all-in-one computer that includes the system's "guts" behind a 20-inch LCD flat-panel screen. The iMac excels in performance tests versus other Mac systems… and some PCs, and its compact form factor makes it a good choice for those with limited desk space. You can spend more or less on an iMac, but this 20-inch model strikes a nice balance between price and performance. It includes 2 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive and a video card with 256 MB of RAM. The design limits future upgrades.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Macworld: In this report on the latest version of the iMac, Roman Loyola says that outwardly nothing has changed in Apple's latest update ...

CNet.com: CNet only touches lightly on the changes introduced by Apple in its processor update earlier this year, but does comment that in ...

PCMag.com: PC Magazine hasn't updated its coverage since Apple upgraded the processers in its iMac line. However, they are clearly impressed ...

Arstechnica.com: Ars Technica provides one of the most detailed reviews of the iMac. Performance testing is done, but since the review predates a ...

Amazon.com: More than 80 users have weighed in with opinions about the 2.66 GHz Apple iMac. All but seven have rated it four stars or ...

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for 1179.00

Budget Macintosh computer.

1.83 GHz Mac mini

*Est. $600 and up Compare Prices

The Mac mini doesn't impress reviewers as either an exceptional computer or bargain, but it is the least expensive option among all Apple computers. Two base models of the Mac mini are available. An extra $200 buys a… little more speed and storage capacity, along with a DVD burner. The catch with the mini is that it doesn't include a monitor, keyboard or mouse, so unless you have those items, total cost rises considerably. Another consideration is that the mini is not upgradeable after purchase.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Macworld: This review benchmarks the both the 2 GHz and 1.83 GHz Mac minis and reports that both are significant improvements over their ...

CNet.com: This report is based on CNet's full review of the higher-end 2.0 GHz Mac mini. Daniel A. Begun says you'd be hard pressed to find ...

Amazon.com: Amazon.com is the best destination for reviews of the 1.83 GHz Mac mini. Nearly 70 owners have reported in thus far and the vast ...

LowEndMac.com: This article compares the most recent update of the Mac mini to the older versions. It's most useful for discussing how the ...

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J&R Music and Computer World


	Apple iMac MB323LL/A 20-inch Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive) from Amazon.com New: $1499.00 In Stock. Average Customer Review:


	Apple iMac MB325LL/A 24-inch Desktop PC from Amazon.com New: $1469.00 In Stock. Average Customer Review:

Apple Laptops and Desktops: Reviews

Best Apple laptop.

Budget Apple laptop.

Best Apple computer for families.

Budget Macintosh computer.