Apple Laptops and Desktops: Reviews

It's not the most feature-packed Apple laptop, but reviewers say the 13-inch 2.26 GHz MacBook Pro packs a ton of value. At just $1,200, the least expensive MacBook Pro boasts an impressive array of features, including… aluminum unibody construction, a glossy widescreen display and a multi-touch trackpad. The 2.26 GHz version has 2 GB of memory and a 160 GB hard drive. Reviewers say it has great battery life and good graphics performance, although some would prefer a larger hard drive. Still, most are impressed by the addition of much-requested SD memory card reader and FireWire 800 slots, and they praise the color-rich display. The 13-inch MacBook Pro also comes in a slightly more expensive version with a 2.53 GHz processor (*Est. $1,500).

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Reviewers have typically overlooked the sole white MacBook in favor of the aluminum MacBook Pro, but experts say a redesign makes this entry-level laptop a compelling choice. It received a major design overhaul in… October, complete with a polycarbonate unibody design, LED-backlit display, multi-touch trackpad and built-in battery. Internally, the new MacBook is very similar to the top-rated 13-inch MacBook Pro -- both sport 2.26 GHz processors, 2 GB of memory and Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics. Interestingly, the MacBook has a larger 250 GB hard drive, compared to the entry-level MacBook Pro's 160 GB. Experts agree that these specs are generous for the price, but there are a few drawbacks. The new MacBook lacks an SD memory-card reader and FireWire 800 port found on the Pro laptops, and the new polycarbonate case is vulnerable to scratches and scuffs. Overall, though, experts say the MacBook is a great value as long as you won't miss the memory-card reader or FireWire ports.

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Because the top-of-the-line MacBook Pro received a serious overhaul at the beginning of the year, Apple made only modest changes to the latest version. However, reviewers say the $300 price drop makes the 17-inch MacBook… Pro more attractive than ever. It comes in only one standard configuration, with a 2.8 GHz processor, 4 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive, but there are a variety of upgrade options. Experts say the 17-inch MacBook Pro is the best choice for professionals or those seeking a desktop replacement. It also offers an anti-glare display option (*Est. $50), eight-hour battery and Express Card/34 slot, although it lacks the SD memory-card reader found on all of the other MacBook Pros.

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Experts say the 27-inch display on the new iMac is in a league of its own. It's the only all-in-one desktop to sport such a large high-resolution display, and reviewers describe it as "simply stunning" and "jaw-dropping."… High-definition video looks fantastic and the large screen can accommodate two side-by-side browsers or documents. The new iMac comes in four configurations (including two 21.5-inch desktops and a 27-inch quad-core version that will be available by the end of November), but experts prefer the 27-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, with a 1 TB hard drive and 4 GB of standard memory. The 27-inch iMac finally includes an SD memory-card reader, and the wireless mouse and keyboard are now included. While reviewers are impressed overall, some knock the reflective display coating and wish the iMac would include a Blu-ray drive. Since 27 inches may be too large for some consumers, the 3.06 GHz 21.5-inch iMac (*Est. $1,500) also earns several recommendations.

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Apple's professional-level Mac Pro also received an update in 2009. The Mac Pro is offered in two versions, a Quad-Core model with one 2.66 GHz Intel Xeon Nehalem processor and an 8-Core model with two 2.26 GHz… processors. Between the two, the Quad-Core model stands out in reviews. That's largely because benchmarking shows it to be a speedier performer overall, outperforming the 8-Core Mac Pro in most tests, including Photoshop, iMovie and 3-D games. Reviewers say the Quad-Core Mac Pro will suit most professionals, although it's probably overkill for general consumers. Mac Pros do not come with monitors, and you'll need to add that cost to the base price.

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The Mac mini has never impressed reviewers as an exceptional computer, but the tiny desktop received an impressive upgrade in October. Testing shows that the new mini is faster than previous generations, but reviewers… caution not to expect high-powered performance in even the 2.53 GHz version. The 2.53 GHz mini includes a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of memory and Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics. A cheaper, 2.26 GHz Mac Mini (*Est. $600) is also available, and reviewers say this is the one to get if you're on a budget. However, the 2.53 GHz Mac mini has better performance overall. One catch with the mini is that it doesn't include a monitor, keyboard or mouse, so unless you have those items already, your total cost rises considerably. Another consideration is that the mini is not upgradeable after purchase.

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