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Apple Laptops and Desktops
- Best Apple laptop 13-inch 2.26 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $1200
- Best desktop replacement 17-inch 2.8 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $2500
- Apple desktop for general use 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac *Est. $1500
- Apple desktop for professional use Quad-Core Mac Pro *Est. $2500
- Budget Apple desktop 2 GHz 120 GB Mac mini *Est. $600
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- Great graphics
- Speedy performance
- Eco-friendly design
- Rugged construction
- Expensive
- Shorter battery life than earlier versions
- Only available with glossy screen finish
Experts say the 15-inch 2.53 GHz MacBook Pro is a worthwhile upgrade over its predecessors. Using the latest Intel technology processors and notably improved graphics processing, performance is first-rate, beating its older siblings by a considerable margin in most regards. The improved graphics are complemented by an LED backlit display which contains no mercury or arsenic, though we've seen complaints about the glossy screen coating. The all-aluminum case is both stylish and durable (and recyclable). There's no doubt, however, that the laptop is pricey. A less expensive version of the MacBook Pro with a 2.4 GHz processor and less system and video memory is available (*est. $2,000 and up). Performance is a bit pokier, however. A 17-inch version of the MacBook Pro (*est. $2,800 and up) makes a great desktop replacement, but it missed out on the most notable upgrades visited on the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro laptops.
Though the MacBook Pro has only been on the market a short while, reviews are flooding in. Ars Technica has what's easily the most detailed report, covering the MacBook Pro in a two-part, multi-page write-up. Macworld is one of the few to benchmark both the 2.4 GHz and 2.53 GHz versions. Additional useful reviews can be read at Laptop Magazine, PCMag.com and CNet.com.
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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 Pro. Performance evaluations and conclusions are addressed in part two (see below).
Review: Ars Reviews the 2008 MacBook Pro, Part I: Aluminum and Glass, Clint Ecker and Jacqui Cheng, Oct. 19, 2008
ArsTechnica.com follows up the first half of its report on the MacBook Pro with this article, which includes extensive performance testing. No rating is provided, but definitive conclusions are reached and lists of the good, the bad and the ugly are provided.
Review: Ars Reviews the 2008 MacBook Pro, Part II: Performance, Clint Ecker, Oct. 21, 2008
Macworld is one of the few reviewers to compare the 2.4 GHz and 2.53 GHz versions. Testing is comprehensive, though not as detailed as that done by ArsTechnica.com. Differences in performance are detailed, but no judgment is rendered as to which is best, given the difference in price. Jackie Dove laments the glossy screen and poorer battery life of both models.
Review: MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo/2.4GHz and 2.53GHz, Jackie Dove, Oct. 23, 2008
PCMag.com gives the 2.53 GHz MacBook Pro a good rating, though reading the review reveals some shortcomings. Benchmarks are run in Windows Vista (via Boot Camp) and compared to a couple of native Windows laptops. Cisco Cheng says you can buy other machines with more features at a lower cost.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Dual Graphics), Cisco Cheng, Oct. 15, 2008
5. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The 2.53 GHz 15.4-inch MacBook Pro gets a balanced and comprehensive review here. Dana Wollman calls the machine stunning, but suggests you also look at the 2.4 GHz version to make sure you aren't buying more computer than you need.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro (2008), Dana Wollman, Oct. 21, 2008
6. CNET
CNET's review of the 2.53 GHz 15.4-inch MacBook Pro is shallower than most, but it still has some useful insights. Most noteworthy, it delves at least lightly into whether the MacBook Pro is a better choice than the MacBook for most users.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro, Dan Ackerman, Oct. 21, 2008
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