17-inch MacBook Pro, 2.8 GHz

Reviewers say the 17-inch MacBook Pro is the laptop to get if you're seeking a desktop replacement. The huge display, long battery life and top-notch performance are all pluses for power users or those who want a laptop as their primary computer. The 17-inch MacBook Pro comes in only one standard configuration for 2009 -- a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive and two graphics processors (Nvidia GeForce 9400M and Nvidia GeForce 9600M). Testing shows that the new 2.8 GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro is only slightly faster than its predecessor, but Dan Frakes at Macworld calls it the "fastest MacBook ever." The 17-inch MacBook Pro is also the only Apple laptop to include an anti-glare screen option, ExpressCard/34 slot and eight-hour battery life (of light use). If you don't think you need this level of performance, the 13-inch MacBook Pro receives rave reviews. It can't match the speed or graphics prowess of the 17-inch Pro, but it's much cheaper and experts say it will suit most users.

Only a few publications review the updated 17-inch 2.8 GHz MacBook Pro; most others only review the 2.66 GHz version released in February (which is replaced by the 2.8 GHz version). Macworld tests the updated MacBook Pro, and its review is detailed and based on relevant testing and benchmarking. Initial user reviews at Amazon.com are also helpful.