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Apple Laptops and Desktops
- Best Apple laptop 15-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $2200
- Best ultraportable Apple laptop 13-inch 128 GB MacBook Air *Est. $1300
- Best-value Apple laptop 13-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $1200
- Budget Apple laptop 11-inch 64 GB MacBook Air *Est. $1000
- Best Apple desktop 21.5-inch 2.5 GHz iMac *Est. $1200
- Best tablet computer Apple iPad 2 *Est. $500
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- Professional-level performance
- Four FireWire 800 ports
- Faster for everyday computing than the 8-Core Mac Pro
- Easy to upgrade
- Monitor costs extra
- Expensive
The Mac Pro desktops have long been the choice of professionals who need serious power for design, gaming or video editing. Like Apple's other computers, the Mac Pro is updated for 2009 and comes in two standard configurations, including the Quad-Core Mac Pro with 2.66 GHz Intel Xeon Nehalem processor, 3 GB of memory, 640 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce GT 120. The other configuration is the 8-Core Mac Pro, with two 2.26 GHz processors, 6 GB memory and a 640 GB hard drive. Between the two, reviewers say the Quad-Core Mac Pro is preferable for most computing tasks. Video editors might want to go with the 8-Core, but the Quad-Core Mac Pro posts faster times in Photoshop, iMovie and 3-D game tests. If you plan to do gaming or 3-D work, ArsTechnica.com recommends spending $200 to upgrade the Pro with Radeon HD 4870 graphics. Reviewers say the updated Mac Pros perform better than their predecessors, but they are probably overkill for anyone but power users. If you prefer an all-in-one desktop, the 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac gets good reviews for professional users. In fact, in Macworld's graphic tests, the 3.06 GHz iMac beats both of the new Mac Pros. Keep in mind that the Mac Pros don't come with monitors, and that will increase your total price.
The Quad-Core Mac Pro attracts fewer reviews than other Apple computers. Still, Macworld and PCMag.com conduct extensive tests of the Quad-Core Mac Pro. These sites offer the best reviews, backed with relevant testing details and comparisons to the 8-Core Mac Pro. Macworld offers the best review because they test the standard configuration' PCMag.com upgrades their test model.
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Macworld gives a higher score to the Quad-Core Mac Pro over the 8-Core version, saying the Quad-Core offers faster performance for most uses. Overall, they say the Quad-Core is a "fine purchase for anyone replacing an older Mac or buying a new one for the first time."
Review: Quad-Core and Eight-Core Mac Pros (2009 editions), James Galbraith, March 23, 2009
2. PCMag.com
PCMag.com tests the Quad- and 8-Core Mac Pros, giving higher ratings to the Quad-Core Mac Pro. However, they upgrade several of the internals, so they are not reviewing the standard configuration. Still, they say the Quad-Core is a "better buy for most multimedia pros and enthusiasts."
Review: Apple Mac Pro (Quad-Core), Joel Santo Domingo, April 10, 2009
Dave Girard at ArsTechnica.com reviews the 8-Core Mac Pro, but includes some details about the Quad-Core. Girard thinks the 8-Core is good for those who use multihreaded 3-D applications, but the high price is a serious downside.
Review: Prepare for Ludicrous Speed: Ars Reviews the 8-Core Mac Pro, Dave Girard, April 6, 2009
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