Apple Laptops and Desktops Review

Comparing Apple and PC computers

This report covers Apple Macintosh laptops and desktops and the considerations involved in choosing between PCs and Macs. ConsumerSearch has separate reports on other computers, including desktop computers, budget desktop computers, laptops, ultraportable laptops, cheap laptops and netbooks.

Completely objective reviews of Macintosh computers are rare. Several reviewers attempt to compare Macs and PCs, but they often miss the mark by picking inappropriate models to compare. Apple's desktop and laptop product lines are nicely stratified, with significant price jumps between models. Still, some reviewers are reluctant to say that one Apple system is a better value than another. Several reviewers, however, provide helpful comparisons of computers in the Apple lineup.

We find the best reviews of Apple laptops and desktops in PCMag.com, Macworld, CNET and Laptop Magazine. These publications and web sites offer thorough and detailed reviews, although PCMag.com and Macworld cover more of the new Apple computers than the others. All four conduct numerous tests, comparing computers to others in the Apple lineup. PCMag.com is also especially helpful for reviews comparing Macs and PCs. Other sources offer less detailed reviews, or they don't test very many of the new models. Still, reviews from ArsTechnica.com, MacUser and PC Advisor are also helpful. Because many of the new laptops are recently released, there are relatively few user reviews for some of the new models, though some are beginning to attract considerable feedback. We find Amazon.com to be a good source to check for owner-written reviews of Apple computers.

In the past few months, Apple has released updates to its entire computer line. For the most part, reviewers say the new versions are improvements over previous versions, especially when it comes to MacBook Pros and iMacs. Most of these computers offer better specs, with faster processors, more memory or larger hard drives, and it was a surprise when Apple announced lower prices for these upgraded computers. As Mac enthusiasts know, price drops from Apple are uncommon. Fortunately for consumers, reviewers say that many Apple computers offer better value than before.

The one exception might be the MacBook Air. Most reviewers love or hate the diminutive, 3-pound laptop. Overall, most sources say that Apple hasn't made enough improvements to this latest version to overcome some of the Air's hefty downsides. Additionally, at least one reviewer -- Macworld -- reports that there's no speed improvement in benchmark testing, and that the high-end system runs more slowly. What has improved, Jason Snell says, is the price.

All-in-all, the MacBook Air isn't a bad computer -- and everyone agrees it looks terrific -- it just has a hard time competing with the cheaper and faster MacBook or entry-level MacBook Pros in terms of performance. However, those who value portability and style love the MacBook Air. The consensus seems to be that the Air is most appropriate for current Mac owners who don't plan to make the Air their only computer; that is, as an extra for Macintosh aficionados.