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 Windows-based computers and other computers, including desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, cheap laptops and netbooks.

Apple has upgraded many of its computers, including the all-in-one iMac desktops. The exterior design may look largely the same, but the internal components have seen lots of changes, including second-generation Intel Core processors, updated graphics cards and high-speed Thunderbolt ports. Most computers sporting Intel's newest Core processors have seen performance improve by leaps and bounds compared to their predecessors.

The updated iMac is no exception, as even the entry-level configuration is faster than last year's top-of-the-line, and the new 27-inch iMac rivals the powerful Mac Pro desktops on some tasks. Reviewers are also excited about the new Thunderbolt ports, which promise significantly faster transfer rates than USB 2.0 (and even the speedy new USB 3.0 standard). The only problem? Compatible accessories are only slowly starting to be rolled out, and there aren't very many Thunderbolt-compatible products available on the market.

These changes come on the heels of the MacBook Pros, which were updated in February and then again in October, though that second update was very modest. As with the iMacs, the MacBook Pros are significantly faster and more powerful than their predecessors, thanks to new processors and graphics cards. The new MacBook Pro laptops also retain their aluminum designs and include Thunderbolt ports. These new Apple computers lack wished-for features like Blu-ray drives and HDMI ports.

The MacBook Air also received an upgrade less than a year after its previous boost. On the menu is a step-up to Intel's Sandy Bridge Core processor and Thunderbolt connectivity. However, pre-release speculation turned out to be true; the trade-off to maintain the Air's oh-so-thin profile is a step-down from the previous model's Nvidia graphics processor to using graphics capabilities integrated into the main Intel Sandy Bridge CPU. Apple fans may be happy to hear that the backlit keyboard that was found in previous MacBook Air models, but left out of the October 2010 overhaul, has returned.

Then there's the 800 pound gorilla on the tablet scene, the iPad 2. Although reviewers say the iPad 2 isn't a must-have upgrade for those who already have the first-generation iPad tablet, it does solidify Apple's standing in the tablet race. Even though it is facing more and tougher competition (as discussed in our tablet computers report), experts say the iPad 2 reigns supreme thanks to its intuitive user interface, unmatched design and numerous tablet-specific apps. Although the dual cameras are probably the most buzzed-about addition, users say they're not useful for much more than FaceTime chatting. What reviewers say they really love about the iPad 2 is its faster performance compared to the original, excellent battery life and thin design, which makes it easy to hold with one hand.

When evaluating Apple laptops and desktops, we found the best reviews in technology publications like PCMag.com, Macworld, CNET and Laptop Magazine. These publications and web sites offer thorough and detailed reviews, and PCMag.com does a particularly good job of comparing Macs to their PC counterparts. All four conduct numerous tests, comparing computers to others in the Apple lineup. Other sources offer less detailed reviews, or they don't test very many of the new models. Still, reviews from ArsTechnica.com, MacLife and ComputerShopper.com are also helpful. Amazon.com is a good source for owner-written reviews of Apple computers, although most new models haven't accumulated a substantial number of reviews.