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Apple Laptops and Desktops: Ratings of Sources
Total of 20 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. PCMag.com
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com covers most Apple laptops and desktops in thorough, test-based reviews. Pros and cons are clearly noted and each computer is rated on a 5-point scale. Benchmark results are also published. PCMag.com is also one of the best at comparing Apple computers to their PC competitors, and this site is a must-visit if you're still deciding between a Mac and a PC. The 15-inch 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro, 2.5 GHz Mac mini and the 21.5-inch 2.5 GHz iMac each win an Editors' Choice award. While the 27-inch iMac gets a positive review overall, it falls short of that accolade.
2. Macworld
As of Sept. 2011
Macs
by Editors of Macworld
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMacworld's reviews are very good, but -- as you might expect -- comparisons to PCs are not made. However, editors do a great job of comparing Apple computers to each other and detailing the differences among them. Each computer is thoroughly tested and rated on a 5-point scale. Among the new MacBook Pros, Macworld gives the highest ratings to the 15- and 17-inch models. All of the 2011 iMacs earn a 4-star rating (out of 5), but James Galbraith says the 21.5-inch 2.5 GHz iMac "offers the most bang for the buck." Likewise, all versions of the MacBook Air receive a perfect score, but editor James Snell opines that the 11-inch version is the best choice for most consumers "as close to perfect as Apple's ever come." The iPad 2 is reviewed elsewhere on this site, and it gets a positive reception.
3. CNET
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews by Category
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET's reviews are thorough and backed by relevant testing data. However, the site tests fewer Apple laptops and desktops than sources like PCMag.com. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch score highly with the site -- the 13-inch version even nabs an Editors' Choice award -- while the 13-inch MacBook Pro also gets a high overall rating. The 21.5-inch 2.5 GHz iMac and the 2.5 GHz Mac mini both earn only an average score, while the 27-inch iMac is not covered.
4. Computer Shopper
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews by Category
by Editors of ComputerShopper.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentComputerShopper.com has detailed reviews of laptops and desktops. The site covers most of the new Apple lineup, including several desktops and different sizes of the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac, all of which earn an Editors' Choice award. Each computer is rated on a 10-point scale, and some comparisons are made between models. The Mac mini is the only recent Apple computer that fails to earn an award.
5. Laptop Magazine
As of Sept. 2011
Apple Laptop Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAs its name suggests, Laptop Magazine mainly tests notebook computers and is not a good source for desktop reviews. However, its laptop reviews are in-depth and comprehensive, and each laptop is given a rating. The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros earn Editors' Choice awards, as does the 13-inch MacBook Air. The entry-level MacBook and 11-inch MacBook Air don't win any awards, but enjoy positive reviews overall.
6. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Computers
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe latest update at ConsumerReports.org rates dozens of laptops and desktops, and each system is evaluated on performance, ergonomics, features and display. For laptops, battery life is also published. Several recent Apple desktops and laptops are rated, though some older configurations remain. ConsumerReports.org tests some of the latest MacBook Pros, but new models are mixed in with older ones.
7. Engadget.com
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of Engadget.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEngadget.com is fast becoming a go-to source for computer reviews. The site has ramped up its coverage of laptops and desktops, and there's a 10-point rating system to make it easier to spot the best-reviewed models. The top-of-the-line 27-inch iMac scores well with the editors, but they find the Mac mini less impressive. Engadget.com editors highly recommend both the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air, although they warn that the laptops don't come cheap and may not have enough ports for power users.
8. Anandtech.com
As of Sept. 2011
Mac
by Editors of AnandTech.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAnandTech.com has some of the most detailed computer reviews online. The multipage analysis is thorough and balanced, and test results are published. The only downside is that no ratings are given, but the best products do receive an Editors' Choice award. None of the Mac computers reviewed recently earns that accolade, although the editors offer high praise for the 27-inch 2.7 GHz iMac, the 13-inch MacBook Pro and both versions of the MacBook Air.
9. MacLife.com
As of Sept. 2011
Apple
by Editors of MacLife
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMacLife's reviews are short but succinct, and they are relatively irreverent for a Mac enthusiast site. Reviews are balanced with mostly substantive pros and cons, although the write ups are less detailed than some other sources consulted for this report. The 13-inch 2.3 GHz MacBook Pro earns an excellent rating, as does the 27-inch 2.7 GHz iMac all-in-one desktop.
10. AppleInsider.com
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of AppleInsider.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAppleInsider.com, a Mac-enthusiast website, reviews several of the latest Apple laptops and desktops, including the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac mini. The analysis is detailed and covers pertinent aspects of performance and usability. Each computer is rated, but all of the recently reviewed models earn a similar 4-star rating. The 2011 Core i5-packing iMacs have yet to be reviewed.
11. TechRadar.com
As of Sept. 2011
PC & Mac
by Editors of TechRadar.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe U.K.'s TechRadar.com tests a few of the latest Macs. The write-ups here are less detailed than at some other websites, but the reviewers do personally test the computers with various applications and software. Each computer is also rated on a 5-point scale. The MacBook Pros, Mac Mini and MacBook Air earn very positive reviews, but the entry-level MacBook posts a slightly lower rating. The 27-inch iMac also garners an average rating, with the editors saying that it's "an incredible machine, but it might be more than you actually need." The site instead suggests that most users buy the highly rated (and cheaper) 21.5-inch iMac in its stead.
12. TrustedReviews.com
As of Sept. 2011
Latest Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBritain's TrustedReviews.com editors write detailed reviews of computers, desktops and other technology products. In addition to an overall rating, each computer receives sub-ratings for battery life, design, features, performance and value. The best models earn a Recommended award. The 15-inch 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro is one laptop that earns that accolade, although the 21.5-inch iMac, the iPad 2 and the 11-inch MacBook Air all earn strong 8-star scores.
13. T3.com
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of T3.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentT3.com, based in Great Britain, tests a number of Apple laptops and desktops, although reviews are much shorter than the sources cited above, and they often come in the form of a brief video. As far as desktops go, T3.com tests only the 27-inch 2011 iMac, and it does so in a video review that fails to assign the desktop a final numerical rating. Reviewer Rhiain Morgan does say most users don't need the raw power of the 27-inch iMac and would instead be better off purchasing the 21.5-inch version. Also, while the publication sings the praises of the MacBook Air in another swift video, it fails to review any particular model and instead focuses on the MacBook Air line as a whole.
14. PC Advisor
As of Sept. 2011
Apple Reviews
by Editors of PC Advisor
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBritain's PC Advisor has solid reviews of Apple laptops and desktops. The magazine assigns each computer an overall rating, in addition to individual ratings on build quality, features and value. PC Advisor bestows high ratings on virtually every product Apple offers, awarding them all nearly perfect scores.
15. PCPro.co.uk
As of Sept. 2011
Apple Reviews
by Editors of PC Pro
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC Pro is another U.K.-based technology site that posts brief reviews of laptops, tablets and desktops. Although its analysis is not on par with sites like PCMag.com or Macworld, PC Pro does publish illustrated benchmark results, and each Apple computer is rated. Individual ratings are also given for features, value and performance. The best computers, such as the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models, earn a Recommended label. The 27-inch 2.7 GHz iMac earns high ratings here, but the 2.5 GHz Mac mini receives only an average score.
16. Arstechnica.com
As of Sept. 2011
Infinite Loop
by Editors of ArsTechnica.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentArsTechnica.com has excellent reviews of Apple laptops and desktops that are comprehensive, balanced and backed by thorough testing. The site doesn't test as many models as the sources we rate higher, but Chris Foresman has a detailed review of the 13-inch 256 GB MacBook Air, the 2.5 GHz Mac mini and the 12-Core Mac Pro. The computers aren't rated, however. ArsTechnica.com is not the easiest site to navigate; you have to sift through reviews for other products, including iPhone accessories.
17. Expert Reviews
As of Sept. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of ExpertReviews
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile England's Expert Reviews, formerly MacUser, used to have hit-and-miss coverage of Apple products, it now reviews all of the latest Apple laptops and desktops. Reviews are relatively short compared to sources like Laptop Magazine or PCMag.com, but they do a good job of covering the highlights and the lowlights of any given product. The 13-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac mini receive a 4-star rating. The Apple iPad 2, the 27- and 21.5-inch iMacs and both MacBook Airs earn a perfect rating. All of the 5-star reviewed items except for the 21.5-inch iMac receive an Expert Reviews Ultimate award, as well.
18. Amazon.com
As of Sept. 2011
Apple Computers & Accessories
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com is a good spot for user reviews of Apple desktops and laptops. Amazon.com sells a good assortment, and despite the wide variety, one common thread can be found throughout; Customers are very, very happy with all of the products Apple offers.
19. PCMag.com
As of Sept. 2011
Readers' Choice Awards 2011
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com conducts yearly surveys to gauge reader satisfaction with various products, including laptops, desktops and tablet computers. Respondents report instances of repair (both quantity and quality), experiences with tech support (quantity of instances, quality of problem-solving) and other information about contact with manufacturers. Apple scores Readers' Choice awards in the tablets, laptops and desktops categories.
20. SlashGear.com
As of Sept. 2011
SlashGear Reviews
by Editors of SlashGear.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSlashGear.com reviews several new Apple laptops and desktops, including the 15-inch MacBook Pro. The site tests each laptop or desktop and compares it to previous generations, but specific recommendations are not made, and the computers are not rated. Both the 27-inch 3.1 GHz iMac and the 13-inch 256 GB MacBook Air earn positive comments.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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