Apple MacBook 13" - Expert Reviews

Review summary: We finally get our hands on a shiny new Macbook and come away suitably impressed with its design and ­performance.

Pros: Excellent new design ; multitasking is not a problem ; decent battery life ; big ­trackpad with touch-gesture support

Cons: Lacks VGA and DVI-out port ; screen is too glossy for outdoor use

Verdict: Nevertheless, the new Macbook is worth considering as it manages to strike the right balance between power, looks and portability.

Review summary: MacBook or go MacBook Pro?

Pros: Size, design, ease of use

Cons: USB sockets too close together, glossy screen

Verdict: You are still paying 719 for the basic model, but for the first time the MacBook Pro and MacBook are very much of a muchness

Review summary: New aluminium construction looks good, feels solid Giant touchpad Attractive edge-to-edge glass on display Improved integrated graphics Backlit keyboard on some models Thinner than previous version Tags: Apple MacBook Air, Apple Inc., Mobile Broadband

Pros: New aluminium construction looks good, feels solid Giant touchpad Attractive edge-to-edge glass on display Improved integrated graphics Backlit keyboard on some models Thinner than previous version

Cons: Still no ExpressCard or SD-card slot ; Loses FireWire port All-clicking touchpad is a bit awkward, at least initially Entry-level model now has a slower CPU than before No matte-screen option

Verdict: Apple's redesigned 13in. MacBook is essentially a shrunken version of the more expensive 15in. Pro line. With its new aluminium body, new touchpad and Nvidia graphics, it's an even more attractive choice for mainstream notebook buyers than was the ...

Review summary: With a completely new aluminium "Unibody" case and a glass trackpad, Apple's is attempting to redefine the notion of what a quality laptop should be. But at what price? We take a close look at the MacBook 2.0GHz and ask if it's really worth the money?

Pros: Sleek new design ; greatly improved graphics power ; Multi-Touch glass trackpad ; bright LED display

Cons: Entry price higher than before ; no FireWire port ; battery life shorter than previous MacBook model ; no video adapters or Apple Remote in the box

Verdict: Apple's announcement of the new MacBook range on 14 October 2008 stunned many Apple industry stalwarts. This model, the MacBook 2.0GHz Aluminium, is in many ways the complete opposite of the kind of laptop everybody else seems to be making.

Review summary: Think of it as the Macbook Semi-Pro…

Pros: Attractive new design, with significantly improved 3D performance

Cons: Expensive, no more Firewire

Verdict: The metal Macbook is certainly an improvement over its predecessors, but the higher prices are disappointing