Apple MacBook 13" - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The 13-inch MacBook is the latest to get the Penryn injection, but is that enough to keep sales thriving?

Pros: Improved battery life. Fast processor. Excellent support network. Sturdy exterior. Sound environmental practices. Excellent software bundle.

Cons: Feature set continues to trail the competition. Design and weight need a revamp. This configuration is relatively pricey.

Verdict: The Apple MacBook 13-inch will continue to fly off the shelves because of the company's reputation, but change is due.

Review summary: The Apple MacBook is one of the best designed laptops around, and now it can even do Windows.

Verdict: The MacBook's unusual in-between size turns out to make a lot of sense: at 12.8 inches wide by 8.9 inches deep by 1.1 inches tall, the 5.2-pound system is trim enough to be travel-friendly, yet, it packs a 13.3-inch wide-screen display with plenty of ...

Review summary: Apple has updated its hot selling MacBook range. Externally, the new MacBooks are identical to the mid-2007 models, except for minor changes to the keyboard. It's under the surface, though, where the real changes have taken place.

Pros: Improved graphics card, Takes RAM up to 4GB, Santa Rosa chipset, Longer battery life, Competitive pricing

Cons: No antiglare screen option

Verdict: A useful range of significant updates, particularly the changed graphics engine and arrival of Santa Rosa

Review summary: MacBooks now support better Intel GMA X3100 graphics cards, which provide double the RAM allocation of the cards theyâ-'re replacing

Pros: Improved graphics card ; Takes RAM up to 4GB ; Santa Rosa chipset ; Longer battery life ; Competitive pricing

Cons: No antiglare screen option

Verdict: The top-priced black 2.2GHz MacBook (£949) also has a 2.2GHz processor and SuperDrive but a larger 160GB hard drive. All hard drives are 5,400rpm Serial ATA spec. Optional extras include expanding the drive size on any model to 250GB and extending the ...

Review summary: The 2.3kg chassis is ideal for travel, but the glossy white finish is easily tarnished

Pros: Excellent battery life, Great interface, Impressive general performance, Good screen

Cons: Prone to scratching, Poor 3D performance, Limited storage

Verdict: With its impressive performance, the MacBook easily stands out and the stunning screen is an extra selling point. Windows users may be hesitant to start using the OS X software, but there's plenty of benefits to be had