Apple Laptop Computers
Last updated on 06/30/2010
The ascent of Apple's sleek and stylish notebook is one of the greatest comeback stories in modern computing. Fifteen years ago, nobody would've guessed that Apple and their Mac OS would be mounting a successful and highly-persuasive campaign against the PC, but they've done just that. Apple is again among the dominant tech companies today. Thanks to an emphasis on style, a preoccupation with intuitive features and smart, well-designed interfaces, the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro are a common sight these days. They still account for only a modest percentage of all laptops sold but are hugely popular among those in the creative fields. Such beauty does not come for free, however, and consumers will pay somewhat of a premium for these gorgeous notebooks. But as those who own them will tell you, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind and pleasurable computing.
Apple MacBook
If you're looking for something more modest, try the MacBook. This 4.7 pound notebook comes with a 13-inch LED-backlit display (bright, yet energy efficient) in a polycarbonate unibody package. Just because it's small doesn't mean that it's lacking in the power department, as it is equipped with a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, and a built-in 7-hour battery. It also features a built-in webcam for easy self-portraits and web video. This is the laptop for people who want the Apple design and reliability, but don't need all the power of the MacBook Pro.
If you're looking for something more modest, try the MacBook. This 4.7 pound notebook comes with a 13-inch LED-backlit display (bright, yet energy efficient) in a polycarbonate unibody package. Just because it's small doesn't mean that it's lacking in the power department, as it is equipped with a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, and a built-in 7-hour battery. It also features a built-in webcam for easy self-portraits and web video. This is the laptop for people who want the Apple design and reliability, but don't need all the power of the MacBook Pro.
Apple MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is the hardcore Apple lovers dream, and is grand enough to make even the staunchest PC-loyalist weak in the knees. Available in 13, 15 and 17-inch models, the MacBook Pro is a unibody titanium work of art. The 13" comes with either a 2.4 or 2.66 ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours. For those looking for more power, both the 15" and 17" models gain the new core i5 processor and are upgradeable to a supercharged 2.66ghz i7 with a more powerful graphics card. These new processors also boast new improvements like graphical switching to save battery life, powerboost to ramp up single-core productivity, and hyper-threading to improve multitasking. If you need processing power these beasts are for you.
The MacBook Pro is the hardcore Apple lovers dream, and is grand enough to make even the staunchest PC-loyalist weak in the knees. Available in 13, 15 and 17-inch models, the MacBook Pro is a unibody titanium work of art. The 13" comes with either a 2.4 or 2.66 ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours. For those looking for more power, both the 15" and 17" models gain the new core i5 processor and are upgradeable to a supercharged 2.66ghz i7 with a more powerful graphics card. These new processors also boast new improvements like graphical switching to save battery life, powerboost to ramp up single-core productivity, and hyper-threading to improve multitasking. If you need processing power these beasts are for you.
Apple MacBook Air
Apple’s ultra-portable, thin-and-light model is the MacBook Air. Less than an inch thick (and as thin as 0.16 inches at its skinniest point) and weighing in at just 3 pounds, this sleek 13-inch machine is as close as Apple comes to making a true netbook. To achieve such a sexy design, Apple eliminates a disk drive and includes just three ports — USB 2.0, audio out, and a Mini DV jack for connection to an external display. $1,499 buys a 1.86 GHz model with 2 GB RAM and a 120 GB hard drive; $1,799 for 2.13 GHz and a 128 GB solid state drive. This model is not without its problems: it’s obviously very fragile, and it’s been known to run very, very hot, making it difficult to use as an actual “lap” top. The MacBook Air appeals to a niche audience of on-the-go, image-conscious writers, for sure.
Apple’s ultra-portable, thin-and-light model is the MacBook Air. Less than an inch thick (and as thin as 0.16 inches at its skinniest point) and weighing in at just 3 pounds, this sleek 13-inch machine is as close as Apple comes to making a true netbook. To achieve such a sexy design, Apple eliminates a disk drive and includes just three ports — USB 2.0, audio out, and a Mini DV jack for connection to an external display. $1,499 buys a 1.86 GHz model with 2 GB RAM and a 120 GB hard drive; $1,799 for 2.13 GHz and a 128 GB solid state drive. This model is not without its problems: it’s obviously very fragile, and it’s been known to run very, very hot, making it difficult to use as an actual “lap” top. The MacBook Air appeals to a niche audience of on-the-go, image-conscious writers, for sure.
The Apple iPad is the company's newest creation, blending netbook power with iPod Touch usability and a gorgeous 9.7 inch screen. The base 16gb Wi-Fi model comes in at a fairly steep (for the processing power) $499 and from there rises $100 for the 32gb and $200 for the 64gb model. There is also the option of buying an iPad with 3G enabled, allowing for web browsing as long as you are within AT&T's 3G network. These models start at $629 not including an additional 3G contract. With it's ever-increasing library of Apps, Apple hopes to revolutionize computing with the iPad and, judging by the huge numbers of iPads sold, is well on its way.
Apple Laptop Computers Comments & Questions (write your own!)
(Astromedic G — 11/27/2011)
I need a machine for my daughter that will run sims advanced games -plus all social network sites ,
reply to this comment (Justin .D — 04/04/2011)
I'm looking for a laptop to use for school and I'm not sure what to get. Should I go for a MacBook?
reply to this commentharhshit grag (02/11/2011)
what points should one consider when buying an apple laptop for professional use?
reply to this comment ( G.-D. — 09/23/2010)
I have a question about the 3 types of apple laptopps.... & the Q. is - which 1 is the best laptop to get? I really dont no that much about laptops so how do I no which 1 to buy.
reply to this commentRosemarie (08/17/2010)
Im off to university next year and im looking at getting a Mac Book pro i will pe using lots of photoshop and and creative programs as im planning on doing architecture, i was just wonderring if i would be ok with the 13inch without the extra speed and all that?
reply to this commentcolinW. (06/07/2010)
Im just a 12 year old with a 2 dollar allowance looking for a godd and cheat good gaming compter. I play those big games by blizzard like WOW and SC2 when it comes out. What laptop should i get wndows or macintosh. I like machintosh better.
reply to this comment (Liam McCabe — 06/22/2010)
If you like Mac, go with a one if you can afford it. I think the regular MacBook should be able to handle those games, since they're not particularly power hungry.
It might take you a few years to save up for one on a two-dollar allowance though. You might have to go with a PC, something like a Toshiba Satellite A series. That'll still take a while to save for, but not quite as long. I suggest mowing lawns and shoveling snow to help you reach your goal faster.
reply to this commentIt might take you a few years to save up for one on a two-dollar allowance though. You might have to go with a PC, something like a Toshiba Satellite A series. That'll still take a while to save for, but not quite as long. I suggest mowing lawns and shoveling snow to help you reach your goal faster.
D S Bean (05/07/2010)
My daughter got a Macbook for Christmas, so it is less than 6 months old. The onboard mouse is already not functioning properly and when she and her father took it in to the Apple Store they immediately said it was "liquid damage," which is, of course, the thing NOT COVERED by their extremely pricey "warranty." They wanted $700.00 to fix a five month old $900.00 machine. To add insult to injury, this machine has been nowhere NEAR anything liquid. My daughter is 17, savvy and has had her own computer since she was 9. She's not stupid. Fortunately her father bought it with AMEX, which actually honors its guarantees. Meanwhile my $500.00 PC with twice the memory is chugging along flawlessly, though it is two years old. Can someone PLEASE tell me what justifies the price of these things, or is it just hype and the susceptibility of kids to branding? Have any of you had similar experiences? Oh, and I'll be glad to share info if you Mac diehards doubt this - the machine was bought at the Apple Store in MacArthur Center in Norfolk, VA and our "service" experience took place at the same store. Apple people, if you are snooping out there I would be MORE than happy to talk to YOU!
D S Bean
reply to this commentD S Bean
(a kid — 05/27/2010)
its the brand name that adds the extra $$$. much better to buy somthing that doesnt have alot of $ added becuase of the name of the brand.
reply to this comment (Qjames — 02/11/2011)
A computer company can't trade for 30 years on hype or a name. Apple's philosophy is to make the hardware and the software. That has always placed them as a niche player and not able to achieve the type of economies of scale of the PC/windows hardware and software separation.
Additionally, 'quality design' (they look nice and made from nice materials) is central to their thinking. In the design world the discussion is always about form and function (does it look good and does it work well). Apple believes in balancing these two things.
That is why they cost more. It is possible to enjoy PC products as well. They mostly do what a Mac does, just in a slightly different way.
reply to this commentAdditionally, 'quality design' (they look nice and made from nice materials) is central to their thinking. In the design world the discussion is always about form and function (does it look good and does it work well). Apple believes in balancing these two things.
That is why they cost more. It is possible to enjoy PC products as well. They mostly do what a Mac does, just in a slightly different way.
B. Romero (04/29/2010)
My daughter struggled thru graphic design school with our PC trying to run Adobe Creative Design programs. I want to get her an Apple laptop - MacBook Pro so these programs will work faster and not crash. What kind of processor speed and ram size does she need so that she doesn't throw the computer across the room in frustration. I'm in sticker shock when I visit the Apple store, but I want to get her what she needs. I'm looking at the 13in. Thanks
reply to this commentFF rOCks (05/06/2010)
by now i think u wud be knowing that the MBP's have bin updated . so now u get the i5 and i7 processors on the 15 and 17 inch models . however the 13 inch MBP's do not have the i5 processors , so naturally they wont pack much power for u'r daughters need . I recommend u buy the baseline 15" model as it's not damn expensive and u get the i5 processors
reply to this commentBalce (04/27/2010)
I cant afford the mac office.
Please how do i open Microsoft word document (doc/doc.x) with apple iwork2009 pages.
reply to this commentPlease how do i open Microsoft word document (doc/doc.x) with apple iwork2009 pages.
(Liam McCabe — 04/28/2010)
Don't know about that, but you can download open office (openoffice.org) for free. It's opened pretty much any kind of file I've ever thrown at it, including .doc .docx and it's a better program than iWork, in my opinion.
reply to this commentbalce (05/21/2010)
thanx alot. It worked astoundingly. Open office is da best
reply to this comment (ileneh — 05/21/2010)
You can open MS Word .DOC files with TextEdit, which comes with Mac OS X. Just drag and drop the file onto the TextEdit application icon, which is in your Applications folder. For ease of use, I suggest you put TextEdit in your Dock to make your life easier.
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