Seasoned Mac veteran or new Mac user? It really doesn’t matter. When you have the urge to pick up a new Mac, it’s a good idea to find out all you can about the various possibilities before you make a decision.
The Mac Buying Guide can help you learn more about the latest Mac models and decide which one is best for you. MacBook or MacBook Pro? iMac or Mac mini? Mac Pro or iMac? Check out our buying guides and product reviews before you go shopping.
1. Buying a MacBook
The MacBook is the least expensive Mac notebook. It offers great value, with plenty of processing performance and an attractive price. Of course, the low price comes with a few tradeoffs. Take a look and see if the MacBook may be right for you.
2. Review of the Fall 2009 MacBook
Courtesy of Apple
The new MacBook seems to be trying to show up its more expensive big brother by providing many of the same basic features at a lower price. If sibling rivalry can produce such outstanding choices, we’re all for a family feud.
3. Buying a MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro line consists of 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch models. Each model can be configured to meet your needs, with your choice of hard drive and display type. All models feature a lightweight but heavy-duty design that can take all the bumps and bruises you can throw at them.
4. Review: 13-inch MacBook Pro Summer 2009
Courtesy of Apple
The 13-inch MacBook Pro didn’t undergo many changes from its earlier incarnation as a 13-inch MacBook to earn its new designation as a member of the MacBook Pro line. Still, it has a lot to offer, and at its base price of $1199 it’s a great value for a MacBook Pro.
5. Buying a Mac Pro
A tower of 8-core power, the Mac Pro is nothing if not powerful and expandable. Its elegant design makes adding memory, hard drives, and add-in cards a simpler task than almost any other computer can claim. If raw Mac performance is what you need, the Mac Pro is waiting for you.
6. Review: Mac Pro
Courtesy of Apple
The Mac Pro’s use of dual 4-core Zeon processors for a total of 8 cores of processing power makes it one of the highest-performing Macs you can currently get your hands on.
The Mac Pro is also one of the easiest computers I have ever worked with when it comes to upgrading or changing internal hardware. The entire case, memory, and PCI expansion slots all use no-tool designs. The four hard drive bays use a plug-in tray design that makes it so easy to change the hard drive configuration you could almost do it on a whim.
7. Buying an iMac
The Apple iMac is a superb desktop computer that combines the power of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or Intel Core 2 Quad processor with your choice of 21.5-inch or 27-inch display, plus a large helping of Apple's well-deserved reputation for style. The result is a gorgeous, all-in-one desktop Mac that has been setting industry trends since its debut in 1998.
8. Review of the Fall 2009 iMac
Courtesy of Apple
The Fall 2009 edition of Apple’s iMac will more than satisfy almost any desktop user. With color accurate displays in new 16:9 ratios, your desktop will look especially good, though you may find yourself watching HD movies when you should be working.
When you finally do decide to get to work, the new Quad-Core processor options on the 27-inch model will have you zooming through tasks. There may be enough time for an HD movie or two after all.
9. Buying a Mac mini
Mac minis are small and inexpensive. They're a good choice for first-time Mac users, for adding to home theater systems, or for serving as very portable desktop computers for college-bound students. But as attractive as they are, Mac minis are not flawless.
10. Review: Fall 2009 Mac mini
Courtesy of Apple
Apple’s Mac mini underwent the usual fall speed bump, with faster processor speeds, double the base level of RAM, and a few additional configuration options.
The Mac mini is still Apple’s entry-level Mac, but even though it’s the least expensive Mac, it’s a Macintosh through and through. It’s a good choice as a first Mac or for a special-use role, such as a home or small office server or the center of an entertainment system.
