Mac Buying Guide: Learn More About the Different Mac Models Before You Buy

The MacBook Pro 2011 lineup uses the first incarnation of the Sandy Bridge processor family, giving it a prodigious performance increase over previous models. Apple also changed out the graphics options, from the older NVIDIA series to new AMD offerings in the 15- and 17-inch models, and Intel integrated graphics in all models. The MacBook Pro 2011 series also marks the first time Apple has used the new Thunderbolt port, which supports very high performance data interconnects; it's also the preferred connection for driving an external display.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro 2011 is Apple's entry-level pro notebook, but it may prove to be the most popular MacBook Pro model this year. Well-balanced performance and a reasonable price make the 13-inch MacBook Pro ideal for most business users, students, and home users.

The 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro 2011 models received processor, graphics, and I/O updates that make them the choice for mobile professionals who need the capabilities of fast quad-core i7 processors and high-performance mobile graphics.

Apple introduced the 2010 version of the Mac Pro in July, and started accepting orders and shipping in August. This version of the Mac Pro predominantly centers around new, faster processors and upgraded graphics options. Lacking from this update are any new peripheral ports, such as USB 3, FireWire 1600, or FireWire 3200. Nevertheless, this update is a welcome addition to the Mac Pro family, one that has been eagerly awaited by many Mac users. Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash, though, take a moment to consider how to configure a Mac Pro for your needs.

Apple last updated the Mac Pro in March of 2009. The 17-month span between the 2009 and 2010 Mac Pros was the longest wait for an update in the Mac Pro's lifetime. With that much time to spend on designing the 2010 version, Apple should have been able to wow us with new features and capabilities. Instead, we get a warmed-over 2009 Mac Pro, with new processor configurations.

The 2011 iMacs have undergone yet another evolutionary change. This time, the iMacs are outfitted with either Quad-Core Intel i5 processors or Quad-Core Intel i7 processors. Even better, the new processors are based on the second generation Core-i platform, usually referred to by its code name, Sandy Bridge.

The 2011 21.5-inch iMac represents a sound update. Apple dropped the original Intel Core-i processors, and moved to the latest generation of Intel's Quad-Core i5 and i7 Sandy Bridge processors. The speed improvement the new processors bring is exciting, especially if you're upgrading from one of the Core-i3 or Core 2 Duo models used in previous generations.

The 2011 27-inch iMac is a compelling update. Apple dropped the original Intel Core-i processors, and moved to the latest generation of Intel's Quad-Core i5 and i7 Sandy Bridge processors. If you're updating from one of the Core-i3 iMacs, or the even older Core 2 Duo systems, the speed increases are amazing. If you're upgrading from a 2010 27-inch iMac, however, the major performance gains will be in graphics and the Thunderbolt I/O.

The 27-inch iMac is by far my favorite desktop Mac. Its huge display and all-in-one design are hard to beat.

The 2011 Mac mini received performance upgrades involving new Intel Dual-Core i5 or i7 processors. With this upgrade, Apple transitioned its entire product line away from the older Core 2 Duo architecture, and embraced the newest offerings from Intel.

With new graphics options, and dual SSD and hard drive configurations, the Mac mini is no longer the little Mac that thinks it can. It’s the Mac mini we always wanted to see.

The 2010 MacBook Air from Apple is now available in two different sizes, with 11-inch and 13-inch displays, and four standard configurations. With the latest MacBook Airs, Apple has lowered prices while providing new features and capabilities that road warriors, who are the target audience for the MacBook Air, will enjoy.