Apple MacBook review

With all the attention that Windows Vista's Aero desktop has generated, we shouldn't forget that Apple's computers have been running a 3D desktop since the release of OS X in 2001.

Not content with looking good onscreen, the MacBook is also delightful to behold from pretty much any angle.

This new version of the MacBook is identical on the outside to the first one we reviewed in What's New: Notebooks, Shopper August 2006. Inside, however, it has been upgraded to an Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 processor, which runs at a speedy 2.0GHz. There's also 1GB of RAM so you'll be able to running memory-intensive tasks such as video editing and photo manipulation with no trouble. It's a respectable specification for the price, but similar Windows notebooks are generally cheaper. We installed Windows on the MacBook so we could run our benchmarks. These showed it to have comparable performance to an identically specified Windows notebook.

The hard disk is a reasonably big 80GB, and a stylish slot-loading DVD writer is fitted. There are only two USB2 ports, so you'll need a USB hub if you want to plug in anything more than a mouse and an MP3 player. There's no standard D-sub or DVI video output; instead, there's a Mini-DVI port. So if you want to plug in a standard monitor or projector, you'll need to buy an adaptor for £15. There is no memory card reader and no built-in modem, either. However, Bluetooth is included as standard.

The 13.3in screen is a great compromise in size between ultra-portable and regular notebook screens. It has the same level of quality as the best Windows notebooks. The backlighting is consistent across the screen and it's capable of displaying a clean and bright white. There was some banding in our greyscale test, but our colour test looked vibrant. The 1,280x800 native resolution is sufficient for all but the most complex applications, although content can look a little cramped due to the screen's small size. Above the screen is a webcam for video chat sessions.

The keyboard has an unusual design with gaps between the individual keys, but it works well once you get used to the spacing. The only problem is the small Return key, which we missed repeatedly when typing. However, the touch pad is one of the biggest we've ever seen, and very accurate.

This updated MacBook can't compete with the best similarly priced Windows rivals in terms of specifications or number of ports. However, its minimalist styling still makes it an appealing alternative. It will be interesting to see if the launch of Windows Vista motivates Windows notebook designers to create something equally stunning.

Author: Seth Barton