 Apple's laptop lineup includes three breeds: the less expensive iBook, the PowerBook G4, and the just-announced MacBook Pro. Clad in Apple's signature white, iBooks have a polycarbonate case and keyboard, basic components, a decent mix of features, and a software package tailored to home users. PowerBooks--along with the tellingly named MacBook Pro--are for professional-grade users. Both feature a sleek aluminum-alloy case, higher-end components, superior multimedia features, and some professional-grade applications. Whereas iBooks have affordability on their side, PowerBooks deliver generally superior performance and are better suited for graphics work, demanding applications, and some gaming. When the MacBook Pro ships in February, we expect it to replace the PowerBook as Apple's top-performing laptop. Apple will transition the entire product line to Intel chips in 2006.
For more information on Apple's laptop lineup, check out Apple Shop.
Justin Jaffe
Senior editor
ZDNet |
Product Reviews