There are two main types of Mac computers, desktop and laptop, with the primary difference being portability. Even modern desktop computers, many of which come in diminutive sizes and styles, are not made to be transported and used in a variety of settings. With the portability of a laptop, you have everything you need at your fingertips - the screen, your pointing device, and optical drives (unless you purchased a MacBook Air, which doesn't have an optical drive) are contained in one light, streamlined shell, all powered with a rechargeable battery. All you need to do is grab it and go.
There are three models of Apple's laptop computers, all in the MacBook family: the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Each offers differing features and capabilities, and the pricing widely varies by the model and the screen size.
The MacBook is the most affordable laptop model and includes the standard MacBook software and hardware. This basic MacBook model is made from a durable polycarbonate shell, unlike the MacBook Pro and Air, which use aluminum.
This basic model is only slightly more than an inch thin and weighs only 4.7 pounds. The built-in battery lasts up to seven hours on a single charge. Its viewing area is a 13-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, and it is loaded with the most commonly used software, including programs for e-mail, Internet browsing, photo editing, and movie making. The MacBook currently retails for a suggested price of US Dollars 999.
The MacBook is a good choice for people who mainly use their computer for word processing, e-mail, surfing the Internet, and using the included software like iTunes and iPhoto. If you are a traveler or student, you may prefer the more lightweight and portable MacBook Air. If you use professional-level software packages or are serious about playing the latest graphics-intensive games, you should look at the MacBook Pro.
Apple recently revamped its MacBook Pro line, adding a longer-lasting, ten-hour battery, more RAM (memory), and faster, more powerful graphics processors. As you can tell, the MacBook Pro was designed with the computer or graphics professional in mind and is all about performance.
The MacBook Pro is available in 13-, 15-, and 17-inch models. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two configurations: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 250GB hard drive, priced at US Dollars 1199; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 320GB hard drive, priced at US Dollars 1499. The 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models include two graphics processors - one is used for graphics-intensive programs like games and professional video/photo software, while the other is used when energy-efficient operation is required.
Both models also have batteries that last up to eight to nine hours on a single charge. MacBook Pro offers more ports and connections than other models. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models (based on configuration) priced between US Dollars 1799 and US Dollars 2199. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M, and 500GB hard drive for US Dollars 2299.
You should consider a MacBook Pro if you run powerful applications, do a lot of computer multitasking, or want to play the latest graphics-heavy games. The MacBook Air is the thinnest and lightest of the Apple laptops, less than an inch thin and weighing just 3 pounds. The biggest difference between the Air and the other models is that it was designed with portability in mind and not performance.
For example, while there is a full-sized screen, keyboard, and trackpad, there's no built-in optical (CD/DVD) drive like that included in the other MacBook models, but you can purchase an external one at an additional cost. The MacBook Air's processing speed is also slightly slower than other models, and it comes with a smaller hard drive. The MacBook Air is only available in the 13-inch screen size, and it also has fewer ports for connecting external peripherals like cameras and microphones. It's priced at US Dollars 1499 and what you are really paying for is the compact size and low weight.
The MacBook Air is a good choice for people who spend the majority of their computing time traveling and use their computer mostly for e-mail, productivity software, and surfing the Internet. Because of the slower processing speed, lower amount of memory, and less powerful graphics processor, the MacBook Air isn't recommended for gaming or running complex applications.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Caule Nolks at 10272010
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