Gallery: Apple’s New Macs

Giles Turnbull ()

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Apple does an excellent job of making all its products look beautiful, and these latest new products are no exception. Even the inside of the new MacBook is lovely.

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These new iMacs are gorgeous, no doubt about it. For years I’ve been a notebook-only computer user, but these machines are extremely tempting. I’m particularly pleased that the wireless keyboard and new Magic Mouse are included in the price.

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I confess I was expecting the MacBook to either morph into the mythical Apple tablet, or to quietly disappear altogether. But I’m pleased to be proved wrong; this entry-level machine is perfectly suited to Mac buyers on a tight budget. The new curvaceous looks are a treat for the eyes. My only question: what’s the value of a unibody made from polycarbonate? Yes, it’s a single part so there’s less to break, but it’s a single part that’s plastic. Strikes me that it’s still a weakness. But hey, it’s an entry-level machine; it’s inevitable that you’ll get entry-level manufacture as a result.

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The Mini is the only machine that looks much the same as it always has on the outside. And that’s just fine, because the Mini isn’t a computer that anyone buys for its looks; they buy it because it’s tiny and it offers superb value for money.

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Now you’ve seen and digested all the new stuff, what do you make of it?

14 comments »

About the author

gilest

Giles Turnbull is a freelance writer in England. He writes for the Press Association and The Morning News. He has a website you can ignore and a Twitter account you needn't follow.

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Posted in First impressions, Hardware, Macbook, News, Opinions, Top stories |

  • Poppa

    I really like the look of the new 27″ iMac, I have a Macbook late 2008 and I am considering getting this new iMac..

  • MonsterMac

    27 inch core i7 !!!! let me get one YAAAAY

  • Mic

    What is the point of the Mac mini? Worst value for money of any computer on the market.

    Love the new iMacs and Macbook design. Not sure if I like the idea of a non-removable battery yet.

  • http://ochyming.wordpress.com Deocliciano Okssipin Vieira

    Great, great!

  • CaryMG

    The *upgraded* GPU’s a year & a half old > gpureview.com/Radeon-HD-4850-card-566.html

    I’m not sayin’ that that’s *bad* — I’m sayin’ the *deluxe* GPU’s a year & a half old.

  • Alex

    1) 27″ is too big and WAAAYYY too cool
    2) we’re gonna need little treadmills for the mouse to reach the edges of the screen.. hehehe
    3) WrapAround (http://www.digicowsoftware.com/detail?_app=Wraparound) will come in handy!

  • Fuzzypig

    Bought my mess-about Macbook about 2 months ago, then these new ones come out! Typical! Oh well, at least mine was cheaper than the latest ones.

    Nice slick vids over at Apple.com, showing off the new kit.

    Simply can’t justify a £1600 upgrade, just for 3 extra inches of screen and a slightly bigger resolution. Think I’ll wait until the resellers start cutting each other’s throats for sales in the new year!

  • http://www.myspace.com/arthas2 David Fulero

    I’m sure someones thought of this, but with todays update, the cheapest basic Mac Pro is now like a thousand dollars more than the basic quad core iMac, the latter of which boasts a newer quad core processor with a better clock speed, more default ram and lots more hard drive, its only going to be a short matter of time the the Mac Pros will see bumps too.

  • http://gilest.org Giles Turnbull

    David: yup, I was thinking that. Now is not a good time to buy a Mac Pro. Makes me wonder what specs the new Pro will ship with, though :)

  • CaryMG

    I feel fuckin’ ripped off ….

    I bought *my* MacBook in June 2008.

    Now?
    It has a better look/better graphics/better storage/better screen/better battery/better price.

    I *will* say this: the MacBook is now the best for-the-money notebook out there.

  • GGeek

    @ CaryMG:

    Seriously? You feel ripped off that the hardware has been refreshed from what you bought *16 months ago*? Computers get more powerful, man. And Apple’s product cycle is well-documented.
    -

    On topic:

    I am SORELY tempted by all the new goodies (shiiiiiny), but will wait and see what the refurb and prices look like in a week or two.

  • thanx_al

    Days like today are what I call “Apple Porn”. You’ve already seen it four times but have to keep going back to look. Can’t wait to get the 27inch iMac. Love my 24 to death.

  • Joseph

    “For years I’ve been a notebook-only computer user”

    You really don’t know what you’re missing.

  • Canuckistani

    Beg to differ: the looks (design aesthetic, elegance, what have you) of the Mini are definitely part of the equation.