Review: Macbook, iMac and Mighty Mouse

BY SIMON TSANG

The latest Apple ads have a less-than-subtle dig at Windows 7 and pose the question: "If you're going to move to a new PC anyway, why not make it a Mac?"

So last week, one day ahead of Microsoft's make-or-break release of its latest operating system, Apple announced a bigger-screened iMac, tougher MacBook and a smarter mouse. And they're all cheaper. A lot cheaper.

Apple wants more "switchers" - a term for those who've converted to the Mac faith from Windows (usually), though Apple isn't terribly fussy about a switcher's previous convictions - and it wants them now. We got our hands on Apple's latest efforts to woo Windows adherents away from PCs and here's how they fared.

13-INCH MACBOOK

The white-bodied MacBook finally completes Apple's revamp of its notebook range, which saw the aluminium models redesigned with a new "unibody" construction.

Now, the plastic enclosure gets the same "one-piece" treatment, designed to make it more rugged. It should address the cracked-palmrest problem that plagued the previous models as well. The edges are now completely rounded in profile, while the underside is just one large panel finished in a non-slip coating.

However, this design seems to present its own set of challenges as of the two MacBooks we looked at, both had underside panels with inconsistent gaps where it joined the main enclosure.

The polycarbonate casing doesn't seem to be any more scratch-resistant than the previous model, which was difficult to keep shiny.

In place of the separate audio ports for headphones and mic is a single 3.5mm jack that can be used for both purposes as long as you have an Apple Stereo Headset with a built-in mic. Without this handy headset, you can switch modes in the System Preferences to make it either input or output.

The new MacBook also now does without FireWire and the miniDVI connector has been changed to the less popular, but more versatile, DisplayPort connector. Unfortunately, there is no SD card slot as found in the aluminium MacBook Pros.

What it does have in common with its metal-clad cousins, though, is LED backlighting for the display and a large glass Multi-Touch trackpad. LED backlighting improves the MacBook's screen brightness significantly while reducing its power consumption, likely contributing to its much-improved seven-hour battery life.

The Multi-Touch trackpad means Apple's entire notebook range now carries the gestures feature. In addition to the usual range of pinch, rotate, swipe and scroll motions are new ways to perform a right-click, by either clicking down on the trackpad with two fingers or holding down the bottom-right corner of the pad.

Despite all the extra features and better specs (including faster processor and larger hard disk), the starting price has dropped to $1699. It's better value than ever.

iMAC AND MAGIC MOUSE

The new iMacs have been mildly restyled with larger screens (21.5-inch and 27-inch versus 20-inch and 24-inch respectively) and an emphasis on the viewing experience. The glass now goes right to the edge.

It kind of did before but even the sliver of aluminium framing the glass has disappeared. Apple says this was done in an effort to make it all about the picture. Even the panel beneath the screen is smaller. The larger, 27-inch version is monstrous and in true 16:9 widescreen proportion. The screen is indeed impressive.

With 2560 x 1440 pixels on display, even a full high-definition video plays within a window. The ultra-high resolution won't suit everyone, though. Text that looks fine on a regular screen appears small on the iMac. Another cool thing about the screen is you can use it as an external display for your notebook or second computer.

Its built-in Mini DisplayPort connector works as both input and output: you can plug it into a second monitor if this screen somehow still doesn't satisfy or use the iMac as an external display by hooking up a MacBook with the same plug (and optional cable).

And it's possible to toggle between the iMac's desktop and external computer using a keyboard shortcut. This feature is also handy for the day when the computer packs it in but the display hasn't.

The big Mac is the first iMac to run on processors designed for desktop PCs rather than notebooks. Until now, iMacs have relied on powerplants built for notebooks, which suited the all-in-one's compact design.

However, with the larger case of the 27-inch, Intel's newly minted Core i5 desktop CPU is now used in the flagship model (the smaller, 21.5-inch and entry 27-inch models still use a Core 2 Duo notebook processor) and build-to-order options include taking it to an even higher Core i7 processor. Both Core i5 and i7 are quad-core, meaning it's like having four CPUs in one.

It's heavy, though; bump the desk and the entire thing wobbles on its stand. Even the motion of typing is enough to get it oscillating. An optional wall-mounting kit may alleviate this problem. The smaller, 21.5-inch model has had a less dramatic update but specs are up and prices are well down over their predecessors.

The 21.5-inch can now be had for $1999. All iMacs now have an SD memory card slot as well, which digital photography buffs will appreciate. Along with the new iMacs comes yet another mouse.

Apple's track record with making mice has been patchy at best but the new Magic Mouse seems to be a genuine leap forward in design and function.

Borrowing from the multitouch gestures first introduced in the MacBook trackpads, the Magic Mouse has a smooth, touch-sensitive surface that recognises two-finger swipes. There are no scroll wheels or trackballs.

You can configure it to right-click but, because it's touch-sensitive, you need to lift your left-click finger (usually the index) off the surface for it to register it properly. The Magic Mouse connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and is finished in aluminium on the underside.

It is available separately for $119 but it only runs on Macs with the Snow Leopard operating system. The wireless keyboard is also a Bluetooth model, though its ultra-thin design and lack of key travel feels like you're tapping on a desk.

- © Fairfax NZ News