Lab

Macintosh Computers

MacUser's Mac Labs testing regime is designed to show the way each Mac performs when used for real-world work, as well as finding out more specific technical details of different aspects of its components. For the real-world tests we use standard applications, including Photoshop CS and FileMaker Pro. We also use dedicated testing utilities developed in our own Labs, as well as the popular Xbench utility. The results from each test are compared to ensure full and accurate information has been gathered.

We usually test Macs with their default memory configurations. This can make a noticeable difference to some operations, so our Photoshop test is designed to avoid using its own scratch disk virtual memory scheme as much as possible. This is not possible where 256MB is the default memory configuration, but the results certainly show how much difference having insufficient installed RAM can make.

The test results should be seen in the context of what you need your Mac to do. If you are a hot-shot Photoshop user, you will need a large display and fast processing, so be prepared to pay for the privilege. If you want to experiment with GarageBand, iMovie and iDVD, any member of the Mac range will do, but the faster models will perform better. If you mainly use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, convenience will be more important than raw power.

Whichever Mac you are interested in, it is worth taking a look at the other ranges before you buy. With our test results and analyses of each Mac line, you will be able to find your perfect machine.