Apple 2GHz MacBook

When we saw the first black MacBook it was a shock, as we're so accustomed to seeing the Apple logo on white or silver cases. Although ultimately a matter of personal preference, we like it in black; it gives a harder-edged look in a sea of sanitised brightness.

While the price doesn't include a copy of Windows, the MacBook trounces much of the competition here for three reasons. The first is the beautiful 13.3in 1,280 x 800 glossy TFT display. It's the perfect size for a thin and light notebook, offering the best compromise between viewing area and compactness. In this Labs, only the Sony shares the same design; both screens are bright and pin-sharp, and the best of all others here.

Second, there's the solidly built chassis. It tips the scales at 2.4kg, but it's a price worth paying for such sturdy quality, and it's only 28mm thick. Finally, there's the unique ability to run both Mac OS X and Windows XP. And if you need both, £65 for an upgrade copy of Windows XP Home is a lot cheaper than buying a second system. The latest Boot Camp 1.1.1 beta supports the iSight webcam and microphone as well as right-clicking with the right-hand Apple key.

There are a few small compromises, though, which is why it doesn't take the top honours. There are only two USB ports, no card reader and no PC Card slot. There's no extended battery option, no docking port, and the DVD writer lacks dual-layer and DVD-RAM formats.

But the details make up for these. The slot-loading optical drive is classy, while the MagSafe magnetic power connector will disconnect if tugged to protect the notebook. There's a motion sensor to protect the hard disk in a fall, and you get a remote control to use with Front Row - Apple's equivalent of Media Center Edition. Finally, there's a large touchpad and comfortable keyboard.

In terms of power, the Core 2 Duo T7200 ensures more than enough grunt (and there's 1GB of RAM), while the 120GB hard disk is bigger than most. A light-use battery life of 3hrs 30mins isn't bad - only the warranty disappoints, being one-year long.

While it lacks some of the features offered by Dell's D620, Apple's sleek design and superb TFT mean it wins a Recommended award. It could well be time to opt for a Mac.

Author: Roger Kirkwood