Apple MacBook 2008 Edition - white (Core 2 Duo 2.1GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD)

Description: This configuration of the Apple MacBook 2008 is a 5.1-pound, mainstream notebook computer. Compared to other consumer level notebooks on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,095. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in. Features Intel GMA X3100 graphics with 144MB of video memory.

Pros: Has only a 5.1-pound weight, which is lighter than some similarly priced notebooks. Also, this notebook has a Core 2 Duo processor. This is more efficient than the average notebook on the market today, but is to be expected for a notebook of this price.

Cons: Has only a 13.3-inch screen size, which is somewhat smaller than some similarly priced notebooks. For example, the Apple MacBook , a 5.1-pound notebook at around $1, 150, has a 13.1 screen size. Also, this notebook has a CD-RW/ DVD-ROM combo removable disc drive, which is somewhat less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks. The Apple MacBook 2008 comes with simple word processing software – if you often need access to special character sets you will likely need to upgrade to a full-fledged office suite . Shared video memory has a negative impact on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs. Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.

Suitability: A mainstream consumer notebook, suited for general mobile computing. Bring along your favorite movies and watch them on your laptop with the included DVD player. Be nice to your friends using a dial-up modem; share photos on CD using the CD burner in this notebook. With 144MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do very well compared to most other notebooks, when it comes to multimedia applications and games. Even the best photographers benefit from some editing; bring out the best in your digital pictures by using this notebook’s included photo editing software. If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.

Value: Given its relatively inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money. Generally, given the trade-offs between performance and low price, this item will likely only appeal to serious bargain hunters.

Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room. (2) To get the most out of this notebook's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, PDA or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.