Best MacBook and Macs: top Apple desktops and laptops

Date:
Mon, 20 Sep 2021 22:49:50 +0000

Description:
We weigh the pros and cons of Apple's best MacBook and Macs, from Mac mini to the MacBook Pro.

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With all the leaps that Apple has made to its products, especially in the
last year, nows the best time to invest in the best MacBook and Macs. These Apple computers and laptops have long showcased their cutting edge tech with simple yet striking design in the kind of durable build that will ensure
years of use. But, lately, theyve also shown-off the kind of performance prowess theyre capable of, thanks to Apples M1 chip that many of them are now powered with.

Its not just that top-notch performance and impeccable design that make the best MacBooks and Macs what they are. The software and hardware are
integrated much more tightly than in other machines, particularly now that macOS 11 Big Sur is out (and macOS 12 Monterey is coming soon). Its no wonder that users have much higher expectations of Apple devices than they do of Windows ones. So, while they still come with a premium price tag compared to other computers out there, theyre worth it with the value they offer.

Although a strong case can be made for the best Windows PCs , Windows laptops , and Chromebooks , theres nothing on par with using an Apple device. Take a look at the ones we tested, vetted, and approved of below, alongside our
price comparison tool so you can score the best deals . And, if you can hold out for a little longer, we may even see new Macs and Macbooks in October for better and more powerful options. (Image credit: Apple) 1. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

The best Apple laptop CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8core CPU | Graphics:
Integrated 7-core 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB 16GB unified memory | Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display | Storage: 256GB 2TB SSD macOS Big Sur is fast and responsive Battery life is great Silent in use Fanless design could impact performance

Apple topped last year off with a bang, rolling out their much-talked about
M1 silicon chip thats so far been a real game-changer. And, the first laptop to receive it is the companys thinnest and lightest, putting it on the list
of the most exciting Apple laptops of recent years. With this new chip, the MacBook Air is better than ever, touting excellent performance alongside its brilliant battery life without raising the price to keep it (fairly) affordable still. This is the best MacBook for pretty much everyone.

Read the full review: MacBook Air (M1, 2020) (Image credit: Apple) 2. iMac (24-inch, 2021)

The iMac gets a welcome redesign CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 7-core 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB 16GB unified memory | Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display | Storage: up to 2TB Excellent screen Striking new design Fantastic webcam Lack of ports remains Mac mini may offer better value for some

If you think that the new iMacs couldnt possibly be as good as they look,
youd be wrong. They are not just an improvement over their 21.5-inch predecessor externally, touting a fresh new face that comes in several different colors. They also come with fresh new specs, rocking Apples new M1 chip that makes it much more powerful than the previous Intel iMacs. In fact, wed go as far as to say that the new iMac (24-inch, 2021) is the best all-in-one PC weve ever tested, and has certainly earned its place in our
best Macs list. Youll also be happy to know that youre getting great value here, as youre getting the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse included in matching colors, we might add.

Read the full review: iMac (24-inch, 2021) (Image credit: Apple) 3. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

Best MacBook for creatives CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 16GB 64GB | Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 512GB 8TB SSD Stunning 16-inch screen New and improved keyboard Expensive Limited to four Thunderbolt 3
ports

While we are sad that Apple has retired the 15-inch MacBook Pro, were more than happy to see the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) hit the shelves. As thin, light and sleek as ever, this doesnt feel like a 16-inch behemoth. If youre worried that this was going to be bulky and awkward to use, dont be. Yet, despite its svelte frame, youre still getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it. Apple then rounds those out with amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard. This is truly the best MacBook for content creators, designers and other creative professionals.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) Check out more cheap MacBook Pro deals (Image credit: Apple) 4. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)

Apples little MacBook Pro gets a big refresh CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8core
CPU | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB 16GB unified memory | Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 LED-backlit Retina display | Storage: 256GB
2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm Huge battery life Great performance Can run iOS apps Still lacks ports

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) may not have gotten a massive design overhaul, but what it lacks in that department, it makes up for big time in performance and battery life. Thanks to Apples groundbreaking M1 chip, the
new MacBook Pro 13-inch delivers excellent performance and exceptional
battery life. Its performance is so impressive, in fact, that it can easily handle 4K - and even 8K - videos. If youre looking for a powerful laptop that keeps things small and lightweight, this is the best MacBook money can buy.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) (Image credit: Apple)
5. Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Small, but with big ambitions CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB 64GB unified memory | Storage: 256GB 2TB SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6 cm Same lovely design Very good performance New M1 hardware has potential Can't use eGPUs

One of Apples biggest surprises of the year is the update to its smallest
Mac. The brand-new Mac mini now touts Apples M1 chip, while keeping things
the same in its much-loved design. Its more powerful than ever with more
than decent video editing performance, even at 8K, and can now run iOS apps and games, thanks to this new chip, but it still keeps its title as the cheapest Mac ever terrific news for budget-minded Apple fans.

Read the full review: Mac mini (M1, 2020) (Image credit: Apple) 6. iMac (27-inch, 2020)

A formidable upgrade CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 - Radeon Pro 5700 XT | RAM: 8GB 128GB 2666MHz DDR4 | Screen: 27-inch (diagonal) 5120 x 2880 Retina 5K display | Storage: 256GB 8TB SSD Improved internals Can be configured to be very powerful Design is getting
old Just two Thunderbolt ports

Even though the iMac 27-inchs last update was only last year, Apple couldnt help but step up in the upgrades department with its 2020 follow-up. Specs-wise, this model sports some massive improvements while also upgrading its webcam and microphones for a felicitous update. More people are working from home these days, and this seems like the best all-in-one PC to invest in without being forced to make some considerable space in your existing area. Sure, its overall design hasnt seen so much as a tweak, making it look a bit tired, but if power is at the top of your list, this ones the best Mac for you.

Read the full review: iMac (27-inch, 2020) Check out the latest cheap
MacBook Air deals (Image credit: Apple) 7. iMac Pro

Raw power CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64 | RAM: 32GB 256GB DDR4 ECC | Screen: 27-inch 5K (5,120 x 2,880) Retina display (P3 wide color) | Storage: 1TB 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm Most powerful Mac you can buy Gorgeous, color-accurate display Very expensive

Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If youre one such user, the iMac Pro isnt just one of the best Macs for you; its the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. Its extremely expensive though, so its really only meant for folks who have deep pockets
and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.

Read the full review: iMac Pro (Image credit: Apple) 8. MacBook Pro
(13-inch, 2020)

Worth the upgrade at the highest configuration CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 | RAM: up to 32GB | Screen: 13-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 256GB 4TB SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches Improved specs (on some models) Larger capacity SSD for starting model New keyboard is great Entry-level model still has 8th gen Intel CPU You still only get Thunderbolt 3 ports

The MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)s entry-level model may miss out on some of
the lineups new toys. However, going for the higher-end configurations will get you new (and powerful) Intel processors and improved RAM speeds for
better performance, all packed into the 13-inch incredibly svelte body. Apple rounds it all out with that incredible Magic Keyboard from the new 16-inch, finally getting rid of that problematic keyboard. Even if you dont go for the 10th-generation Intel Core configurations, you might still appreciate the
fact that all models come with more storage capacity for the same price as their predecessors.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) (Image credit: Apple) 9. Apple Mac mini (Intel, 2020)

Same size, more storage space CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB 64GB 2666MHz DDR4 | Storage: 256GB 2TB SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm More storage
More RAM options Aging processor Older integrated graphics

Apple is changing up a bit, giving its updated Macs more storage than their predecessors as well as the option for even more RAM. Its the case with the newly-updated Mac mini (2020). Sadly, this isn't quite the generational upgrade we were hoping for. Its the same Mac mini with the same processor and integrated graphics that are both, unfortunately, aging at this point.
Though, both are still pretty potent for the Mac minis target audience. Combined with more storage space, this is certainly an appealing option for many Apple fans. (Image credit: Apple) 10. MacBook (2017)

Small and stylish CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in Incredibly portable Long battery life Too expensive

While Apple has officially taken the MacBook out of its MacBook lineup, many third parties are still carry it. And because the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop, its still deserving of
a spot on our best Macs list that is, until stock runs out. Its low on ports, but thats hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. Its not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if youre looking for a MacBook thats easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017) What to look for in the best Macs and MacBooks

Whether its the new 16-inch MacBook Pro that just came out or the Mac Pro
2019 thats also just released, its not hard to see why the best Mac and MacBooks are the weapons of choice of creative professionals.

And, even if you dont go for the newest releases, theres already a few excellent options to choose from, especially with Apple recently giving its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro that much-needed update.

The best part is that the best Mac and MacBooks come in different shapes, sizes and price so that whether you want the cheapest MacBook you could find, a professional workhorse that breezes through all your extensive workloads like a pro, or an all-in-one that saves you space, theres a Mac on the market for you. Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2021 Stay safe online with our pick of the best Mac VPNs



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/mac-buyer-s-guide-2015-1295725/


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