A worthy successor to the PowerBook G4, the MacBook Pro is particularly attractive if most of the applications you use are available in Universal versions, or are relatively low-power programs running in Rosetta. However, if you rely on programs that won't run in Rosetta or you rely on resource-intensive software, you should delay your purchase until Universal versions of those programs become available.

Pros: Classic design; runs Universal applications quickly; bright screen; integrated iSight camera; comes with Front Row application and remote; innovative MagSafe power connector; improved wireless range.

Cons: Non-native apps can run slowly; optical drive inferior to that of the PowerBook G4; no FireWire 800 port; intermittent processor noise on some systems; screen slightly shorter than the PowerBook's.

Basics

Reviewed Price: $1999

Processor: 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo

Information about this system on Apple's website