The new 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is an absolutely gorgeous machine. The problem is: It is absolutely expensive too. Which is why it’s so great that Apple came out with the Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display. In most ways, it’s exactly like it’s 15-inch cousin except for the price. A true apples-to-apples comparison isn’t possible (because of some processor and others specs) but, generally, you can expect to save about $500 by getting the MacBook Pro with the two-inches-shorter retina display.
Moreover, the 13-inch Macbook Pro has an even better retina display than the 15-inch model. That’s because its 2,560 x 1,600 pixels are stuffed into a smaller area. Add to that a pair of Thunderbolt ports, a 2.5GHz i5 processor, two USB 3.0 ports and a full sized HDMI port, all stuffed into a body that’s 20% thinner and a pound lighter than the 13-inch model it is replacing and you might have the best value MacBook Pro ever. Prices start around $1,630.
You needn’t choose between getting a laptop and a table. The Dell Inspiron duo convertible is both.
The Spot Cool Stuff review of the Dell Ispiron notes the downside of the operating system—a mobile version of Windows 7. But the practicality of being able to easily switch between handheld touchscreen mode and keyboard mode is self evident.
What’s a Chromebook? It’s a laptop that uses Google’s new Chrome OS.
Computer operating systems you’ve used heretofore have almost certainly run programs and stored data locally. That leads to the need for huge hard drives, data backup systems and lots of software updating. The Chrome OS runs almost entirely off the cloud. That is, the software a Chromebook uses to run is all online. With a Chromebook there’s nothing to update. And you’ll never run out of storage space!
The easy-to-use Chrome operating system is currently available in netbooks made by two manufacturers: Acer and Samsung. This Acer-Samsung comparison review of the Chromebook concludes that the Samsung is the better of the two. And we agree.
The Samsung Chromebook has an 8.5 hour batter life, a beautiful 12.1″ display and a built-in HD webcam with a built-in noise cancelling microphone (perfect for Skype calls). From $430
Apple Mac fans rejoice! An updated version of the ultra-thin MacBook Air is out.
The two most notable new features: The option of an 11-inch screen (in addition to the regular 13-inch) and standard all-flash storage.
The introduction of an 11-inch screen marks Apple’s first entry into the netbook market. At $1000 for the 64GB version and $1200 for 128GN, the new MacBook Air is expensive compared to other netbooks like the popular and excellent ASUS Eee PC 1015PEM. Then again, it is lighter (2.1 pounds vs 2.3), much better looking, a far superior screen and all-flash memory. Which brings us to . . .
. . . the new storage system. It is entirely flash. That translates to faster performance, longer battery life and, best of all, the new MacBook Air turns on instantly.
Other new MacBook Air goodies include a brighter screen, sleeker design and a larger multi-touch trackpad.
