Apple MacBook 13

Product Survey: Laptops

As we've come to expect from Apple, the build quality is excellent and the visual design is stunning. Whether you're a fan of Apple or not, you have to admit that its computers are always strong in those areas. Despite the shell being all plastic, it feels sturdy and solid. Admittedly the aluminium models have a lot more class, but this all-white model still retains a certain appeal. The underside of the machine has a non-slip coating. It's soft to the touch and feels less “cold” than the plastic used on the rest of the shell. You'll have to be careful, however, because it tends to show dirt. The latch is magnetic and does a good job of keeping the computer closed – to the point where you need both hands to open it. The is very comfortable. It's not especially wide, but the keys are fairly large at 16 x 15 mm, and your fingers get their bearings easily. Typing is soft and quiet. With backlighting, though, it would have been even better. The glass-covered is very wide – wider than anything you'll find on a PC. Its comfort level is excellent, with perfect gliding qualities. As on other models, the touchpad is clickable over more than half (the lower half) of its area. Since it's multi touch, that opens up interesting gestures like zooming, rotation and two-finger scrolling. The is very good, with good fluidity, contrast, and sharpness.