Hot on the heels of the iMac, Apple's MacBook Pro is the first in its range of notebook computers to get the Intel makeover.

This next generation notebook has replaced the older G4 processor with the new Intel Core Duo processor and the difference in terms of speed can certainly be seen.

Our Macbook Pro contained a 2GHz Intel processor (a 1.83GHz model is also available), 1Gb of memory, 100Gb hard disk, a 15.4 widescreen display and a 256Mb ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics card.

A Superdrive is also fitted, which will read and write all common CD and DVD formats, two USB 2 ports, a Firewire port and Airport Extreme to connect wirelessly to the internet.

Housed in a 1in thick aluminium case and weighing 2.5kg, the MacBook retains the distinctive styling from the old Apple PowerBook range, with a well-laid out keyboard, which is backlit for use in low light conditions.

Our only criticism would be that the Enter key is slightly squashed to fit, which sometimes makes it easy to miss, but overall the keyboard is comfortable to type on.

The scrolling trackpad has been expanded and is still as satisfying to work with.
Apple's attention to detail is shown with the new addition of the MagSafe magnetic power connector, which will simply detach if the cable is knocked o ut, preventing the machine from any unwanted falls.

It comes fully loaded with some great software, including the iLife home creativity suite with tried and tested favourites including iTunes, iPhoto and iDVD. There's also a small remote control for use with the Front Row multimedia player, which is a neat touch.

Added to these are a few new extras, including the quirky Comic Life to create your own comic book and the addictive PhotoBooth.

This is a fun way to take and play around with photos with a range of special effects using the built-in iSight camera, which also makes video chatting a doddle when used with iChat.

The OSX Tiger operating system is stylish and easy to use, although Windows fans may take some time to get used to it.

At a starting price of £1,429, these notebooks are aimed mainly at the professional user, however if you're after speed, great style and want to be the envy of all your friends, than the MacBook Pro should be on your hit list.

It might be worth bearing in mind, however, that non-native applications currently won’t run at top speed on these new Intel Macs and packages such as Adobe Photoshop have yet to be released in a fully compatible version.

As a result, it might be worth waiting until all software manufacturers have caught up with the new technology before investing.

Also consider
Evesham Voyager C540
Verdict: A quality Core Duo notebook running Windows.
Score: 4/5
Price: £949