Apple Macbook 13.3"

Our test piece came with a 2GHz processor with a 3 MB L2 cache that runs at 1:1 speed, 2GB of DDR-3 1066 MHz RAM , a 160GB HDD, and Mac OSX 10.5.5. The graphics which in previous models were handled by Intel onboard graphics have now finally been moved to Nvidia’s newly unveiled GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of RAM, which is taken from the system memory.

We did our tests under real-life conditions – we checked the battery life, the multi-tasking capability, and gaming with the new GPU. In each case the performance was adequate. In the battery life test, we got 3 hours and 45 minutes while watching videos, surfing over Wi-Fi, running multiple browsing windows, and using MS Word. In a dedicated movie test, we were able to easily view an HD movie which ran for 2.5 hours, restart it, and get another hour or so.

This is very good score for such a small notebook, and Apple gets full marks for being able to optimize its OS towards better battery management. On a similarly specced Windows Vista-based notebook, we would have run out of battery life by the 2.5 hour mark.

Multi-tasking on OSX has been a non-issue for a while. As our tests revealed, we were able to multi-task quite smoothly, and even with 2 GB of RAM it was a lot more responsive than (say) a Windows Vista notebook with similar specs. As always it’s a pleasure to work with OSX and its various UI oriented touches.

Finally, the GPU test. For this we used two HD samples of well-known movies, the Mac version of WoW’s ongoing beta for its upcoming expansion Wrath of the Lich King and the demo version of COD 4 (Mac). In the movie test, the 13-inch was spot-on. Not only was it able to render the HD videos with minimal lag, the overall CPU usage remained very low as the new GPU supports hardware acceleration. This made the movie watching experience quite enjoyable.

Next came the WoW test, in which the laptop was more than up to the task. Northrend has some sweeping mountain ranges, a variety of new graphical effects and some very intense PVP action in Lake Wintergrasp. In each situation the GPU did not falter, even when there were more than 40 characters on screen and engaging in massive magical/physical warfare. The game looked incredibly sharp and the frame-rate stayed stable at around 43 FPS, allowing for smooth gameplay in OpenGL.

The final test was the most telling. As is universally known, COD4 is an FPS that combines visceral action with an incredible storyline and a great engine that runs very fluidly. The new GPU lived up to the task. At the laptop’s native resolution, with medium to high settings, we saw fluid gameplay with an average FPS of 35-40. We did experience some lag during very intense action scenes but it was nothing serious. Tweaking the settings a bit allowed us to enjoy the demo in its entirety without any issues.

The 13.3-inch Macbook has come full circle. At one time it represented the most sober laptop in the entire range, but it's now a sleek, powerful and desirable machine with a great battery life and great graphics. At its price of Rs 79,700 it's decent VFM. We recommend it without reservation to anyone looking for a good 13-inch laptop.