Mac Pro Review 2009
The Apple Mac Pro desktop is the absolute daddy of the Apple family. If the Mac Mini is the mini mouse, this is the Ogre that lives in the forest and eats other computers for fun! As a proud owner of one of these machines myself, I can safely say that if design or music is your field, you absolutely must have one of these. My programme of choice is Logic 8, which is tailor made for the Mac Pro’s processor, and having tried it on other systems, this is the only choice for me.
This machine is literally heavy (weighing in at just under 19Kg), so don’t expect to be wandering from room to room with this monster. The stunning brushed aluminium frame will stand up design wise against any other desktop on the market, but it’s what’s inside that really counts. The Mac Pro comes in two super charged specifications and feature :
Quad Core Apple Mac Pro
- 2.66GHz Quad Core Intel Xeon Processor
- Quickpath Interconnect
- 3GB (upgradable to 8GB)
- 640GB Hard Drive
- 18x SuperDrive
- Nvidia GeForce GT 120 with 512Mb Memory
- 4 Firewire 800 ports
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 PCI Expansion Slots
8-Core Apple Mac Pro
- Two 2.26GHz Quad Core Intel Xeon Processor
- Quickpath Interconnect
- 6GB (upgradable to 32GB!)
- 1TB Hard Drive
- 18x SuperDrive
- Nvidia GeForce GT 120 with 512Mb Memory
- 4 Firewire 800 ports
- 5 USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports on the Keyboard
- 3 PCI Expansion Slots
These monster machines are designed for top end graphics and music construction and can handle pretty much any workload. As an owner myself I can be constructing a musical masterpiece(?) with 20 different keyboards open whilst burning CDs, surfing the web and recording audio, all at the same time!
As with all new Apple products, the Mac Pro is far more energy efficient than it’s predecessor, with PVC free internal cables and a highly recyclable aluminium enclosure. The Mac Pro is also fitted with a Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system wich features iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spotlight, Mail, iChat, Safari, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth and Front Row, alongside the superb iLife package which features iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD.
This computer really is the one of the most powerful machines available on the market, though with a price tag to match. If you’re ultra serious about your craft, this is the machine for you.
>> Shop Online with Apple Australia
Apple MacBook Pro Review 2009
The Apple MacBook Pro laptop is definitely in the top tier of the laptop world, where power and precision meet in a luxurious package. The machine itself is carved from a single block of aluminum, offering an ultra slim and light carrying experience. Weighing in at under 3kg and only 3cm in height, the Macbook Pro is the ultimate portable computer for the professional on the move.
The Pro also features the an illuminated keyboard and a multi touch trackpad system, offering a plethora of gestures and functionality. The MacBook Pro is available in both 15inch and 17inch screen sizes :
15inch Specification 2 features :
- Up to 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- Up to 320GB Hard Drive
- Up to 4GB (maximum)
17inch Specification features :
- 2.66Hz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 320GB Hard Drive
- 4GB (expandable to 8GB)
Whilst all systems feature :
- 1066MHz System Bus
- Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT 120 Graphics Card with 512MB Memory
- 8x Super Drive
- 1 Express Card 3/4
- 1 Firewire 800 Port
- MagSafe power port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- 2 USB Ports
- Airport Extreme
- Bluetooth
- Mini Display Port
As with all the latest Apple computers, the Macbook Pro comes fitted with Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system, alongside the superb iLife package which features iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD. This top of the range, super powered laptop is for people who demand professional quality computing whilst on the move.
>> Shop Online with Apple Australia
Apple MacBook Review 2009
The Apple MacBook laptop is the funky younger brother of the Pro, with a more accessible price, but plenty of high end features to keep even the most ‘techy’ of customers happy. The Macbook is available in white and aluminium, with the white model featuring a durable polycarbonate shell and magnetic latch. Weighing in at just over 2Kg and under 3cm till, this laptop is a truly portable machine which slips into a briefcase or backpack with ease.
The Macbooks features a 13inch glossy widescreen display with a pixel-perfect 1280×800 resolution, and also features a scrolling trackpad which allows two fingers to click the button for easy right-click functionality. The MacBook is available in 3 13inch configurations, with 1 specification in white and 2 in aluminium. These feature -
White 13inch Specification features :
- 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 160GB Hard Drive
- 2GB (expandable to 4GB)
Aluminium 13inch Specification 1 features :
- 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 160GB Hard Drive
- 2GB (expandable to 4GB)
Aluminium 13inch Specification 2 features :
- 2.4Hz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 250GB Hard Drive
- 2GB (expandable to 4GB)
Whilst all 3 systems feature :
- 1066MHz System Bus
- Nvidia GeForce 9400M GT 120 Graphics Card
- 8x Super Drive
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- 2 USB Ports
- Airport Extreme
- Bluetooth 2.1
- iSight Camera
- Mini Display Port
Fitted as standard, the Macbook comes fitted with the fantastic Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system, alongside the superb iLife package which features iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD. Plus with Apples environmentally friendly stance, the Macbook features 43% less packaging, PVC free internal cables and polycarbonate enclosure is completely recyclable. A fantastic first port of call when entering into the wonderful world of Apple Mac computers.
>> Shop Online with Apple Australia
Apple MacBook Air Review 2009
The Apple MacBook Air laptop is the thinnest, lightest laptop available on the market today. Weighing in at a measly 1.36kg and just under 2cm high when closed, this is the ultimate portable computer for the professional on the move. Due to the size, one downfall is the lack of an optical drive, but this is countered by the fact the Macbook Air can “borrow” another computers drive to burn CD’s.
The Macbook Air features a 13.3inch LED glossy widescreen backlit display and also encompasses the latest trackpad technology with Multi-Touch gesture with pinch, rotate, swipe and drag capabilities. The MacBook Air is available in 2 different 13.3inch aluminium configurations which feature -
Specification 1 features :
- 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 120GB Hard Drive
Specification 2 features :
- 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 128GB Solid State Hard Drive
Whilst both systems feature :
- 1066MHz System Bus
- 2GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce 9400M GT 120 Graphics Card
- 8x Super Drive
- 1 USB Ports
- Airport Extreme
- Bluetooth 2.1
- iSight Camera
- Mini Display Port
The Macbook Air comes fitted with the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system fitted as standard, alongside the superb iLife, the perfect package to help you store and edit photos and make music with Garage Band. The Air also features arsenic free glass, 40% less packaging and a mercury free display, which has helped Apple meet Energy Star requirements and also gain an EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment) Gold Rating.
>> Shop Online with Apple Australia
Mac Mini Review 2009
The Apple Mac Mini computer is the baby of the Apple family, but don’t let the size put you off – good things really do come in small packages. This is Apple’s most affordable desktop and is perfect for users with limited office space. The machine itself is a little over 5cm tall and weighs in a just over 1.3kg, but it’s a mighty mouse with a big roar!
The Mac Mini may be small, but Apple has certainly crammed plenty inside to enable users the functionality of a regular sized desktop. The Mini comes in two different specifications, with both featuring super fast Intel Core Duo technology whilst also using 45% less power than the previous incarnation.
Prices start at just $1,049, and features :
- Up to 2GB RAM (expandable to 4GB)
- Up to 320GB Hard Drive
- Intel Core Duo 2.0Ghz Processor
- Nvidia GeForce 9400M Graphics Card
- 8x Super Drive
- Bluetooth
- Ethernet Port
- 1 Firewire Port
- 5 USB Ports
- Mini Display Port
Mac minis come fitted with the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system, plus the groundbreaking iLife package which features iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD. The Mac Mini is also designed to be environmentally friendly, with PVC free internal cables and highly recyclable aluminum and polycarbonate enclosure. The only major downside to the Mac Mini is that you have to provide your own keyboard, mouse and monitor.
To put it simply, purchasing a Mac Mini allows you to dip your toe into the wonderful world of Apple without having to make a huge financial commitment. Some people may not like the Mac experience, but to me it’s like the first time I ever tried snowboarding – I haven’t touched a pair of ski’s since!
>> Shop Online with Apple Australia
Apple iMac Review 2009
The Apple iMac computer is the original all in one machine, whose design over the years may have changed but still to this day is as aesthetically pleasing as on the day of it’s conception. The iMac is the true benchmark of how computers, and Apple in particular, have changed. But not just in a functionality point of view, but also as a true object of desire.
The iMac’s superb glossy screen really is the cherry on the cake to what is an all round excellent machine. With everything built into the thin, anodized aluminium frame, it also takes up very little room. The iMac is available in both 20inch and 24inch screen sizes, with 3 specifications for the 24inch model. These feature -
20inch Specification features :
- 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- 320GB Hard Drive
24inch Specification 1 features :
- up to 3.06Hz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
- up to 1TBGB Hard Drive
Whilst all 4 systems feature :
- 1066MHz System Bus
- 4GB RAM (upgradable to 8GB)
- Nvidia GeForce GT 120 Graphics Card with 256MB Memory
- 8x Super Drive
- Gigabit Ethernet Port
- 1 Firewire 800 Port
- 4 USB Ports
- Airport Extreme
- Bluetooth
- Mini Display Port
Every iMac specification come with a Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system, alongside the superb iLife package which features iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD. Like the Mac Mini, the iMac is energy efficient and has been designed with the environment in mind, featuring Arsenic free display glass and recyclable aluminium and glass enclosures. Plus with no extras parts required, this machine really is a sleek, straight from the box plug and play computer.
>> Shop Online with Apple Australia
Big Savings and Upgrade with Dell Australia Small Business – Offer Ends 28th May 2009
Dell Australia small business currently has a nice selction of discounts and add-ons available until Thursday 28th May 2009. Now is a perfect time to re vamp the office for small business owners as they can now benefit from the governments new 50% tax deduction on capital assets purchased before June 30th, expanding from the previous 30%.
This is eligible for all businesses with less than a $2 million turnover and is eligible for spending on computers and upgrades of equipment. Check out these great business deals -
Free 19inch Monitor and Memory Upgrade with Vostro 1520 Laptop
When ordering online using the coupon code S520506AU, and features -
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz P8700 Processor
- Windows Vista Business Pro XP Edition
- 3GB RAM
- 320GB Hard Drive
- 15.4inch WXGA Display with Anti-glare
- 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300M Graphics Card
- 8X DVD/RW Drive
- 1 Year Ltd Hardware Warranty
Up to $500 Off Dell Vostro 420 Desktop
Discounts from $200-$500 across a range of Vostro 420 desktops which feature up to -
- Intel Core 2 Quad 2.33GHz Q8200 Processor
- Windows Vista Business Pro XP Edition
- 4GB RAM
- 500GB Hard Drive
- 24inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT Graphics Card
- 16X DVD/RW Drive
- 2 Year Pro Support
Don’t forget, these great Dell Vostro business deals are only available until the end of Thursday 28th May 2009. Plus with the new government 50% tax deductions on capital assets, there reall has never been a better time of the year to upgrade your office system.
>> This offer has now expired. Click here to view the latest offers
Up to $150 Off Dell Studio 15 Laptop – Offer Ends Today
Today is the last ‘Deal of the Day’ this week from Dell Australia, and features $100 and $150 off two different specifications of Dell Studio 15 laptop before the end of today.

$100 Off Dell Studio 15 Laptop (Spec 1)
When ordering specification 1 of the Dell Studio Laptop 15 online using the coupon code S510531AU, and features -
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz P6400 Processor
- Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32 bit Edition
- 3GB RAM
- 320GB Hard Drive
- 15.6inch Widescreen TFT TrueLife Display
- 512MB ATI Radeon 4570 HD Graphics Card
- 8X DVD/RW Drive
- Intel 5100 Mini Card
- 1 Year Ltd Hardware Warranty
$150 Off Dell Studio 15 Laptop (Spec 2)
When ordering specification 2 of the Dell Studio Laptop 15 using the coupon code S510533AU, and features -
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz P8600 Processor
- Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32 bit Edition
- 4GB RAM
- 500GB Hard Drive
- 15.6inch Widescreen TFT TrueLife Display
- 512MB ATI Radeon 4570 HD Graphics Card
- 8X DVD/RW Drive
- Intel 5100 Mini Card
- 1 Year Ltd Hardware Warranty
These two great laptops are only available with this discount until the end of today, Friday 22nd May 2009, so get your skates on if you want to pick a ‘Deal of the Day’, only with Dell Australia.
Dell Australia Deal of the Day – Offer Ends Thursday 21st May 2009
Thurday’s ‘Deal of the Day’ from Dell Australia features $200 off a Dell Studio 15 laptop, $50 Off a Dell Inspiron Mini 10, and 15% off a selection of other Dell accessories, which today features a 30inch widescreen monitor.
$200 Off Dell Studio 15 Laptop
When ordering the Dell Studio Laptop 15 online using the coupon code S510533AU, and features -
- Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40GHz P8600 Processor
- Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32 bit Edition
- 4GB RAM
- 500GB Hard Drive
- 15.6inch Widescreen TFT TrueLife Display
- 512MB ATI Radeon 4570 HD Graphics Card
- 8X DVD/RW Drive
- 1 Year Ltd Hardware Warranty
$50 Off Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Laptop
When ordering online the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 using the coupon code S510221AU, and features -
- Base Mini 10 Processor
- Microsoft Works 9.0
- 1GB RAM
- 2GB RAM Online Backup
- 160GB Hard Drive
- 10.1inch widescreen Display
- Intel Media Accelerator 500 Graphics Card
- Wireless 1510 Half Mini-Card
- 16X DVD/RW Drive
- 2 Yrs Ltd Hardware Warranty
15% Off Dell 30inch Widescreen Monitor
When ordering online using the coupon code S143008WAU, and features -
- Twisted Nematic Front Panel
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 Resolution
- 300 cd/m2 Brightness
- 160° (vertical) / 170° (horizontal) Viewing Angle
- Analog, DVI-D, HDMI Connectivity
- 4 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 Ports
- 3 Year Advanced Exchange Service
These offers finish at the end of Thursday 21th May 2009, so get your skats on if you want to pick a ‘Deal of the Day’, only with Dell Australia.
>> This offer has now expired. Click here to view the latest offers
Dell Australia Studio One 19 Review
The brand new Dell Australia Studio One 19 desktop is an all in one computer with fun and functionality packed into one beautifully designed monitor. The screen set up features multi-touch screen capabilities very much like the iPhone, which means you can flick, grab and stretch photos using the Touch Zone technology.
The all in one monitor features a fabulous crystal clear 18.5inch HD widescreen display available in a plethora of colourful personalisation options to complement your style and home. The simple, one-cable setup involves fewer wires than a standard desktop, with a wireless keyboard and mouse to really keep things tidy.
Dell Studio One 19
Up to –
- Intel Quad Core 2.33GHz Q8200 Processor
- Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit SP1 Edition
- 4GB
- 750GB
- 18.5inch 16:9inch Widescreen flat panel screen
- Integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400 Integrated Graphics
- Slot Load 8X DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer Writer
- Six USB 2.0 Ports
- Network Port
- 7-in-1 Memory Card Reader
- Dell Care Premium
This great new desktop comes fitted with integrated stereo speakers and is available in solid pure white, charcoal, Tuscan red, navy blue and powder pink. It also features a fantastic new security system which uses facial recognition software for individual instant access. This is a great system for home user who is looking for an all in one desktop but without the need for higher end capabilities such as heavy design work.
The Dell Studio One 19 desktop is the perfect stand alone unit for all the family. With a fabulous array of design specifications and no clutter, this desktop will happily slide into a small space with the minimum of fuss. Plus with a wide range of innovative software applications, such as the facial security recognition alongside the Touch Zone technology, the Studio One 19 is Dell’s most futuristic computer to date.

