It seems a bit of a cliche to say that Apple builds sexy computers that PC builders lamely try to emulate, but it's true.

To prove it again, the new brushed metal design of Apple's newest PowerBooks leaves many notebook PCs looking as stylish as a breeze block.

The latest G4 models have screen sizes up to 17in but, for the sake of price, we've decided to look at a more modest model.

Apple has come up with a smaller, less expensive model with a 12.1in screen. It's about the same size as an A4 notepad, measuring just 3cm high, 27cm wide and 22cm deep, and it only weighs 2kg, so it's very portable.

This PowerBook model uses an 867MHz G4 processor, which is roughly equivalent to a 1.2GHz Pentium processor.

It has 256MB of memory, a 40GB hard disk and GeForce 4 MX 420 graphics that provide reasonable 3D performance for a notebook.

One really nice design feature is the use of a slot-loading DVD-Rom/CD-RW drive, so there's no flimsy CD tray to mar the streamlined looks of the unit.

A more expensive variant of the PowerBook G4 comes with Apple's Superdrive. This supports recordable DVD as well as CD and adds £150 to the purchase price.

Another nice touch is the built-in support for Bluetooth. Apple's OS X operating system includes a piece of software called iSync that can be used to quickly synchronise telephone numbers and contact information with other Bluetooth devices, such as mobile phones.

Other standard features include a built-in modem and network ports, a FireWire port (called iLink on Apple computers) for connecting a digital camcorder, and two USB ports.

Apple's bundled software includes two programs called iPhoto and iMovie for editing pictures and video, so the PowerBook makes a powerful but compact multimedia system.

The only real problem with the PowerBook G4 is the same as with any small notebook computer - a small computer means a small screen.

As the name suggests in this case, it's a 12in screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768. That's very high for such a small screen and can be tiring on the eyes after a while, despite the fact the image is bright and pin-sharp.

Apple throws in a video adapter that lets you connect the PowerBook to a TV, so you can display your pictures or video on a large-screen if you want.

You can also hook it up to an external computer monitor when you want to use it as a desktop computer.

The new PowerBook isn't exactly an impulse buy but added extras such as Bluetooth and all those multimedia features mean the beauty is more than skin deep.

DETAILS
Price: £1,399
Contact: Apple 0800 039 1010
www.apple.com/uk

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