Apple MacBook-Core 2 Duo (Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz, 1GB, 13.3-inch TFT, black chassis)

The good: Upgraded CPU for the same price; same great design; Leopard operating system.

The bad: Still no ExpressCard or SD card slots; only more expensive models are available in black.

The bottom line: Apple has been content to issue minor periodic hardware updates to the 13-inch MacBook, but the modest performance gains and new Leopard OS keep it in our top tier of laptop recommendations.