Best of the best is the desktop iMac – the 2004 “Where did the computer go?” design classic that houses everything in the screen case. Updated in 2007 and 2009, it remains the epitome of Apple computing.
2009’s now iconic 13” MacBook Pro laptop takes second place, hailed as offering the perfect combination of power and portability.
Completing the top three is the 1998 iMac G3 – the machine credited with saving the company. Returning co-founder Steve Jobs’ first act, this colourful unit helped change the perception of home computing, and kick-started the transformation in Apple’s fortunes.
The stylish anglepoise iMac G4 and super-light MacBook Air make up the remainder of the top five.
“A lot of people predicted that the anglepoise G4 iMac would take the winner’s crown,” says Graham Barlow, Editor-in-Chief of MacFormat. “But that fact that the aluminium iMac was our readers’ favourite proves that Mac owners aren’t stuck in the past.”
The poll on www.macformat.com put 25 of Cupertino’s finest to the public vote, from 1985’s Macintosh 128k - the Mac that began a dynasty – right up to the present day.
Machines that missed out on the top ten include the Mac Mini, 1991’s PowerBook 100 (the first portable Mac), the clamshell iBook G3 and the laptop/desktop hybrid PowerBook Duo.
The top 10 Macs of all time
1. iMac (aluminium unibody)
2. 13” MacBook Pro
3. iMac G3 (coloured casing)
4. iMac G4 (anglepoise)
5. 11” MacBook Air
6. Power Mac G4 Cube
7. MacBook (white)
8. Mac Pro
9. 12” PowerBook G4
10. PowerBook G4 (titanium)
The best Macs of all time are featured in the new issue of MacFormat, along with 30 invaluable tips for getting the most out of OS X Lion and the essential guide to iTunes. It hits shelves on Wednesday 17th August priced at £5.99 and is also available digitally from www.zinio.com/macformat.
