Hanover - When looking to buy a Mac, review the performance data for the individual models carefully. The differences between models are big, according to a recent study by the Hanover-based c't magazine. That applies to the optional features, the processing power, and the expandability options for the individual systems.

For general office applications, the Mac mini (around 500 dollars) is generally enough. Another introductory model in the Apple program is the MacBook, which is more expensive than other comparable laptops with identical performance. Users who want a MacBook anyway should wait for the next generation, the experts recommend. It may be released before the year is out.

The iMac is the next biggest model after the Mac mini. It contains a graphics chip able to provide good performance for many 3D games. Those who need a new, high-performance graphics card - gamers are a prime example - are best served by the Mac Pro. It is quiet, powerful, and can be expanded, c't says. As a standard computer, however, the Mac Pro, with its base price of over 2,000 dollars, is oversized and overly expensive.

Powerful and quiet - that is the expert analysis of the two other laptop models: the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. On the negative side, the machines are relatively expensive. And the MacBook Air has a "skimpy" feature set. A DVD burner must be purchased separately and can only be connected externally. The thin and light MacBook is an "ideal travel typewriter," though. (dpa)