Apple Software

The Bottom Line: iTunes 9 is a natural, yet relatively minor, evolution of Apple's popular media management software and is a required download for new iPod owners.

The Bottom Line: Intel Mac users will like Snow Leopard's smartly designed interface enhancements, and its Exchange support is a must-have (especially with Outlook for Mac on the way). With a ton of technological improvements, Snow Leopard is worth the $29 upgrade fee.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 5 GB, Intel, 1 GB, 10.6, DVD-ROM, Intel

The Bottom Line: Apple iLife '09 is a great application suite for simple media organizing and editing, and the addition of features like face recognition, geotagging, and music lessons makes it worth the update.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later, Intel PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5 (867MHz or faster) 867 MHz, Intel Power Mac G5 (dual 2.0GHz or faster), iMac G5 (1.9GHz or faster), DVD-ROM, Intel PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5 (867MHz or faster), Intel Power Mac G5 (dual 2.0GHz or faster), iMac G5 (1.9GHz or faster), 867 MHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later

The Bottom Line: Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.11, Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later, Intel Power PC G4, Intel Power PC G4 Power PC G5 500 MHz, DVD-ROM, Intel Power PC G4, Intel Power PC G4 Power PC G5, 500 MHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later

The Bottom Line: Intuitive interface design and easy access to useful features make iWork the best office suite choice on the Mac. Though it lacks some of Microsoft Office's advanced options, iWork '09 is an emerging powerhouse in its own right.

Specs: 5 PC in one household, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.11, Apple MacOS X 10.5.6 or later, 500 MHz, DVD-ROM, 500 MHz, MacOS, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later

The Bottom Line: Apple iTunes 8 is the industry standard for multimedia jukebox software and despite the need for a UI overhaul and some liposuction to remove the bloat, iTunes is a solid choice that most users will enjoy.

The Bottom Line: If Apple irons out the kinks, MobileMe could be worthwhile for iLife and iPhone users who want to keep data on their Macs, handset, iPod Touch, as well as Outlook mail and calendars on the same page.

The Bottom Line: The grace of Leopard's interface enhancements makes productivity more pleasurable with a Mac, as more than 300 functional and fun features top off this update.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, PowerPC G4 867 MHz, 512 MB, 10.5.6, DVD-ROM, PowerPC G4, 867 MHz

The Bottom Line: Although Microsoft Office 2007 offers deeper features, particularly for number crunchers, Apple iWork '08 is a strong Mac productivity package and a pleasure to use.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.4.10, 500 MHz, CD-ROM, 500 MHz, MacOS

The Bottom Line: This raw work-flow application isn't the Holy Grail many hoped it would be, but Apple Aperture 1.5 could make life easier for photographers who need to cull, retouch, and output large numbers of photographs quickly and efficiently.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 1.5, DVD-ROM, MacOS