Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 13-inch)

Pros: Multi-touch trackpad, battery life, keyboard, LED display, Mac OS.

Cons: USB ports are too close together to utilize at the same time. No anti-glare option for the 13" model.

Summary: I can't really list all the pros, it is best to experience one in person at an Apple store. The engineering and design is unmatched: from the lack of a breakable latch (a magnet holds the laptop closed) to the backlit keyboard, most of the best parts will go unnoticed until you use a laptop from another company. I can not say enough good about the trackpad, but I can say that I will never be able to use a regular trackpad again. I have also found I greatly appreciate the glass and aluminum construction, the glass makes the monitor feel much more durable and very easy to clean, and the aluminum feels substantial with no flex unlike plastic.

The processor is quick and agile while running multiple programs at the same time and for 'regular Joe' to not need anything faster, the same can be said for the 4gb of memory. The 13" is a great package because of it's portability combined with ease of use. I really don't have anything substantial to complain about. It would have been very nice if Apple offered an antiglare option for this model, but they don't. The glossy display is only a problem in very bright light such as being outdoors or under brighter than normal fluorescent office lighting (I have no problem with the lights in my office). The screen does get very bright at maximum brightness, which overcomes the glare problem in most circumstances.

Overall I'm very happy with my decision. Yes, it is a more expensive computer, but it is not the $500+ jump that most claim when compared to laptops that are of the same build quality like a Thinkpad or VAIO, instead of comparing it on hardware and specs alone. I believe that the amazing battery life (10hrs at settings ideal for the battery and 6-7 hours of regular use with the brightness on high), top of the line display, great OS, great trackpad, great keyboard are worth the premium.