Mac owners are a quite lucky in that the following of the Mac cult has yielded tons of accessories, goodies, add-ons and gear made specifically for their machines. We've covered the iPod a few times but this week we're turning our eye to Apple's smallest notebook - the MacBook.
Interface
Some of the few peripherals actually made by Apple itself include the mice. Last year, Apple finally caved to the pressure from its many designer users and released the Mighty Mouse which sports not the traditional solitary button, but four, and a scroll wheel to boot - ideal for people using BootCamp to run Windows. Just recently the Mighty Mouse has joined it single buttoned partner by turning wireless.
Like all the other iconic Apple designs, the mighty mouse comes in… white; no surprises there then. It also has a unique construction that makes it seem as though you can really only push the whole unit downwards but this cleverly balanced to disguise the fact that there are points to click on the left, the right and on the scroll wheel - I have never had any problems with mistaken clicks either. The scroll wheel is similarly unique because it is really a roller ball which allows you to scroll up and down and side to side all at the same time. When you're checking though large, wide websites or Excel spreadsheets, it makes the old wheel shape seem outdated.
The fourth button is pressed by squeezing together the two grey parts on either side of the mouse. Like the other buttons you can set this perform what ever task you like and by default it brings up all the windows. However, it isn't really the easiest or most natural of actions to perform and so you probably won't rely on it too heavily. One final niggle is that the on/off slider switch, which covers the laser on the base, is pretty stiff, this can result in you setting off all sorts of functions as you turn it off.
Verdict: A good performer, but turning wireless comes at a cost, of £49 to be precise - ouch.
Transport
There are tons of laptop bags available now, and plenty of dedicated or compatible Mac flavoured ones. I managed to get my mitts on two on these which each bring their own take to the conveyance of your MacBook.
First up is the LEvertigo made by French designer, be-ez. Unlike most bags, the LEvertigo holds your notebook length ways inside it, meaning that it hangs off you person in a quite unique way. Hence the name LEvertigo apparently.
Looks-wise this bag is great - I have the grey version (black is also available) and it has a smart but basic grey and white exterior. Inside however there is bright, almost baby blue with a big 'e' in Velcro. There are also useful compartments for your various Mac accessories, charger and so on. There's a little bit of padding around the edges to protect your MacBook in the event of a fall but it's rudimentary at best and in the review bag some of the stitching is coming loose already which isn't a great start.
Verdict: My fiancée politely assures me I'm wrong but the LEvertigo just seems a tiny bit effeminate and so might be better suited for female MacBook owners - although it might have some slight build issues, when looks count, this is a fantastic bag. Yours for £45.
As an alternative, German company, Crumpler, makes an absolutely vast range of bags in all manner of shapes, sizes and zany designs. Somehow though, I managed to pick one of the most mundane styles from the line-up - doh! This bag is called the McBain and fortunately it is also available in many more interesting colours.
The build quality is pretty encouraging with its tough, water-proof outer layer and good solid stitching inside. In terms of size, the McBain is a pretty snug fit - you have room for the MacBook, it's charger at a squeeze and no more.
Verdict: A slightly less distinctive approach to the laptop bag but more than made up for by the enormous variety on offer and the decent build quality. It is also slightly cheaper than its rival here at £40.
Audio
People who want to use the MacBook for more than just VoIP calls might well consider upgrading their recording / listening equipment. Sennheiser, who has a long and glorious history in making headsets, has come up with a Mac compatible headset, the M145. It is USB powered and is made for podcasting and making recordings using Garageband and so on.
These headphones are of the over-the-ear design - because I have a small and presumably oddly shaped head these don't fit as snugly to my ears traditional designs and are generally less comfortable; it's worth trying out a pair before you buy to see that they do fit. The sound produced by them is of the usual high standard set by Sennheiser with a good range of well defined treble. The bass can lack a little in terms of punch but the range is good. Recording quality from the mic is crisp and clear as well.
The main grievance comes instead from the cable - there seems to be about half a mile of it in there, more than enough for me to leave the computer and wander into the hall to answer the phone without unhooking myself. Sennheiser has included a small plastic oval to wrap your errant wire up in, but it isn't exactly an ideal solution if you're taking the headphone on the move with you.
Verdict: A nice sounding pair of headphones but ones you'll probably to leave at home when you're out and about - best suited for making and editing recordings which involve speech. Should set you back around £50.
Available: Zoodex
