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New Macs released: Apple shows off positive reviews

The three new products Apple showed off at its October 30 event are now available in stores. Last week we covered everything you need to know about the redesigned iPad Pro, and we’ll be posting our detailed impressions in a couple weeks once we’ve put it through its paces. Hold on for that if you’re on the fence about upgrading.

Meanwhile, two new computers are here, after long-awaited upgrades to the MacBook Air and Mac mini. Both are available to buy right away, and to celebrate their launch Apple has highlighted some of its favorite reviews of the two devices.

Of course, Apple’s cherry-picked quotes are astonishingly glowing, but even delving into the full reviews reveals a general positivity towards both devices. If you’re curious about either device, read on to see what the critics make of them.

MacBook Air

The new MacBook Air might not be as powerful as a fully tricked-out MacBook Pro, but the level of performance it gives at $1,199 puts every other MacBook to shame. Unless you have very specific needs, this is the Apple laptop computer we’d recommend to pretty much anyone.

CNBC: “[The new MacBook Air] gives consumers almost everything they loved about earlier MacBook Airs, but with a beautiful new display and improved performance.”

WIRED: “Apple has heard the calls for a newer, better MacBook Air, and it has answered.”

Daring Fireball: “The new Air is exactly that: the MacBook most people should buy, and exactly the MacBook everyone has been asking Apple to make.”

Mac mini

The Mac mini, finally updated after years of neglect, is a great entry-level way to get into the Apple computer ecosystem without shelling out big bucks. It’s a little pricier than the old design at $799, but the flexibility and connectivity it offers makes it a big plus for all kinds of users. Of course, it’s light years faster than the previous version (though we’d be shocked if it wasn’t.)

PCMag: “Apple’s iconic Mac mini compact desktop delivers more core-processing, storage, and memory potential than ever, in a polished box brimming with cutting-edge connectivity.”

Tom’s Guide: “If you want a compact Mac desktop, a great mini PC for streaming media, or even just an affordable way to jump to the Apple side of the computing world, the Mac mini 2018 is a fantastic choice, boasting great performance, excellent design and great value.”