Apple PowerBook G4 (867MHz, 12.1in. TFT)

The smallest Apple notebook packs an appealing punch. At 2.1kg, the company's new, 12in. PowerBook G4 is smaller, lighter and faster than the 12.1in. iBook, although it costs nearly £300 (ex. VAT) more in the UK. Instead of the iBook's G3 processor, you'll get an 867MHz G4 and faster Nvidia GeForce4 420 graphics hardware. The 12in. is cheaper than its larger PowerBook G4 counterparts, but lacks a few of our favourite PowerBook features -- namely, an L3 cache, a PC Card slot and built-in Wi-Fi. However, it trounces older Titanium models with a delightfully firm and large new keyboard, built-in Bluetooth and a slot for the 802.11g-draft-compliant AirPort Extreme card. It also stacks up well against PC notebooks -- even in terms of price. Get the AirPort card and toss in the optional DVD-burning SuperDrive, and you have a thin-and-light notebook that should please anyone on any platform.