- The Mac Mini has never been a huge seller, but it is a favorite of Mac hobbyists who like to modify their machines or use them as home-entertainment servers. Credit: CNET 2006 - iMac Intel.
- Third, you can count on your Mac Tools Distributor to help you get the stuff you need with payment plans that work for you. Be sure to ask your Distributor about applying for Mac Credit. When you need a tool now and don’t have the upfront cash, Mac Credit may be a solution.
Apple’s Mac lineup consists of both notebook and desktop computers ranging in screen size from 12-inch to 27-inch to headless Macs.
Thanks to the fierce competition, Apple is under more pressure to design the best Macs ever. As a result, we’re getting better and more powerful machines like the Mac Pro 2019, which is coming later in 2019 possibly alongside the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro.
In fact, if you’d rather not wait and want to get your hands on one of the best Macs now, there’s already quite a few excellent options to choose from, especially with Apple recently giving its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro much-needed refresh.
To expand your choices further, the Apple computers are incredibly diverse. The best Macs cover everything from thin and light notebooks like the 12-inch MacBook, which is still on hand at third-party sites despite being discontinued, to professional workhorses like the iMac Pro.
Taking all these into consideration, it can be tricky choosing the perfect Mac for you. We put together a list of the best Macs we’ve tested ourselves – from iMacs to MacBooks – to help you with that important decision. Let’s dive in to all the best Macs you can buy right now, no matter your budget and use.
1. Mac Mini 2018
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm
Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been upgraded with modern hardware, ushering Apple’s smallest Mac to the modern age and naturally warranting it the top spot in our best Macs list. This tiny thing is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same adored form factor. It’s a tad pricier this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, you’ll find that it’s worth the price increase.
Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018
2. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Apple’s productivity machine gets the latest Intel tech
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Storage: 512GB – 4TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm
If you want the most performance you can get in a MacBook without needing to pull off a heist, you’ll want to look into the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Now refreshed with hexa-core 9th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at it – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With that kind of performance, the MacBook Pro takes a lofty spot on our best Macs list without breaking a sweat.
Read the full review:MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
3. Apple iMac (27-inch, 2019)
Apple’s most affordable all-in-one
CPU: up to 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570X – Radeon Pro Vega 48 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 27-inch (diagonal) Retina 5K display 5120 x 2880 | Storage: 1TB Fusion Drive – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 51.6 x 65.0 x 20.3 cm
The iMac has long been one of the cheaper ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. Though what has changed, we also appreciate. The new iMac is packing with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors, letting this stylish all-in-one reach that fabled 8-core performance. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac might just be the best Mac for you, at least if you’re on a budget.
Read the full review:iMac (27-inch, 2019)
4. MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i5 – 8th-generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 – 655 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2,560 x 1,600 | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.49cm
The biggest issue with the older MacBook Pro was that it was still packing Kaby Lake processors while its rivals had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, making it more powerful than ever. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but that’s also been improved so that its quieter and more reliable. It’s not hard to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 to anyone looking for the best Macs.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
5. iMac Pro
CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64 | RAM: 32GB – 256GB DDR4 ECC | Screen: 27-inch 5K (5,120 x 2,880) Retina display (P3 wide color) | Storage: 1TB – 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If you’re one such user, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive though, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.
Read the full review:iMac Pro
6. Apple MacBook Air (2019)
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H)
Apple takes the MacBook Air (2018) and gives it a bit of refresh, adding True Tone technology to its display and an even more reliable keyboard. Unfortunately, it hasn’t upgraded the specs – which actually leads us to think that there might be a bigger update by early 2020. However, to be fair to this refresh, the 2018 version has already made our list, so this improved version is just as deserving or more so. But the best part is yet to come: this refresh is even cheaper, so you’re definitely getting more value for less.
Read the full review: MacBook Air (2019)
7. MacBook (2017)
Small and stylish
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in
While Apple has officially taken the MacBook out of its MacBook lineup, many third parties are still carry it. And because the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop, it’s still deserving of a spot on our best Macs list… that is, until stock runs out. It’s low on ports, but that’s hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017)
Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2019
- Stay safe online with our pick of the best Mac VPNs
Dell Preferred Account is a revolving line of credit which allows you to pay for your purchase all at once or gives you the flexibility to make monthly payments. This account is offered by WebBank and serviced by Dell Financial Services. With this
As a Dell Preferred Account holder, you will not be held responsible for unauthorized purchase(s) on your Dell Preferred Account under the following conditions: You report the unauthorized purchase(s) within 90 days of the transaction appearing on your statement
Is a minimum payment required?
Yes, minimum monthly payments are required. Minimum monthly payments are $20 or 3% of your New Balance shown on your billing statement, whichever is greater. If your purchase qualified for a financing promotion, the required minimum monthly payments may not pay off your purchase in full by the end of the promotional period due to purchase amount, promotion length, additional purchases or allocation of payments in excess of the minimum payment.
How does the Dell Preferred Account promotion work?
Interest will be charged to your account from the transaction posting date if the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end of the promotional period, or if you make a late payment. Minimum monthly payments are required but may not pay your promotional balance by the end of the promotional period due to purchase amount, promotion length, additional purchases or allocation of payments in excess of the minimum payment (see minimum payment question for additional information). If not paid by the end of the promotional period, account balance and new purchases will be subject to your Standard APR rate as found on your DPA Credit Agreement. Offers subject to credit approval and may be changed without notice. Minimum purchase amount may be required.
How are my payments applied to my promotional purchase?
During the last two months of any promotional offer consisting of a No Interest if paid in full Credit Plan, amounts paid over the Minimum Payment Due will be applied to the remaining balance of the No Interest if paid in full Credit Plan about to expire.
Why didn't I receive the lowest annual percentage rate available or other special program features?
Approval is based on creditworthiness, as determined by WebBank. Customers not eligible for the lowest available rate or a promotional financing feature may still be offered
Can I transfer the balances of my other credit cards to my Dell Preferred Account financing?
No, we are unable to transfer balances to this account from other credit cards. The Dell Preferred Account is solely for purchases of products offered on dell.com or other Dell participating retailers For more information please see the information provided in response to “Where can I use my Dell Preferred Account?”.Can I update my personal information, such as my phone number and address online?
If you need to make any changes to the telephone numbers or home address we have on file, please log on to your account on www.dell.com/dfs and make the necessary changes.
How do I handle disputes on my Dell Preferred Account?
If you think there is an error on your statement, write to us at:
Attn: Billing Inquiry Department
P.O. Box 81585
Austin, TX 78708-1585
In your letter, please provide the following information:
- Account information: Your name and account number.
- Dollar amount: The dollar amount of the suspected error.
- Description of problem: If you think there is an error on your bill, describe what you believe is wrong and why you believe it is a mistake.
You must contact us:
- Within 60 days after the error appeared on your statement.
- At least 3 business days before an automated payment is scheduled, if you want to stop payment on the amount you think is wrong.
Can I view my account information online?
Yes, you may log on to your account on www.dell.com/dfs to view your account balance, update personal information and even change your password.
Can I pay my Dell Preferred Account financing bill online?
Yes, you may log on to www.dell.com/dfs to pay your Dell Preferred Account bill online.
Where do I send monthly payments when I pay by check?
Dell Preferred Account
Payment Processing Center
P.O. Box 6403
Carol Stream, IL 60197
Can I send my payments by overnight mail?
Yes, please send your payments to the following address if sent by overnight mail:
Dell Preferred Account
Payment Processing - #6403
2012 Corporate Lane
Suite 108
Naperville, IL 60563
Where can I learn more about the total cost of financing my purchase with a Dell Preferred Account?
For your convenience, we have created a calculator to help estimate the total cost of your purchase. Click Here
Best Line Of Credit
Where can I use my Dell Preferred Account?
You can use your Dell Preferred Account to shop online at Dell.com, including refurbished online at DFSDirectSales.com or DellOutlet.com and over the phone at 1-800-WWW-DELL and participating retailers. If you intend to use your Dell Preferred Account at a participating retailer, please be ready be ready to provide the last 4-digits of your SSN, last name and zip code.