CNET’s Top Back-to-School Picks: Apple

August 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 PM - News by John Martellaro

CNET has published its 11th annual "Back-to-School Gift Guide." Described as a must have for parents and students who plan to invest in technology this fall, the Apple MacBook is the top notebook pick, the iMac is top desktop pick, and the iPod touch is the top MP3 player pick from the CNET editors.

"Thanks to its superior design, excellent software bundle, and approachable price, Appleis MacBook tops our list for those matriculating this fall ... the modest performance gains and new Leopard OS keep it in our top tier of laptop recommendations," the guide said.

Apple MacBook

Referring to the iMac, the guide said: "A slight bump to the specifications for the same price in addition to a much appreciated option to upgrade the graphics means the 24-inch iMac keeps the Editorsi Choice it earned last year when the brushed-aluminum-and-glass design was first introduced."

Finally, the guide raved about the iPod touch, but warned to prepare for sticker shock. In second place, for about $100 less, was the second generation Zune, 80 GB, black.

The guide also covers cameras, camcorders, TVs, games and gaming gear ... more or less essential items for the student. The Palm Centro was the editoris top mobile phone pick.