Whenever I take the opportunity to sit 'behind the wheel' of a Mac, be it an iMac, MacBook or MacBook Pro, I find it hard not to marvel at the simplistic yet elegant design that continues to come from those at Apple HQ.

Over the last two weeks, I've had the pleasure of working with both an iMac and a MacBook, and be it my own simple smile when I see the clean lines and uncluttered setup of the iMac, or a colleague or family member's comment on the same - it is very hard to escape that up front conversation about the look, the feel and the design.

Which is why the temptation of an Apple when you enter the Apple store in the City can be overwhelming, you see that same design applies to the store and everything in it.

But, to the products.  The MacBook I used was the new 13inch white model.  Complete with overly emphasises rounded corners and edges, my first impression is that this is an accessory designed for the young female market.  Not that I am not happy to carry it around, I simple feel that the majority of people keen to display this with pride will be from that demographic.

Open it up and you are again presented with the clean Apple design, with large box keys, each seemingly separated by an open space. And have you ever noticed how your MacBook doesn't come with stickers all over it, telling you which of this and that is inside?  Intel IS inside; it's just that Apple choose to refrain from placing a sticker on your new computer to remind you of that fact.

Why PC manufacturers continue to do that escapes me.  Sure - In store I can understand it, there is a lot to compare in the PC market, but when I buy that computer, I don't need stickers out of the box.

Boot this sleek candy like notebook up and the screen seems bright and clear, and once you're in, you're hooked.

I won't go into the Windows vs. Mac operating System discussion here, needless to say it's a big jump moving from PC to Mac but not something that should restrict the average home user - If you use the Internet, Email, and basic word processing you won't have any concerns - It will just take you a few weeks to adjust - and you must give it that time. 

My main concerns with the MacBook 13" are that it has just two USB ports, which in this day of add ons and such seems a bit light on for me.  Just one extra on the back or opposite side would make a big difference.

And secondly, I found it hard to understand why this MacBook doesn't come with an SD (or multi card) reader.  Every Netbook under the sun has this capability, so how is it that Apple has chosen not to include it? With Digital photography and video so widespread now, the SD card is prolific and the slot is such a simple addition for that and also for basic file storage expansion.

The 13 Inch Macbook is $1,299 - Its big brother the 13 Inch MacBook Pro is priced from $1599, however I'm not sure the $300 extra for unibody aluminium, and an SD card slot (being the most obvious things) is an easy decision either!

Personally, I would recommend the Pro - if you are taking the jump up to Apple Notebooking - from Netbooks or PC Laptops, you are looking to spend a bit more anyway, so, for the sake of it, you really should consider the Pro.

Now, onto the Desktop - the iMac. Starting at $1,599 for the 21.5inch version, it's again a rather big price jump for your average PC user.  For the Mac user, this is a no-brainer in terms of upgrades, but you don't need me to tell you that.

Why though, and for who?

Take a moment right now, to stand up, walk around the back of your desk, and count the cables on your PC - visible to people walking into your office, or cluttering up your desk.

Now imagine this.  You buy a new iMac, you take home a rather large box.  Just one.

You pry it open, and take out the one sleek little box inside it.  Put that to the side for now.

Now remove the two polystyrene corner protectors.  Lift out the screen of your brand new iMac.  Place the screen on your table, desk or bench.  Take the one cable inside the box, and plug it into the back of the Screen.

Now open that little white box.  Inside it is a keyboard (with no cable) which at first seems small - very small.  However when you place it next to your old PC keyboard, you'll realise it's actually the same size - but without the number pad and a few other keys - only you can decide in the future if you miss them - and if you do, well, you can get a new keyboard.

I will say I think when spending $1600 on a new computer I would prefer a full size full function keyboard - what about you?

Under the keyboard in that little box is a mouse - white and again - no cable.

Power up the iMac for the first time (once you find the power button) and a fast, easy process will bring your new baby to life.

It's a glamorous event, and it feels that way for a good while.  Again, getting used to the Operating System if you are new to Mac's can be a challenge, but you will overcome that - without a doubt.

With an SD Card slot in the side, along with the DVD/CD drive everything you need is right in front of you, apparently hidden from view.

No cable for mouse, keyboard, or monitor.  Just a single power cord for all.  If you have WiFi at home, and no extra accessories, that's all you'll ever need.  Add a printer and you've got an extra cable into the back of the monitor.

So - would I buy one? Yes, without a doubt.

Is it value for money? A Challenge - for design and simplicity - Yes.  For like for like specifications, it's a challenge.  But people buying an iMac are not comparing Apples and PC's they are choosing to make a change to the look and feel of their computing environment.

I rely heavily on many PC applications and find it hard to make a full time commitment to Apple.  However, if I was to start all over again and decide which Computer and which Laptop to have - one would be Apple, one would be PC - Now I just need to decide which!