IT’S NOT LIKE Apple’s older laptops were bad, but the aluminium cases of 2003’s “AlBook” refresh were something else. No longer did Apple’s laptops resemble a refined take on Windows rivals (PowerBook G3) or have a sleek form ruined when scratches revealed the silver surface to be skin deep (PowerBook G4).
But where the AlBook line really wowed was with its smallest member. The 12–inch model gave you a dizzying mix of power and functionality in a portable package. It rivalled desktop machines, yet didn’t take your shoulder off when slung in a bag. Also, its endearingly chunky form managed to be smart, chic, friendly, cute, and professional all at once.