'Mac' is a simple abbreviation for Macintosh, the line of personal computers designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc.  The original Macintosh was released on January 24, 1984 and since then, there have been numerous models, updates, and revisions to the Macintosh line.

Apple sells both desktops and portables (laptops) Macintosh computers.  This guide provide a brief overview of each model.  Click on the "Read more" links to read a detailed guide for each Mac line.

Choosing a Mac is not a difficult task.  Apple currently sells six different Macintosh models , three models in both the desktop and portable categories.  Apple also sells a server-level model called the Xserve but that is geared towards specific server use cases that the normal home user would not require.  You can purchased a Mac directly from Apple via the company's Apple Retail stores or the online Apple Store.  You can also purchase a Mac from an Apple Authorized Reseller such as Amazon.com, MacMall, Best Buy and others.  You can purchase either a pre-built system or customize one to your unique needs and requirements.

Small But Capable
The Mac mini is Apple's entry level desktop Macintosh.  The Mac mini provides an economical solution for today's buyer and was first introduced by Steve Jobs at MacWorld 2005 with the "BYODKM" catch phrase - "Bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse".  The Mac mini is the smallest Mac desktop that Apple sells.

Where's the Computer?
The iMac is Apple's most popular and top selling desktop.  With an eye catching, elegant, slim all-in-one space saving glossy display that houses both the monitor and computer, the iMac is the ideal desktop for most home users.  The iMac is currently offered in 20-inch and 24-inch configurations.

It's Fast
The flagship Macintosh model and touted by Apple as the "Fastest Mac", the Mac Pro is the professional user's dream machine.  The Mac Pro is the ideal choice for professional audio-video production, photography, design and print, 3D rendering, scientific / technical computing, and intensive computational computing.

Portable and Powerful
Measuring only 1.08 inches thin, weighing only 4.7 pounds, and packing a brilliant 13.3-inch  (diagona) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, the MacBook offers users a great compromise between price, size, and portability.  The 13.3 inch display hits the sweet spot.  It's large enough for watching movies and running multiple applications yet small enough to pack away for your next trip.  It's also light enough to prop on your lap.

Fast - A Mobile Workstation
Measuring less than 1-inch thin, weighing as light as 4.5 pounds, and available in either a  13-inch, 15-inch or 17-inch form factor, the MacBook Pro is the ultimate combination of speed, performance, connectivity, and mobility.  The current MacBook Pro models are the fastest and most capable mobile Macintosh systems that Apple has ever released.  The latest generation models offer improvements and refinements over the prior generation models that were released in late 2009.  The MacBook Pro offers the speed, performance, and features demanded by enthusiasts, professionals, and gamers.  The features available on the MacBook Pro make it an ideal desktop replacement.

You can get some basic information about your Mac with to the Mac OS X "About This Mac" feature.  You have the option to view detailed information as well.

Power Up
To start using your Mac, you'll need to power it up.  The location of the power button depends on the Mac model and particular revision that you own.

Updated MacBook Pro and MacBook guides are now available.  Each guide has been updated with relevant information about the latest specs, capabilities, and features associated with the new models Apple released on February 26, 2008.