Simplifies comparing specifications

Apple has made a slight but significant change to the online Apple Store by way of a "Compare Macs" tool. After selecting a Mac from the store's front page, the option shows up in a menu bar at the top of the browser. Clicking this brings up a new page, where people can pick a base model to start with via a left-hand panel.

Up to three Macs can be compared against each other, primarily in terms of specifications, which can be customized without leaving a special column view. Shoppers can also select software bundles, and read about the environmental damage of each system. This is measured in terms of toxins, greenhouse gases, energy consumption and recycleability. Configurations can be saved for later reference.

The tool brings Apple's online store up to parity with some PC-based rivals, which have long had a means of directly comparing different computers. Apple typically has a smaller, highly-specialized number of models though, making it somewhat more practical to use individual product pages as a means of comparison.

by MacNN Staff