These days, one can’t simply say that all laptops are the same. When it comes to performance and design, computer companies have to constantly raise the bar even higher for their competitors. Being a good laptop simply isn’t good enough – especially when the demands of computer fanatics change every year. And when the best laptops are under consideration, among the first names that come to mind is the Apple Macbook.

Statistical reports from Apple claim that more than seven million Macbooks were shipped in 2009 alone. By the last quarter of the year, the Macbook Pro became the bestselling notebook in the US, maxing out the models of rival brands. Sources predict that the sales of the Macbook will continue to increase well into 2010.

Besides the obvious popularity of the Macbook, there are tons of other reasons why people should buy it. If you have been thinking about dumping the PC laptop and upgrading to a better and brighter Macbook, then here are seven of the best reasons to buy a Macbook.

1. Sleeker and smarter design

Macbooks are created to be head turners. The recently created unibody design, in which the whole body of the laptop is created from one piece of aluminum, not only makes the Macbook eye-catching but really tough. On top of that, the materials used are very lightweight, take for example the Macbook Pro 13” which only weighs 4.7 pounds. The lightest Macbook, aptly named Macbook Air, is a scant 3 pounds. Other cool design features of the Macbook is the multi-touch trackpad, fun-to-use chiclet keyboard, glossy widescreen LED, and tons more.

1. The Mac OS X

The latest release of the Mac operating system is nicknamed the Mac OS X Snow Leopard, and it promises to give your notebook even better capabilities than before. If you have been used to working with Macs, the new OS will be a breeze. But for the Mac newbies, don’t worry, as the OS is super easy to operate and is intended to be user-friendly – no intensive training needed!

The new OS is also proud to be effective in safeguarding your Macbook against viruses and malicious software. The smart notebook automatically alerts the user if any downloads are to be made, as well as updates itself of the latest in spyware, adware, and viruses. Other security features include parental controls and password protection.

1. Usability with Windows

This is something that PC laptops won’t be able to do – run Mac-based applications or open Mac-based files. With the Macbook, however, you can expect to run Microsoft Office, open MS Office files, and more! If you have files like photos, video, and audio created on PC laptops, you can still open them and use them on your Macbook. As if that wasn’t enough, you can install the Windows operating system on your Macbook, too. There is a Parellel Desktop program that is purchased separately, and this allows users to use the Mac OS X along with applications run on Windows.

1. Compatibility with other hardware

Worried that your current PC keyboard, mouse, and printer won’t be of any use once you get yourself a Macbook? Fortunately, Macbooks will work with virtually any other computer device. Most devices now simply need to be plugged into the Macbook and the notebook will immediately recognize them. This truly is an affordable option for those who will swtich on over to Mac, without delaying their work productivity by having to purchase Mac-only devices.

1. Beyond cool graphics

All Macbooks use the latest NVIDIA graphics processor, making it possible to enjoy images in clear and crisp quality. The LED backlit wide screens on the notebooks offer display for millions of colors with high-quality resolution, ranging from 1280 by 800 pixels up to 1920 by 1200 pixels. Watching videos and image editing can be a breeze with your Macbook, as it is already packaged with iPhoto and iDVD to make the most out of anyone’s multimedia experience.

When it comes to display brightness, the Macbook is generally brighter compared to similar PC brands, without consuming extra energy to do so. Also, the LED on every Macbook can automatically adjust its brightness or dimness based on the ambient light levels, helping to conserve battery life in the process.

1. Better battery power

These smart laptops truly pack in a lot of power, and won’t run out of fuel on you! The Macbook Pro 13”, Macbook, and Macbook Air can run on its battery for up to 10 hours, while web browsing. The larger Macbook Pros can go up to 8 hours on a single charge. When watching DVDs and playing games, you can expect the notebook to be on for three to four hours, compared to the measly two hours on some PC laptop brands. Also, the lithium polymer battery on all Macbooks can last for up to 1,000 charges without going weak – and that’s up to five years of durability.

1. Brings out the green in everyone

Apple is proud to be an environment friendly company, who focuses not only on the quality of their products, but also how these devices impact the environment. The materials used in the manufacture of each notebook pass safety and health standards, and are guaranteed to be non-toxic. The batteries on Macbooks were created following ENERGY STAR efficiency standards, so they consume 32 percent less energy.

So, are you convinced? The Macbook is more than just a stylish accessory to have, but it truly is an efficient laptop that can keep up with your work and play demands. Getting one truly is an investment, and one that will last you for many years to come. If you are already thinking about getting a Macbook, make your choice from the different kinds. Determine which Macbook features are the most applicable to your needs, and make that switch from PC to Mac today.