IT MIGHT be Apple's newly redesigned laptop, but it looks like a toy.

There's something about a computer made entirely of white plastic - from glossy, rounded exterior to matte keys - that makes the new MacBook look like something you would give a child.

If you could bear to part with it, that is.

Despite its appearance, the new MacBook is strikingly slick. It also feels a lot more durable, thanks to its rugged, white polycarbonate exterior and unibody form imported from the MacBook Pro.

Other elements have been imported from the MacBook's big brother, too. New additions include a magnetised latch to keep the lid in place, and a large glass trackpad with no buttons, as the entire pad can be depressed like a button.

The trackpad is also equipped with handy multi-touch gesture controls. Master these and you'll soon assume all laptop trackpads will let you pinch your fingers to zoom or scroll up and down a page with two fingers.

Another important import is the new screen.

LCD technology has been replaced by an LED-backlit display, making for a noticeable boost in its brightness.

Despite the Pro features trickling into this entry-level Mac, it is still its own creation. This 13.3-inch computer is just 2.74cm thin and 2.13kg, making it a much more comfortable travel partner than anything forged from metal.

This portability is further helped by rounded corners and edges that help you slide it in and out of a backpack, and a cunningly simple addition beneath its body: a non-slip finish that could stop it sliding off a table.

Under the hood this road-friendly Mac is run by a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM, though both can be upgraded at additional cost. In practice, this configuration means the computer lags on occasion, so an upgrade might be worth the cost.

It also comes with a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor for slick on-screen animations and a 250GB hard drive as standard that can be boosted to 500GB.

The laptop also packs in a full array of connections in spite of its size. These will let you plug in two USB gadgets, another monitor, headphones, its magnetised MagSafe charger or an Ethernet internet cable, in addition to WiFi.

Bluetooth v2.1 also features, as well as a SuperDrive CD and DVD burner, full-sized keyboard that makes tactile, clacking noises, and an iSight webcam in its lid.

But the most impressive new addition is perhaps this computer's built-in battery that delivers up to seven hours of power from one charge. Apple achieves this by sealing the computer to make extra room, so you can't replace the battery yourself if something goes wrong. New users are likely to find this a fair trade simply for the convenience.

Also something to consider before purchase: the glossy white exterior of this laptop is prone to light scratches that can sully its beautiful facade.

The new MacBook is not designed for power users, but there is plenty to like in this well-designed, bright white toy. Apple fans and converts after a travel-friendly computer with a historically low price should fall in love swiftly.

Price: $1299