While discussing the Air’s success in the Design Award earlier, we pointed out that it had substance as well as style. Here’s the proof: it’s also stolen this more “serious” prize. That’s because, where earlier incarnations of this sub-laptop were like supermodels in their blend of jaw-dropping looks and innate stupidity, this one is like a supermodel who has been abducted by aliens and fitted with “the brain tripler of Thunng”. Its dual-core processor and Intel HD graphics mean it can handle hi-def video and cutting-edge gaming, at least with the resolution turned down a tad, while it breezes insouciantly through everyday tasks.

Price: £867 | Apple

Showcasing Mac OSX on a fantastic LED backlit screen, the Air's brushed aluminium shell is a mere 1.7cm deep at its thickest point. Yet it has a dualcore processor and decent enough graphics chip plus a gorgeous keyboard and trackpad.

There's also solid state storage, cutting precious millimetres from the unit’s body and seconds from its waking and app-loading times. The battery lasts for five hours.

The 11-inch Air rivals the iPad for portability and position of desire in the Apple arsenal. When it comes to design, praise doesn't get much higher than that.

Apple MacBook Air video