The MacBook and MacBook Pro lines saw dramatic changes before 2010, so the changes to those machines this year were simple refreshes. Apple introduce Intel’s Core i5 and Core i7 processors to the MacBook Pro line in the 15- and 17-inch models—expect to see faster Core i5 and i7 processors in the MacBook line in 2011. Perhaps we’ll even see the 13-inch MacBook Pro’s Core 2 Duo processor replaced by a Core i5.

On the desktop, Apple’s smallest machine, the , was redesigned with an aluminum case that made the Mac mini even smaller than its predecessor. It also features a new plastic hatch that you can easily open to make memory upgrades. Apple also reduced the number of Mac mini models available, offering only one standard configuration model.

The continues to offer the best bang for your buck among Apple’s Mac lineup. Apple’s all-in-one computer now has discrete ATI graphics chips, and the Core 2 Duo processors were phased out in favor of Core i3 and Core i5 processors in the standard configurations. Apple also added a flash-storage drive, build-to-order (BTO) option that can help .

The iMac’s aluminum case design was . Could it be due for a major change in 2011? Besides the iMac becoming thinner and lighter, the basic design concept of the case works well, so it may not change much. The dramatic changes will probably be inside the case, where we could see the iMac taking a cue from the MacBook Air—flash storage could replace the hard drive completely, instead of being a BTO option. That is, if the price of flash storage in larger capacities drops enough to make this feasible.