With a name like OS X Mavericks, you might think Apple’s new software for Macs is a big departure for the company. It’s not. While iOS 7 represents a huge visual departure for Apple with a complete redesign, Mavericks focuses on a plethora of enhancements that deliver more versatility and speed — and not just for so-called power users.

With features like Tabs and Tags, OS X Mavericks makes it easier to find what you’re looking for across the desktop and the cloud, and both overall performance and Safari get a turbo boost. More important, multiple power-saving technologies help squeeze more battery life out of your notebook. We tested all of the best new features of Mavericks on a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display to find out how good this upgrade really is.

 

Here’s a case where OS X Mavericks is ahead of iOS 7. When certain notifications come in, you’ll be able to act on them without leaving the app you’re using. For instance, you can respond to new messages as they arrive, which we did via the Messages app with Google Talk chats. You can also delete emails on the fly. We just wish other apps, such as HipChat, supported more robust notifications, although that could come with future API support.

Other Notifications enhancements include the ability to delay certain software updates, display incoming FaceTime calls (which you can decline with a message or reschedule) and push notifications for certain websites, such as CNN. If you step away from your Mac, you’ll see waiting notifications right on the lock screen when you return.