I will stand by me very first comment regarding this new Macbook and applaud Apple for making a fantastic machine. By the review and what I have seen from critics it does everything it was meant to do and does it very well. I bought one that I can pick up and take with me anywhere in situations where an iPad just does not cut it. It is super portable, great screen and good battery life. 98% of users do not need to connect anything to this. For the 2% that do I would go with a 15" MacBookPro. It is awesome.
Most of the negative comments are from people who are not suited for this device. That is what I love about Apple. Stay true to yourself and what you are trying to achieve. If they listened to all the negative chatterboxes we would not have all of the great products they produce.
Perfect. Exactly my thoughts.
I've said it before, I bought the first "white" iBook when it came out. Women would come to me and ask me about it. (Partly due to my matinee idol good looks!) but also b/c the iBook was so new and different. This iteration is a work of art.
Much as I would like to just have an iPhone, iPad and ATV for my computing needs, we still need a laptop and/or desktop. This will be my next computer and maybe my last.
It's an iPad with a keyboard attachment that runs OS X.
So it's a laptop.
But *much* more Air than even the Air.
For a more casual user who wants to stay connected on the go, and for whom an iPad just doesn't offer enough functionality, the MacBook is a great choice.
It makes perfect sense as an addition to the lineup.
This new MacBook just appears to be a pink elephant! Tooooo pricey for what it offers, a MacBook Pro for about the same price should do it in right there. While I traveled for years and carried a laptop I still wanted and needed full functionality and would never consider something like this. Yes it would have been nice to have a little bit smaller and lighter unit and yet rid of that huge power brick, I think the thin and light thing has gone overboard here unless your a lady and want to carry it in your purse..I really don't see that much value over my ipad2, which I use everyday.. I keep wondering how long this fad path of thin and light will last and to what effect to apple.. While I think their products are the best, this to me is a dog and the competition is still out there to take advantage...
I actually think the opposite. This doesn't take up much more space than the iPad Air inside a messenger bag or briefcase. In fact, it fits inside a secondary inner pocket in my Tumi messenger bag. It is so portable, a person with an iPhone 6 Plus or even iPhone 6 might wonder whether an iPad makes sense, since you can do so much more with a "real" Mac running OS X. Albeit with an adapter, it's easy to attach a USB key and access a "real" file system and edit files on Office or iWork.
Thin and light isn't a fad. The processor will get better in future generations, and we're at the point where most tasks can be performed by the slowest processors on the market. More accessories will come out for USB-C. I do think Apple might add a second USB-C port on the other side when they make it mainstream, just as they did the MacBook Air in the October 2010 revision, when it went from niche device to mainstream.
This is a nice laptop that is clearly Apple's next entry level laptop and eventually the price will reflect this. Come next year all Macs will have retina displays. By then if you want more ports you will need to go with the Air or MacBook Pro. The Air will get Retina next year because the next Intel processor (Skylake) will allow the Air to run a Retina and core i5 while maintaining at least 12 hours of battery life. This is something the current processors cannot do (if you notice 10 hrs is the max Apple claims Retina's can do right now and Apple doesn't want to sacrifice the 13 inch Air's battery life).
The weight of the new MacBook is nice but a bit overblown because you are not constantly holding it like a iPad. Instead it will be on a desk or lap so for the majority of the time you won't be able to take advantage of its weight.
Only b/c I think iOS will eventually become strong enough where the casual user (like me) won't need a "computer," as it were.
I currently use my iPhone and iPad for about ~90% of the tasks I do. However, some tasks are still easier on an iMac or MacBook. Photo management, as an example.
Time to retire my 2011 MacBook Air... - Same CPU power - Better GPU - Better screen - Faster SSD - Better battery life - Smaller, lighter - Same price It's a no brainer!
I'm not a tech wizard, but is there any relation between how many USB ports there are and the CPU? Considering the (lack of) power on these chips, is it possible that is the reason they put only 1 USB C port for fear that many connected devices would drain this machine more?
Perhaps when the processor speeds picks up in future iterations, that is when we can see more ports?
I can't imagine it being because there was no space or cost issue. Plenty of margin here and if they can landscape batteries in this, I am sure they could accommodate another port!
I had hoped to purchase the new MacBook specifically for work. The portability is just what I need, BUT, the single port is a deal breaker! In my work I do presentations occasionally, which require I hook up to a projector and insert the USB single to control my presenter. Then of course, I sometimes use a flash drive during presentations! I MIGHT be able to get away (just barely with 1 USB port, but having none simply won't work for me. And the MB Pro is not nearly portable enough. Sadly, I'm stuck continuing to use the old clunky PC provided by my employer! Sad day for me!
I'm not a tech wizard, but is there any relation between how many USB ports there are and the CPU? Considering the (lack of) power on these chips, is it possible that is the reason they put only 1 USB C port for fear that many connected devices would drain this machine more?
Perhaps when the processor speeds picks up in future iterations, that is when we can see more ports?
I can't imagine it being because there was no space or cost issue. Plenty of margin here and if they can landscape batteries in this, I am sure they could accommodate another port!
Simple answer is no. Any device is going to use very little CPU (and virtually none when not actively being used). It may draw some power but I rarely (very very) see anyone connecting up devices when actually using the laptop as a portable.
Because even the least portable laptop these days is fairly portable -- people have lost perspective that there really is two distinct markets. Portables and Transportables. Portables aim is to be as light and easy to carry around all day without much effort -- where you are not constantly thinking where is the first place you can dump the laptop because it is annoying to have to carry everywhere..... Transportables are computers that can provide all the computing power you will ever need and is primarily going to be used at one or two desk locations -- and you want to be able to transport back and forth between locations. A little more weight is not much of an issue since you are only carrying it from one location to another then dumping it on your desk....
Getting tired of these latest sets of reviews on performance. They install Geekbench 3 and run it.... I can get that from Geekbench 3 browser..... it provides VERY LITTLE useful information. The Macbook has been out long enough that any reviewer worth their salt can do a more useful performance review. Take several use cases and the set of applications that are typical (in addition to the base applications), use them as they would normally be used..... provide feedback on when the Macbook felt fairly performant -- and in what use cases the Macbook had troubles providing enough performance. Very few people buy a laptop to run Geekbench 3 on it.
I agree. While its kind of obligatory to post benchmarks, they're about as meaningless as iFixit scores for the average person, and can lead to "stats shopping" -- you all know what I'm referring to. I'd rather hear about experiences running real life apps, playing video, web surfing, etc. you know, meaningful stuff. As I mentioned in my other post, I found FCPX ran just fine editing the stock HD resolution clips they had in the Apple Store.
Excellent review. The 12" is a super fashionable tech item, but for practicality it lags behind the Air.
I'm looking forward to where this leads, since clearly Apple is still pushing to set the pace for aesthetics. The next generation may bridge the performance gaps.
I agree. While its kind of obligatory to post benchmarks, they're about as meaningless as iFixit scores for the average person, and can lead to "stats shopping" -- you all know what I'm referring to. I'd rather hear about experiences running real life apps, playing video, web surfing, etc. you know, meaningful stuff. As I mentioned in my other post, I found FCPX ran just fine editing the stock HD resolution clips they had in the Apple Store.
Indeed.
I read the Geekbench stuff and thought, "That doesn't tell me anything."
A bit further down you mentioned the demos at the Apple store. That was much more useful.
Can anyone comment on battery life? I have heard battery life is anywhere from 4 to 5 hours. If that is the case it's going to be a nonstarter for me. My iPhone 6 Plus gets twice that.
Can anyone comment on battery life? I have heard battery life is anywhere from 4 to 5 hours. If that is the case it's going to be a nonstarter for me. My iPhone 6 Plus gets twice that.
Battery life in reports seems to vary from about 7 to 14 hours depending on reviewer. One of the major resource hogs that seems to wipe battery power off of your laptop is Chrome (vs Safari) which has been reported to wipe 3.5 hours off of your charge on a Macbook Pro laptop (adjusting for percentage - it is 3 hours on the Macbook). [Chrome seems to be constantly running, updating web pages, refreshing etc. while Safari tends to sleep if the page is no longer front and centre].
Apple's rating is 9 to 10 hours of moderate use, which I think is fairly accurate if you do not run Chrome. 14 hours has been reported by some reviewers that used Safari, email, document editing, the odd video. 9 - 10 hours if you constantly view videos, and less if you run some power apps that are pushing the CPU etc.
It's an iPad with a keyboard attachment that runs OS X.
So it's a laptop.
But *much* more Air than even the Air.
For a more casual user who wants to stay connected on the go, and for whom an iPad just doesn't offer enough functionality, the MacBook is a great choice.
It makes perfect sense as an addition to the lineup.
That thought occurred to me while I was using one in the Store. It's very iPad like, but capable of running full OS X. I have an iPad Air with a keyboard but this is less clunky. The iPad Air without the keyboard is somewhat less useful if you type a lot, so it ends up being a media consumption device than used to make things.
On the flip side, I do use a MacBook for other reasons, and I need the larger screen, Thunderbolt, and lots of fast processor cores, and it would be weird to buy two Mac laptops and use the thin/light one in place of an iPad. So I'll continue to use an iPad with a third party keyboard for light uses, and my 15" MBPr for compute-heavy uses.
and it supports Handoff" which mid 2011 air doesm't
I was almost ready to at at release day, ut foolishly decided to wait till i could check some real user experience in terms of speed, not just benchmarks. The I saw it in the Apple Store, now looks are not everything, BUT, its really incredible to see and use, and the store has only slowest ones for tryouts... I loaded up a bunch of numbers files, some page documents, combined documents, made them large, used safari, all seemed much better than my 2011 11 inch. Its a no brainer
The more I look at MS Surface, the more I appreciate the Macbook line from the build quality to user oriented design.
Seriously, if you look at Surface Pro, you know how redundant those bells and whistles are...I mean...WTF:
This has been my argument against all of Apple's competition. People are like Samsung's had a fingerprint scanner, heart rate, and NFC for years. My reply was always: Why? When you can't even use them properly. If Google could do turn by turn directions on the moon, does it mean they should put it in the next version of Android?
Comments
I will stand by me very first comment regarding this new Macbook and applaud Apple for making a fantastic machine. By the review and what I have seen from critics it does everything it was meant to do and does it very well. I bought one that I can pick up and take with me anywhere in situations where an iPad just does not cut it. It is super portable, great screen and good battery life. 98% of users do not need to connect anything to this. For the 2% that do I would go with a 15" MacBookPro. It is awesome.
Most of the negative comments are from people who are not suited for this device. That is what I love about Apple. Stay true to yourself and what you are trying to achieve. If they listened to all the negative chatterboxes we would not have all of the great products they produce.
Perfect. Exactly my thoughts.
I've said it before, I bought the first "white" iBook when it came out. Women would come to me and ask me about it. (Partly due to my matinee idol good looks!) but also b/c the iBook was so new and different. This iteration is a work of art.
Much as I would like to just have an iPhone, iPad and ATV for my computing needs, we still need a laptop and/or desktop. This will be my next computer and maybe my last.
Best
It's an iPad with a keyboard attachment that runs OS X.
So it's a laptop.
But *much* more Air than even the Air.
For a more casual user who wants to stay connected on the go, and for whom an iPad just doesn't offer enough functionality, the MacBook is a great choice.
It makes perfect sense as an addition to the lineup.
Agreed, Quodo.
This new MacBook just appears to be a pink elephant! Tooooo pricey for what it offers, a MacBook Pro for about the same price should do it in right there. While I traveled for years and carried a laptop I still wanted and needed full functionality and would never consider something like this. Yes it would have been nice to have a little bit smaller and lighter unit and yet rid of that huge power brick, I think the thin and light thing has gone overboard here unless your a lady and want to carry it in your purse..I really don't see that much value over my ipad2, which I use everyday.. I keep wondering how long this fad path of thin and light will last and to what effect to apple.. While I think their products are the best, this to me is a dog and the competition is still out there to take advantage...
I actually think the opposite. This doesn't take up much more space than the iPad Air inside a messenger bag or briefcase. In fact, it fits inside a secondary inner pocket in my Tumi messenger bag. It is so portable, a person with an iPhone 6 Plus or even iPhone 6 might wonder whether an iPad makes sense, since you can do so much more with a "real" Mac running OS X. Albeit with an adapter, it's easy to attach a USB key and access a "real" file system and edit files on Office or iWork.
Thin and light isn't a fad. The processor will get better in future generations, and we're at the point where most tasks can be performed by the slowest processors on the market. More accessories will come out for USB-C. I do think Apple might add a second USB-C port on the other side when they make it mainstream, just as they did the MacBook Air in the October 2010 revision, when it went from niche device to mainstream.
The weight of the new MacBook is nice but a bit overblown because you are not constantly holding it like a iPad. Instead it will be on a desk or lap so for the majority of the time you won't be able to take advantage of its weight.
Originally Posted by christopher126
This will be my next computer and maybe my last.
Why will it be your 'last'?
Why will it be your 'last'?
Only b/c I think iOS will eventually become strong enough where the casual user (like me) won't need a "computer," as it were.
I currently use my iPhone and iPad for about ~90% of the tasks I do. However, some tasks are still easier on an iMac or MacBook. Photo management, as an example.
Best.
- Same CPU power
- Better GPU
- Better screen
- Faster SSD
- Better battery life
- Smaller, lighter
- Same price
It's a no brainer!
Perhaps when the processor speeds picks up in future iterations, that is when we can see more ports?
I can't imagine it being because there was no space or cost issue. Plenty of margin here and if they can landscape batteries in this, I am sure they could accommodate another port!
I'm not a tech wizard, but is there any relation between how many USB ports there are and the CPU? Considering the (lack of) power on these chips, is it possible that is the reason they put only 1 USB C port for fear that many connected devices would drain this machine more?
Perhaps when the processor speeds picks up in future iterations, that is when we can see more ports?
I can't imagine it being because there was no space or cost issue. Plenty of margin here and if they can landscape batteries in this, I am sure they could accommodate another port!
Simple answer is no. Any device is going to use very little CPU (and virtually none when not actively being used). It may draw some power but I rarely (very very) see anyone connecting up devices when actually using the laptop as a portable.
Because even the least portable laptop these days is fairly portable -- people have lost perspective that there really is two distinct markets. Portables and Transportables. Portables aim is to be as light and easy to carry around all day without much effort -- where you are not constantly thinking where is the first place you can dump the laptop because it is annoying to have to carry everywhere..... Transportables are computers that can provide all the computing power you will ever need and is primarily going to be used at one or two desk locations -- and you want to be able to transport back and forth between locations. A little more weight is not much of an issue since you are only carrying it from one location to another then dumping it on your desk....
I agree. While its kind of obligatory to post benchmarks, they're about as meaningless as iFixit scores for the average person, and can lead to "stats shopping" -- you all know what I'm referring to. I'd rather hear about experiences running real life apps, playing video, web surfing, etc. you know, meaningful stuff. As I mentioned in my other post, I found FCPX ran just fine editing the stock HD resolution clips they had in the Apple Store.
Excellent review. The 12" is a super fashionable tech item, but for practicality it lags behind the Air.
I'm looking forward to where this leads, since clearly Apple is still pushing to set the pace for aesthetics. The next generation may bridge the performance gaps.
I agree. While its kind of obligatory to post benchmarks, they're about as meaningless as iFixit scores for the average person, and can lead to "stats shopping" -- you all know what I'm referring to. I'd rather hear about experiences running real life apps, playing video, web surfing, etc. you know, meaningful stuff. As I mentioned in my other post, I found FCPX ran just fine editing the stock HD resolution clips they had in the Apple Store.
Indeed.
I read the Geekbench stuff and thought, "That doesn't tell me anything."
A bit further down you mentioned the demos at the Apple store. That was much more useful.
I keep wondering how long this fad path of thin and light will last ..
I'm guessing about 70 - 80 years or so.
The more I look at MS Surface, the more I appreciate the Macbook line from the build quality to user oriented design.
Seriously, if you look at Surface Pro, you know how redundant those bells and whistles are...I mean...WTF:
Can anyone comment on battery life? I have heard battery life is anywhere from 4 to 5 hours. If that is the case it's going to be a nonstarter for me. My iPhone 6 Plus gets twice that.
Battery life in reports seems to vary from about 7 to 14 hours depending on reviewer. One of the major resource hogs that seems to wipe battery power off of your laptop is Chrome (vs Safari) which has been reported to wipe 3.5 hours off of your charge on a Macbook Pro laptop (adjusting for percentage - it is 3 hours on the Macbook). [Chrome seems to be constantly running, updating web pages, refreshing etc. while Safari tends to sleep if the page is no longer front and centre].
Apple's rating is 9 to 10 hours of moderate use, which I think is fairly accurate if you do not run Chrome. 14 hours has been reported by some reviewers that used Safari, email, document editing, the odd video. 9 - 10 hours if you constantly view videos, and less if you run some power apps that are pushing the CPU etc.
That thought occurred to me while I was using one in the Store. It's very iPad like, but capable of running full OS X. I have an iPad Air with a keyboard but this is less clunky. The iPad Air without the keyboard is somewhat less useful if you type a lot, so it ends up being a media consumption device than used to make things.
On the flip side, I do use a MacBook for other reasons, and I need the larger screen, Thunderbolt, and lots of fast processor cores, and it would be weird to buy two Mac laptops and use the thin/light one in place of an iPad. So I'll continue to use an iPad with a third party keyboard for light uses, and my 15" MBPr for compute-heavy uses.
Time to retire my 2011 MacBook Air...
- Same CPU power
- Better GPU
- Better screen
- Faster SSD
- Better battery life
- Smaller, lighter
- Same price
It's a no brainer!
and it supports Handoff" which mid 2011 air doesm't
I was almost ready to at at release day, ut foolishly decided to wait till i could check some real user experience in terms of speed, not just benchmarks. The I saw it in the Apple Store, now looks are not everything, BUT, its really incredible to see and use, and the store has only slowest ones for tryouts... I loaded up a bunch of numbers files, some page documents, combined documents, made them large, used safari, all seemed much better than my 2011 11 inch. Its a no brainer
SDo now I have to wait till June sad sad sad
This has been my argument against all of Apple's competition. People are like Samsung's had a fingerprint scanner, heart rate, and NFC for years. My reply was always: Why? When you can't even use them properly. If Google could do turn by turn directions on the moon, does it mean they should put it in the next version of Android?