jib

I loved my MacBook.  I've owned over over 8 different PowerBook and MacBooks going back to the PowerBook 100.  The MacBook was almost my ideal.  I kept it for 3 years, hoping Apple would add another USB port and a 16 GB ram option.  But they didn't so I somewhat reluctantly moved on to a MacBook Pro 13", which meets my needs, but is not as svelte and light as the MacBook. 

The older MBA is available for $849 in both the education and government Apple Stores -- so it may attract people (e.g. students) on a strict budget.

As for the MacBook, light weight is definitely a plus for many users.  I have the original MacBook (2015), and have looked at other MacBook options to upgrade.  The MBP 13 is a third heavier and definitely feels it -- I use my MacBook on my lap all day long and like the portability and lack of bulk and weight (and I have an iMac Pro for heavy work).

I'm still hoping for an upgraded MacBook -- faster, multiple USB-C ports, and still about 2 pounds.  If that doesn't happen, I'd consider the new MacBook Air, but it is still heavier than I'd like.

kentandrews said:

It should be noted that, while the smoke detector function is likely as useful as any other smoke detector, the carbon monoxide detector is likely useless. This is because carbon monoxide is heavier than air. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near the floor, not on the ceiling.

This is incorrect. First, carbon monoxide is actually slightly lighter than air (vs. carbon Dioxide, which is heavier), and more importantly, gases mix in a room, so that CO is easily detected at the ceiling.  The fact that many reputable detector companies  (NEST, First alert, etc.) make combined CO Smoke detectors (all of which must be ceiling mounted for smoke detection) illustrates this. I did not include links, but a quick google search will verify this and refute the common held myth.

While the detector itself seems interesting, I am happy with my NEST Protect detectors which  link  to my Nest thermostats and each other, and are easily controlled on my iPhones, iPads, and Macs.  They have motion detectors for the built-in night lights (which have three levels of dimming), test themselves periodically and let the thermostat know if someone is home.  (If not, the Nest thermostat can change heat settings to "away").  I would like it ifthey were HomeKit compatible, but they work well. (And they link to my Harmony smart remotes as a bonus). I don't need the speakers in each room, and am not interested in adding Alexa to my smart home.

What department store do you shop at then? I don't know of a major department store retailer other than Kohls that does allow Apple Pay. You can't honestly tell us that you don't go to any of them, ever. 

Macy's, for example, takes Apple Pay (although not with their store card).

After owning 3 Acuras, I sent an email to their customer relations stating that my next car will have CarPlay -- and would not be an NSX.  Right now I am looking at Honda and Volvo, but other CarPlay cars will be considered.