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Warming-up for the all-new redesigned retina 2014 (2015?) MacBook Air

chleuasme said:
Clock for clock comparison says Broadwell already gets up to 5% faster. Then, with the thermal headroom gained with the process shrink, one can imagine current Haswell 15W i5 at 1.4/2.7 GHz as found in the base MBA11 to get a bump at something like 1.6/2.8 MHz and being able to not throttle that fast once turboboost kicks in. We'd be closer to a 15-20% effective gain in comparison to what we have now in the low-end at equivalent power; there is benefits with a die shrink.
Of course, there probably will also be lower-end 15W Broadwell chips that would fit in and give only a marginal gain over the previous generation in performances (but then with thermal and power consumption going down).
Click to expand...

Perhaps that is. There are benefits with a die shrink, but I am not sure how much it will benefit in terms of performance and battery life.

You can't really expect much better than Haswell IRIS performances (rMBP13) going down to the 15W Broadwell chips, and Haswell IRIS Pro performances (rMBP15) now available to 28W Broadwell chips as should be used for the next rMBP13 revision.
So if the 12" retina Macbook gets a 2560x1600 display, graphic performances wouldn't be much better than on a current rMBP13.
That's at least why we could try to make sense of the rumored lower retina resolution 2304x1440. But looking farther than Broadwell, that really would look like a bad idea; it looks good only at 2x, any other non-integer retina factor are nice to have but shouldn't serve the default usage, and 1152x720 is a downgrade compared to what we have now.
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The rumored 2304x1440 only makes sense from two perspectives, at least for me. First, it offers the same ppi as 2560x1600 on a 13" MacBook Pro, so it seems like this resolution didn't just come out of nothing. Second, it would allow a better battery life than a 2880x1800 screen, and battery life is critical for the next MacBook Air, given that Apple is not supposed to take a step back.

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chleuasme said:
[edit: wow and that thread reached 1k post!]
Click to expand...

... and counting.
 
skaertus said:
The rumored 2304x1440 only makes sense from two perspectives, at least for me. First, it offers the same ppi as 2560x1600 on a 13" MacBook Pro, so it seems like this resolution didn't just come out of nothing.
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Yes, that's how anyone could come up with that resolution easily. But that's still an awfully small workspace in HiDPI 2x, and scaled larger resolutions aren't an answer to address that: if out of the box, the default 2x sucks because it's too small and you need to have a blurry scaled larger resolution, that's a bad move.

How was created the MBA11? They didn't make a screwed 1280x720 11.6" or 1152x720 11.8" new model. They made room for a larger resolution for the new small size when giving a bump to the resolution of the 13.3" model.
Another way to see it is, they were now able to pack the same device as the original MBA13 in a smaller package with a(n equivalent) smaller screen; there was constraints on bezels and keyboard size and ports, so to accommodate the smaller screen they had to move from 1280x800 to 1366x768 but still offering a similar experience. And then, a new 13.3" model could be reinvented offering a higher resolution.
They didn't simply make a smaller Macbook Air picking a smaller screen size in 2010.

Here, with the retina Macbook Pro we have today, we could consider it's the same evolution, thanks to intel progress: the rMBP15 can now be packed in a smaller package using only a 28W TDP chip, and the screen is /condensed/ to 13.3". The rMBP13 as well around 15W TDP chips can now become a ~12" model (but still with size constraints, could also have to switch to 16:9). Finally, at the top of the line with sub-45W TDP chips, a new 15.4" model can be introduced with a larger resolution.
255 ppi across the 3 sizes and a merge of the two Pro and Air lines, with no concession on experience and usability in the short term, only first versions would see a slight drop in performances or battery life in comparison to 2014 models, but disappearing soon enough with future intel chips and other hardware progresses.

But that's still not a rMBA. And 1152x720 doesn't make more sense today than in 2010.

skaertus said:
... and counting.
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indeed :D
 
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chleuasme said:
Yes, that's how anyone could come up with that resolution easily. But that's still an awfully small workspace in HiDPI 2x, and scaled larger resolutions aren't an answer to address that: if out of the box, the default 2x sucks because it's too small and you need to have a blurry scaled larger resolution, that's a bad move.

How was created the MBA11? They didn't make a screwed 1280x720 11.6" or 1152x720 11.8" new model. They made room for a larger resolution for the new small size when giving a bump to the resolution of the 13.3" model.
Another way to see it is, they were now able to pack the same device as the original MBA13 in a smaller package with a(n equivalent) smaller screen; there was constraints on bezels and keyboard size and ports, so to accommodate the smaller screen they had to move from 1280x800 to 1366x768 but still offering a similar experience. And then, a new 13.3" model could be reinvented offering a higher resolution.
They didn't simply make a smaller Macbook Air picking a smaller screen size in 2010.

Here, with the retina Macbook Pro we have today, we could consider it's the same evolution, thanks to intel progress: the rMBP15 can now be packed in a smaller package using only a 28W TDP chip, and the screen is /condensed/ to 13.3". The rMBP13 as well around 15W TDP chips can now become a ~12" model (but still with size constraints, could also have to switch to 16:9). Finally, at the top of the line with sub-45W TDP chips, a new 15.4" model can be introduced with a larger resolution.
255 ppi across the 3 sizes and a merge of the two Pro and Air lines, with no concession on experience and usability in the short term, only first versions would see a slight drop in performances or battery life in comparison to 2014 models, but disappearing soon enough with future intel chips and other hardware progresses.

But that's still not a rMBA. And 1152x720 doesn't make more sense today than in 2010.
Click to expand...

I could only hope that was true. It would be logical and neat. However, somehow, I don't see it happening at this point. Not in 2015 at least.
 
chleuasme said:
From the Broadwell rMBP thread:

So 15W Broadwell i7 but only HD5500, one might suppose Apple would only go with HD6000 versions for a 12" retina Macbook.
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It looks promising. The next MacBook Air will probably be capable of driving retina resolutions very well.
 
Serban said:
I just received the 12" Macbook Air prototype and it's just again the perfect portable with 2.29 pounds and 0.2 to 1.6 cm thick

The display is what to expect an IPS panel made by LG

Broadwell cpu with dual 1.6 Ghz
The thickness is about as usb ports now...i think they will not make it even thinner with usb ports on it in the future
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i like what you say even if it's a lie...

2.29 pounds and 0.2 to 1.6 cm thick makes it thinner and lighter than the 11 inch Macbook Air.

iWant.
 
animatedude said:
i like what you say even if it's a lie...

2.29 pounds and 0.2 to 1.6 cm thick makes it thinner and lighter than the 11 inch Macbook Air.

iWant.
Click to expand...

Well, even if it is not true, this is likely what is going to happen. Apple will make the new Air a very sexy laptop, just like the current one is. With all the competition that there is, Apple has to release something very attractive for its consumers in order to keep the edge.
 
skaertus said:
Well, even if it is not true, this is likely what is going to happen. Apple will make the new Air a very sexy laptop, just like the current one is. With all the competition that there is, Apple has to release something very attractive for its consumers in order to keep the edge.
Click to expand...


I completely agree. When Apple first announced the first Macbook Air, people laughed at it as an underpowered, expensive 'toy'. However, looking back at it now most of us understand that thin/light is how people were going in both laptops and the inevitable creation of the tablet around the same time the Macbook Airs came out. The Macbook Air today is considered a favorite among many top tech bloggers, business people, etc. I personally know a CTO whose sole computer is a Macbook Air.

However, as an owner of a 2012 Macbook Air I myself can admit that the current design does seem a bit dated here in 2014 (basically 2015 now). While the design, quality, trackpad/keyboard combo is all top-notch as it always is with these laptops, the screen is a clear area of improvement that has to happen sometime here in 2015. Apple evolved the laptop game into thin, light devices, and now they must release an updated Macbook Air that paves the way for the future of these laptop devices for the next 5 years as the current Macbook Air has achieved.

Other than the screen, I really can't think of anything else that Apple would have to introduce other than what would clearly be a slightly smaller, higher-res screen device with an updated (aka slightly tweaked) design. Also it would achieve the battery life you'd expect of an Apple product. However, I think Apple will introduce a new feature, whether it be Touch ID with the success it's seen, or some other feature who knows, but I think Apple will definitely introduce some sort of new feature as it has previously with the 'Air' moniker (which it now shares with the iPad, btw). Apple has shown that it's slowly moving towards some sort of deep cohesion between Macbooks and iPhones, and I think Apple will bring the iPhone's most successful, differentiating features to Macbooks as well. All in due time of course.

I also not only believe that there is an increased cohesion between the software of Macs and iPhones, but hardware as well. I imagine something about the updated Macbook Air will reek of 'iPad' in some aspect of its design. It remains to be seen but it'll be exciting!
 
Trey M said:
I completely agree. When Apple first announced the first Macbook Air, people laughed at it as an underpowered, expensive 'toy'. However, looking back at it now most of us understand that thin/light is how people were going in both laptops and the inevitable creation of the tablet around the same time the Macbook Airs came out. The Macbook Air today is considered a favorite among many top tech bloggers, business people, etc. I personally know a CTO whose sole computer is a Macbook Air.

However, as an owner of a 2012 Macbook Air I myself can admit that the current design does seem a bit dated here in 2014 (basically 2015 now). While the design, quality, trackpad/keyboard combo is all top-notch as it always is with these laptops, the screen is a clear area of improvement that has to happen sometime here in 2015. Apple evolved the laptop game into thin, light devices, and now they must release an updated Macbook Air that paves the way for the future of these laptop devices for the next 5 years as the current Macbook Air has achieved.

Other than the screen, I really can't think of anything else that Apple would have to introduce other than what would clearly be a slightly smaller, higher-res screen device with an updated (aka slightly tweaked) design. Also it would achieve the battery life you'd expect of an Apple product. However, I think Apple will introduce a new feature, whether it be Touch ID with the success it's seen, or some other feature who knows, but I think Apple will definitely introduce some sort of new feature as it has previously with the 'Air' moniker (which it now shares with the iPad, btw). Apple has shown that it's slowly moving towards some sort of deep cohesion between Macbooks and iPhones, and I think Apple will bring the iPhone's most successful, differentiating features to Macbooks as well. All in due time of course.

I also not only believe that there is an increased cohesion between the software of Macs and iPhones, but hardware as well. I imagine something about the updated Macbook Air will reek of 'iPad' in some aspect of its design. It remains to be seen but it'll be exciting!
Click to expand...

Look, there are news on the next MacBook Air: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/12/22/12-inch-macbook-air-mass-production-early-2015/

Not much about the features, but more about the launch timeline. Mass production in early 2015, so it seems like a release date around mid-2015.
 
Well, time flies, I think safe to propose to edit the title of the thread :D
2015 will be an important year for Apple, let's see how Cook manages to take decisions with its teams.
 
chleuasme said:
Well, time flies, I think safe to propose to edit the title of the thread :D
2015 will be an important year for Apple, let's see how Cook manages to take decisions with its teams.
Click to expand...

I would, if I could only remember how to edit the title of the thread...

By the way, have you seen the brand-new Samsung Ativ Book 9 that was just announced? It seems very fine. It has a fanless design, a 12.2-inch screen with a 2560x1600 resolution (yes, the aspect ratio is 16:10 instead of 16:9), it is well-built, and it weighs only 2.09 lbs. It will come with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD (for US$ 1,199) or 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD (US$ 1,399). The screen has the incredible brightness of 700 nits. The only downside I see is the Core M processor.

The links are here:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/30/samsung-ativ-book-9-ativ-one-7/
http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-ativ-book-9-2015/
http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-ativ-book-9-2015-ultrabook-gets-blade-thin-30361122/
http://blog.laptopmag.com/samsung-ativ-book-9-2015
http://www.notebookreview.com/news/new-samsung-ativ-book-9-lighter-brighter/
http://9to5mac.com/2014/12/31/new-f...msung-foreshadows-rumored-retina-macbook-air/
http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/30/7469067/samsung-ativ-book-9-2015-announced-price-release-date

This seems to be an incredible machine and has nearly everything we are expecting from a brand-new MacBook Air (except perhaps for the processor). The websites are already comparing this laptop to the forthcoming MacBook Air, which has not even been revealed yet.
 
skaertus said:
...
By the way, have you seen the brand-new Samsung Ativ Book 9 that was just announced? It seems very fine. It has a fanless design ...
Click to expand...

Sounds nice. It will be interesting to see how well they pulled off the fanless design when the Lenovo gets hot even with a fan.
 
Yep, can't go fanless without limitations, we're not there yet with Broadwell.
There was a thread on this device earlier today: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1833739/
Would love to see a version of this laptop with a tweaked 6W high-end Core M and a proper cooling system.


For the title, I guess you can edit the opening post to change it?
 
chleuasme said:
Yep, can't go fanless without limitations, we're not there yet with Broadwell.
There was a thread on this device earlier today: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1833739/
Would love to see a version of this laptop with a tweaked 6W high-end Core M and a proper cooling system.


For the title, I guess you can edit the opening post to change it?
Click to expand...

Sure I can edit the opening post. I just don't remember how to do it.
 
J&JPolangin said:
...and no OSX...I really dislike having to fix my friends winXX machines...

Yesterday it was trying to figure out how to get Volstro.exe what ever off a win7 machine = what a PITA!
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Yes, only Apple machines can have OS X. In a way, that makes Macs unique.

But if you are not tied to OS X, you can of course try alternatives.

Windows has its strengths, and I learned to appreciate each OS strong points. Windows has lots of software available for it, including the best and most up-to-date version of Microsoft Office; is compatible with everything; and Windows 10 will bring features of OS X to it.

Apart from the OS, the Samsung laptop looks a great machine.

At this point, there may be little Apple could do to surprise us. Thinner laptops, great screens, good battery lives, everything is reproduced in the laptops being released these days. Apple could make a splash with a MacBook Air this thin but with a better processor, perhaps.
 
Hmm slower processor, slower memory, slower and smaller ssd. Same graphics but higher resolution screen. No thunderbolt bus. Considering how old the MBA is and only just about now gets beating only on the screen. Hmm not much of an argument there then as per usual. And then of course no OS X.

I don't get what is so great about this other than the screen.
 
the 12" MBA has a better cpu, A BETTER iGPU and almost the same battery life but in a little thinner and lighter design. And because the MBA has no more mechanical trackpad the rigidity is even better and i think the next mbp will have also
 
again, i don't understand why apple will release both a 12" mba and a 12" ipad pro. this makes no sense to me. I think Apple may be releasing a surface-esque device.

There's no reason in my head why a "fanless" design is appropriate for anything other than a tablet form factor. CHips haven't advanced that far where we'd willingly give up the thermal headroom and don't expect a performance hit.
 
Serban said:
the 12" MBA has a better cpu, A BETTER iGPU and almost the same battery life but in a little thinner and lighter design. And because the MBA has no more mechanical trackpad the rigidity is even better and i think the next mbp will have also
Click to expand...

Except for the fact that the 12-inch MacBook Air doesn't exist yet, and has not even been announced. It lives only in our heads and perhaps in manufacturers' labs. We don't know about the CPU, GPU, battery life, trackpad, thinness and lightness of the 12-inch MacBook Air. We suppose it will be like this, but we can't affirm for sure at this point.

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cyb3rdud3 said:
Hmm slower processor, slower memory, slower and smaller ssd. Same graphics but higher resolution screen. No thunderbolt bus. Considering how old the MBA is and only just about now gets beating only on the screen. Hmm not much of an argument there then as per usual. And then of course no OS X.

I don't get what is so great about this other than the screen.
Click to expand...

I don't know about the speed of the memory and of the SSD yet, so I cannot affirm it is worse than in the current Air. I don't know why Thunderbolt is so important, I don't find any use for it, and I don't care about it.

This laptop is thinner and lighter than the Air, and it has a better screen. Of course it has advantages over the Air. It may have a slower processor, and that is to Air's advantage, but not everything in the Air is superior.
 
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