12-Inch MacBook Now Available in Apple Retail Stores via Personal Pickup

[iLilana]

Why would anyone buy this on purpose? MBA 13 or 11 are far better for the simple fact the MBA is better in every respect apart from screen. They need to stop buying so we as consumers can force apple into a forward thinking frame of mind again. one USB-c port? really? Dongles? Its woefully underpowered and compromised and more expensive. Anything it can do effectively an iPad can do better. Anything more you would need more juice.

 

[Soccertess]

You could have just said : Its not for me... And left it at that...
Considering it took 4 months to get sufficient stocks, Its probably safe to say it is doing AOK despite you not getting it.

As the most valuable company in the world, they can afford to do lots of things, doesn't mean it's a good idea or the product is solid.

Reminds me of Jobs and the one button mouse. God I hated my old powerbook with that one button. How long did it take Jobs to admit that may have been a mistake? They sold millions and millions, but how many people had a windows mouse with those computers. Anyways, if you like this macbook, please tell us if you bought one and your experience.

Personally, my Macbook air is fantastic, only thing i wish for is an HDMI out. Wouldn't touch that macbook for a while...

 

[Wreckus]

I think these new MacBooks are for students who just want a mac laptop and don't need all the features of the macbook air or pro. That's just my opinion though.

 

[TMRJIJ]

I currently have the white unibody macbook from 2010, which was the newest macbook model until this new one. By today's standards my macbook is very underpowered, and probably won't last much longer. I've been wondering though, which macbook would be better? Like which would be able to play games, edit video, etc better? The obviously work fine for web browsing, but I guess my question is for me would buying this new macbook be much of an upgrade?

If you want to play games, edit video, etc. the MacBook is not your preference. Heck the MacBook Air is probably not either. Get a MBP.

 

[Dargoth]

So, it's not for you, and all those waiting in a virtual line for it, for 4 months, must have been wrong about their own preference...

This computer is a poor purchase for its price, no matter how you slice it. It isn't a matter of preference when there are enough reasons to not buy something. Preference is whether you want the lighter and less powerful (but still capable) MacBook Air, or the powerful (but a bit heavier) MacBook Pro. One might even prefer a desktop if they really need the extra power, and can live without the mobility. This new laptop is even lighter, true, but its performance is sluggish and it has only one port (even the common user plugs their iPhone into their laptops from time to time...). I don't see the advantage of this over the MacBook Air, or Pro. It truly is a waste of money.

 

[djbuddha]

So I have a slightly different opinion as far as this MacBook is concerned. At first my opinion was very much like mostly everybody here. But then something happened and a lightbulb went off in my head

Background: I use a maxed out 2012 retina mbp for video editing and DJing. I was a Windows guy and a system builder until I got all swept away by snow leopard in 2010 lol. So keep that in mind when you read my opinion.

USB-C

So this USB-C thing is intriguing. I agree, 1 port is odd. I agree it's a weird new standard. But there's something else going on here. Just over a month ago Thunderbolt 3 was announced. Apparently using 2 styles of cable (both passed over USB-C). The cheaper passive cable will push 20mbit (like Thunderbolt 2). The adaptive cable doubling to 40mbit. So this current 1st gen USB-C port seems to be there to force adoption. They would never switch their tried and true retina or air lines to push this. It's risky, but brilliant. (You think there weren't deals in place to push this standard through this MacBook?) lol. Don't expect that this iteration of USB-C in this MacBook to pass 40mbit. I believe it's either 5 or 10mbit currently.

Force Touch

Phase 1 was the watch. Not bad. Phase 2 is this MacBook and the Airs. NOW the pros are getting it. Not a fan, it's risky, but like most subtle changes, we'll get used to it. Give me a gen 2 that has a little more of a firm click and you MIGHT sell me.

Retina Display

They had to

New Keyboard

A lot of people don't like it. Don't be surprised if you hear "improved keyboard" in the next generation

Terraced battery:

Good place to test this out is in a designer handbag. I mean MacBook ... Lol. Not to mention that you want to try to squeeze as much battery as you can. From a testing standpoint, having a fan-less MacBook will only counter some of the drawbacks from a smaller form factor chassis; compared to the 13" Air. Having terraced cells was smart to get back some of that battery life.

Intel Core-M

Now this is probably the best part for me. It's underpowered. Yes. BUT, it's a processor that runs extremely well and can perform all of its feats without a fan. Using the entire x86 instruction set, in a slim form factor (which we all know is a big old heatsinc..).. That's actually impressive. I wouldn't buy it ..... Yet. It's a representation of how far we've come, and how far we can go. 5 watts is insane, let's be honest.

So why did they do this? This thing essentially is a tech demo in the wild. It's purpose isn't mainly based on thriving. I'd bet it's to get feedback for their flagship devices as they develop upgrades. Not my cup of tea, give me new processors and Thunderbolt 3 in the new retina I'd expect later this year.

So next gen thoughts? Maybe the true Thunderbolt 3 USB-C? Yes. 2 ports, doubtful lol.

It's all IMO anyway lol. My opinion is based on the idea that there are TOO many radical changes in the new MacBook for it NOT to be a point of customer research.

 

[Dargoth]

I think these new MacBooks are for students who just want a mac laptop and don't need all the features of the macbook air or pro. That's just my opinion though.

Well... The MacBook Air is cheaper.

 

[TMRJIJ]

This computer is a poor purchase for its price, no matter how you slice it. It isn't a matter of preference when there are enough reasons to not buy something. Preference is whether you want the lighter and less powerful (but still capable) MacBook Air, or the powerful (but a bit heavier) MacBook Pro. One might even prefer a desktop if they really need the extra power, and can live without the mobility. This new laptop is even lighter, true, but its performance is sluggish and it has only one port (even the common user plugs their iPhone into their laptops from time to time...). I don't see the advantage of this over the MacBook Air, or Pro. It truly is a waste of money.

These are all personal reasons. Once again, people who are buying this don't use ports and just want a light weight computer that just works. I seen the Mac in action, . . . It doesn't run Final Cut Pro X well but most general light users won't have a problem with it.
As for price it's most following the same path that the Air did. It wasn't always $899 for the base model.

 

[Zirel]

$1299 MacBook: 1.1 GHz Core M, 8GB of RAM, Intel HD 5300

$1299 MacBook Pro: 2.7 GHz Core i5, 8GB of RAM, Intel Iris 6100

10x the processing power, 8x more ports, larger screen, killer battery life. I know which one I'd pick.

So, why is everyone bitching about the MBr?

I also know which one I got.

But what's the problem of having options?

BTW, I would like to see the newer USB-C ports on the MBP/iMac, future proofing them.

 

[Wreckus]

Well... The MacBook Air is cheaper.

Air doesn't have a retina screen.

 

[lawgone1]

You could have just said : It's not for me... And left it at that...
Considering it took 4 months to get sufficient stocks, Its probably safe to say it is doing AOK despite you not getting it.

I could have but I chose to explain why it's not for me. Is that not allowed? That it's taken 4 months to get in stock does not mean it's a good product or even that it's hugely successful...it could just mean there are production delays. Regardless, there's no reason to take it personal that I don't like the direction they went with this laptop unless you helped design it.

 

[Dargoth]

Air doesn't have a retina screen.

Yes, but that screen is the primary reason the new MacBook is so sluggish. Really, that screen should have been on the MacBook Air, and this should have received a non-retina display. The innards don't make sense with the displays Apple has chosen for them.

 

[Wreckus]

Also, from what I can find on apples website, the air only comes with 4GB of RAM as well, compared to the 8GB that comes w/ the macbook.

 

[lawgone1]

I think these new MacBooks are for students who just want a mac laptop and don't need all the features of the macbook air or pro. That's just my opinion though.

That very well could be. They were kind of mysterious about where they're trying to position it. They just call it "MacBook," which would point towards it being the entry level that many students gravitate towards. But while it is entry level featured, it's not entry level priced. They made it the thinnest yet, but it's not an "Air." Is it the MacBook Helium? I don't really know.

 

[Wreckus]

Look, all of us here would probably never buy the macbook. But why is it so bad that Apple created a new macbook for people to buy? if you don't want to buy it, don't buy it. Simple.

Personally, I wouldn't buy it as I prefer the macbook pro (as I bought in January) and love it. But people will buy the macbook and will enjoy it as much as we all love our MBA or MBP that we bought.

 

[TMRJIJ]

So, why is everyone bitching about the MBr?

I also know which one I got.

But what's the problem of having options?

BTW, I would like to see the newer USB-C ports on the MBP/iMac, future proofing them.

They think their personal opinions and preferences are factual and judge based on how they themselves use their macs.
Plus they forgot that the first gen MacBook Air was close to $1799 compared to the current baseline price.

I'm digging this USB-C thing too. I hope thunderbolt to USB-C displays are coming as well.

 

[paradox00]

I really don't understand this MacBook or its positioning. Everyone wanted a MacBook Air with Retina screen and instead they give us something so freaking thin that you can't even have more than one plug for it. I loved that I could take my MacBook Air and easily hook it up to a monitor. This thing though is dongle city. What's the point in being that thin that you're going to need a dongle? I still want a MacBook Air with Retina screen but I guess that won't be happening.

Nope, because that would require a price increase, and there's no room between the Pro and the Air. Thus we get this, which is uniquely different and actually an appealing option to many folks. The Macbook will slowly drop in price and increase in performance several generations down the line and basically become what you are looking for. Meanwhile the Air will see limited upgrades and Apple will sell it as their low priced option until such time that it no longer sells well and is then discontinued (just like the Plastic Macbook).

 

[MacsRgr8]

All you guys looking at the practicality of this MacBook Retina....

For the potential buyers:
• It's beautiful.
• It's extremely light.
• It works with OS X.

The perfect computer for the people who want to use OS X, but the ultra-portability of an iPad.
These people don't care about USB ports, Ethernet, FireWire, HDMI, DVD... etc.

 

[lawgone1]

Look, all of us here would probably never buy the macbook. But why is it so bad that Apple created a new macbook for people to buy? if you don't want to buy it, don't buy it. Simple.

Personally, I wouldn't buy it as I prefer the macbook pro (as I bought in January) and love it. But people will buy the macbook and will enjoy it as much as we all love our MBA or MBP that we bought.

As I eluded to before, it's because it doesn't really fill a niche in their ecosystem and that also means they've wasted time and resources that could have been used elsewhere. Many people wanted a MBA with Retina. They could have built that and satisfied both groups. Instead they built this new device no one really asked for. I rarely heard anyone saying the MBA was too big or heavy.

I don't mean to belittle anyone that has bought it and am not saying they made a bad choice. I'm simply saying Apple made a confusing choice.

 

[JackieInCo]

Those still talking about the one port issue need to understand that people buying it are not using ports.
Cloud and wireless capabilities is the future and this MacBook is a just glimpse of it. They just need to lower the price a little like they did with the Air. That's all.

But they are. Just read the various posts in the MacBook forum. Many are buying the multiport adaptor.

 

[Jetcat3]

Holy cow, I've never seen so much negativity about an Apple product before. The Apple MacBook is unequivocally better than the MacBook Air! Completely silent operation, Smaller footprint, lighter, much reduced bezel, anti-reflective coating, quicker typing/responsive keyboard in my opinion, WAY better viewing angles and 3.3X times as many pixels jammed into it's gorgeous IPS LCD panel. I'm so tired of hearing that the retina MacBook is underpowered! If the MacBook is underpowered then so are all of the MacBook Airs! The base 1.1Ghz is on par with a 2013 i5 MacBook Air, but the retina MacBook is pushing 3.3X times the pixels don't forget. Why does everyone think it is so underpowered? It's not! Gaming's not too bad either on the little beauty. Beats my old HD 4000 integrated graphics on my 2012 MacBook Pro that's for sure. The MacBook is not a proof of concept, it's a vision of the future of laptops only we get to enjoy those benefits now! Just wait until people start trying out the retina MacBook in Apple stores with El Capitan installed on them. The base model straight up flies with the El Capitan beta installed. The retina MacBook is an amazing feat of engineering and a potent, powerful, full fledged laptop with a beautiful display. Spec out a comparable MacBook Air and see what the price is for a 5 year old design and terrible TN display. The price shouldn't be an issue after that.

 

[lawgone1]

Nope, because that would require a price increase, and there's no room between the Pro and the Air. Thus we get this, which is uniquely different and actually an appealing option to many folks. The Macbook will slowly drop in price and increase in performance several generations down the line and basically become what you are looking for. Meanwhile the Air will see limited upgrades and Apple will sell it as their low priced option until such time that it no longer sells well and is then discontinued (just like the Plastic Macbook).

And that makes me sad. Why would it have been a price increase for a MBAr though? Sure, a small one but nothing huge. It can't have been cheap to design an all new device with the special batteries and everything.

 

[pacmania1982]

I walked into the Apple Store at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Allentown, PA in June and picked one up without issue. And this was about 6PM.

I love my little MacBook. It's powerful enough for me and I've only seen the odd drop in performance. It's crazy what they managed to cram into such a small machine.

 

[Shirasaki]

Really?
Same logic when Android is bought mainly for being cheap?
Are people buying Apple, and especially this expensive travel computer because its cheap?

Apple can't satisfy all users than can lay $700 down with a single product (or even 10 products); someone won't have their needs met 100%.

Sorry for my unclear comment. I should say "those users who can buy phone in a similar but slight cheaper price comparing with iPhone". But this would shrink the user base I want to refer to.

Well, great for you that you are not buying it... Guess that's why they were back ordered for 4 months.
BTW, I can barely read your posts because there are so many missing/wrong words and weird syntax.

Well, as you can guess, I am not a native English speaker, and my logic is not so good as others.

I am still improving.

 

[Shirasaki]

I think these new MacBooks are for students who just want a mac laptop and don't need all the features of the macbook air or pro. That's just my opinion though.

And one more thing: They use the latest and "the greatest". They are consuming the future.

I have already passed that age, though.