12-Inch Retina MacBook Receives Mixed Reviews From Early Adopters

[drsmithy]

At least drsmithy comes by his MacBook Air antipathy honestly - - check out these remarkably similar sounding posts from a thread discussing the launch of the MacBook Air in 2008...

Mate, you've got serious issues if you're searching out statements made over seven years ago.

What was your actual point ?

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Except the only suitable CPU for the shrunken down logic board and fanless design is the Core M. The next step up are the chips in the MacBook Air that use 3 times as much power. Hence they would need a thicker battery to accomplish the same battery life. And as you point out it would be a bigger case.

Firstly, the rMB's Core M is about as fast as my 2014 MBA's CPU, so that's not a problem as far as I'm concerned. My machine suffers far more from only having 4GB than it does from a slow CPU.

Secondly, are you trying to say that it is utterly impossible to further reduce the mainboard in the 11" MBA ? Seems a bold claim.

 

[drsmithy]

1. Size is irrelevant - Size is absolutely relevant. Size is THE more relevant aspect of computing today. Even Microsoft understands this and it's highlighted by their recent announcement of having a full computer right from your phone. The ONLY aspect in computing nowadays is size, and the numbers and sales all prove it.

Pretty sure the most popular laptop size is 15".

 

[bobob]

At least drsmithy comes by his MacBook Air antipathy honestly - - check out these remarkably similar sounding posts from a thread discussing the launch of the MacBook Air in 2008...

I do travel a lot, and the weight reduction of 0.9kg is insignificant. *Especially* in the fact of a) how much functionality is lost to gain that weight; and b) other laptops which fit the "portability" requirement far better.

If you can handle the functionality cut of the MBA, you can certainly handle the (relatively smaller) functionality cut of the Vaio TZ or Toshiba R500 and have a much more portable machine due to their smaller footprints.

To this day, I cannot grasp why Apple did not use the Black MacBook, specced up with a discrete video card, etc, to replace the 12" PB.

A 13.3" MBP, with a docking station, would be damn close to laptop nirvana, especially for corporate customers. WHY THE HELL DOESN'T IT EXIST !?

Comparing the MBA to the MBP is like comparing the Mac Mini to the Mac Pro. It's just silly. The MB is the real (and better, IMHO - especially if you install your own SSD) alternative.

The TZ also has 2/3 the footprint. Certainly, it's thicker, but I'm pretty sure people whose primary interest is portability are happy to sacrifice that for width and length reductions. They certainly do in my experience.

The only major problem the Cube suffered from was its ridiculous pricetag. The iMac and Mac Mini (both less expandable than the Cube) clearly demonstrate lack of "expandability" won't kill a product (especially a Mac).

With that said, however, I think there's definitely a parallel. The Cube was clearly targeted at people who were prepared to pay for something that's primary design goal was to look cool. Given the MBA's relatively insignificant advantages - and substantial price premium - over the regular MB, it's hard not to see it as being aimed squarely at the same demographic.

There's a lot more people around with money (or pretend money) to spend on "toys" these days, however, so they might get better mileage than they did with the Cube.

Mate, you've got serious issues if you're searching out statements made over seven years ago.

What was your actual point ?

As I said earlier in the thread...

My sympathies go out to those who really, really wanted an 11" retina MacBook Air and are disappointed with the new 12" retina MacBook.

_____________________________

Edit:

...and within a day of making this post, drsmithy once again went dormant. When will he once again reactivate to continue his vendetta against the MBA?

 

[drsmithy]

As I said earlier in the thread...

Yeah... Still struggling to see how having my seven year old comments stalked is relevant to the discussion.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

...The only difference I see there that's of any potential significance to me is the i7 CPU, which is going to gobble the much smaller battery up in a flash.

Well, for me the CPU and the ports.

 

[newellj]

Pretty sure the most popular laptop size is 15".

Based on price, product variations, product improvement cycles and general observation I'd be very surprised if the 13" laptops aren't much more popular than 15", at least in Apple's lineup.

 

[johngordon]

The thing to remember is that those changes wouldn't have come to the MBA if people rushed in and bought the first generation and didn't make noise about the limitations.

So if people hadn't bought the original MBA you think Apple wouldn't have improved the spec over the years?

 

[sracer]

So if people hadn't bought the original MBA you think Apple wouldn't have improved the spec over the years?

No. What I'm saying is...

If people didn't buy the original MBA (and purchased competitors' devices instead) then Apple would improve the specs. (which is what happened... sales weren't so hot originally. It was only after Apple added ports and dropped the price that sales picked up)

If the original MBA was a raging sales success with customers falling over themselves to justify that original configuration then Apple would have no incentive to improve the specs.

 

[johngordon]

No. What I'm saying is...

If people didn't buy the original MBA (and purchased competitors' devices instead) then Apple would improve the specs. (which is what happened... sales weren't so hot originally. It was only after Apple added ports and dropped the price that sales picked up)

If the original MBA was a raging sales success with customers falling over themselves to justify that original configuration then Apple would have no incentive to improve the specs.

So you're saying if the original MBA had sold like hot cakes Apple wouldn't have improved the specs, and the current model would still, for example, have Core 2 Duo processors?

As far as I can tell Apple improve the specs of all their computers virtually every year.

 

[newellj]

No. What I'm saying is...

If people didn't buy the original MBA (and purchased competitors' devices instead) then Apple would improve the specs. (which is what happened... sales weren't so hot originally. It was only after Apple added ports and dropped the price that sales picked up)

If the original MBA was a raging sales success with customers falling over themselves to justify that original configuration then Apple would have no incentive to improve the specs.

I understand what you're saying, and it's logical, but I really don't think Apple would have failed to improve the product. Even if something selling, there's always the urge to sell more by broadening its market appeal.

 

[sracer]

So you're saying if the original MBA had sold like hot cakes Apple wouldn't have improved the specs, and the current model would still, for example, have Core 2 Duo processors?

Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but generally speaking, yes. Apple would not be so quick to upgrade it if it were selling like hotcakes.

As far as I can tell Apple improve the specs of all their computers virtually every year.

Generally speaking that is true. But some of the more vocal customers' requests have not been implemented. For example, removable media in iOS devices. I'll bet the farm that if customers rejected iOS devices in droves and toward Android devices because of a lack of support for removable media, Apple would include it. It hasn't happened because... iOS devices sell way and above far better than the competition.

Some people like to think that Apple is above the demands of the unwashed masses of consumers, but they really aren't.

I understand what you're saying, and it's logical, but I really don't think Apple would have failed to improve the product. Even if something selling, there's always the urge to sell more by broadening its market appeal.

That's true. The speed and size of the improvement can be influenced by customer acceptance however.

 

[Retired Cat]

I understand why some people don't like the rMB, but I don't think it was ever intended to be a pro-level machine and is not labeled as such.

For an average user like me, who uses a computer for email, web, and lightweight photo apps, the rMB is just fine. I connect to most of my devices and peripherals wirelessly now, so I really don't need the ports. If I needed a new computer the rMB would fit my needs perfectly.

For people who use their computers for serious media editing, other compute heavy work/games, and need to connect to fast wired external storage and displays, that's what the rMBPro is for. I'm thinking that buyers of the new rMB who are unhappy had unrealistic expectations. The specs were public when it went on sale. Did anybody seriously think it was going to be blazing fast and have lots of ports?

 

[drsmithy]

So you're saying if the original MBA had sold like hot cakes Apple wouldn't have improved the specs, and the current model would still, for example, have Core 2 Duo processors?

As far as I can tell Apple improve the specs of all their computers virtually every year.

Well, that's mostly Intel and other hardware OEMs. Eg: even if Apple wanted to, they probably wouldn't be able to (economically) make a Core 2 Duo based laptop today.

Apple's influence is almost solely on the form factor and other physical attributes, which is kind of the point being made.

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I understand why some people don't like the rMB, but I don't think it was ever intended to be a pro-level machine and is not labeled as such.

Who is trying to suggest the rMB should be considered "pro-level" ?

For people who use their computers for serious media editing, other compute heavy work/games, and need to connect to fast wired external storage and displays, that's what the rMBPro is for. I'm thinking that buyers of the new rMB who are unhappy had unrealistic expectations. The specs were public when it went on sale. Did anybody seriously think it was going to be blazing fast and have lots of ports?

Two isn't "lots". Even two *spare* after you plug in a power cable isn't "lots".

 

[numlock]

I understand why some people don't like the rMB, but I don't think it was ever intended to be a pro-level machine and is not labeled as such.

does that mean that everything beyond it is considered pro? it cannot be inadequate for novices?

For an average user like me, who uses a computer for email, web, and lightweight photo apps, the rMB is just fine. I connect to most of my devices and peripherals wirelessly now, so I really don't need the ports. If I needed a new computer the rMB would fit my needs perfectly.

below you question the expectations of those that actually bought it and used yet you actually dont know for sure if you would feel limited. i dont believe these unsatisfied customers were anything but hopeful it would work fine just as you seem to believe.

For people who use their computers for serious media editing, other compute heavy work/games, and need to connect to fast wired external storage and displays, that's what the rMBPro is for. I'm thinking that buyers of the new rMB who are unhappy had unrealistic expectations. The specs were public when it went on sale. Did anybody seriously think it was going to be blazing fast and have lots of ports?

i dont get the need to create such extreme cases to defend it. i certainly did not read any negative after purchase review where the usage was serious media editing, heavy games or software or connection to das or displays.

but obviously you know the limitation of it better than the ones that bought it and wanted it to work for them.

 

[pizzabun]

The new 12" macbook seems overpriced compared to the other macbook lines. If it was priced at $999, with the $79 usb adapter included in the box, that would be a better deal.

 

[bobob]

The new 12" macbook seems overpriced compared to the other macbook lines. If it was priced at $999, with the $79 usb adapter included in the box, that would be a better deal.

If the 15" MacBook Pro was priced at $599, with a 5K iMac included in the box, that would be a better deal.

 

[utacity]

update the air with retina and let us be happy

All we wanted was a Macbook Air with Retina display. Apple over-designed this one.

Spot on. Put the retina in the MacBook air and let buyers get what they want instead of trying to DRIVE buyers in whatever magical direction you think devices should be heading. I WANT MY PORTS, hell I still want an Ethernet port. I don't like wifi at home and house is wired, I want my direct connection.

Apple WILL NOT get my $$$ for this one. I'm already ticked off at how much slower my MacBook pro and mac mini got with Yosemite and my iphone4s got with ios8. Apple seems determined to ruin the hardware I gave them $$$$ for and they think then I will give them more $$$??

 

[johngordon]

If the 15" MacBook Pro was priced at $599, with a 5K iMac included in the box, that would be a better deal.

I'm holding out for a 5K iMac at $399 with a 15" MBP included in the box.

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Spot on. Put the retina in the MacBook air and let buyers get what they want

Let buyers get wha they want you say? Sounds good.

instead of trying to DRIVE buyers in whatever magical direction you think devices should be heading. I WANT MY PORTS, hell I still want an Ethernet port. I don't like wifi at home and house is wired, I want my direct connection.

Apple WILL NOT get my $$$ for this one. I'm already ticked off at how much slower my MacBook pro and mac mini got with Yosemite and my iphone4s got with ios8. Apple seems determined to ruin the hardware I gave them $$$$ for and they think then I will give them more $$$??

Oh. So by "buyers" you actually just meant what you personally, as an individual, want.

Damn Apple for not including ethernet ports for people who don't like to use wifi at home.

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i dont get the need to create such extreme cases to defend it. i certainly did not read any negative after purchase review where the usage was serious media editing, heavy games or software or connection to das or displays.

Need a more powerful machine? Look at the MBP.

Don't need a more powerful machine? Consider the new MB.

Not sure anyone is creating extreme cases to defend anything - to seems pretty straightforward to me.

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Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration

Yes, it was.

 

[numlock]

Need a more powerful machine? Look at the MBP.

Don't need a more powerful machine? Consider the new MB.

Not sure anyone is creating extreme cases to defend anything - to seems pretty straightforward to me.

what i mean is that anything beyond the capabilities of this machine gets called pro features and some posters are overeager to proof this machine is more than enough for the majority. and then questioning peoples (strangers) expectations having used it for 1-2 weeks.

but no disagreement on your first two lines.

 

[tentales]

If the 15" MacBook Pro was priced at $599, with a 5K iMac included in the box, that would be a better deal.

So your hyperbole is trying to make what point ?

Are you seriously defending Apple for charging more for less ?
Even in my wildest Mac evangelist days, I was never as blind as today's iSheep are.
smh

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I'm holding out for a 5K iMac at $399 with a 15" MBP included in the box.

That is so funny....

NOT.

I've been buying Apple products since the 80s and am used to paying more for a quality product. But c'mon, Apple is taking a piss out of the iFollowers these days.

So if someone here makes a reasonable price comparison, you ridicule it with an absurdity ?

 

[johngordon]

That is so funny....

NOT.

You're right - and I apologise. I was just running with the obvious gag.

What we need is something actually funny.

Like this....

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[/COLOR]

I was never as blind as today's iSheep are.

iSheep? Are you kidding me?

I mean come on - you have a go at me, and in the same breathe trot out "iSheep"?

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[/COLOR]

So if someone here makes a reasonable price comparison

I'm all for reasonable price comparisons.

Which comparable laptops at $999 do you have in mind?

 

[djbuu]

So your hyperbole is trying to make what point ?

Are you seriously defending Apple for charging more for less ?
Even in my wildest Mac evangelist days, I was never as blind as today's iSheep are.
smh

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That is so funny....

NOT.

I've been buying Apple products since the 80s and am used to paying more for a quality product. But c'mon, Apple is taking a piss out of the iFollowers these days.

So if someone here makes a reasonable price comparison, you ridicule it with an absurdity ?

The hyperbole makes the point quite clearly. Your own bias seems to be, ironically, blinding you to the fairly simple analogy.

All things that are purchasable by any company are a package of features priced at a cost. This is not different than shirts and cars and tools. That package of features is then priced based on a number of factors. Some of those factors are intangible things like brand, marketing, etc. You may not see "value" in that, but as I've posted several times in the past, value is a generally arbitrary and personal measurement which cannot and should not be the only measured metric.

The point of the argument is a consumer may want something unreasonable like a full powerhouse gaming system that fits in the palm of my hands and costs as much as a Starbucks latte, but that's unreasonable.

The MacBook is a package of features. Vote with your wallet.

 

[newellj]

The new 12" macbook seems overpriced compared to the other macbook lines. If it was priced at $999, with the $79 usb adapter included in the box, that would be a better deal.

So we price tech by the cubic inch, or by weight, or...?

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The MacBook is a package of features. Vote with your wallet.

I would think that this ^^^ would be something that everyone could agree on!

 

[bobob]

So we price tech by the cubic inch, or by weight, or...?

If Macs were sold by the pound like bananas, at pizzabun's preferred price of $499.50/lb, then a 27-inch iMac would cost $10,489.50!

 

[newellj]

If Macs were sold by the pound like bananas, at pizzabun's preferred price of $499.50/lb, then a 27-inch iMac would cost $10,489.50!

How for a Mac Pro, hold the sauce?