Another how the MBA should be thread

[dogslobber]

This latest Dell XPS (review link below) looks like it should be the blueprint for the 2018 MBA. When you compare hardware wise, Apples to apples, you can't help but think the Dell is light years ahead of the MBA. How did Apple get to this point where they go from industry and innovation leader to not even being able to keep up with several generation old competitors? That being said, I am more than happy with my current 2017 MBA.

https://www.windowscentral.com/xps-13-9370-review

 

[Mrbobb]

First off, tell Dell to make a better looking case, I can't deal with that plastic-looking thing, the pokemark surface, the sharp corners blah-blah.

Everybody else's numbers look better than Apple, but only Apple can make a jewelry.

 

[MBAir2010]

A MagSafe in the back, green/amber light indicator somewhere on the side
Fan software
Obvious upgradable ram/HD’s
Power on off option on motherboard instead of taping flathead above keyboard connect
Retina display
Old keyboard ....well the 2010 and with a lock or option to freeze so we can clean the board

More to come....

 

[bopajuice]

First off, tell Dell to make a better looking case, I can't deal with that plastic-looking thing, the pokemark surface, the sharp corners blah-blah.

Everybody else's numbers look better than Apple, but only Apple can make a jewelry.

Have you actually used one in person? The latest XPS is a very nice computer. Very well made.

 

[Audit13]

Yes, Dell makes some awesome hardware that will blow Macbooks out of the water; however, they all lack one major thing: macOS.

I have a Dell Ultrabook, Mac Air 2015, and a Macbook Pro late 2013. I love all three computers.

 

[Mrbobb]

One simple Q, do today's Windoze Ultrabooks give you 1,000 charge cycles on the battery and lasts all day? (8 hours).

 

[JonLa]

I'd honestly be happy with the current Air chassis with a retina screen and maybe a USB-C in place of one of the normal USBs.

 

[jclardy]

I'd honestly be happy with the current Air chassis with a retina screen and maybe a USB-C in place of one of the normal USBs.

My issue with the current chassis is that it is massive. The macbook air's footprint is larger than the macbook pro. So either reduce the screen bezels and add a larger screen, or cut down the bezels but keep the wedge.

 

[sunapple]

Old keyboard ....well the 2010 and with a lock or option to freeze so we can clean the board

You could turn off the computer...

 

[redheeler]

This latest Dell XPS (review link below) looks like it should be the blueprint for the 2018 MBA. When you compare hardware wise, Apples to apples, you can't help but think the Dell is light years ahead of the MBA. How did Apple get to this point where they go from industry and innovation leader to not even being able to keep up with several generation old competitors? That being said, I am more than happy with my current 2017 MBA.

https://www.windowscentral.com/xps-13-9370-review

The keyboard backlight and trackpad still aren't as good as MacBook Airs from 2011. And coil whine is mentioned in the review, which was also a problem on my MacBook Air 2,1 from 2008...

But the CPU, display, and ports are years ahead of any MacBook Air Apple has ever made. Makes you wish that MacOS was an option for the software.

Obvious upgradable ram/HD’s

The MacBook Air never had upgradable RAM. The focus has always been thinness / portability, with the MacBook Pro being the go-to for power or expandability. Same goes for most other Ultrabook laptops.

 

[asiga]

It's very easy how the MBA (or its successor) should be in 2018:

14'' display
1.0 to 1.1 kg (not more)
Magsafe
Standard USB ports
Support for eGPU.

That's all. That would be the worthy successor to the MBA.

 

[sublunar]

There's a bit of convergence coming from the iPad Pro below the MacBook Pros at the moment. Proper Photoshop getting announced by Adobe is big move and Microsoft already offer versions of Office for the iPad. The benchmarks for an A12X powered iPad Pro this year could very well challenge the 5w Intel CPUs in the current Retina MacBook which surely has to get an improved 3rd generation keyboard. Amber Lake CPUs may keep the line going for another year or two though.

What got me thinking was the current lack of a 15w Iris Graphics Intel CPU option on the Intel road map which would go into the non touch bar Macbook Pro and the 21.5" iMac.

What if Apple were to merge the line with the MacBook Air?

What about a 13" MacBook (with or without Retina)? The precedent is set already with the Retina MacBook 12" using HD615 graphics.

It would just be a rebranding exercise as Apple would be redefining the CPU that went into the previous non touch bar MacBook Pros. Apple could potentially go for a cheaper CPU, and possibly live with a HD (IPS?) screen rather than Retina and save a couple hundred dollars.

Apple could then go with the following options for ports:

a. Use 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports from the non touch bar Pro, minimal case retooling required.
b. Use 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports but the right most 2 are half speed (as with the 2017 touch bar MacBook Pro)
c. Use 4 USB-C ports (losing the crucial Thunderbolt option)
d. Use 2 USB-C ports (the very cheap out option because this is a MacBook Line)

Yes, there will be people recoiling in horror as Apple get rid of Thunderbolt 2 ports but also every other popular port plus Magsafe.

The Lineup then becomes:
12" Retina Macbook (which should really get 2 USB-C at the very least)
13" Macbook
13" Macbook Pro
15" Macbook Pro

And with iPad Pro catching up the Retina MacBook from below.



As a footnote, the Touchbar powered MacBook Pros have CPUs that have 16 PCIe lanes, not 12 from the 2016 and 2017 models. Therefore all 4 ports should be capable of full speed. There used to be an Apple tech note about this but it was edited in April of 2018 and references to half speed are gone.

 

[Pugly]

Since Apple unveiled the 4 quadrant computer strategy, the consumer/portable device has been a great laptop for the money. They've all been great, from the clamshell iBook, to the intel MacBooks and especially with the MacBook Airs. Whenever a new device in this category was announced it always seemed very compelling. It had to be really good value to get someone to start looking at a Mac, then they start pricing upgrades from that price up.

Apple needs another computer to fill that role right now. Something to merge the Air, MacBook and non Touch Bar Pro. Just a basic computer for everybody, they made a basic iPad at a great price... so they should add a basic laptop to their lineup.

I think realistically with Apple's current trends, it should get 2 usb ports, 13~14 inch screen. Probably the same processor line as in the MacBooks, but maybe with more robust cooling and a larger battery. 8GB or ram and they probably would keep the 128GB at the low-end, like the nTB Pro. Keep the super portable MacBook... just sell a beefed up version with more creature comforts and less compromises.

 

[Falhófnir]

I’m guessing it will follow the 12” macbook design language, just scaled up to 13”. A wildcard is if they try their hand at ultra thin bezels for this model as the 12” still looks quite chunky.