Anyone transitioned from 12" Macbook to 2020 Macbook Air?

[leeuk321]

I was just wondering if anyone who previously owned a 12" retina Macbook has transitioned to a 2020 Macbook Air (or is thinking of doing so)? I've got a 2017 MacBook, but just concerned about it gradually aging more and more. I love the weight, size and fanless design, and use it both a primary computer (hooked up to my 4K monitor) and also as a laptop on the couch. Obviously, the 2020 Macbook Air would do better for a desktop machine, with more power and 2 x full-fat thunderbolt ports. BUT, I'm not sure if it's too much of a tradeoff for the extra weight/noise when using it as a laptop in it's own right.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has made the jump, or is considering it, and what your thoughts are?

 

[leerocks01]

I’m with you, in the same boat. Same dilemma. Let us wait for somebody who took the plunge of upgrading to MacBook Air.

 

[sundialsoft]

Not sure about noise. The MBA does not make much noise. Weight wise it's very light.
My wife uses hers for work (online tutor) and all her personal stuff which is mostly surfing.
The newer MBA's with USBC can connect to a 4k USBC monitor which powers the laptop and gives USB ports for legacy devices.

If you like your 12" MacBook just wait until MACOS makes it redundant. Try to sell it a couple of months before that blessed event.

 

[servenvolley]

If you like your 12" MacBook just wait until MACOS makes it redundant. Try to sell it a couple of months before that blessed event.

^ Could you explain? Thanks.

 

[sundialsoft]

If you like your 12" MacBook just wait until MACOS makes it redundant. Try to sell it a couple of months before that blessed event.

^ Could you explain? Thanks.

For example, My lovely i7 quad core Macbook Pro was too old hardware wise to run Catalina. All to do with dark mode requiring Apple's 'metal' which needs specific hardware. In my case as a developer I always have to be up to date with Xcode so I can't submit apps if I can't run the latest version so I must be able to run Catalina.

 

[servenvolley]

For example, My lovely i7 quad core Macbook Pro was too old hardware wise to run Catalina. All to do with dark mode requiring Apple's 'metal' which needs specific hardware. In my case as a developer I always have to be up to date with Xcode so I can't submit apps if I can't run the latest version so I must be able to run Catalina.

Thanks,
I get where you are coming from. I have a 2012 cMBP 13" updated, barely used, and in great condition that I am getting ready to sell for that very reason.

 

[KPOM]

I was just wondering if anyone who previously owned a 12" retina Macbook has transitioned to a 2020 Macbook Air (or is thinking of doing so)? I've got a 2017 MacBook, but just concerned about it gradually aging more and more. I love the weight, size and fanless design, and use it both a primary computer (hooked up to my 4K monitor) and also as a laptop on the couch. Obviously, the 2020 Macbook Air would do better for a desktop machine, with more power and 2 x full-fat thunderbolt ports. BUT, I'm not sure if it's too much of a tradeoff for the extra weight/noise when using it as a laptop in it's own right.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has made the jump, or is considering it, and what your thoughts are?

My 2017 12” MacBook is at the repair center since I had issues with the 10.15.4 update, so I’m using the 2020 MacBook Air a bit more. The latter is still much closer to the weight of the MacBook Pro, so if Apple updates the 13” Pro without changing the weight by much, that may be a valid consideration when it becomes the time to replace the MacBook.

The 12” MacBook is still my favorite Mac of all time. It is so light, and I don’t mind the butterfly keyboard. The Air is definitely faster than the 12” MacBook, but it doesn’t have as powerful a processor or cooling system as the 13” Pro. The fans will go on if you do something processor-intensive such as open a program in a virtual machine, do any sort of photo or video editing, or play a 4K video. That said, most of the time it is still pretty quiet. The keyboard is an improvement. For all the talk of the CPU running hot, I don’t really notice it in the chassis, even when Intel Power Gadget is reporting the CPU temperature at 99-100.

 

[leerocks01]

My 2017 12” MacBook is at the repair center since I had issues with the 10.15.4 update, so I’m using the 2020 MacBook Air a bit more. The latter is still much closer to the weight of the MacBook Pro, so if Apple updates the 13” Pro without changing the weight by much, that may be a valid consideration when it becomes the time to replace the MacBook.

The 12” MacBook is still my favorite Mac of all time. It is so light, and I don’t mind the butterfly keyboard. The Air is definitely faster than the 12” MacBook, but it doesn’t have as powerful a processor or cooling system as the 13” Pro. The fans will go on if you do something processor-intensive such as open a program in a virtual machine, do any sort of photo or video editing, or play a 4K video. That said, most of the time it is still pretty quiet. The keyboard is an improvement. For all the talk of the CPU running hot, I don’t really notice it in the chassis, even when Intel Power Gadget is reporting the CPU temperature at 99-100.

Are you running Catalina already on your 12” MacBook?
If yes, what is your experience like running Catalina on 12” MacBook?

 

[KPOM]

Are you running Catalina already on your 12” MacBook?
If yes, what is your experience like running Catalina on 12” MacBook?

Catalina was fine all the way through the beta for 10.15.4. The release version bricked it. I temporarily got it working and then the beta of 10.15.5 bricked it again. I couldn’t restore it using Internet Recovery or even a clone from a working Mac.

Anyway, the MacBook is at an authorized repair shop for restoration.

 

[leeuk321]

Not sure about noise. The MBA does not make much noise. Weight wise it's very light.
My wife uses hers for work (online tutor) and all her personal stuff which is mostly surfing.
The newer MBA's with USBC can connect to a 4k USBC monitor which powers the laptop and gives USB ports for legacy devices.

If you like your 12" MacBook just wait until MACOS makes it redundant. Try to sell it a couple of months before that blessed event.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I think I might do just that, keep it until it nears its redundancy. I might actually just get another, separate Mac to use as a main, and treat this purely as an iPad-alternative. Any time anyone would usually reach for a tablet, such as on the couch or on a trip, I'd much prefer the 12" Macbook.

I think the only way I could justify the 13" Air would be if I got it as a replacement computer to use as both a laptop and a desktop, since it'd be a compromise of both solutions. If I keep the Macbook, which I'm almost certain I will, it's just the case of which Mac to get as a main. The Mac Pro would be way overkill in both spec and price, so I think I'd be looking at getting a MBP or a Mini. I don't think I'd be comfortable in getting a Pro until at least the next generation, when they update the keyboard, or perhaps the one after when the ARM based MBPs will hopefully come available.

I might get a Mini to give the thing a try for a couple of years, since I've got the rest of the desktop setup anyway. Let the MBP evolve, and then sell my whole desktop setup to get a 16" MBP. My current monitor is 24", but to be honest I'm finding it a little too big. I might try and get a used 21.5" LG ultrafine down the road (since they've discontinued now in the UK), if I don't migrate over to the 16" MBP and have away with the desktop setup.

 

[Dhonk]

I might actually just get another, separate Mac to use as a main, and treat this purely as an iPad-alternative. Any time anyone would usually reach for a tablet, such as on the couch or on a trip, I'd much prefer the 12" Macbook.

a bit like you, I am debating my plans. I have a 2014 MBP 13". I'm looking at the MBA 2020. The more I look at things, I like the Macbook form factor even more. I prefer the idea of a 12" size. I like the 2lbs. It would be interesting if Apple could bring back the MacBook form factor once it has ARM processors. Macbook 12", Macbook Air 13.3", MBP 14 and 16".

I'm typing this from my lap on my 13" MBP, so I fully get your comment about iPad-alternative. I love my iPad mini for travel and whatnot, but on the couch I like a real keyboard.

 

[Dubba]

I was just wondering if anyone who previously owned a 12" retina Macbook has transitioned to a 2020 Macbook Air (or is thinking of doing so)? I've got a 2017 MacBook, but just concerned about it gradually aging more and more. I love the weight, size and fanless design, and use it both a primary computer (hooked up to my 4K monitor) and also as a laptop on the couch. Obviously, the 2020 Macbook Air would do better for a desktop machine, with more power and 2 x full-fat thunderbolt ports. BUT, I'm not sure if it's too much of a tradeoff for the extra weight/noise when using it as a laptop in it's own right.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has made the jump, or is considering it, and what your thoughts are?

I am making the move from a 2015 MacBook (1.2M/8GB/512GB) to the 2020 MacBook Air (i7/16GB/1TB). A friend made this transition last year, and struggled with the weight differential, nut had no choice.

The 12" has always been my favourite form-factor (I previously had a 2005 12" PowerBook and a 2010 13.3" MacBook Air), but I am looking forward to the increased screen real estate, hard drive space and improved speed- but not the weight.

My machine is sitting at my house in London... and I am here in Kenya... so not sure when I will get to compare first hand, but I promise to when I do.

 

[ascender]

We have one here. Its a nice machine, but obviously is a bit bigger than the 12” Macbook. The keyboard is a massive improvement and that’s coming from someone who didn’t mind the butterfly keyboard. Having two ports is nice, although I wish they’d put one on either side rather than both on the right hand side.

There’s been a lot said about the thermals and the fans - coming from a 12” MacBook you will definitely notice them, probably more than most. We have an i5 model here and there’s a school of thought that the i3 may run cooler and quieter so that may be worth looking in to.

Speakers are very clear & loud enough, the tapered form factor is nice.

All in, its a very nice machine, well priced and clearly will be a step-up performance wise from any MacBook.

The 12” MacBook is one of my favourite ever Apple devices, flawed though it may be. I’d still like to see an updated version of it, but I suspect the Air is what Apple see as its replacement.

If you’re open to considering iOS and it can do what you need it to, the 11” iPad Pro & Magic Keyboard may be worth a look although nobody seems to know how much that combo will weigh yet.

 

[Dhonk]

If you’re open to considering iOS and it can do what you need it to, the 11” iPad Pro & Magic Keyboard may be worth a look although nobody seems to know how much that combo will weigh yet.

I would consider the iPad+keyboard combo if it were convenient to use in your lap or on a couch. At this point, all we know is Apple showing a college student using it in their lap in their promo video. I’ll wait for reviews

 

[EugW]

Depends on what size you want and what existing MacBook you have. Like you, I have the 2017 MacBook, m3 in my case. Performance is still good, although I am one of the minority with 16 GB RAM.

We actually won a 2019 MacBook Air recently. However, my wife has no use for a laptop as she uses an iPad 7 with Apple Smart Keyboard and I use an iPad Pro 10.5” with ASK as well, along with my 12” MacBook. We just don’t like bigger laptops. So, we sold the new MacBook Air.

Mind you, we use a dual screen iMac setup for desktop use. IOW, our preferred setup is a big desktop Mac and a small mobile machine (or two).

 

[Dhonk]

I was tempted to buy the 2017 12” MB on woot for $819 for light couch usage, then I remembered as a teacher the new Air is only $899 and much more powerful. Damn this Apple/tech addiction

 

[glhiii]

I have a 2017 MacBook, 16gb RAM, i7, 512 gb ssd. I also have the new 16" MacBook Pro. I find that, even sitting at my desk at home, I tend to use the MacBook over the Pro. It is somehow more comfortable, easy to move if I need to, and does everything I need it to do quite well (without any noise ever). The keyboard is OK, and I am used to it. I had a 13" 2015 MacBook Pro, but I like the MacBook much more -- somehow that machine was too massive. The 16" pro is a great machine, and obviously exponentially faster than the MacBook, and it has 4 inputs. It also has a MASSIVE recharger compared to the tiny one for the MacBook. I think if you switch, you should keep the MacBook until you are sure -- you may end up returning the MacBook Air, which weighs 12 oz or so more than the MacBook, is considerably larger, has a poorer screen (as far as I can tell), is noisier (fan). Once you've used the MacBook, it may be hard to adjust to a machine that, on paper, is not that much bigger but in actual use seems much more bulky and heavy.

 

[blackberrycubed]

I went from 2017 macbook to 2018 MBA -> 2019 MBA -> back to 2017 macbook. I just could not adjust to bigger size, weight. I love the macbook 12.

 

[tweeter]

I bought a base 2017 MacBook 6 months ago and love it. I recently pulled out my 2012 Air as I left taxes on it.
It's huge. Clearly the new Air would have been a better machine than this MacBook but no regrets.

 

[lezmace]

is there any shop selling the 12 inch MacBook?

 

[tweeter]

You should still be able to find a new sealed box on eBay although be aware that since they are resellers and the original owner AppleCare will not be available to you. That was the situation with mine but since I never buy the warranty on anything NBD for me.

 

[deeddawg]

is there any shop selling the 12 inch MacBook?

Apple's Refurbished site has them, at least in the US - https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/macbook

Edit - also Costco - https://www.costco.com/macbooks.html

[automerge]1587406826[/automerge]

I recently pulled out my 2012 Air as I left taxes on it.
It's huge. Clearly the new Air would have been a better machine than this MacBook but no regrets.

2012 Air 13" - 12.8 x 8.94" x 0.11-0.68" - weight 2.96lb
2020 Air - 11.97" x 8.36" x 0.16-0.63" - weight 2.8lb
2017 MB12 - 11.04" x 7.74" x 0.14-0.52" - weight 2.03lb

My 2015 Macbook is getting a bit long in the tooth. Would've loved a new version but just couldn't justify the cost of even a refurb 2017 as compared to ordering a 2020 Air.

 

[Dhonk]

My 2015 Macbook is getting a bit long in the tooth. Would've loved a new version but just couldn't justify the cost of even a refurb 2017 as compared to ordering a 2020 Air.

that's my issue. I use my MBP 2014 on the couch, and would love the MB, but can't justify that price instead of the Air at $899

 

[deeddawg]

that's my issue. I use my MBP 2014 on the couch, and would love the MB, but can't justify that price instead of the Air at $899

my rMB12 is my travel / easy-chair / puttering computer, I have a 2018 MBP18 for the workhorse / desktop usage.

if Apple ends up bringing out an ARM platform in a rMB12 form/size, I'll definitely consider it after an iteration or so - software transition is going to be the challenge

 

[psymac]

We have one here. Its a nice machine, but obviously is a bit bigger than the 12” Macbook. The keyboard is a massive improvement and that’s coming from someone who didn’t mind the butterfly keyboard. Having two ports is nice, although I wish they’d put one on either side rather than both on the right hand side.

There’s been a lot said about the thermals and the fans - coming from a 12” MacBook you will definitely notice them, probably more than most. We have an i5 model here and there’s a school of thought that the i3 may run cooler and quieter so that may be worth looking in to.

Speakers are very clear & loud enough, the tapered form factor is nice.

All in, its a very nice machine, well priced and clearly will be a step-up performance wise from any MacBook.

The 12” MacBook is one of my favourite ever Apple devices, flawed though it may be. I’d still like to see an updated version of it, but I suspect the Air is what Apple see as its replacement.

If you’re open to considering iOS and it can do what you need it to, the 11” iPad Pro & Magic Keyboard may be worth a look although nobody seems to know how much that combo will weigh yet.

Weight will be near the MacBook with a typical case, about 1060g.
[automerge]1587420866[/automerge]

I was just wondering if anyone who previously owned a 12" retina Macbook has transitioned to a 2020 Macbook Air (or is thinking of doing so)? I've got a 2017 MacBook, but just concerned about it gradually aging more and more. I love the weight, size and fanless design, and use it both a primary computer (hooked up to my 4K monitor) and also as a laptop on the couch. Obviously, the 2020 Macbook Air would do better for a desktop machine, with more power and 2 x full-fat thunderbolt ports. BUT, I'm not sure if it's too much of a tradeoff for the extra weight/noise when using it as a laptop in it's own right.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has made the jump, or is considering it, and what your thoughts are?

Went from MacBook 12" 2017 to MacBook Pro 2018, the extra pound is massive, something about that extra pound is very noticeable. Without a updated MB soon, thinking of trying a 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, same weight as MB with typical cover, about 1060g. Just don't know until I try it if iPadOS is good enough vs MacOS.