Apple Announces 12-Inch Retina MacBook With Revamped Trackpad, Starting at $1,299

[Tanax]

Extrapolation of this direction in design indicates that the next Mac Pro could be the size of a coffee mug, battery-powered and have no connection ports other than two (2) USB-C ports. All this may come true because it's thinner, which is apparently more important than choice, functionality, and practical performance.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/video...a&sigb=13onoqtqi&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001

That's your interpretation of their direction but the truth is that we have no idea where Apple is heading. Macbook Air wasn't very powerful either when it first came out and it lacked a ton of features people were used to having - yet now it's very popular.

 

[MellowFuzz]

And because of his bad taste Jobs kept him... Give me a break.

Yep. He slavishly followed the worst parts of Jobs' taste - green felt, faux leather and wooden bookcases anyone?

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Yep. He slavishly followed the worst parts of Jobs' taste - green felt, faux leather and wooden bookcases anyone?

You have missed the Forums.
Fashion Forums are over there ⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒⇒

 

[JamesPDX]

An example why dedicated Ethernet is important...

That's your interpretation of their direction but the truth is that we have no idea where Apple is heading. Macbook Air wasn't very powerful either when it first came out and it lacked a ton of features people were used to having - yet now it's very popular.

Here is a great example why dedicated Ethernet is important and is not "obsolete" as many would wrongly believe.

http://www.waves.com/hardware/digigrid-dls#record-with-pro-tools-hd-hdx-and-digigrid-dls-dli

Removing ports such as Thunderbolt, USB3, HDMI, and even FW400/800 is like removing the headlights from your car because you choose only to drive during daylight hours.

 

[jcmeyer5]

It is a very attractive piece, but I don't see its place in the world. Compared to the 13" rMBP at the same starting price, it doesn't have anything to offer other than weight (and let's face it... if 1.5 lbs is too much for you, you have bigger issues). I went to Apples site and did the compare thing... If you have $1300 to spend... why would you go with something so limiting? If there were a price advantage, okay, but there isn't, and the potential is far less than a rMBP.

Plus the dang thing looks like you could snap it in half by sneezing on it!

 

[Tanax]

Here is a great example why dedicated Ethernet is important and is not "obsolete" as many would wrongly believe.

http://www.waves.com/hardware/digigrid-dls#record-with-pro-tools-hd-hdx-and-digigrid-dls-dli

Removing ports such as Thunderbolt, USB3, HDMI, and even FW400/800 is like removing the headlights from your car because you choose only to drive during daylight hours.

Why on earth would you use a laptop if you buy that type of *stationary* equipment that costs over 3000$ ?! Even if you use a laptop, you'd probably not use a Macbook, or even a Macbook Air - in which case your argument is irrelevant since it's the Macbook we're talking about.

Again, this laptop is NOT FOR PROS. I'm not sure how much more clearer I can be. You have no need for those ports when using the laptop on the go, writing documents, browsing the web, even doing some coding.

The only thing I can agree on, related to the ports, is that they didn't include two type-C ports so that you can charge and use the other port at the same time - but meh, how often do you use two ports in a daily light use-case? Not often.

I'd argue that the "worst" thing about the Macbook is that the webcam is a joke. But other than that, it's a PERFECT computer for average joe that just wants a clean, sleak, light, fairly good battery, non-professional computer.

If I were to get it, I'd probably never use the USB type-C port for another other than charging.

If you disregard the fact that there's a law that headlights is a must, then yes I can agree. But my point is that the type of people that buys this Macbook are those that only drives during the day, using your example.

 

[Zendokan]

Why on earth would you use a laptop if you buy that type of *stationary* equipment that costs over 3000$ ?! Even if you use a laptop, you'd probably not use a Macbook, or even a Macbook Air - in which case your argument is irrelevant since it's the Macbook we're talking about.

Again, this laptop is NOT FOR PROS. I'm not sure how much more clearer I can be. You have no need for those ports when using the laptop on the go, writing documents, browsing the web, even doing some coding.

The only thing I can agree on, related to the ports, is that they didn't include two type-C ports so that you can charge and use the other port at the same time - but meh, how often do you use two ports in a daily light use-case? Not often.

I'd argue that the "worst" thing about the Macbook is that the webcam is a joke. But other than that, it's a PERFECT computer for average joe that just wants a clean, sleak, light, fairly good battery, non-professional computer.

If I were to get it, I'd probably never use the USB type-C port for another other than charging.

If you disregard the fact that there's a law that headlights is a must, then yes I can agree. But my point is that the type of people that buys this Macbook are those that only drives during the day, using your example.

While I in general concur with your view, there's one thing that we differ on.
Namely, it's the perfect SECOND computer for the average joe, that they can use on the go for some document editing and browsing the internet, so long they have a MBA or MBP to do some serious tasks.

 

[nia820]

If this came in a 15 inch I would be picking it up.

 

[Tanax]

While I in general concur with your view, there's one thing that we differ on.
Namely, it's the perfect SECOND computer for the average joe, that they can use on the go for some document editing and browsing the internet, so long they have a MBA or MBP to do some serious tasks.

Yes. But this is only if they need to do some "serious tasks". Some people may not need it. My grandma would never need it while she would most likely *love* the lightweight and sharp display. My girlfriend would never need to perform serious tasks either.

So yes, I agree - but only if you really need to do serious tasks, otherwise it's the perfect first and only computer.

 

[slal03]

Absolute Rubbish

Was really excited about the prospect of a 4th gen Apple TV and a rMBP with 1) IGZO Display to give 20+hrs battery 2) Touch ID 3) Dedicated graphics card 4) USB Type C 5) Cheaper SSD 6) New generation Processors

Instead we got this new MBK which although you can credit for the engineering of the small motherboard and Fanless design. The following are such a JOKE:

1) Price point of $1300 starting price FOR A NETBOOK with a mobile processor!!!
2) 480p FaceTime camera on a laptop in 2015!!!!
3) One USB Type C port only!!! What about charging and wanting to plug something in the same time???
4) NO SD Card Slot!!!
5) NO MagSafe connector?? What happened to apple making connector types only compatible with apple!!
6) The need to buy $100's of accessories and adapters

I could mention more but it just irritates me now that they add some gimmicky marketing video about a new keyboard, a new trackpad which is getting mixed reviews, and boast about some new contoured battery technology when most people don't care about having a product so thin for the sake of compromising on all of the above!

Enjoy this video hahaha

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lir4R5sRn7s

Steve Jobs we miss you

 

[slacker361]

disappointed

Was really excited about the prospect of a 4th gen Apple TV and a rMBP with 1) IGZO Display to give 20+hrs battery 2) Touch ID 3) Dedicated graphics card 4) USB Type C 5) Cheaper SSD 6) New generation Processors

Instead we got this new MBK which although you can credit for the engineering of the small motherboard and Fanless design. The following are such a JOKE:

1) Price point of $1300 starting price FOR A NETBOOK with a mobile processor!!!
2) 480p FaceTime camera on a laptop in 2015!!!!
3) One USB Type C port only!!! What about charging and wanting to plug something in the same time???
4) NO SD Card Slot!!!
5) NO MagSafe connector?? What happened to apple making connector types only compatible with apple!!
6) The need to buy $100's of accessories and adapters

I could mention more but it just irritates me now that they add some gimmicky marketing video about a new keyboard, a new trackpad which is getting mixed reviews, and boast about some new contoured battery technology when most people don't care about having a product so thin for the sake of compromising on all of the above!

Enjoy this video hahaha

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lir4R5sRn7s

Steve Jobs we miss you

I have to agree.... at first I thought wow that looks like a great little computer... I really like it.... Then I started to look at the specs......

they made a special battery to fill al the wasted space..... but didn't increase the duration of the battery? 9 hours same as the air

its only 2 pounds vs 2.38 pounds for the air .38 pound = which makes it ~ 6 ounces lighter ..... meh

removed the fan ...ok less moving parts ..... should mean less power consumption .... 9 hours same as air.... less noise ? the offset fan blades took care of that, unless an app is stuck in a loop, i never hear the fan

i like the idea of the individual keys being lit, i think it will look better....

will have to try the new keys

mac air vs. new mac book for ~$400.00 more, and then also the hub since it has only one port = more you have to carry around......

I am a giant apple fan ..... but this one has missed the target... after the presentation and digesting the information, all i could think was the old time snake oil sales men that sell an elixir that will solve all your woes......

disappointed

 

[diamond.g]

I have to agree.... at first I thought wow that looks like a great little computer... I really like it.... Then I started to look at the specs......

they made a special battery to fill al the wasted space..... but didn't increase the duration of the battery? 9 hours same as the air

its only 2 pounds vs 2.38 pounds for the air .38 pound = which makes it ~ 6 ounces lighter ..... meh

removed the fan ...ok less moving parts ..... should mean less power consumption .... 9 hours same as air.... less noise ? the offset fan blades took care of that, unless an app is stuck in a loop, i never hear the fan

i like the idea of the individual keys being lit, i think it will look better....

will have to try the new keys

mac air vs. new mac book for ~$400.00 more, and then also the hub since it has only one port = more you have to carry around......

I am a giant apple fan ..... but this one has missed the target... after the presentation and digesting the information, all i could think was the old time snake oil sales men that sell an elixir that will solve all your woes......

disappointed

It is likely the screen is the cause of the lack of increase in battery life.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

...it's a PERFECT computer for average joe that just wants a clean, sleak, light, fairly good battery, non-professional computer...

All your points are very clear. It is not for pros, I agree with you, but neither is for "average Joe" as he would not buy a netbook for 1.300 USD.

...I am a giant apple fan ..... but this one has missed the target... after the presentation and digesting the information, all i could think was the old time snake oil sales men that sell an elixir that will solve all your woes......disappointed

I like this maxim. #
I was at a loss after the presentation. I acknowledged the new, interesting features, still had a bad tatste in my mouth. First of all I had to relaize that all the new feature were born on the altar of "thicker, lighter" at the expense of functionality. I won't go into details, you know all of them.
Secondly, I had a hard time to understand the reasons of this product fragmentation. Apple already has powerful ultraportables and most interestingly upgrades them to be even better.

 

[LordVic]

Has anyone found any specs listed on the physical dimensions of this new Macbook? I can't seem to find a reference to them anywhere.

The resolution is 2304x1440, 16:10. Not counting the retina, the *working* default resolution will be 1152x720; a bit less than my current 11" Air. But, I fully expect I'd occasionally change the display to have a bit more real estate.

I know the new MacBook is lighter and mostly thinner than the 11" air... and that the bezel is smaller. But, what is the actual length and width of the computer? The 11" Air is 11.8x7.6 inches. Anyone know what the new MacBook is?

I ask because the small footprint of my 11" makes it my goto choice for travel. I expect the new MacBook will have almost the same footprint?

Specs are online:

Comparison for "OMG THIS IS SO MUCH MORE PORTABLE" argument

MacBook
28.05 x 19.65 x 1.31cm

MacBook Air 13"
32.5 x 22.7 x 1.7cm

macBook Air 11"
30 x 19.2 x 1.7cm

Difference to 13":
4.45 x 3.05 x 0.39

Difference to 11"
1.95 x -0.45 x 0.40

 

[Rigby]

Specs are online:

Comparison for "OMG THIS IS SO MUCH MORE PORTABLE" argument

MacBook
28.05 x 19.65 x 1.31cm

MacBook Air 13"
32.5 x 22.7 x 1.7cm

macBook Air 11"
30 x 19.2 x 1.7cm

Difference to 13":
4.45 x 3.05 x 0.39

Difference to 11"
1.95 x -0.45 x 0.40

I was a little surprised to see that the Macbook isn't even the thinnest ultrabook on the market:

Asus UX305
32.4 x 22.6 x 1.23 cm

 

[Santabean2000]

Was really excited about the prospect of a 4th gen Apple TV and a rMBP with 1) IGZO Display to give 20+hrs battery 2) Touch ID 3) Dedicated graphics card 4) USB Type C 5) Cheaper SSD 6) New generation Processors

Instead we got this new MBK which although you can credit for the engineering of the small motherboard and Fanless design. The following are such a JOKE:

1) Price point of $1300 starting price FOR A NETBOOK with a mobile processor!!!
2) 480p FaceTime camera on a laptop in 2015!!!!
3) One USB Type C port only!!! What about charging and wanting to plug something in the same time???
4) NO SD Card Slot!!!
5) NO MagSafe connector?? What happened to apple making connector types only compatible with apple!!
6) The need to buy $100's of accessories and adapters

I could mention more but it just irritates me now that they add some gimmicky marketing video about a new keyboard, a new trackpad which is getting mixed reviews, and boast about some new contoured battery technology when most people don't care about having a product so thin for the sake of compromising on all of the above!

Enjoy this video hahaha

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lir4R5sRn7s

Steve Jobs we miss you

It's basically an iPad with keyboard running OS X. But I like it.

MagSafe is neither here nor there, esp with all day battery, you charge it at night and go to work/school without the charger. You just won't have to plug this thing in very often. I charge my iPad one or twice a week at most, yet use it every day. This will be much the same -and it'll only get better with future models.

With my iPhone add my main goto camera, I rarely use SD cards. Between cloud services, air drop, ubiquitous wifi and cheap data, the reality is that I just don't plug much in anymore.

It has an anemic processor, true, but the processor has been well powerful enough to handle pretty much any everyday task since the C2D days. RAM and speedy storage are much more relevant to most folks these days - and this machine has that.

The screen looks stunning, although I would like a larger bit of space to work in. The camera is an odd choice for sure. And it's too expensive currently. But these will both change before long.

So, do I like it - yes! Will I buy gen 1? No.

 

[LordVic]

I was a little surprised to see that the Macbook isn't even the thinnest ultrabook on the market:

Asus UX305
32.4 x 22.6 x 1.23 cm

yeah, been looking around to see.

Looks like it currently holds the overall "smallest" crown.

but it's not consistently the smallest in all dimensions. Some are narrower, there's the one thinner, there's some with less depth.

heck, even the 11" MacBook Air is smaller in depth by 0.45cms

this is cool and all, but you're talking about < 5 cubic cm's of space saving. and that's a high estimate because the two laptops do taper at the ends, fruther reducing it's volume.

basically. while this hits a technological check box for "smallest", the overall dimensions and weight difference are likely so imperceivable that in real world the difference is not going to be really noticeable.

 

[marclewis4]

I have a 2010 13" MacBook Pro. It's still a good machine as it had 8gb of Ram and 1 terabyte SSD drive, but I'm going to buy a new MacBook. It looks awesome.

 

[APEuroHis]

Does this mean the end of the non-retina MBP & Airs?

Just saw the new laptop. Won't purchase one as it does not have enough connections to work for me. However, assuming this laptop is here to stay, will there be a sharke-out amongst the whole line. Will the non-retina MBP along with some of the Airs be removed from the line? Personally, I would think so but am curious of what others may have to say.

 

[JamesPDX]

Yeeaahhh, I'm gonna go ahead and have you check that link...

Why on earth would you use a laptop if you buy that type of *stationary* equipment that costs over 3000$ ?! Even if you use a laptop, you'd probably not use a Macbook, or even a Macbook Air - in which case your argument is irrelevant since it's the Macbook we're talking about.

Again, this laptop is NOT FOR PROS. I'm not sure how much more clearer I can be. You have no need for those ports when using the laptop on the go, writing documents, browsing the web, even doing some coding.

The only thing I can agree on, related to the ports, is that they didn't include two type-C ports so that you can charge and use the other port at the same time - but meh, how often do you use two ports in a daily light use-case? Not often.

I'd argue that the "worst" thing about the Macbook is that the webcam is a joke. But other than that, it's a PERFECT computer for average joe that just wants a clean, sleak, light, fairly good battery, non-professional computer.

If I were to get it, I'd probably never use the USB type-C port for another other than charging.

If you disregard the fact that there's a law that headlights is a must, then yes I can agree. But my point is that the type of people that buys this Macbook are those that only drives during the day, using your example.

We also have mobile needs that go beyond browsing and Facetime. I was hoping to use it for this: http://www.waves.com/audio-networking#live and this https://www.small-tree.com/solutions/audio

You have to exploring these links will give you an understanding of why the pros are so pissed. Please check them before dismissing our guidance.

After reading the comments here and exploring the Apple site, I now understand the target demographic for this device: It's a status-symbol netbook for life-coaches, noodle-armed hipsters, MBAs on the go, and people who buy lots of shoes. It's perfect to whip-out at the Rotary Club, it's perfect for checking Facebook before your next yoga class or open house showing when everybody else is using a mere iPad. It'll go great with your iWatch.

Don't dis the pros just because we're disappointed. -We're also tender from the Mac Mini fiasco, so this burns our collective arses even more.

The good news? You can probably get a discount on the new Macbook if you dress as an extra from Portlandia or bring your Pilates mat. But I could be mistaken.

One more thing: You're not going to be :coding on the go" with this machine and we both know it.

----------

Just saw the new laptop. Won't purchase one as it does not have enough connections to work for me. However, assuming this laptop is here to stay, will there be a sharke-out amongst the whole line. Will the non-retina MBP along with some of the Airs be removed from the line? Personally, I would think so but am curious of what others may have to say.

A sharke-out, yes. These things tend to spread throughout product lines. When the old Macbook Air is kicking the ass of the new Macbook, that spells trouble with a capital, multicultural, gender-neutral Emoji.

Looking for a 2010-2012 Mac Pro, but sellers are gouging and they know why.

 

[jimbo1mcm]

And what about that bulging camera on the back....oh wait, wrong piece of equipment and that went away also.

 

[Tanax]

Don't dis the pros just because we're disappointed. -We're also tender from the Mac Mini fiasco, so this burns our collective arses even more.

Well have fun with that.

 

[petvas]

The new Macbook isn't a replacement of your main computer, especially not if you are a power user. It is the iPad of OS X devices. It is for people that want a very lightweight second device, for surfing the Internet and doing generally light stuff.
The Macbook Air will not be replaced (yet).
There might come a a time where the new Macbook offers enough performance that it can replace other laptops, but this won't happen this year.
I am getting one because it is exactly what I want.
I use a Retina iMac at home and the MacBook seems ideal for browsing on the couch and in bed. Using an iPad for me isn't really an option..

The only thing that worries me a bit is the CPU. I hope it provides enough power for all common tasks and doesn't slow down the computer.

 

[SqB]

It's a good thing you Power Users have other options for all your power uses and such. Personally, this thing will run anything I need it to and I promise you I'm no noodle arm, latte sipper.

I have to wonder how many people on here any more are just trolls and how many just want to pine for the "good old days." If built computer based on what people "want" we'd still be hauling around 7.5 pound laptops with SCSI ports and floppy drives.

If you don't like it, don't buy it. It's not for you. I personally plan to pick one up and get lots of real work done on it. I plan to do all of this real work without a single dongle. Amazing!

 

[JamesPDX]

Disagreement is not Trolling

It's a good thing you Power Users have other options for all your power uses and such. Personally, this thing will run anything I need it to and I promise you I'm no noodle arm, latte sipper.

I have to wonder how many people on here any more are just trolls and how many just want to pine for the "good old days." If built computer based on what people "want" we'd still be hauling around 7.5 pound laptops with SCSI ports and floppy drives.

If you don't like it, don't buy it. It's not for you. I personally plan to pick one up and get lots of real work done on it. I plan to do all of this real work without a single dongle. Amazing!

There's an NBA term for what's going on here. It's called Flopping. Players use this technique to get a foul called on an opposing player. (It's all over youtube.) Disagreement about over the design and value of a machine is not trolling. -Not yet anyway. We'll see.

Anyway, there were no "good ol' days." Many of us that have been buying Apple for over 20 years believe in steady progress in the value and performance of devices. I despise the culture of disposable electronic landfill, and there are a lot of companies guilty of perpetuating this- even the dear FCC forced this culture quite a bit. If Apple really cared about "the environment" and "climate change" there would be more utility and upgrade-capability built-in to -everything- they make. Especially processor upgrades for every machine and connectivity for any ports in design from the last 5 years. A waste reduction act with teeth would require full 10-year replacement warranties on all computers and components. "Recycling" is not the same as utility.

I'm not criticizing, I'm coaching. I'm quite sincere in this, and I really think that there are a lot of people who "don't know that they don't know..."