My guess is that they couldn’t get even 1 TB3 port to fit within the thermal specifications of the case design. The next generation of the Y chip (Ice Lake) goes from 5W to 9W since it incorporates TB3. The 2019 MacBook Air has a 7W version of the chip that’s in the 2017 12” MacBook, plus it has a fan and a TB3 controller, so it can more easily accommodate the Ice Lake chip.
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Apple Discontinues 12-Inch MacBook
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My guess is that they couldn’t get even 1 TB3 port to fit within the thermal specifications of the case design. The next generation of the Y chip (Ice Lake) goes from 5W to 9W since it incorporates TB3. The 2019 MacBook Air has a 7W version of the chip that’s in the 2017 12” MacBook, plus it has a fan and a TB3 controller, so it can more easily accommodate the Ice Lake chip.
Yeah, you're right about the thermal implications of TB3. Honestly I don't need the power of TB3 on this ultraportable machine. I have a hub with pass through charging that supplies ethernet, 3 USB-A ports, SD, micro-SD, and HDMI. I don't really like carrying the hub though. Just one more USB-C port to replace the 3.5mm jack would be great so you can charge and connect at least one peripheral without needing a dongle.
This form factor is definitely returning when Apple releases ARM Macs. Until then, cheap refurbs for everyone!
What a shame. I've been waiting for an update to the MacBook with a BTO 1TB SSD option. Guess I will just order a 1TB drive for my 2013 11" MacBook Air and keep on chuggin'. I've always been a fan of Apple's ultraportable designs (first mac was a 12" PowerBook) and I wouldn't be surprised to see the ultraportable come back at some point. The MacBook Air just doesn't quite fill that niche.
My bet is this isn't really being "discontinued", as there will be new 13" MBA and MBP's coming when the 16" MBP comes, and the 13" models will be similar dimensions as the 12" MB. So this is more of a merge than a discontinuation, and MB fans will have a choice of MBA or MBP with similar dimensions. Alternatively, there might be a 13" MBA, 14" MBP, and 16" MBP.
Finally. And don’t use the name MacBook again. Just make two lines: Air and Pro. If you name it “MacBook”, you will have to explain that it’s not the “Air” just MacBook, the one with one port. Air is for general use. Pro is for a more demanding task.
If Apple is switching keyboards, likely necessitating a body redesign, maybe it is being phased out and will be brought back with a redesign and ARM on board in 2020. I think rumour is a new MacBook Air with revised keyboard in late 2019 with new MacBook Pro’s with the new keyboard in 2020. Maybe we will see a MacBook ARM once the Air and Pros are updated to a new design.
the product line for notebook is now clear: MBA + MBP, one for light use, one for pro use. (for those even lighter use, Apple provides iPad pro and iPadOS)
BTW, when is to expect that the iPad line can be simple and clear as well?
BTW, when is to expect that the iPad line can be simple and clear as well?
It’s fairly clear. The iPad is the budget model for the masses. The iPads Air and Mini are the “semi-Pro” models for those who want something better. The iPad Pro is for those looking to replace a laptop (assuming iPadOS and Project Catalyst result in improved applications).
This is very likely to happen.
With the MacBook already being so thin, perhaps Apple found it difficult to implement the rumoured scissor keyboard and decided to discontinue the MacBook for the time being until they redesign it to not only fit in the new keyboard but their own ARM processors.
Now that I think about, it makes too much sense.
I don’t care what they call it, but I think it is a mistake not to have an ultraportable. 2lbs is the perfect weight. The Air is almost as heavy as the 13” Pro but has essentially the same Core M processor that MacBook bashers call underpowered. It’s hard for me to recommend a MacBook Air when the 13” Pro has a quad-core processor, is only $200 more, and about the same weight and size.
Just remember, the 2017 MacBook was 20% faster under stress (video & photo editing) than the 2018 Airs in real world tests, due to thermal limiting on the Airs. This anomaly could not stand. An upgrade to MacBook would have left the Airs in the dust, and despite the higher price, it would have embarrassed the ‘everyone loves MacBook Air’ (buy an Air) strategy Apple is pushing. Tough luck if your student ever has to submit a video! Pundits really shouldn’t be giving the Air a free pass if its performance is so limited, but they know that following Apple’s PR line will endear them to Apple.
Regarding the performance, you can't recommend a MacBook Air because you don't really know about it. Take a look at this : https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compar...tel-i7-7Y75-vs-Intel-i5-7Y54/3402vs2880vs2873. It's the MacBook Air (2018 and 2019 has the same cpu) vs the maxed-out MacBook and almost-maxed-out MacBook : 4284 vs 3736 vs 3599. The core 'm' that you were talking about is only in the lowest-end MacBook (3318 mark)(https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+m3-7Y32+@+1.10GHz&id=3052) not in the MacBook Air : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_(2015–2019), https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_(2015–2019). And it's convenient that you didn't talk about the port (1 non-thunderbolt port vs 2 thunderbolt ports). So may be do a little research next time before you try to recommend anything to someone.
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The Amber Lake Core i7 is actually faster than the chip in the 2019 MacBook Air. And most people in the market for an ultraportable don’t need 1, much less 2 Thunderbolt ports. You still need dongles galore.
My Wife and I both have a 12" MacBook I love the portability and weight for traveling its half the weight of an Air
12" screen is perfect if i am at home i just plug in my monitor
12" screen is perfect if i am at home i just plug in my monitor
And the MacBook Pro has a Geekbench rating of about 15,000. Kinda makes that 4200 vs 3700 look irrelevant.
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Intel decided to rebrand the Core m5 and m7 as “i5/i7” as if no one would notice they were still 5W chips. Sorry. Bumping up the m5 to 7w and rebranding it doesn’t make that much difference. Maybe do a little research next time before you lecture others.
This is a mistake in my opinion.
The 12" MacBook had two unique features: it's incredibly small size for carrying and it's fanless silent operation. It only needed a second USB-C port.
The real duplication in Apple's portable computer line is the new design MacBook Air - - it is now barely distinguishable from the MacBook Pro.
The 12" MacBook had two unique features: it's incredibly small size for carrying and it's fanless silent operation. It only needed a second USB-C port.
The real duplication in Apple's portable computer line is the new design MacBook Air - - it is now barely distinguishable from the MacBook Pro.
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