Apple Expected to Release Updated MacBook Airs Tomorrow

[Mattsasa]

This is going to be the most boring MacBook Air update to data.

 

[Mackan]

Better wait for WWDC.

 

[MrGimper]

So what's the actual normal decision point between a 13" Air and a 13" rMBP nowadays?

 

[tdtran1025]

The majority of readers prefer Mac Mini refresh with Intel Iris Pro.

 

[SMIDG3T]

Retina display would have been great in the 13". But chances are next to none. Looks like we're going to have to wait until next year. For now, expect just 2-5% CPU performance improvement.

Um.. what's that event called? Oh yeah, WWDC. You think that just because Apple are making updates to the Air now, they won't at WWDC. An Air with Retina display is coming.

 

[luckydcxx]

because at WWDC they will announce 12" macbook air and probably mac mini

I doubt it now. I was really hoping for that but why would they even bother with a refresh 1 month before. I don't think anyone cares if they get another .2 Ghz in their clock speed when they could by a retina one a month later.

 

[Tony78228]

and I was just about to buy one last night..lol

 

[justinthesommer]

Might as well just wait to see what is said at WWDC first.

 

[BillyBobBongo]

because at WWDC they will announce 12" macbook air and probably mac mini

I can't see them releasing a spec bump and then a new model. You'll only end up annoying a lot of people of who purchased what they thought to be the 'new model'.

Retina isn't that big a deal. It wouldn't surprise me that if we were to see new MacBook Airs before WWDC they would already include that in the update.

Oh yeah....new Mac Mini please!

 

[taptic]

I honestly don't understand why anyone would think they are going to make a 12 inch MacBook Air...

 

[tcbrittt]

I hope they just can the 11" and 13" models and replace it with the 12" retina when that comes out. Then you have the 12" Air, 13" and 15" rMBP, nice and streamlined, gets rid of fragmentation, brings manufacturing and inventory costs down a bit.

I agree. And while they are at it, how about rebranding them as well:

12 inch - "MacBook Air"
13 inch - "MacBook"
15 inch - "MacBook Pro"

 

[Serban]

I doubt it now. I was really hoping for that but why would they even bother with a refresh 1 month before. I don't think anyone cares if they get another .2 Ghz in their clock speed when they could by a retina one a month later.

Remember the macbook pro refresh in 2012

 

[Jett0516]

My money is ready.

 

[jkichline]

What is a buttonless trackpad? It doesn't have any tactile movement at all? That would be highly annoying. I've tried the trackpad clicking, but I keep reverting to the physical button because it just feels better to get that feedback. However, I do wish it had less travel. Sometimes it feels like I need to press harder than what feels natural.

It won't be a physical button, but use actuators to mimic it without needing any physical motion. This is used to minimize the amount of space necessary for the button and could provide better feedback such as whether you left or right click.

I think we would see these on the 12" mystery device...

 

[ABCDEF-Hex]

Sounds like a speed bump to deplete inventory parts

with something new in the fall.

 

[QCassidy352]

So, in other words, BIG DEAL. Apple once again disappoints.

Nothing is even released and you're already disappointed?

 

[Mattsasa]

Everybody seems to be expecting a retina display MacBook Air at WWDC...

But I am confused what CPU is available for that machine?
Don't Say Arm that isn't happening this year.
And there is no way Broadwell is close to being ready ...

 

[petrucci666]

How is this disappointing? This isn't WWDC, this is Apple simply making a small update to the Air family.

Yes, but why now, mere weeks before WWDC? It's money grabbing, plain and simple.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

with something new in the fall.

Modern manufacturing is done via the "just-in-time" model. There is no parts bin to deplete.

 

[Mattsasa]

Yes, but why now, mere weeks before WWDC? It's money grabbing, plain and simple.

How is it money grabbing?!
Most likely this will be a silent update without and increase in price. So they are just updating their product, making it better, and not charging any extra, or taking any credit.

 

[jclardy]

So what's the actual normal decision point between a 13" Air and a 13" rMBP nowadays?

Whether you want a super thin computer with substantial battery life, or a computer that has a smaller footprint, faster processor, and much improved IPS retina display. Oh yeah and more ports including HDMI output.

I think it is easy to tell which one I chose But my 2012 rMBP 13" gets around 5 hours of battery life doing actual work (Xcode, eclipse, photoshop, email etc.) which is more than enough for me, and the 2013 model even improves on that. I'd much rather have the better display and extra horsepower than the extra battery life.

 

[luckydcxx]

Yes, but why now, mere weeks before WWDC? It's money grabbing, plain and simple.

i wouldn't say money grabbing ... most people wouldn't even know that they were refreshed if Apple doesn't promote it. Also doesn't Apple have a 30 day return policy?

 

[Traverse]

I find it strange that Apple would update existing Macs prior to a "major release." It might defer some customers from getting the new version later this year.

 

[currentinterest]

No new retina MacBook Air until after the back to school promotion. Just like in previous years. This update is designed, in part, to encourage high school graduation buying. This year one can get a "new" Air, in the past pre-college sales were used to clear older inventory. Since a whole new machine will be introduced, Apple can offer this new machine in the promotion.

 

[dalupus]

So what's the actual normal decision point between a 13" Air and a 13" rMBP nowadays?

your wallet

Personally, I have bought my last non-retina portable.

I will grab the 12" rMBA when it comes out later in the year to replace my old Mid 2012 13" MBA.