Apple Highlights 2018 MacBook Air and Mac Mini Reviews

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

What is a beast? The Mini? Yes, if you spend an extra £1000 configuring it to beast mode.

The Air has a gutless low power Y-Series dual-core CPU. At no point can that class of processor every be considered a 'beast'.

I also think the price will ensure they will not sell like hotcakes beyond the initial wave of pre-orders. More like a slow trickle of sales once the consumer realises it's not actually that amazing.

I thought this might be overpriced, but that was only if you buy the ram and storage upgrades from Apple.

If you only choose the CPU upgrade, and then add memory yourself, and then add egpu and external storage, the price works out pretty good.

It works out even better if you are bringing the RAM, GPU, storage, and keyboard from an existing PC that you have. Just buy the eGPU case and disk enclosure.

 

[Nick05]

I just bought a Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard 2 and a Series 4 Apple Watch. ALL of them came with a USB-A cable.

That sounds like a legitimate complaint. It is time they upgrade that since even many of the USB wall chargers, like the ones from Anker, have USB C options now.

 

[Tozovac]

The only possible legitimate complaint could be the removal of the SD slot. While many cameras gained wifi transfer and some cameras use a different standard, transferring photos to the computer requires an external card reader. Other than that, some of the things you complain about being removed were ‘replaced’ with technology from today. USB A with USB C for example. The trackpad has also got significantly larger which makes the computer easier to use. It is interesting that if you read the forums, many people criticize the iPad for the lack of mouse support and criticize the Mac for lack of touchscreen. It seems there is more of a complain for the sake of complaining going on.

"Possible legitimate" based on which universal rulebook?

Well, I can't say I've ever read a single complaint about missing mouse control on an iPad but I'll take your word for it. I've seen some comments about lack of touch on a MB but very little. Then again my only AAPL/tech forum activity is here at MR where, I think, the majority around here seem to buy into iPads being best for taking in content via touch vs. MB's/computers being, generally, better for detailed productivity via mouse/keyboard.

Maybe one day USB-C will be as ubiquitous as USB-A, but, speaking in the most simplest sense, the issue is: there's no noticeably felt gain over the large existing inventory of USB-A hardware that's already easily accessible in the homes & workplaces for a vast majority of users. The cost and bother for workarounds to get to the same situation, but only after some non-insignificant cost & hassle, are a big deal to those for whom it's a big deal. Simple as that. Oh, and less ports for even less ease of work.

People complained for a lot longer than a year on the removal the floppy and CD-ROM.

But, note, two key differences. 1) The removal was not so much to drive the future but was in response to an industry moving fast in ways complementary to the change such that the user didn't need to react as much and with pain to their convenience and in their pocketbook. Music was well-entrenched towards digital/download, and software updates were strongly headed towards downloads ilo CD-Rom. Apple nor anyone is helping by providing users USB hubs and dongles, or replacements for their large inventory of USB-A devices still very useful; it's up to the customers to buy more hardware and distribute it to various locations of need and/or carry it around with their "portable" product. Plus the reduced # of ports compounds things further. 2) Optical drives going away in lieu of downloads was apples replaced by oranges. USB-C replacing USB-A is...just a different apple or orange for a majority of users, where the to-be-discarded fruit was still pretty darn useful and available.

Isn’t looking at what we lose versus what we gain taking the negative approach? I find the USB C ports to be far more valuable then the ancient USB A legacy ports. Sure, i lost my DVI, mini DVI, SuperDrive, FireWire ports, RJ45, maybe if i go back far enough Serial and parallel ports, but is that really that big of a deal?

That's kind of like telling the athlete to ignore and play thru any pain. Just like one can't hide from love and attraction when they sense it, users feel pain when the adjustments are no longer as quick to take and easy as prior adjustments. If one of 12 eggs is broken when I return from the market, I can move on. When 1 of 2 breaks the morning I'm making breakfast for two, that's not as easy to brush off. After serial ports, firewire, superdrive, DVI, mini-DVI, magsafe, headphone jacks, USB-A, we're kind of getting down to 2 eggs in our basket, down from 1 dozen. More are gonna feel more pain the more courageous AAPL gets.

The "courageous" moves are resulting in diminishing returns but increasing pains for many. So that's a good thing?

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

"Possible legitimate" based on which universal rulebook?

Well, I can't say I've ever read a single complaint about missing mouse control on an iPad but I'll take your word for it. I've seen some comments about lack of touch on a MB but very little. Then again my only AAPL/tech forum activity is here at MR where, I think, the majority around here seem to buy into iPads being best for taking in content via touch vs. MB's/computers being, generally, better for detailed productivity via mouse/keyboard.

Maybe one day USB-C will be as ubiquitous as USB-A, but, speaking in the most simplest sense, the issue is: there's no noticeably felt gain over the large existing inventory of USB-A hardware that's already easily accessible in the homes & workplaces for a vast majority of users. The cost and bother for workarounds to get to the same situation, but only after some non-insignificant cost & hassle, are a big deal to those for whom it's a big deal. Simple as that. Oh, and less ports for even less ease of work.



But, note, two key differences. 1) The removal was not so much to drive the future but was in response to an industry moving fast in ways complementary to the change such that the user didn't need to react as much and with pain to their convenience and in their pocketbook. Music was well-entrenched towards digital/download, and software updates were strongly headed towards downloads ilo CD-Rom. Apple nor anyone is helping by providing users USB hubs and dongles, or replacements for their large inventory of USB-A devices still very useful; it's up to the customers to buy more hardware and distribute it to various locations of need and/or carry it around with their "portable" product. Plus the reduced # of ports compounds things further. 2) Optical drives going away in lieu of downloads was apples replaced by oranges. USB-C replacing USB-A is...just a different apple or orange for a majority of users, where the to-be-discarded fruit was still pretty darn useful and available.



That's kind of like telling the athlete to ignore and play thru any pain. Just like one can't hide from love and attraction when they sense it, users feel pain when the adjustments are no longer as quick to take and easy as prior adjustments. If one of 12 eggs is broken when I return from the market, I can move on. When 1 of 2 breaks the morning I'm making breakfast for two, that's not as easy to brush off. After serial ports, firewire, superdrive, DVI, mini-DVI, magsafe, headphone jacks, USB-A, we're kind of getting down to 2 eggs in our basket, down from 1 dozen. More are gonna feel more pain the more courageous AAPL gets.

The "courageous" moves are resulting in diminishing returns but increasing pains for many. So that's a good thing?

I’m actually waiting for 100% wireless power and wireless device connectivity. No ports. No cables. The faster that comes the happier I would be. I got cables coming out of every drawer and this plastic **** is killing our health and planet. The first company that achieves this goal will win the respect of all humanity.

 

[Tozovac]

I’m actually waiting for 100% wireless power and wireless device connectivity. No ports. No cables. The faster that comes the happier I would be. I got cables coming out of every drawer and this plastic **** is killing our health and planet. The first company that achieves this goal will win the respect of all humanity.

Don't disagree, generally. Except for the cables to power your devices...maybe instead of a small, stowable USB cable for your portable HD, you'll have a larger power cable. For every port Apple taketh away for thinness/minimalness, the user needs to acquire more hubs and cable adapters/dongles.

No free lunches here unfortunately...

 

[Dimwhit]

My son just got the new Air. While I hate the $200 price increase and some of the changes, it's still a very nice machine. He's loving it. And I'm a bit jealous sitting here on my 2014 Air...

 

[niun]

It always cracks me up when people make comments like this. What do you expect them to say? “It pretty much the same as the last model.” “It might be a bit better, but you probably should just keep the one you have” “If we ever come out with anything really good, we’ll let you know. “

Some balls out honesty from Apple wouldn't hurt.

Kinda glad they held off on the Rose Gold model though cause at least it gives them something to release next year

 

[Nick05]

"Possible legitimate" based on which universal rulebook?

Well, I can't say I've ever read a single complaint about missing mouse control on an iPad but I'll take your word for it. I've seen some comments about lack of touch on a MB but very little. Then again my only AAPL/tech forum activity is here at MR where, I think, the majority around here seem to buy into iPads being best for taking in content via touch vs. MB's/computers being, generally, better for detailed productivity via mouse/keyboard.

Right here on MR is where I’ve read the complaints about not having trackpad support.

Maybe one day USB-C will be as ubiquitous as USB-A, but, speaking in the most simplest sense, the issue is: there's no noticeably felt gain over the large existing inventory of USB-A hardware that's already easily accessible in the homes & workplaces for a vast majority of users. The cost and bother for workarounds to get to the same situation, but only after some non-insignificant cost & hassle, are a big deal to those for whom it's a big deal. Simple as that. Oh, and less ports for even less ease of work.

Seeing how many companies are still running Windows 7, you are probably right as far as most being a long way from having USB C support. Maybe in another 20 years or so, they will move away from VGA.

But, note, two key differences. 1) The removal was not so much to drive the future but was in response to an industry moving fast in ways complementary to the change such that the user didn't need to react as much and with pain to their convenience and in their pocketbook. Music was well-entrenched towards digital/download, and software updates were strongly headed towards downloads ilo CD-Rom. Apple nor anyone is helping by providing users USB hubs and dongles, or replacements for their large inventory of USB-A devices still very useful; it's up to the customers to buy more hardware and distribute it to various locations of need and/or carry it around with their "portable" product. Plus the reduced # of ports compounds things further. 2) Optical drives going away in lieu of downloads was apples replaced by oranges. USB-C replacing USB-A is...just a different apple or orange for a majority of users, where the to-be-discarded fruit was still pretty darn useful and available.

When Apple abanded the CD-ROM, most software still came on it. Sure, downloads were becoming more popular, but not the standard. Read any of the comments on the iPhone and see how many comments are there complaining about the removal of the headphone jack. I have 5 pairs of wireless headphones. It seems that they are widely available and tend to be the future, but still the complaints.

That's kind of like telling the athlete to ignore and play thru any pain. Just like one can't hide from love and attraction when they sense it, users feel pain when the adjustments are no longer as quick to take and easy as prior adjustments. If one of 12 eggs is broken when I return from the market, I can move on. When 1 of 2 breaks the morning I'm making breakfast for two, that's not as easy to brush off. After serial ports, firewire, superdrive, DVI, mini-DVI, magsafe, headphone jacks, USB-A, we're kind of getting down to 2 eggs in our basket, down from 1 dozen. More are gonna feel more pain the more courageous AAPL gets.

The "courageous" moves are resulting in diminishing returns but increasing pains for many. So that's a good thing?

Not quite the same thing. The pain may be accepting change and changing old habits. Technology moves on. I really like MagSafe and was disappointed in hearing it wasn’t on the redesigned MacBook Pro. There are some great advantages of going USB C. If something happens to the cable, where the MagSafe ends always started to come apart, you can simply buy a new cable for $10. No need to throw away the entire charger. You can buy a 60W USB charger that will work perfectly with the MacBook Pro for $30 from Anker. The MacBook Air still has the headphone jack for those who prefer them. Other than losing the legacy USB A ports, which can be solved with a single hub or a $3 adapter there really isn’t any broken eggs for breakfast.

 

[Tozovac]

When Apple abanded the CD-ROM, most software still came on it. Sure, downloads were becoming more popular, but not the standard. Read any of the comments on the iPhone and see how many comments are there complaining about the removal of the headphone jack. I have 5 pairs of wireless headphones. It seems that they are widely available and tend to be the future, but still the complaints.

Thanks for a rather thoughtful post!

But once again, just because an alternative exists (bluetooth headphones), that does not mean it's an unquestionably best option, nor going to be a quickly adopted happy alternative for many. Like the "time will tell" saying goes, perhaps 2-3 years after the shift away from onboard optical drives, it became clear that it was a rather good stretch. But after several years of continued balking over USB, headphone jack, and magsafe ethnic-cleansing, might there be a even a shred of legitimacy that perhaps those forced changes in the name of "gotta innovate" went just a bit too far? Let's see if the balking continues for the next few years.

Another angle: moving towards digital downloads for music & software as one reason to ditch optical drives increased the speed and convenience to the user for obtaining the goods, further helping the value proposition and good reputation of the bold move, and of course, adoption/adaptation. Compare my driving 20 minutes away to the Apple store to buy late 00's OSX upgrade vs. clicking a download...genius. And now there's no longer a box/CD to store...more convenience.

Now look at bluetooth headphones/speakers. Although they do offer conveniences, unlike digital downloads, bluetooth this or that are not without frequent noticeable inconveniences. For me and many, the pros/cons of a wireless-only iPad/iPhone nearly balance out, unlike the optical drive move. Bluetooth connectivity loses the "instant access" option a wired connection alternative provides. I frequently run into issues of uncharged earbuds/phones/speaker, I often need take time to pair to a new system, say at my girlfriend's or friend's speaker or a rental car, I often have to get the local "owner" to disconnect their paired phone/iPad from a speaker first so I can then connect... Bluetooth speakers and headphones offer conveniences but are hardly clear-cut faster & more convenient, thus the pain for many that probably won't go away soon.

Not quite the same thing. The pain may be accepting change and changing old habits. Technology moves on. I really like MagSafe and was disappointed in hearing it wasn’t on the redesigned MacBook Pro. There are some great advantages of going USB C. If something happens to the cable, where the MagSafe ends always started to come apart, you can simply buy a new cable for $10. No need to throw away the entire charger. You can buy a 60W USB charger that will work perfectly with the MacBook Pro for $30 from Anker. The MacBook Air still has the headphone jack for those who prefer them. Other than losing the legacy USB A ports, which can be solved with a single hub or a $3 adapter there really isn’t any broken eggs for breakfast.

Much of that is just Apple's frequent poor design decisions (in contrast to some good decisions). Why couldn't a separable, replaceable MagSafe cable have been created years ago, with a more robust size/rubber/casing, such that any broken cable could be replaced w/o having to buy a brand new $79 brick? Was the baby with the bathwater approach of going USB-C the *only* option? Pshaw... Why couldn't at least one MBA port have been USB-A just like the cutting-edge new mini's? Pshaw again... The fact that a hub is needed at all is proof positive that more ports and A/C ports would have been very valuable for years to come.

In summary, as there get to be fewer and fewer ripe low-hanging fruit for the picking, these forced changes aren't nearly as clear-cut as, say, the bold changes from 5-10 years ago. It's only common sense that the less you have to choose from, the higher the risk of making more unhappy & happy. If a large subset of unhappy customers are the new norm, compared to Apple's can't-do-much-wrong and It-just-works halo before ~2013, I'd find it amazing if Apple continues growing w/o focusing on raising prices first & foremost over putting out true, useful, gotta-have-it innovation.

Changes for the sake of change without bigger-picture user conveniences high in priority. Design for the labs & marketing folk first & foremost.