Selling a Macbook at $1,000, $1,100, $1,200 is a good idea?
Also, it needs to be more expensive than an Air. Smaller laptops usually mean more expensive ones.
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Apple May Still Be Planning to Reintroduce 12-Inch MacBook
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Also, it needs to be more expensive than an Air. Smaller laptops usually mean more expensive ones.
I mean they thought selling an iPad at $999 and $1099 was a good idea, same with the iPhone.
$1099 with an M1 is more expensive than the 13" M1.
1. Because an ultralight MacBook would be -- get ready for it -- much lighter than the current Air.
2. Believe it or not, some people find they're more productive on MacOS, even on a screen the same size as than on an iPad. Even if I was just writing, I would prefer a proper laptop with a proper keyboard and a real OS. I don't care to fight iPadOS's many limitations, so I use Macs for that reason. I don't think I'm the only one.
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Queen6
macrumors G5
True, tried the iPad dumped it not remotely practical for me. Just a consumption device outside of a few apps. Those that have used a 12" rMB, know it's very different experence to the 13" Air...
Q-6
I mean… it can’t be all THAT different, they’re both still Macs. And, these days, the Air isn’t forced to have a barely adequate CPU anymore. So, as far as software is concerned, any 12” Mac Apple releases will primarily be different in that the screen is smaller, right?
Queen6
macrumors G5
Just something you have to experience. It's as different to the Air as the Air was to the 13" MBP on it's initial release...
Problem being Apple discontinued the 12" likely as they priced it too high. If Apple produced a M1/M2/M3 12" MacBook at a sensible price point I'd be first in the que, and maybe if not sensibly priced.
Was the 12" rMB perfect? No far from it; keyboard polished up in a matter of weeks, CPU was barely adequate, just a single port that becomes loose, keys marked the display. But if Apple released an M1 12" I'd be all over it. TBH it's begging to be done with M1/M3...
Q-6
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Lioness~
macrumors 601
I would really love a 12" MacBook! Enough big for me as a portal Mac.
Will be perfect timing if it comes within 2 yrs as an upgrade to my 2018 13" MBA - just what I want!
Our M1 MacBook Airs function well, but they feel so heavy compared to the 11" MacBook Air - one of our former laptops especially when we travel. For something portable like an updated 12" MacBook, we'd think seriously about it. Some of our current software won't work on an iPad, so that's not an option for us.
Makisupa Policeman
macrumors 6502a
It did have a lot of problems. For me the processor was adequate for basic tasks but my main issues were the keys marking up the screen (I think this model definitely suffers from the staingate issues) and that without active cooling it would get red hot which is uncomfortable on your lap. I think this may have been more of an issue with later iterations of macOS bc when I was running it on Mojave thru Big Sur it seemed like it could keep up better.
But that form factor simply can’t be beat.
lxmeta
macrumors regular
We have 3 2017 with the top spec. We have none of your problems, and one is used for editing RAW images from a DSLR. Do you have the 2015 model?
I would take/use the old 2017 MacBook much more often than I would any other laptop. I still use the same sleeve but instead of taking a laptop on-the-go, I opt for an iPad(mini)/keyboard/trackpad. That 12" size made it a much better option. It's unfortunate because iPads are too much a compromise for me.
IMO, the size was the key. The performance only needs to be 'good enough'. That's probably why people are posting they're still using those discontinued models. That's why I'd gladly take a MacBook with an M1/2 (minimum viable performance), but will probably be much more impressed by performance/battery-life/efficiency with the smallest, binned upcoming M3.
FYI:
GB6: {
{ 2021-M2-Macbook-Air: { SC: 2563, MC: 9586 }},
{ 2017-i7-Macbook: { SC:904, MC: 1686 }},
}
That's quite a jump. Given today's laptops, that 2017 doesn't quite meet that minimum viable performance 🙂
IMO, the size was the key. The performance only needs to be 'good enough'. That's probably why people are posting they're still using those discontinued models. That's why I'd gladly take a MacBook with an M1/2 (minimum viable performance), but will probably be much more impressed by performance/battery-life/efficiency with the smallest, binned upcoming M3.
FYI:
GB6: {
{ 2021-M2-Macbook-Air: { SC: 2563, MC: 9586 }},
{ 2017-i7-Macbook: { SC:904, MC: 1686 }},
}
That's quite a jump. Given today's laptops, that 2017 doesn't quite meet that minimum viable performance 🙂
Queen6
macrumors G5
My own is a 2015 512GB 12" Kind of wish I'd upgraded in 2017, but had other needs at the time.
Q-6
Makisupa Policeman
macrumors 6502a
I had a 2017 with the m3 processor. Probably should have gone for i7 but I got it used. Good to know it’s a capable machine with better specs.
Edit: it’s quite possible it had wear and other issues I wasn’t aware of since I got it used. Might’ve benefited from a fresh OS install also. But I think the m3 is just a pretty slow processor in general.
filmbuff
macrumors 6502a
I think there are a good number of people who would buy a 12" laptop. In my opinion though that market would be better filled by a 12" Powerbook Macbook Pro because if you don't need the power/ports/features you can just carry an iPad. If all you do is watch Youtube or Netflix the iPad is just fine, if you want to do work then it should be a little bit thicker, good keyboard, longer battery life, SD card slot, HDMI, etc.
Makisupa Policeman
macrumors 6502a
Damn! Almost triple SC and almost 6x MC, that’s quite a gain. I will say even M1 over almost anything Intel is a remarkable gain in terms of performance. It’s like night and day and still amazes me.
I'd take it in any form factor, but it would be really cool if Apple made it a 3:2 aspect ratio.
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loby
macrumors 68020
I have the 2015 model and have these issues. Probably 2016 and 2017's MacBook improved on it some..
Edgecrusherr
macrumors 6502a
Sounds like you would done well running Apple into the ground in the 90s. Their product line is a mess they struggling with identifying which segmenrs they want to be in, and how to properly fill all those segments. Hence, things like iMac Pro, Mac Studio, MacBook, Mac mi is with both base M series and Pro versions, MacBook Pro 13 M series with the Touch Bar still being a thing, the iPad 9 and 10, the iPhone mini, and many, many more examples. Just because they doing well as a company doesn’t mean they’re doing everything right.
If anything, the only valid argument for their product line outside of the fact that they’re just throwing things out to see what sticks, is that they’ve realize their sales system works best if they offer a product ladder to confuse people and tick them into buying up into a more expensive product or configuration.
LMFAO.......as if Apple's Macbook lineup wasn't messed up enough already???
It's getting to the point now where if they want to introduce any more - this 12-incher or something else - they're going to have to alter their price points and really eat it on the lowest one-two models.
It's getting to the point now where if they want to introduce any more - this 12-incher or something else - they're going to have to alter their price points and really eat it on the lowest one-two models.
Makisupa Policeman
macrumors 6502a
The 2017 got Core i5 and Core i7 so that greatly improved the performance I would imagine. I think mine was still pretty hobbled with the base spec Core m3.
loby
macrumors 68020
Took my 12” MacBook 2015 in to an Apple Store today and to my surprise they had a battery replacement still.
I guess it really depends where you go.
I asked the Genius who assisted me if customers are coming in to get a battery replacement for the 12” still and he said, “yes”…
the 12” is popular for battery replacement, but since my model is way too old ( in 2023) if they break it, I am out of luck if there is no replacement parts. Apple is not liable…
Apple said there is basically nothing left for these models (of course), but I got lucky with Apple having a battery still in their onsite warehouse inventory. They replace the bottom chassis as standard when doing the battery replacement since the battery is glued to it. I have the gold model. I have spent enough on Apple products over the years and had a few duds..but occasionally…I scored nicely…like today.
If the 12” is popular for battery replacement…that is a good sign…hopefully in the next year or so and after all of the data comes in to marketing…Apple will come out with a 12”. I am sure it will cost…
The Apple Genius also brought out MacBook Air as we briefly discussed the 12”. He was surprised I traveled three hours just to get a battery for this under-powered old unit (no Apple stores near where I am currently traveling for work) and probably tried to talk me into just upgrading to the Air ($ - of course…).
After looking at my unit he understood why I did that and why I was willing to pay for a battery replacement..old obsolete unit, but… still in excellent working condition.
I said I prefer the 12” because it is more portable and lighter. He agreed and understood….though the Air is still a nice laptop and 300x more powerful and better (I would like one), the 12” still has a little advantage..
He also said that the 12” 2015 was way too underpowered, but…that was the design at the time to be more of a basic portable and not more than that.
He also said most people bring their 12” still into to Apple… but most are way too beaten up, but was surprised that mine still looked new, especially after doing diagnostics and visual check. I take care of my expensive Apple products…need them to last for my work. Got it used cheap on Amazon last year (as a side “toy” so to speak, but after using it…really enjoyed it and became a daily used laptop) and scored nicely (for a change) on the purchase. You take a big chance when buying used Apple items that are old).
But now 7-8 years later…a 12” M2 or M3 with the same basic form…I tear up just thinking about that possibility. (joke) 🙂
I guess it really depends where you go.
I asked the Genius who assisted me if customers are coming in to get a battery replacement for the 12” still and he said, “yes”…
the 12” is popular for battery replacement, but since my model is way too old ( in 2023) if they break it, I am out of luck if there is no replacement parts. Apple is not liable…
Apple said there is basically nothing left for these models (of course), but I got lucky with Apple having a battery still in their onsite warehouse inventory. They replace the bottom chassis as standard when doing the battery replacement since the battery is glued to it. I have the gold model. I have spent enough on Apple products over the years and had a few duds..but occasionally…I scored nicely…like today.
If the 12” is popular for battery replacement…that is a good sign…hopefully in the next year or so and after all of the data comes in to marketing…Apple will come out with a 12”. I am sure it will cost…
The Apple Genius also brought out MacBook Air as we briefly discussed the 12”. He was surprised I traveled three hours just to get a battery for this under-powered old unit (no Apple stores near where I am currently traveling for work) and probably tried to talk me into just upgrading to the Air ($ - of course…).
After looking at my unit he understood why I did that and why I was willing to pay for a battery replacement..old obsolete unit, but… still in excellent working condition.
I said I prefer the 12” because it is more portable and lighter. He agreed and understood….though the Air is still a nice laptop and 300x more powerful and better (I would like one), the 12” still has a little advantage..
He also said that the 12” 2015 was way too underpowered, but…that was the design at the time to be more of a basic portable and not more than that.
He also said most people bring their 12” still into to Apple… but most are way too beaten up, but was surprised that mine still looked new, especially after doing diagnostics and visual check. I take care of my expensive Apple products…need them to last for my work. Got it used cheap on Amazon last year (as a side “toy” so to speak, but after using it…really enjoyed it and became a daily used laptop) and scored nicely (for a change) on the purchase. You take a big chance when buying used Apple items that are old).
But now 7-8 years later…a 12” M2 or M3 with the same basic form…I tear up just thinking about that possibility. (joke) 🙂
You are living in a very small world. There are MILLIONS of laptop MacBook users and a very different demographic market segment for MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros. The same markets for each laptop type still exist and have even grown bigger and more unique and will be built out over time: they cannot release all the product lines at once. The transition to Apple Silicon is not just about chips, it's also about manufacturing and a plethora of other issues. More than likely, the MacBook 12" will need some minor redesign due to the removal of the butterfly keyboard to the Magic Keyboard. There is a lot of transition going on here and great things take time. Apple does Excellence.
SactoGuy18
macrumors 603
But I still doubt Apple will want to re-introduce the 12" MacBook even with the new scissors-switch keyboard design. That's why I expect Apple, like I said earlier to offer two sizes of the MacBook Air (13.6" and 15") and MacBook Pro (14" and 16") only. And also, in my opinion, not to impinge on 12.9" iPad Pro sales.
chucker23n1
macrumors G3
OK, but they have four desktop lines, even though they sell way more laptops. So why not have a few more laptops?
I would like something ultra portable, with some current gen apple silicon processor, that is rugged at the same time. Sort of more robust than an air. Ready to be thrown around or get wet and such or just be thrown in a backpack with no sleeve or anything. It could be even made of plastic if you like.