I agree. The MBA 11's sudden discontinuation really surprised me. I have one which is I am trying to keep in a working condition for as long as possible.
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Apple Said to Release New Entry-Level 13-inch MacBook This Year, Likely Replacing MacBook Air
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Having jumped from an 11" MBA to the Macbook last year, I can say my concerns before the purchase have come to fruition. I really, really miss a "normal" keyboard and magsafe :/
If they upgrade the screen resolution of the MBA (the only major upside to the Macbook), I might actually consider jumping back. But then again, Apple never does anything I want them to, so not holding my breath...
If they upgrade the screen resolution of the MBA (the only major upside to the Macbook), I might actually consider jumping back. But then again, Apple never does anything I want them to, so not holding my breath...
I call malarkey. Apple's ARM processors are also vulnerable to Spectre. Moving to ARM would be motivated purely by profits.
Unfortunately, a move to ARM only--unless MS does the same--will be Apple's death knell.
It remains popular and relatively affordable unlike the modern Macs with USB-C herpes.
I’ve thought about maybe they could revamp the entire lineup with 4 laptops. 2 MacBooks at 12” and 14” with the standard m5/m7 5W chips. Then two MacBook Pros at 14” and 16” with the new quad core chips from intel. I think this could be achieved by shrinking the bezels in the 13” and 15”, and keeping the body the same size.
Entry level price or just entry level specs? I'd love to get a new 13" laptop for surfing with specs and price somewhat closer to a Chromebook.
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I would imagine for the vast majority of people the current MB is more than enough computer for what they actually use it for.
It’s necessary for people who aren’t you, with a different use case? I’m a person who is stoked at this idea. I run a publishing company, and I have an iMac at home, but this is perfect for out and about. My hands are too large for the 12 inch. I need at least 13 for my palms to have a comfortable rest. I don’t need amazing power for my coffee shop machine. Basic word processing, Spotify, and some photoshop. Retina screen is a must. This machine would be perfect. Espically if it’s $999. As for the 13 in MBP, I can’t spend $1500 for what I want (256 gig) when with this model I could get what I want for probably $1200.
Because OLED screens are horrible when scrolling text. Ghosting and stuttering that gives people migraines. Would also contribute to another huge MBP price increase.
They could release a no frills 2018 13" laptop but it would wipe out the MBP 13.
If the MBA had a better display the MBP probably wouldn't even sell.
In the old days they could do the plastic vs metal thing but thesedays I doubt that would be possible.
If the MBA had a better display the MBP probably wouldn't even sell.
In the old days they could do the plastic vs metal thing but thesedays I doubt that would be possible.
This rumor makes a lot of sense to me. There seems to be three categories of MacBook emerging:
It is very important that Apple have a solid entry level laptop for under $1,000. This is the gateway computer that draws in students and others into the Apple eco-system. The MBA is the quintessential everyday computer of this decade, so it makes sense that they will replace it with a redesigned/updated version.
- Ultra-Portable: 12in MacBook with a premium price for portability at $1299.
- Consumer (Routine Office Use, Home and Student): A reliable 13in Laptop (similar to the MBA) for $999
- Pro (Latest Technology and Features): Top of the line Laptop with Touch Bar over $1500
It is very important that Apple have a solid entry level laptop for under $1,000. This is the gateway computer that draws in students and others into the Apple eco-system. The MBA is the quintessential everyday computer of this decade, so it makes sense that they will replace it with a redesigned/updated version.
Given the fact the the pro machines are underwhelming consumers and prosumers, what I would do is cut prices across the entire line by $300. That would bring the base macbook pro without a touch bar down to $999. There problem solved and they don't have to spend another billion in R&D for a new machine. And at $300 discounted across the line, that would have the consequence of making the higher end configurations more attractive.
Thank goodness...I need a computer with a decent battery life. I'm getting 5 hours on my 2016 macbook pro non-touch bar using internet alone.
This article rattles on on sides, doesn't make any sense, for instance OLED, who wants OLED
on a mostly static content computer, burn in rings a bell.
on a mostly static content computer, burn in rings a bell.
In fact it just occurred to me they should have never gotten rid of the air line at all. I think it makes sense to keep three lines of computers: macbooks, macbook airs and macbook pros.
What they should do is rebrand the lower end macbook pro as just "macbook". It's got a similar chassis to the pro models but has lower specs and fewer bells and whistles so that would be perfect to call it just "macbook".
Then I would rebrand the current 12in macbooks as "macbook airs" since they are the thinnest and lightest and are by definition ultra portable.
What they should do is rebrand the lower end macbook pro as just "macbook". It's got a similar chassis to the pro models but has lower specs and fewer bells and whistles so that would be perfect to call it just "macbook".
Then I would rebrand the current 12in macbooks as "macbook airs" since they are the thinnest and lightest and are by definition ultra portable.
Every bloody time when they release a new iPhone?
The old one is being sold at lower price.
I get it, calling it a MacBook should be enough for them to lower the price.
And what specs would you lower? Lower than the current generation of Intel chips of what is in in the 13" MBA? Less than two TB3 ports? Shorter battery life? Non-retina screen?
Have you tried the Griffin BreakSafe charging cable? I’m surprised Apple doesn’t make an official MagSafe USB-C cable but the Griffin works for a MacBook or 13” Pro.
They could potentially position the 13” nTB as the MacBook or replace it with a tapered design and use a slower 15W dual-core processor when the 13” Pro gets upgraded to the quad-core Kaby Lake R or Cannon Lake. If they price it at $999 or $1099 they could then drop the Air.
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They obviously want to push USB-C and TB3. TB2 never caught on. Also, the 13” Air is now a behemoth compared to the 12” MacBook and even the 13” Pro. The weight is similar to the latter but the area and volume are larger. I think they should have offered a MagSafe USB-C charging cable, though.