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Apple Updates 12-Inch MacBook With Skylake Processors, Faster Graphics, Longer Battery Life, and Rose Gold
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FireWire? Seriously?
Thunderbolt 3 will likely come next year when it is built into the Kaby Lake chip. In the meantime, we will see more USB-C hubs. Other companies like HP add a mix of TB3 and USB-C ports. So unless people really need TB3 capabilities (and they aren't likely to be buying the MacBook), USB-C hubs are going to be adequate and more common since they work in all USB-C ports.
I'm kind of the same as you. Try and upgrade my gaming rig, iPhone and Mac yearly and the difference in price isn't that bad (get a student discount on macs). I even managed to buy and sell a rMBP without taking any loss.
The reality is that the MacBook is a popular product. The "nerds" don't like it, but average users are fine with it.
I'm writing this on a 1" thick 9 year old Packard Bell laptop with higher clock speeds and way more RAM which cost £300.
Apple today announced that it has released new 12-inch MacBook models with the latest sixth-generation Skylake dual-core Intel Core M processors up to 1.3 GHz, new Intel HD Graphics 515 that deliver up to 25% faster performance, faster PCIe-based flash storage, an additional hour of battery life, and faster 1866 MHz memory.
The ultra-thin notebook has the same all-metal unibody enclosure that remains 13.1 mm thick and weighs just 2 pounds, with a full-sized butterfly mechanism keyboard and Force Touch trackpad. Like the original model, the new 12-inch MacBook is also fanless and has no moving parts or vents.
The notebook continues to have a 12-inch display with a 2,304-by-1,440 resolution at 226 PPI, single USB 3.1 Type-C port, 256GB or 512GB flash storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, a 480p FaceTime camera, stereo speakers, dual microphones, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The one-hour improvement to battery life, which is now up to 10 hours, was achieved not only by more efficient Skylake processors, but also due to a larger 41.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. The original 12-inch MacBook has a slightly smaller 39.7-watt-hour battery that lasts up to 9 hours per charge.
The refreshed 12-inch MacBook models are available through Apple's online store starting today, and at Apple retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers starting tomorrow. The base 1.1 GHz Core m3 model costs $1,299, while the faster 1.2 GHz Core m5 model costs $1,599. The 1.3GHz Core m7 is a $250 upgrade.
In addition to Rose Gold, the 12-inch MacBook remains available in existing Gold, Silver, and Space Gray colors.
Apple has also made 8GB of memory standard across all 13-inch MacBook Air configurations.
Article Link: Apple Updates 12-Inch MacBook With Skylake Processors, Faster Graphics, Longer Battery Life, and Rose Gold
Is Apple finally accepting the idea that thin = too damn hot ?
2017 will bring a third-gen MacBook that will be to the 2015 MacBook what the 2010 Air was to the 2008 Air.
My guess is that it isn't going to get a 2nd port ever. Maybe the rumored 14" Pro model will have 2 TB3 ports, but likely it will drop everything else (mDP, HDMI, USB-A).
cause people want it but not with just one port that apple himself don't really support.
just another hipster product
I bought one of these last year and it services my needs perfectly. I was excited what would be in store for the 2016 version and it looks to be a very modest upgrade. Still only 1 USB port, still 480p camera etc. Is the processor upgrade anything significant? With the 1.3GHz price you're entering rMBP territory...
Still though, this thing is fun to have around and I'm a fan of the keyboard. Thin, light, fanless but I do wish it had a bit more horsepower if nothing but for longevity.
Still though, this thing is fun to have around and I'm a fan of the keyboard. Thin, light, fanless but I do wish it had a bit more horsepower if nothing but for longevity.
There's a bigger difference in weight between the 11" air and the 12" macbook than there is between a 11inch MBA and the 15" LG Gram. the 12" mb is a lot lighter than the 11"
I don't know why people are saying that the price of the 12"MB is too much. Consider this: 12" MB has 8GB memory, 512 GB flash storage. Now, a similar 11" MBA is within +/- $100 depending on the processor speed you select. If I go for the maxed out 11"MBA it is $1649. A similarly configured 12" MB is $1599. I admit, the CPU power of the two machines are not the same, but then again neither the displays are.
So, in my opinion, if we are going to rant about something, the price of the 12"MB is not one of them.
So, in my opinion, if we are going to rant about something, the price of the 12"MB is not one of them.
According to AnandTech, Skylake is about 15-20% faster at the same clock speed, which is just above the threshold of noticeability. Between that, the HD515, the faster memory, and faster SSD, Apple estimates that the models are about 25% faster. I'd probably hold off until next year. Kaby Lake should bring a more significant CPU update, built-in TB3 support, and better display capabilities.
Unfortunately, (in all arenas, not just here) there's an "it doesn't suit my needs, so it shouldn't exist" attitude.
That's my point. These stupid ports (Firewire, Thundbolt, and now USB-C) are all DOA and overpriced. All the Apple zealots go on for a few years about they are the greatest thing ever and will take off as soon as devices and hubs get to market.
The devices and hubs never show up and the ports never become useful. Why would anyone pay $50-100 more to use the latest Apple port when there is zero benefit? And the peripherals and hubs never show up and come down in price because nobody uses them so the manufacturers see so reason to ramp up to a scale where prices come down.
TB3 is getting some traction because Windows manufacturers are actually starting to adopt it (e.g. Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre). The key was supporting USB-C. Now that it uses a standard port, it's an easier sell.
USB-C is an industry standard and is quickly being adopted for mobile devices on Android. My guess is it will be ubiquitous within 2 years.
A lot lighter? 12" MB is 0.920 kg, 11" MBA is 1.08kg. A difference of 160 grams. To give an idea, an iPhone 6 weighs 143 grams.
So, if that is a Big difference in weight for you, I don't have much to say.
I'm still cool with my 13-inch MacBook Air (base mid-2012 model), but if I had to pick between this MacBook and a similar offering by ASUS, I'd definitely go with the latter. The $600 price difference is pretty large. Dismissing the operating system and build quality differences, the ASUS has a higher-res display (a touchscreen at that) while the MacBook has a faster SSD (that most people won't notice). They both look pretty.
OH YEAH! The ASUS has a ton of ports while still staying very thin and light. Come on, Apple...
OH YEAH! The ASUS has a ton of ports while still staying very thin and light. Come on, Apple...
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Nothing go wrong anyway ! We don't compromise with any "mistake" and just like Steve doesn't compromise with any "deal".......
We are BIG fan of Apple !! We all love the "game of the rule" ..... "NO choice is my only choice !!"
I'm starting to wonder if they'll discontinue the macbook pro line altogether.
