Assuming the iPad Pro rumors are true

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Imagine the battery life of a base 13" rMBP with a 15w processor rather than a 26w part? And the 15w processors are more than powerful enough for a huge number of users.

I don't think that would make much of an impact on battery level honestly. It isn't very often you max out the CPU, unless you really do heavy work often.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

As others have stated, the MBA is not going to get updated, and one of the sizes, probably the 11", will get axed.

You can't have the Air moniker unless it is the thinnest and lightest in the line-up. I can tell you right now, if you think the rMB is too thin and light, you would probably not like anything redesigned with the MBA moniker. The name Macbook for the rMB made a statement about the MBA's future.

The iPad Pro will probably be a real "personal/private use" laptop killer I think. I already have replaced the need for a personal laptop with iPads. Don't think it will make a dent in even the small business market though unless its version of iOS 9 really opens it up.

 

[Queen6]

Not for me, I need a device with a file system, not against Tablets per se, equally I can get so much more done on a full desktop OS.

Q-6

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Not for me, I need a device with a file system, not against Tablets per se, equally I can get so much more done on a full desktop OS.

Q-6

Exactly - don't see it being good for "getting things done" for 8-10 hours a day unless the file system is completely opened up and BT trackpads/mice are supported with a cursor in addition to keyboards. The iCloud Drive app in iOS 9 is a good start.

I could see an Apple Magic Trackpad and Wireless Keyboard combination being quite a decent setup if you are willing to use iCloud Drive as your file system? Would take some adjustment though.

OS X is too awesome though.

Notice how the split screen two app implementation on El Capitan and iOS 9 look exactly the same?

 

[maflynn]

There will be some cannibalization to be sure, but I think over all the rMB has one type of niche and the iPad pro will be completely different. I don't see it eating into the rMB's sales too much

 

[zhenya]

I don't think that would make much of an impact on battery level honestly. It isn't very often you max out the CPU, unless you really do heavy work often.

The i5-5200u has a configurable tdp-down of just 7.5w vs. the i5-5257u of the rMBP's 23w. That's a considerable difference in power consumption at low cpu levels.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

There will be some cannibalization to be sure, but I think over all the rMB has one type of niche and the iPad pro will be completely different. I don't see it eating into the rMB's sales too much

I agree. The iPad Pro would be a nice light use personal home setup in the scenario I described above, with trackpad/mouse and keyboard. The convenience of an iPad to carry around when you want to read, watch video, web browse, etc. and then being able to sit down with it at a desk when needed to do things like fill out long forms, edit photos in Pixelmator, or videos in iMovie...or game with real keyboard shortcuts!? The revitalisation of the FPS genre on iOS, ha ha ha...or using Excel or Numbers for iOS with the same...Apps on iPad Pro could instantly be upgraded to desktop parity, especially assuming the A9 continues the improvement trend of Apple A series processors - it will probably benchmark right there with the Broadwell Core M offerings.

Geez, now I sound like I am trying to talk myself into it!! Ha ha ha, I am getting enough stick for loving the rMB, I'll have to start ducking for cover soon!

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

The i5-5200u has a configurable tdp-down of just 7.5w vs. the i5-5257u of the rMBP's 23w. That's a considerable difference in power consumption at low cpu levels.

My point was more that the CPU is rarely used - Most of the time it is idle, hence it is not a major battery sink. Again, this various after usage of course.