I have had quite a few excel issues also, no problems with word or powerpoint. I still use it, just make sure to save quite often as it has crashed on me quite a few times.
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First Impressions
- Thread starter brvhrt
- Start date
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Disabling file vault during initial setup takes quite a bit of time - maybe 15 minutes or longer for me - probably quite easy to confuse as a hang. Not saying that's what happened for earlier posters, but just an FYI for anyone that has yet to receive your machine that you need to be patient when disabling file vault during initial setup.
Some thoughts...
1) Keyboard is way better for me than reviews indicated. It has required no time to get used to the shorter throw and the larger keys are a ton easier for me to hit. Really impressed.
2) Trackpad is black magic. Clicking it is like trying to walk up MC Escher's stairs in Relativity.
3) Think where the reviews have nailed it on the head (i.e. Anandtech) is that performance is fine, but this really is a second machine and not a primary machine. That being said, I do imagine more people could get by with this machine than they realize. Computer specs is like an "arms race" to consumers - more more more - meanwhile using - less less less.
4) Apple's industrial design never ceases to amaze me. I see why so many people have said "go see it." This device makes all the other laptops in their fleet look dated from an industrial design standpoint.
5) I have a bit bigger hands and my palms sit on the edge of the case. I'm sure they will get used to it over time (had the same issue with the air), but it feels like they are getting a little raw/chafed today.
6) So far used it just like I would my MBPR and not seeing any jerkiness or performance issues. The reviews definitely left me worried that this machine is less capable than it actually is (1.1 / 256 model)
7) Mine came in with 10.10.2 while it seems like others came with 10.10.3. Mine was also 15th week April build date.
8) Screen really is fantastic and on a platform this size I'm really impressed overall. Clearly this leaves a lot for everyone to be excited about - early adopters as well as those waiting for the platform to mature.
Some thoughts...
1) Keyboard is way better for me than reviews indicated. It has required no time to get used to the shorter throw and the larger keys are a ton easier for me to hit. Really impressed.
2) Trackpad is black magic. Clicking it is like trying to walk up MC Escher's stairs in Relativity.
3) Think where the reviews have nailed it on the head (i.e. Anandtech) is that performance is fine, but this really is a second machine and not a primary machine. That being said, I do imagine more people could get by with this machine than they realize. Computer specs is like an "arms race" to consumers - more more more - meanwhile using - less less less.
4) Apple's industrial design never ceases to amaze me. I see why so many people have said "go see it." This device makes all the other laptops in their fleet look dated from an industrial design standpoint.
5) I have a bit bigger hands and my palms sit on the edge of the case. I'm sure they will get used to it over time (had the same issue with the air), but it feels like they are getting a little raw/chafed today.
6) So far used it just like I would my MBPR and not seeing any jerkiness or performance issues. The reviews definitely left me worried that this machine is less capable than it actually is (1.1 / 256 model)
7) Mine came in with 10.10.2 while it seems like others came with 10.10.3. Mine was also 15th week April build date.
8) Screen really is fantastic and on a platform this size I'm really impressed overall. Clearly this leaves a lot for everyone to be excited about - early adopters as well as those waiting for the platform to mature.
Disabling file vault during initial setup takes quite a bit of time - maybe 15 minutes or longer for me - probably quite easy to confuse as a hang. Not saying that's what happened for earlier posters, but just an FYI for anyone that has yet to receive your machine that you need to be patient when disabling file vault during initial setup.
Some thoughts...
1) Keyboard is way better for me than reviews indicated. It has required no time to get used to the shorter throw and the larger keys are a ton easier for me to hit. Really impressed.
2) Trackpad is black magic. Clicking it is like trying to walk up MC Escher's stairs in Relativity.
3) Think where the reviews have nailed it on the head (i.e. Anandtech) is that performance is fine, but this really is a second machine and not a primary machine. That being said, I do imagine more people could get by with this machine than they realize. Computer specs is like an "arms race" to consumers - more more more - meanwhile using - less less less.
4) Apple's industrial design never ceases to amaze me. I see why so many people have said "go see it." This device makes all the other laptops in their fleet look dated from an industrial design standpoint.
5) I have a bit bigger hands and my palms sit on the edge of the case. I'm sure they will get used to it over time (had the same issue with the air), but it feels like they are getting a little raw/chafed today.
6) So far used it just like I would my MBPR and not seeing any jerkiness or performance issues. The reviews definitely left me worried that this machine is less capable than it actually is (1.1 / 256 model)
7) Mine came in with 10.10.2 while it seems like others came with 10.10.3. Mine was also 15th week April build date.
8) Screen really is fantastic and on a platform this size I'm really impressed overall. Clearly this leaves a lot for everyone to be excited about - early adopters as well as those waiting for the platform to mature.
good post. What is the biggest "annoyance" you have encounter? Lag, beachball, etc? It sounds like you have a MBP, are you feeling any side effects thus far?
I really am just honed in on that part where you said, "3) but this really is a second machine and not a primary machine." What do you personally mean by that?
I think my biggest annoyance so far is where the palm of my hand rubs the edge of the laptop (the edge is fairly sharp). It isn't a deal breaker.
I have seen some choppiness in my flash video, but I have Safari with 7 tabs, (one of which is streaming the MLB.tv over flash). I also have Mail, Tweetdeck, Messages, iTunes, App Center (downloading 10.10.3), Keychain, and Photoshop open. The choppiness comes when I take a Safari tab on top of the video and drag it around. Seems to only happen on tabs where there is some translucency (i.e. default safari launcher page). It is not 100% either. I am going to have to try this on the MBPR too as I don't watch Flash terribly often on my computer.
As for the comment about being a second computer I just think the form factor is a bit smaller than what I personally would want to use 100% of the time. I am certain I'll probably spend a lot more time on it than I will my iMac, but it is more for casual use cases. As documented in my Photoshop thread I'll more often get in front of the 27" when I'm doing serious photography editing, even though I'm seeing the RMB as totally capable. Video transcoding is also something I wouldn't grab this device first for. I'd also use my iMac to stream to airplay and have this free to surf / do as I please. It's just a really outstanding second device that is extra outstanding due to this form factor.
As mentioned, though, I do think this device probably could cover the performance needs for a lot of people. I know through some scanning I do in my professional career most people don't user anywhere near what they think when it comes to computer hardware (professionally and non-professionally).
A lot of time I can't select certain fields or update them. Other times it doesn't allow me to even save. It's a mess.
That seems to be a problem with Yosemite. My rMBP also has this problem. Thanks again for another detailed post.
After two days of use I'd say it's a great notebook. I'll likely be very happy with it for years. My iPad will now be neglected (or sold).
______
Pros:
great screen
light weight
fine performance and cool operation for my simple uses
Ho Hum:
trackpad is fine but it's no big deal since I use tap-to-click
I miss the magSafe
space gray is okay but I would choose silver next time
Cons:
keyboard is pretty weird
_____
______
Pros:
great screen
light weight
fine performance and cool operation for my simple uses
Ho Hum:
trackpad is fine but it's no big deal since I use tap-to-click
I miss the magSafe
space gray is okay but I would choose silver next time
Cons:
keyboard is pretty weird
_____
It's the lack of travel that seems weird. I'll probably get used to it but moving from my desktop keyboard to my laptop will always be a noticeable change. Regardless, it's NOT a big negative; I really like the MacBook.
I have the 2015 MBPR and have played with the MBR. They house the same trackpad mechanism. Have you tired adjusting the "pressure" to Firm. It makes it a bit closer to the old style "click" its much louder. Mine came shipped with "medium" pressure.
So than what makes it so different that you don't like it? Since tap to click should feel relatively the same? Forgive me if am off, i have never used the tap to click.
After a while i just felt there was even no need for my iPad. I went with the 2015 MBPR, but it would be the same deal with the MBR. Its good for media consumption, but i have a 65" TV to watch media, why would i want to watch it on a 9" screen lol. IT was great for Facebook, and browsing the web. But after a while all that "tip tap" typing on the screen annoying the hell out of me. Of course you could get a keyboard case, but than it makes it into a makeshift cinderblock, so bulky. I just stick with my notebook, and my iPhone 6 plus. Which is basically a smaller iPad to begin with
I picked up the gold 256gb from best buy on the way to work this morning. It's beautiful and the manager at best buy when I called held one aside for me to pick up.
I'm amazed at how light it is and it's going to drown in my big ass messenger bag.
However the centurion for lack of a better term at best buy would not honor my coupon for 10 percent off. Luckily I work 1-9 and will have plenty of time to play with it tonight
I'm amazed at how light it is and it's going to drown in my big ass messenger bag.
However the centurion for lack of a better term at best buy would not honor my coupon for 10 percent off. Luckily I work 1-9 and will have plenty of time to play with it tonight
After a while i just felt there was even no need for my iPad. I went with the 2015 MBPR, but it would be the same deal with the MBR. Its good for media consumption, but i have a 65" TV to watch media, why would i want to watch it on a 9" screen lol. IT was great for Facebook, and browsing the web. But after a while all that "tip tap" typing on the screen annoying the hell out of me. Of course you could get a keyboard case, but than it makes it into a makeshift cinderblock, so bulky. I just stick with my notebook, and my iPhone 6 plus. Which is basically a smaller iPad to begin with
I pretty much feel the same way. I only use my iPad for very specific things. And even when it comes to watching movies, I prefer to do it on my Mac.
You had a movers coupon and would not honor it? That is absurd! All they have to do is physically scan it, and it does it for them. You should of said, go ahead just scan it see what it does! They don't even need to type a special code in. He must have been salty because maybe he wanted it lmao.
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That was my biggest concern deciding between keeping my 13" rMBP and jumping ship to the nMB. I have a nMP that does most of the encoding on Final Cut but I do travel with my rMBP and encode short (4-6 minute) videos every couple of months. Good to know that the nMB should be able to handle that. Thanks
I guess putting it in my ho-hum category sounds like I don't like the trackpad. I just don't see anything wonderful about it because I use tap-to-click. It works fine. (With tap-to-click, no pressure is applied. A tap is the same as a click.) Maybe I'll discover something about the extra-pressure-click that'll make it seem wonderful. I've only had it two days.
The keyboard on the MacBook, while a little strange, is 100 times better than the one which drives me crazy on my iPad. I like iPads fine as long as I don't have to type ANYTHING.