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That was my point. But what the OP actually wanted was the 256GB for $1,199 instead of $1,399. Just the usual “too expensive” complaint we’ve heard millions of times over the last 35 years. Might as well complain the iPhone XS should be $799 or the XR should be $549.

To also point out, too expensive for some,not for others... No point in a plain "blanket" approach either...
 
I honestly don't understand the constant bellyaching by "media types" about the butterfly keyboard, as well as the "get rid of the Touch Bar" sentiment. I have a 2016 MBP with Touch Bar. I really like the keyboard, I've not had a single problem with it. Also the Touch Bar is absolutely a productivity increaser. I use it for practically everything I do and absolutely love it.

But, but, you are not complaining about Apple product. You probably do not belong to this whining forum :)
 
OK. Almost one week with my maxed out MBA. Compared to what I have been using since mid-2011, I am impressed. The smaller footprint is a plus since I travel worldwide. Battery life will get me through a 12 hour flight to Asia, which is why I got the MBA in the first place. And since I had been waiting a long time for a decent storage solution, having 1.5 TB is a plus (although a hit on the wallet). As for the keyboard; sure, I am getting used to the butterfly mechanism but this is not a show stopper. Retina display is great, although I am a little disappointed the brightness isn't as good as my prior version. All in all, this was a good upgrade for my needs. Hope many more have the same.
 
OK. Almost one week with my maxed out MBA. Compared to what I have been using since mid-2011, I am impressed. The smaller footprint is a plus since I travel worldwide. Battery life will get me through a 12 hour flight to Asia, which is why I got the MBA in the first place. And since I had been waiting a long time for a decent storage solution, having 1.5 TB is a plus (although a hit on the wallet). As for the keyboard; sure, I am getting used to the butterfly mechanism but this is not a show stopper. Retina display is great, although I am a little disappointed the brightness isn't as good as my prior version. All in all, this was a good upgrade for my needs. Hope many more have the same.

Good luck getting 12 hours. I get 6 on mine and I’m returning it.
 
With Apple's need for high profit margin it might be wishful thinking. The MacBook pricing has been $1300 from the beginning. The only explanation for that price has been the 256GB storage. Three years later and it's still priced at $1300. Basically the MacBook doesn't make sense to me at that price point, that's why I think Apple should have revamped it with 128GB storage, priced it at $999 and discontinued the Air.

I would challenge the statement that Apple commands unusually “high margins.” I work with retailers and they all typically require 50% plus gross margins and after cost of selling and other expenses, they net 20-30% at best. If you look at the cost of an iPhone, for example, which is typically quoted as cost of components only (less production and logistics costs) and consider the same margin requirements, it all looks very reasonable. Add to it the fact that Apple has a considerably higher R&D cost versus a typical retailer and that equation looks even more reasonable, especially considering Apple is a premium brand.

Add the value add of software with free upgrades, bundled productivity suite, cloud services and cross-device integration (all require cloud services, which cost money) and Apple’s margins look even more reasonable still.
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But why does it still have a headphone jack?

Exactly. I remember watching Phil attempt to sell everyone on iPhone 7 without the jack by saying “this is an obsolete, inferior technology.” Well, if that’s the case, then why do you insist on putting it into your brand new computers three years later?

We all know the truth... it had to go because of waterproofing and space requirement for the hectic engine, but selling it this way would come across as compromise, not progress... and Apple could not frame it this way.
 
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We all know the truth... it had to go because of waterproofing and space requirement for the hectic engine, but selling it this way would come across as compromise, not progress... and Apple could not frame it this way.
Nonsense, making good compromises is what makes an Apple product apple-like.
 
I just picked up the new MacBook Air to replace my existing travel laptop, the Early 2015 MacBook. I was debating between getting the entry Pro or the Air and decided to give up some performance in return for convenience, mainly Touch ID and slightly smaller/lighter footprint. They are priced about the same.

I like the new Air. It's really a great, mainstream machine. Seems like a competent device that is decisively middle of the road in all aspects. I really like the screen size when compared to the 12" MacBook. I like having a little bit more real estate and think it will translate to better productive and less strain on my eyes.

The keyboard feels similar to the Macbook, but somehow more refined. I personally really like the new keyboard and did from day one, even the first generation. The short travel takes a little time to getting used to, but otherwise it's fine.
 
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I honestly don't understand the constant bellyaching by "media types" about the butterfly keyboard, as well as the "get rid of the Touch Bar" sentiment. I have a 2016 MBP with Touch Bar. I really like the keyboard, I've not had a single problem with it. Also the Touch Bar is absolutely a productivity increaser. I use it for practically everything I do and absolutely love it.
I love it too, I believe I type faster on it and find it requires less effort. I also find the clickyness good, it means I know when I have touched a key. Using any plasticky nightmarish windows laptop and chunky greasy awful keyboard makes me happy every day that I spent a few hundred more on a mbpntb 2017.
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Are you serious? I tried it, the keyboard is awful, plus even for those who like the keyboard, it is going to go serious long term harm to your finger and hand joints. I actually bought a used but as new condition 2017 MB Air yesterday to get a decent keyboard because I was so saddened at Apple's choice to stick with the low travel keyboard.
Why is it going to do harm? It requires less of a push so a softer touch, I do not need to extend anything more than my finger and I can type without any wrist movement.
 
I love it too, I believe I type faster on it and find it requires less effort. I also find the clickyness good, it means I know when I have touched a key. Using any plasticky nightmarish windows laptop and chunky greasy awful keyboard makes me happy every day that I spent a few hundred more on a mbpntb 2017.
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Why is it going to do harm? It requires less of a push so a softer touch, I do not need to extend anything more than my finger and I can type without any wrist movement.

I agree and I've been thinking about it yesterday. Why do I like the new keyboard and feel that I am able to type faster on it? I decided to do a trial. I tested speed and accuracy using the latest iMac keyboard, which has a shallower travel already as compared to more traditional desktop keyboards, and then tried with the new Air.

The results?

2017 iMac - 73 average words per minute at 99% accuracy
2018 MacBook Air - 74 average words per minute at 100% accuracy.

Both are pretty close, but I made virtually no mistakes on the Air and I think it's because the keys are slightly larger. You simply hit the target more often. Autocorrect could also play a role, so it's hard to tell. Typing on the MacBook is louder and more "clicky," but not distracting at all. I honestly don't understand what the fuss is about.
 
Honestly, this was always my dream. A several terabyte iPhone that could be an excellent phone and a full desktop at home.
I have mailed tim cook several times in the past few yrs and some things have appeared that point to apple taking this direction but when i look at the other product line it seems they are hell bound on people using both iPhone a macbook and a iPad. Apple is mostly looking at sales number for devices which is sad. If it were Steve he would have made devices that competed with its own sales. Steve always set a benchmark for products that competed with its own lineup such that Apple always stayed ahead and never had to rely on competition from outside. Tim seems to be failing on that front.
 
I'm reading through this tread on my new MBA, and I think we all have to put things into perspective. We are at a glorious time for technology. We carry powerful computers in our pockets. We have internet access everywhere. We have iPads, which serve as a primary home computer for many. And we have Macs. There is a Mac for every kind of user. I am not a programmer, video editor, or artist. The MBA is perfect for my needs. It's not going to be for everyone. A pro should get a MacBook Pro. I am a CPA and must use a Windows machine for work. For my home computing needs, the MBA is perfect. It's going to be the best selling Mac because of its size, display, form factor and Touch ID. And it is plenty fast for anything I need it for.
 
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