Hands-On With the New $999 MacBook Air

[Chrjy]

I had a butterfly MacBook Pro 2017 for a couple of years and it worked well up until the end of 2019 when a couple of the keys started to randomly stick or not respond. I took it into Apple for repair and it took about 10 days to be fixed. They ended up having to replace the battery (which is normal apparently when they change the keyboard on those machines) and the finger print sensor which they accidentally broke whilst fixing which is attached to the logic board so they needed to replace that as well!

Whilst I was in the Apple Store I made the fatal decision of looking at the 16" MBP and ended up buying one!
I LOVE the new 16" - it reminds me of my old 2015 model which was one of my favourite Apple machines (been using Apple products since 1989), everything about it is just great.

I now realise just how bad the butterly keyboard was, it's funny what you get used to but as soon as I started typing on the 16", I realised what I had been missing. So I'm sure this new MacBook Air will be great as well based on my experience of the 16".

I have now hooked up my 2017 MBP to an external monitor with the lid shut and essentially use it like a desktop when needed.

 

[Lancer]

Nice little laptop but the one issue here in AU is the price. Might be $999 in the US but here in Australia the base model is $1599, the better i7 one is $1999!

 

[russell_314]

Nice little laptop but the one issue here in AU is the price. Might be $999 in the US but here in Australia the base model is $1599, the better i7 one is $1999!

Probably due to currency conversions and tariffs.
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I would definitely say this is the go to Mac laptop for non pro users. If you're editing 4K video or something like that this isn't the laptop for you. it's more than powerful enough for it's intended use of office work and would make a great computer for a college student. I'm glad Apple decided to lower the price of the base model by keeping costs down.

 

[Rocko99991]

Comes with free peeling anti-reflective coating.

 

[AllenAmini]

Question for the techies here: will a cooling mat offer assistance to prevent overheating and thermal throttling? I’m not a power user, but I ask as I typically just use my current 2012 MacBook Pro on a desk.

 

[code-m]

I would definitely say this is the go to Mac laptop for non pro users. If you're editing 4K video or something like that this isn't the laptop for you. it's more than powerful enough for it's intended use of office work and would make a great computer for a college student. I'm glad Apple decided to lower the price of the base model by keeping costs down.

Where do posters come up with this nonsense about not being able to edit 4K videos on a MBA? Seriously it can be done, if you are editing 4K videos or clips for YouTube (many users) this machine will do the job fine even editing large hi-res image files. Just stop this misinformation nobody working in a professional setting production studio is considering an Ultrabook to edit main 4K videos, for even these clip edits it will be fine.

MR posters act and advise that people here working in production houses are looking at the MBA to do all their feature length 4K edits or editing even a few timelines of 4K video will blow this MBA into flames. Get real it will be fine it may just run hot due to Apple’s poor thermal design choice but whatever that is Apple’s problem.

FYI I have edited 4K clips and large photoshop files on previous gen MBA with no problems the overreaction on these forums is comical.
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Question for the techies here: will a cooling mat offer assistance to prevent overheating and thermal throttling? I’m not a power user, but I ask as I typically just use my current 2012 MacBook Pro on a desk.

Sadly I was looking at these 2020 MBA until I read the portion of the poor thermal design, oh well here is hoping Apple comes to their senses sooner rather than later.

 

[profH]

I have been using the new keyboard on the 16" since it came out after 3 replacements of the butterfly. I put my laptops through a lot and in particular eat around them while I work. The keyboard is fantastic. Presuming its the same on the MBA, there is no question in my mind that it is a return to form when it comes to long term reliability for normal people who use their machines and do not keep them hermetically sealed.

 

[SDJim]

The MacBook Air still features just two Thunderbolt 3 ports, but 6K displays are now supported, so it works with Apple's Pro Display XDR if you feel like getting a $5,000 display to go with your $999 machine.

Cheeky.

On a separate note, I really wish you had tested the mid-tier, i5 model, since it has by far the best value proposition and will surely be the volume configuration. It would likely be a great replacement for my 2015 MBP for daily use since I don't need it for work anymore. The i3, though? Best for a browser-heavy workflow, I'm sure. Plus, for only $299 more, you get a potential workhorse with twice the storage and twice the processing power. I'll be going elsewhere to find a review of the i5, I suppose.

 

[Zdigital2015]

At first I liked the Butterfly keyboard as well, but after typing on it for long periods I began to hate it, and now use my 2015 MBP 15" more then my 2017 15" due to that.

There’s just something unnecessarily fatiguing to me about the keys needing to be hit very precisely at speed and the total lack of just a bit tactile bounce that I get with the 2015 and my Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. The 2015 is too wobbly for me, but I never felt fatigued. It was a nice attempt and I understand why they wanted to do it, but it just ended up begging a bit of a waste of effort for a problem that is essentially solved. Now, I do love how thin my 2016 15” MacBook Pro is, but I really cannot say that typing on it is a delight, because it isn’t. It also isn’t the worst keyboard I’ve ever used, either.

Basically,Apple needs to suck up the extra .5mm and provide the best keyboarding experience they can...there are certainly other innovations in the MacBook Pro that can be made, like a 1080p webcam in that crazy thin lid, or world class cooling to really make the MBP zing along, or better battery life, Face ID,Taptic feedback in the Touch Bar, et al.

 

[AlexJaye]

these keyboards are terrible, they need to stop.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

If my 2013 i7 8GB 256GB MBA stopped working I’d buy this new one immediately. The MBA is such a nice laptop and I’d love to have a retina screen. Wouldn’t like losing some oft used ports but that’s just the future with Thunderbolt3 and USB-C.

If you like the new on that much, then instead of waiting for the old one to die, why don't you get the new one and sell the old one while it's still working?

 

[MICHAELSD]

Should I replace my 2012 15” Retina MacBook Pro with a MacBook Air? I’m ready for a change, but the performance is about on par with the Core i5 MacBook Air. Really the only reason I would be upgrading (and I use that term loosely) is for a better display and the 512GB SSD, and to start fresh with a new computer which should hopefully spark some creativity.

I would prefer the new iPad Pro but its lack of pro apps is disappointing to say the least.

 

[code-m]

Cheeky.

On a separate note, I really wish you had tested the mid-tier, i5 model, since it has by far the best value proposition and will surely be the volume configuration. It would likely be a great replacement for my 2015 MBP for daily use since I don't need it for work anymore. The i3, though? Best for a browser-heavy workflow, I'm sure. Plus, for only $299 more, you get a potential workhorse with twice the storage and twice the processing power. I'll be going elsewhere to find a review of the i5, I suppose.

The issue is the potential poor thermal design that may restrict the i5 or i7 from performing to its full potential.

 

[Westside guy]

Should I replace my 2012 15” Retina MacBook Pro with a MacBook Air? I’m ready for a change, ...

Does anything about your current laptop ever feel like it's hindering you? If yes, then update. If not, then don't. My laptop admittedly is somewhat newer than yours - a 2015 13" MacBook Pro - but I can't say it ever "gets in my way" or even feels slow.

Interestingly, we have a couple of the 2017 MBPs at work. Even setting aside my hate for the keyboard, they've never felt faster than what I have now. Frankly they sometimes seemed slower, which is perplexing.

 

[locovaca]

Do we know what the model of i7 these have? Wonder how much of an upgrade this would be over my 2014 13” mbp.

 

[mclaugaa]

Being tempted to spend that stimulus money on one of these with an i5 and upgrade my 2016 mbp. Would love to dump the Touch Bar, don’t mind the keyboard but scissor would be an upgrade.

 

[dogslobber]

256GB SSD MBA for under a grand. Just imagine I told you that would happen 10 years ago. I bet you would have laughed at me and kept your social distance.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Does anything about your current laptop ever feel like it's hindering you? If yes, then update. If not, then don't. My laptop admittedly is somewhat newer than yours - a 2015 13" MacBook Pro - but I can't say it ever "gets in my way" or even feels slow.

Interestingly, we have a couple of the 2017 MBPs at work. Even setting aside my hate for the keyboard, they've never felt faster than what I have now. Frankly they sometimes seemed slower, which is perplexing.

Other than a lack of storage, which I could solve by formatting my 256GB SSD and starting fresh, no. It is impressive that a 2012 MacBook Pro keeps up with the performance of a 2020 MacBook Air. Consumers are definitely getting their value with the Pro lineup since it has the potential to remain modern for about a decade.

Still, I would like a change. There are downsides to moving to a MacBook Air, such as losing all of the ports on my Pro and trading a solid keyboard for a keyboard that’s potentially not as good. I end up with about the same level of performance even if I do like the svelte design.

Ideally, I would prefer an iPad Pro since I feel like that’s inevitably where I’m heading but there still aren’t enough pro apps available for it. In that case I would keep my MBP until I feel I no longer need it, especially since the current trade-in value is $270. (Which is fair, I could only net about $400 on eBay even though it’s in mint condition.)

 

[B4U]

Am I the only one that can't seem to like the 1mm travel of the keys?

 

[MICHAELSD]

Am I the only one that can't seem to like the 1mm travel of the keys?

Not sure, there’s understandably nowhere to try the new MacBook Air in person.

It’s a little ironic that Apple released two new products that are making me consider replacing my 2012 Retina MacBook Pro for the first time in years at a time when consumers aren’t able to test them out before purchase. Even once stores reopen I don’t think consumers will have a desire to use store demos.

 

[ctjack]

making me consider replacing my 2012 Retina MacBook Pro

Cheers! I've got same also. Which one interested you? 16 and new air? Do you think it will be worth to upgrade for air instead of 2020 MBP when it comes?

 

[Westside guy]

Still, I would like a change. There are downsides to moving to a MacBook Air, such as losing all of the ports on my Pro and trading a solid keyboard for a keyboard that’s potentially not as good. I end up with about the same level of performance even if I do like the svelte design.

I'm not meaning to argue at all. There's absolutely nothing wrong with just wanting something new, especially after eight years. It is unfortunate that upgrading to any modern Mac laptop means losing "all the ports", regardless of model.

For what little this unsolicited comment is worth... if it were me and I were in the mood to upgrade, even after they release a new 13" MacBook Pro I'd probably still go for the Air. You're gonna need dongles either way, and I still remember how much I loved the slim profile and light weight (and amazing battery life!) of my late 2008 Air. But then I'm a coder and sysadmin, not a graphics designer - some other folks with other priorities would decide against the lower power CPU.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Cheers! I've got same also. Which one interested you? 16 and new air? Do you think it will be worth to upgrade for air instead of 2020 MBP when it comes?

Everyone’s needs are different. I don’t use my Mac enough (my iPhone has become my main computer) to justify buying a 16” MacBook Pro. There also hasn’t been a compelling reason for me to upgrade since they added the Retina Display in 2012.

That being said the performance and display quality of the 2012 rMBP are still perfectly adequate, which is a testament to how much value prosumers are truly getting with the MacBook Pro lineup. I spent ~ $1900 eight years ago and still have a computer that feels high-end and modern.

As tempting as it is to replace my rMBP I’m not sure that now is the time unless an upgrade becomes absolutely necessary. Apple may be switching to their in-house ARM processors next year, which will provide much better performance. Then there’s also the iPad Pro, which I feel will end up replacing the Mac for me in a few years once it has a full suite of professional applications.

 

[kreasonos]

Alongside new iPad Pros last week, Apple also refreshed the MacBook Air, adding more storage, faster 10th-generation processors, and an updated keyboard. We picked up one of the new machines to take a look at some of the upgrades added in the 2020 update.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Design wise, there are no real external changes to the MacBook Air's body, though to accommodate the new keyboard, it's just a bit thicker. It's 0.63 inches thick at its thickest point, up from 0.61 inches.

It still comes in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold, and it uses the same Retina display that was first introduced in the 2018 MacBook Air redesign. Most of what's new is internal, but there is an all-new Magic Keyboard with scissor switches, which is the same keyboard added to the 16-inch MacBook Pro released last October.

Scissor switches are more reliable than butterfly switches and aren't prone to the same failure due to dust and other small particulates. In fact, scissor switch keyboards were used in MacBooks prior to the 2015 and 2016 MacBook and MacBook Pro refreshes that brought us the butterfly keyboard, so Apple is returning to an old favorite.

The new keyboard feels nice with its 1mm travel, but the keys are a bit softer, quieter, and mushier, so for some, it's not going to be as satisfying of a typing experience as the butterfly keyboard, but most people will appreciate the change and the reliability improvements.

There are inverted T arrow keys to make it easier to find them by feel, plus the keys have the same backlighting as the 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Next to the function keys, there's a Touch ID fingerprint sensor for unlocking the Mac with a finger.

The MacBook Air still features just two Thunderbolt 3 ports, but 6K displays are now supported, so it works with Apple's Pro Display XDR if you feel like getting a $5,000 display to go with your $999 machine.

The rest of the changes to the MacBook Air are internal. It uses Intel's 10th-generation chips, maxing out at a quad-core Core i7 option that Apple says doubles CPU performance compared to the previous-generation MacBook Air models.

That Core i7 chip is a high-end upgrade, though, and the base model that we have on hand features a 1.1GHz dual-core 10th-generation Core i3 processor, and performance gains are a lot more modest.

GPU performance with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics is up to 80 percent faster than GPU performance with the previous Intel UHD Graphics 617, which is a bigger jump for the base model.

Apple also boosted the storage, so the MacBook Air now supports up to 2TB storage space and the base model comes with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB of storage, which is a great deal given the new lower $999 starting price. Entry-level machines still come with 8GB RAM, though, and the 16GB upgrade is $200.

With the price drop, storage upgrade, GPU refresh, and new chips, the 2020 MacBook Air is a great entry-level machine ideal for people who need something for office work, web browsing, content consumption, light photo editing, and similar tasks that don't require the power of the MacBook Pro.

For most consumers, the entry-level 2020 MacBook Air is more than adequate, and for a few hundred dollars, it can be futureproofed with some boosted CPU speed and additional RAM.

What do you think of the 2020 MacBook Air refresh? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Hands-On With the New $999 MacBook Air

I wanted the i3 version, then I saw my iPhone 8 has a higher geek bench score.

 

[acorntoy]

Interesting the MR dude prefers butterfly to these new keyboards, reliability aside

I do too. By 3rd gen butterfly was wonderful.