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How likely is the rumoured 2018 refresh of the Macbook Air?
- Thread starter TomOSeven
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If I was Apple, I would simplify things a bit. Let the MacBook Pro be the line for POWER users, the MacBook be for mainstream entry level users, and the Air be the cheapest, more legacy line.
So something like this :
MacBook Air : 13", new processors, 128GB/8GB, all the ports. $899
MacBook 12" : new processors,2 usb c ports, 128GB/8GB. $999
MacBook 13" : new processors, 2 usb c ports, 128GB/8GB, $1099
Keep the Pro line as is, just update it with new processors and tech. Wouldnt mind if they dropped prices, and removed the non-TB version as well.
Although this is what I would do, I wouldnt be surprised if Apple did something like this though.
So something like this :
MacBook Air : 13", new processors, 128GB/8GB, all the ports. $899
MacBook 12" : new processors,2 usb c ports, 128GB/8GB. $999
MacBook 13" : new processors, 2 usb c ports, 128GB/8GB, $1099
Keep the Pro line as is, just update it with new processors and tech. Wouldnt mind if they dropped prices, and removed the non-TB version as well.
Although this is what I would do, I wouldnt be surprised if Apple did something like this though.
I've said this before, but it makes absolutely zero sense to me that they've kept the MacBook Air branded with the 'Air' when they have a regular MacBook that is actually thinner.
If they are planning on keeping the body/style of the current MacBook Air, they need to drop the Air from the name. Maybe do an iPhone SE type of thing where they keep the body essentially the same but do some internal upgrades, retina screen, etc. Maybe a "MacBook SE" Honestly though, I think they would just release a 13 or 14 inch MacBook instead.
I went from a 2010 Air to a 2016 MacBook Pro without Touch Bar. It's actually thinner than the air was, more powerful, better screen, etc. but it was probably overkill for me. I do think Apple needs something in the 13.3-14 inch size that's not a pro. I think that's the only reason they've held on to the Air so long so I am curious to see how they proceed.
If they are planning on keeping the body/style of the current MacBook Air, they need to drop the Air from the name. Maybe do an iPhone SE type of thing where they keep the body essentially the same but do some internal upgrades, retina screen, etc. Maybe a "MacBook SE" Honestly though, I think they would just release a 13 or 14 inch MacBook instead.
I went from a 2010 Air to a 2016 MacBook Pro without Touch Bar. It's actually thinner than the air was, more powerful, better screen, etc. but it was probably overkill for me. I do think Apple needs something in the 13.3-14 inch size that's not a pro. I think that's the only reason they've held on to the Air so long so I am curious to see how they proceed.
The screen on the air is abysmal by today's standards and is only debatable by people who have never used an air and other options with the Retina display. I just purchased a new air though because I needed a portable option to take to and from the office as opposed to a desktop. I have a 5k iMac at home and an iPad Pro that tried to use in place of a laptop but it just couldn't get the job done fully. With the air I have all the horsepower I need and I use it clamshell mode connected to an Asus 4k panel with wireless mouse and keyboard. A perfect marriage of function and value for me and I bought it for under $600. A brand new 13" Air for that price is not even a question. A massive bargain imho and if I do ever need to use the TN display it is usable but alas I am spoiled by retina and 4-5k beauty lol.
I'm thinking of buying a new Mac but I'm confused. I'm waiting for WDCC. I have a budget around $1000, and I have moderate needs. Browsing, some coding, music, some editing etc. I dont need a MBP, so right now its a toss up between a Air and a 12'' MacBook. While the MacBook lacks ports and is expensive, the Air has a mediocre display.
Sigh. Hopefully they have a proper entry level all purpose laptop this summer like the Air was ~2013.
Sigh. Hopefully they have a proper entry level all purpose laptop this summer like the Air was ~2013.
What I dont get is people ask for a retina MacBook Air...but isnt the regular 13inch MBP exactly that? Its the same weight, similar specs with a retina display.
We were at our local Apple Store yesterday evening buying the 2018 iPad + Pencil. While we were getting basic Pencil tips at the setup table, a mid-30-ish couple sat down across from us to get their first ever Mac setup—a shiny new MacBook Air. All I could is smile and say, "Best laptop Apple ever made. Great choice." I was so happy for them, and a little bit jealous.
For what it's worth, the 13 inch MBP was exactly that for me, that's why I went from my air to it. Though if there had been a 13 inch, retina, cheaper option with maybe not as powerful internals.... that's what I would have gotten. Essentially I wanted the retina screen but didn't really need it to be all too fancy otherwise.
People expect way too much. Here's what I think will happen:
- Same Air chassis with a little processor bump, no retina, for 100$ less
- Kill the Air. Replace with MacBook with the SAME high prices as before.
- Same Air chassis with a little processor bump, no retina, for 100$ less
- Kill the Air. Replace with MacBook with the SAME high prices as before.
Wait arent those two contradictory? How can you keep the same Air laptop, and kill it too?
The 12" MacBook can easily be sold at $999 while dropping the Air out of the lineup. Customers will adapt to the lack of ports.
They need a larger MacBook in that case.
My main issue with the rMB as the new MBA is that 12" is just too small.
Love to have light, thin, sexy, super minimal - but need a bit more screen
Apple doesn’t need another $999 MacBook. They need a $799 one. Mac sales have been stagnant for the past decade. They need a device like the $329 iPad in the MacBook lineup.
Can't stand my topped out MacBook Pro (company bought it), and prefer my 2012 Air...other than the 4GB RAM in my Air that slows some things down on occasion. If a new Air doesn't show up by fall, I'm buying a refurbed 2017 edition. With 8GB of RAM. I personally think that is still a good buy for what I do.
Depending upon where you live and when you'll be buying it, I suggest waiting for a Best Buy sale on them. Their sale prices on new ones are usually BELOW the price of Apple's refurbs.
the Air is running at 900P, while the 12" is a 1600p Retina screen. How the hell does size play a factor when you get more Pixels on the 12?" You can scale the 12" to look sharper with as much workspace.
It sounds like you might be conflating pixel density, screen resolution, and screen size. That's not surprising. Many people do.
Apple could have brought out an air replacement many years ago but I believe they didn't because they don't have to. There are many fans of the current MacBook air, Apple is making lots of money, and the air still seems to be a very popular model.
I admit that a retina screen on an air would be an awesome feature but I can certainly live with its current screen resolution.
I admit that a retina screen on an air would be an awesome feature but I can certainly live with its current screen resolution.
1) The current MBP machines are HORRIBLE due to the bad keyboards. They are being sued over it. All THREE of my MacBook pro's ended up with bad keyboards.
2) The screen on the MBA is perfectly fine. Yes, a retina screen is better, but it's not like the MBA screen has suddenly been made worse. It's a perfectly reasonable display.
3) If Apple drops the MBA and has no machines with keyboards that can be trusted they will lose money. The MBA remains very popular.
Rob
2) The screen on the MBA is perfectly fine. Yes, a retina screen is better, but it's not like the MBA screen has suddenly been made worse. It's a perfectly reasonable display.
3) If Apple drops the MBA and has no machines with keyboards that can be trusted they will lose money. The MBA remains very popular.
Rob
I personally think there should be a branding shuffle. The present MacBook should be rebranded as the Air, designating the most portable and lightest MacBook, and remain at it's current price point.
And a new MacBook should be introduced thats thicker, less premium, maybe made from polycarbonate or aluminium on the outer shell while the inside is something else.
And a new MacBook should be introduced thats thicker, less premium, maybe made from polycarbonate or aluminium on the outer shell while the inside is something else.
If you look at the current products you'll notice that the Air and Mini of every products are either discontinued or have not been updated in quite a while. It seems that they are simplifying the naming convention to X and X Pro.
I suppose that is true, though i do feel Apple need some form of entry level device. Though, i suppose you can consider iPad's that if you are really cynical. I'm very much leaning towards getting a Dell these days.
I am retired, but still spend some time working on the family real estate business. To get out of the house and review emails, update spreadsheets etc., I frequently go to a local independent coffee shop that is popular with students and remote working professionals. Without a doubt, the MBA is the most common device used. It is just such a great reliable and affordable computer.
The MBA could easily be updated with a newer processor and maybe a 1080p IPS screen, while maintaining its beloved form factor. Apple might also consider replacing one of the ports with USB C. This would be an excellent laptop that would probably continue to be one of Apple’s best sellers for years to come. I would keep the highly recognizable “Air” branding: it is still a very portable laptop that is “light” on the pocketbook.
Do I think Apple will make some updates to the Air and keep it in their lineup? Nope! Right now, Jony Ive is probably obsessing over which shade of rose gold to use with the latest wafer thin laptop sporting a keyboard that fails catastrophically from a tiny speck of dust and requires a $700 bottom case replacement to temporarily fix. Apple’s design and development team has no time to waste making sensible improvements to their most popular and reliable workhorse laptop. Not when there are laptop color schemes to admire.....and new emoji to create.
The MBA could easily be updated with a newer processor and maybe a 1080p IPS screen, while maintaining its beloved form factor. Apple might also consider replacing one of the ports with USB C. This would be an excellent laptop that would probably continue to be one of Apple’s best sellers for years to come. I would keep the highly recognizable “Air” branding: it is still a very portable laptop that is “light” on the pocketbook.
Do I think Apple will make some updates to the Air and keep it in their lineup? Nope! Right now, Jony Ive is probably obsessing over which shade of rose gold to use with the latest wafer thin laptop sporting a keyboard that fails catastrophically from a tiny speck of dust and requires a $700 bottom case replacement to temporarily fix. Apple’s design and development team has no time to waste making sensible improvements to their most popular and reliable workhorse laptop. Not when there are laptop color schemes to admire.....and new emoji to create.
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iMO the above mentioned would be a winning upgrade for the MBA in it's present form factor. Upgrading the thunderbolt 2 to 3 would also make sense, but would probably compete with the MBP line too much.
Contrary to many opinions of wishing for a retina upgrade for the MBA, I do not wish for the MBA to have a coated bezel-less laminated screen, which I consider a downgrade compared to the bezeled screen that is much more robust in the field. An IPS upgrade in that respect would be perfect with a slighter higher resolution.
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