I switched back to the MacBook Air.

[febahadir]

Hi guys,
I have read this review this morning. And I am going to buy one. What do you think about this review? Do you feel the same when you are using?

I switched back to the MacBook Air

 

[andy9l]

I switched back to the MacBook Air.

If Apple made wireless keyboards with this butterfly mechanism, I would immediately buy one for my iMac. They are so much nicer to type on, in my opinion.

Plus, the Air looks very dated now, what with the huge silver bezels and non-retina display. My girlfriend uses an Air, and I use the rMB. She can't wait to change to a silver rMB.

It's completely subjective though. No-one here can tell you what you will prefer. You have to try for yourself.

Also, the fact the reviewer says the rMBP is comparably as portable to the Air and therefore rMB tells me he or she isn't really using it as an ultraportable. In that case, they should almost definitely have bought the Pro - ultimately the better performing machine.

 

[febahadir]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am thinking to choose silver rMB with the top one.

I have got a translation project. I used my MacBook Air for a while with Thunderbolt Display. Then I noticed that I was nout using my MacBook Air, not even Thunderbolt Display. Because I have another computer at my school as well.
Then I sold my MacBook Air and Thunderbolt Display, too. I'm thinking to go with this "They work together beautifully." setup.

My old setup vs. new one.

 

[andy9l]

I switched back to the MacBook Air.

You'll have a long wait for the 1.3GHz model! I'm still yet to see any tangible differences between the processors other than benchmark figures. If you're doing something that takes time on the 1.1GHz, it's still going to take time on the 1.3GHz. They're so similar due to the thermal limitations.

If you're doing something that takes a lot of time to process on the rMB, you have simply bought the wrong product for your needs - regardless of the processor.

Just as an FYI, I stopped using my iPads when I got this rMB. I don't get on with iPads though - they're too slow to do anything on, in my opinion, because iOS is too linear.

Looks like a good future setup though. Nice you can get the same colours.

 

[febahadir]

I use iPad Air 2 for gaming and my wife surfs on the net and my daughter plays games with it, too.
I have several blogs. Sometimes I need to blog at home. That's why I would like to buy rMB.
I have a crotchet on Macs that I always buy the top end one. While buying, I upgrade that's why I would like to use it for a long time. But unfortunately I see that I change my MacBook in 2-3 years time.

 

[andy9l]

Fair enough - they are good for games.

Well, to give you some feedback that should resonate with you - since buying my rMB I have redesigned and launched my own blog. The rMB was a big part of my inspiration to do that. Something I've wanted to do for months.

With regards to upgrades - it's your money and no-one here should tell you what to do with it. I'm like you - I have never bought a Mac that wasn't top, or near top, spec before...until this one.

Reason being, in my view, the rMB is destined to last two years. It's going to struggle to go any further. 200MHz isn't going to be the difference between 2 and 3 years this time. With the iMac or rMBP range, that can sometimes be the case with processor upgrades.

There's also no tangible differences between the 1.3 and 1.1, which isn't the same as upgrading to an i7 over an i5, for example, which has significant benefits for some uses like video editing.

The final nail in the coffin is the 6 week wait for the 1.3, vs. the walk-in availability in the UK for the 1.1 and 1.2 models.

Just my $0.02. Ultimately, you've done your own research, and whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love it.

 

[febahadir]

You're totally right and I agree with you. I upgrade my Air to i7 processor, 8GB ram and 512SSD. Have I used these specifications? Sure, not.

I don't do video editing and use Photoshop, either. I just use the computer writing blog, tranlations projects and surfing on the net.

One more thing, even if I buy the base model and the top model, I have to wait for 3-5 weeks for shipping here in Turkey.

Here, they comment on 1.3GHz processor speed, too:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1885980/

 

[andy9l]

You're totally right and I agree with you. I upgrade my Air to i7 processor, 8GB ram and 512SSD. Have I used these specifications? Sure, not.

I don't do video editing and use Photoshop, either. I just use the computer writing blog, tranlations projects and surfing on the net.

One more thing, even if I buy the base model and the top model, I have to wait for 3-5 weeks for shipping here in Turkey.

Here, they comment on 1.3GHz processor speed, too:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1885980/

Over-speccing (if that's a phrase?!) is fairly common, I think. It doesn't matter though – in fact, you'll only ever benefit from it!

Honestly, for your needs any one of these MacBooks would suit you. The main question you need to ask yourself is which size storage do you need – 256GB or 512GB?

I've been following that thread looking for some kind of tangible performance difference, but I'm yet to see any. That said, no-one should have to justify why they bought a given model. It's a personal choice, everyone will have their reasons – even it is "well, just because...". Just as valid as any other reason, in my opinion.

In short, if you don't really care about the money – of course get the 1.3GHz! It'll always be "better" than the 1.1GHz, even if it is hard to tell. If you'd rather spend the extra € on something to keep the wife happy, you won't be sacrificing much – if anything – in terms of performance by sticking with the 1.1 or 1.2GHz. Especially with your light usage.

 

[mac-jam]

Over-speccing (if that's a phrase?!) is fairly common, I think. It doesn't matter though – in fact, you'll only ever benefit from it!

Honestly, for your needs any one of these MacBooks would suit you. The main question you need to ask yourself is which size storage do you need – 256GB or 512GB?

I've been following that thread looking for some kind of tangible performance difference, but I'm yet to see any. That said, no-one should have to justify why they bought a given model. It's a personal choice, everyone will have their reasons – even it is "well, just because...". Just as valid as any other reason, in my opinion.

In short, if you don't really care about the money – of course get the 1.3GHz! It'll always be "better" than the 1.1GHz, even if it is hard to tell. If you'd rather spend the extra € on something to keep the wife happy, you won't be sacrificing much – if anything – in terms of performance by sticking with the 1.1 or 1.2GHz. Especially with your light usage.

Totally agree

 

[headcase]

Over-speccing (if that's a phrase?!) is fairly common, I think. It doesn't matter though – in fact, you'll only ever benefit from it!

Honestly, for your needs any one of these MacBooks would suit you. The main question you need to ask yourself is which size storage do you need – 256GB or 512GB?

I've been following that thread looking for some kind of tangible performance difference, but I'm yet to see any. That said, no-one should have to justify why they bought a given model. It's a personal choice, everyone will have their reasons – even it is "well, just because...". Just as valid as any other reason, in my opinion.

In short, if you don't really care about the money – of course get the 1.3GHz! It'll always be "better" than the 1.1GHz, even if it is hard to tell. If you'd rather spend the extra € on something to keep the wife happy, you won't be sacrificing much – if anything – in terms of performance by sticking with the 1.1 or 1.2GHz. Especially with your light usage.

I would think the more appropriate phrase that folks use these days, is "future proofing", which is why some folks have recommended that if keeping a Mac long term, maxing out the CPU isn't a bad strategy... conversely, if keeping a Mac only for one lifecycle (e.g. 12 months), then some say its a wiser investment to get a base level or even mid level, given you usually don't see the payback on the resale. But alas, I usually max mine out, regardless. ;-)

 

[doitdada]

I never spec out, especially after I got lowball offers on secondhand markets. Most people who buy on Craigslist and the like are usually looking for a good deal and want a cheap entry into the Mac world. They look at specs like they look at money, higher is better in terms of clockspeed on CPUs and memory, totally forgetting about cores, hyperthreading and Battery life.

Going back to the Air would be a giant step back for me. I've been waiting on this form factor since I bought my first laptop in 2005. Ive always hated the widescreen and the bland colors from the TN panels in the Air.

But I understand max specs if you get it through work.

 

[maflynn]

I can see people going back the MBA because they want a longer lasting battery or couldn't get used to the keyboard (or trackpad for that matter) but I think overall the MB is a better computer. I can't see going back to a MBA after using the rMB.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I can people going back the MBA because they want a longer lasting battery or couldn't get used to the keyboard (or trackpad for that matter) but I think overall the MB is a better computer. I can't see going back to a MBA after using the rMB.

I guess each has their own opinion but I see no need in going to a MB if you have a capable MBAir.

How do you think the "MB is better computer"? I guess if retina was mandatory that would be a reason but on an 11" screen?

 

[whatever77]

I have both MacBook Air and the new rMBA. I find myself going back to the Air all the time and will likely sell my rMBA. Unfortunately I was too late to authorize a return from Apple. The keyboard on the Air is superior - can't even compare (this is of course just my opinion...).

I find the screen on the rMBA too small. Also find the trackpad awkward to use. Due to the small footprint of the unit and the larger track pad my palms seems to be moving the cursor all the time.

Screen on rMBA is of course better but not that much of a difference. Of all the Apple purchases I have done (and that are plenty) this is my biggest mistake.

Performance of the rMBA is ok about the same as the Mid 2013 Air. However, I would have hoped for a better performance when buying a 2015 laptop for almost 2K. I was aware and did not expect that to be an issue but in hindsight it is..

It feels like an iPad with a keyboard.

So mine is going on eBay today...

 

[maflynn]

I guess each has their own opinion but I see no need in going to a MB if you have a capable MBAir.

How do you think the "MB is better computer"? I guess if retina was mandatory that would be a reason but on an 11" screen?

I didn't say a better computer but rather I can see them doing that because they want better battery performance or hated the keyboard, or really didn't want to deal with the USB-C stuff.

I do think the rMB is an overall better computer but I can see the MBA being a better fit for some folks.

 

[pjny]

I have a early 2011 13" MBP 2.2ghz and cannot stand a day longer carrying that device for work. It has 256gb and 115gb SSDs in it as well as 16gb RAM. It actually works very well for 4 year old machine.

I mainly process raw files using Capture 1 and Lightroom 6. Geekbench scores indictate 1.3ghz is about 16-22% improvement over the 1.1 ghz macbook 12.

http://9to5mac.com/2015/04/25/first...op-model-rivals-1-4ghz-imac-2014-macbook-air/

Anyone tested if the real world differences are noticeable between these machines? I am looking for max performance (within limits) in a light machine.

I often carry equipment that weights about 15-20 pounds and having a lighter laptop with a lighter backpack(camelback mule) can save me about 5 pounds.

PS. Where can I buy this machine without a very long wait time. Macmall is now stating 13-14 week wait.

 

[bcaslis]

I use the 1.3GHz rMB to process RAWs in Lightroom CC. It works OK for this, however if that was my primary task for the machine I'd have to say get the 2015 rMBP 13". It's lighter than your machine (by at least a pound), has the built-in SD card reader, and is faster in every way.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

...I do think the rMB is an overall better computer but I can see the MBA being a better fit for some folks.

Mike, will you be more specific why do you consider it an overall better computer (evidently despite the screen)?

 

[pjny]

Thanks. The speed of my mac 2011 is fine for most tasks. I will use the Mac 12 primarily for day to day assignments but I want it specifically for covering breaking news assignments or assignments where I have to walk long distances such as a parade or protest.

I mainly edit down and caption select images using Photomechanic 5 and process them using LR or Capture One 8. Usually in batches of 8-10 images.

Have you noticed any sluggish behavior with 1.3ghz such as app switching etc? I switched from 8gb to 16gb RAM on my 2011 and I believe it helped out a lot when I have a bunch of apps open.

I use the 1.3GHz rMB to process RAWs in Lightroom CC. It works OK for this, however if that was my primary task for the machine I'd have to say get the 2015 rMBP 13". It's lighter than your machine (by at least a pound), has the built-in SD card reader, and is faster in every way.

 

[bcaslis]

I haven't seen any issues switching between apps, but I'm sure you could overwhelm it if you wanted to. Having Lightroom, Safari, Mail, Tweetbot, Activity Monitor running at the same time is no problem.

 

[andy9l]

I switched back to the MacBook Air.

Have you noticed any sluggish behavior with 1.3ghz such as app switching etc? I switched from 8gb to 16gb RAM on my 2011 and I believe it helped out a lot when I have a bunch of apps open.

This is important.

If your usage demands more than 8GB of RAM, then this MacBook is an absolute no-go for you. Don't even consider it, because it'll only go from slow to slower as apps and the OS get more demanding.

Work out how much RAM you need here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1756865/

Honestly, it does sound as though the rMBP is better suited to your needs.

 

[febahadir]

this is important.

If your usage demands more than 8gb of ram, then this macbook is an absolute no-go for you. Don't even consider it, because it'll only go from slow to slower as apps and the os get more demanding.

Work out how much ram you need here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1756865/

honestly, it does sound as though the rmbp is better suited to your needs.

+1