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Just bought the new 2016 MacBook - questions...

N

NICKXXXXXX

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 9, 2014
215
29
Finally got my iMac sold and bought this instead! Getting it on Wednesday. I also bought a usb c to lightning because you never know if I might need it.

Anyways I have questions about the performance. I might regret the purchase if it can't fulfill these things... Then I'll have to go a month without computer though til they release the new MacBook pros...

What I'm wondering first is if it will be able to play large 1080p files (around 30gb mkv) without any problems?

Will it be able to AirPlay to Apple TV without massive hickups?

Will it be able to play 4K videos on YouTube without lagging?

Otherwise I'll only use the computer to surf the web basically. Shows and movies my thought is to stream to the apple tv
 
I want to change my 2012 imac 21 inch also...
I find it slower than my 2015 rMB before i return it last year..
 
NICKXXXXXX said:
Finally got my iMac sold and bought this instead! Getting it on Wednesday. I also bought a usb c to lightning because you never know if I might need it.

Anyways I have questions about the performance. I might regret the purchase if it can't fulfill these things... Then I'll have to go a month without computer though til they release the new MacBook pros...

What I'm wondering first is if it will be able to play large 1080p files (around 30gb mkv) without any problems?

Will it be able to AirPlay to Apple TV without massive hickups?

Will it be able to play 4K videos on YouTube without lagging?

Otherwise I'll only use the computer to surf the web basically. Shows and movies my thought is to stream to the apple tv
Click to expand...

Honestly speaking I think you guys are really underrating the rMB. Questions like whether it handles 1080p MKV files makes me wonder if you guys had a computer during these last 6 years. My 2010 MBA which is almost 6 years old handles 1080p MKV no problem.

The 2015 rMB when I tried it on the Apple Store was able to digest every single 4k video from either YouTube or downloaded MKV H.265.

You can't believe how much power this little thing has got in it.
 
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asoksevil said:
Honestly speaking I think you guys are really underrating the rMB. Questions like whether it handles 1080p MKV files makes me wonder if you guys had a computer during these last 6 years. My 2010 MBA which is almost 6 years old handles 1080p MKV no problem.

The 2015 rMB when I tried it on the Apple Store was able to digest every single 4k video from either YouTube or downloaded MKV H.265.

You can't believe how much power this little thing has got in it.
Click to expand...
It's just that people makes it seem like it's underpowered
 
NICKXXXXXX said:
It's just that people makes it seem like it's underpowered
Click to expand...

It's not "people". It breaks down into two factions:

1. Review Bloggers. They want to say the most bombastic anti-Apple things possible as it drives clickstream revenue through banner ads on videos and websites.

2. MacBook Air Dreamers. They view the RMB as a disappointing MacBook Air 2.0 instead of a breakthrough portable because Apple hasn't updated the Air in forever and they project their dreams and subsequent disappointment on the wrong device.

If you understand the mission of the RMB and if that mission fits your use-case, it's a brilliant device. If you are okay with sacrificing performance you don't use in order to get the lightest/slimmest notebook alive, it's nothing but win. For years, manufacturers have made notebooks into Swiss Army knives, making something to cover the most serious user and forcing the rest of us to go along for the ride. I spent 25 years dragging around VGA ports, USB ports, SD card slots, big processors, loud fans, and heavy batteries because 2% of the world actually uses all that stuff and it was safer to shove all those things on there instead of alienating a fraction of the userbase. Well, Apple got brave, created a notebook for the casual user, created a notebook for the rest of us, and it's fantastic. 98% of the planet never comes close to stressing their processors or uses these ancient legacy ports and it's high time some notebook manufacturer had the courage to get rid of all the stuff.

Everything the naysayers condemn the RMB for is actually why it's owners love it so much. We don't mind the SD camera because we use our iPad's for that. We don't want 20 year old SD card slots because we use our iPhone's for that. We don't need USB ports because we use Dropbox for that. We don't need spacious keyboards because our companies provide a computer for that. We don't need speedy processors because they require heavy batteries and loud fans for that. We care about size. That's it. That's all it's about.

BJ
 
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boltjames said:
It's not "people". It breaks down into two factions:

1. Review Bloggers. They want to say the most bombastic anti-Apple things possible as it drives clickstream revenue through banner ads on videos and websites.

2. MacBook Air Dreamers. They view the RMB as a disappointing MacBook Air 2.0 instead of a breakthrough portable because Apple hasn't updated the Air in forever and they project their dreams and subsequent disappointment on the wrong device.

If you understand the mission of the RMB and if that mission fits your use-case, it's a brilliant device. If you are okay with sacrificing performance you don't use in order to get the lightest/slimmest notebook alive, it's nothing but win. For years, manufacturers have made notebooks into Swiss Army knives, making something to cover the most serious user and forcing the rest of us to go along for the ride. I spent 25 years dragging around VGA ports, USB ports, SD card slots, big processors, loud fans, and heavy batteries because 2% of the world actually uses all that stuff and it was safer to shove all those things on there instead of alienating a fraction of the userbase. Well, Apple got brave, created a notebook for the casual user, created a notebook for the rest of us, and it's fantastic. 98% of the planet never comes close to stressing their processors or uses these ancient legacy ports and it's high time some notebook manufacturer had the courage to get rid of all the stuff.

Everything the naysayers condemn the RMB for is actually why it's owners love it so much. We don't mind the SD camera because we use our iPad's for that. We don't want 20 year old SD card slots because we use our iPhone's for that. We don't need USB ports because we use Dropbox for that. We don't need spacious keyboards because our companies provide a computer for that. We don't need speedy processors because they require heavy batteries and loud fans for that. We care about size. That's it. That's all it's about.

BJ
Click to expand...
Very well written post my friend. You are right! Only thing I'd ask more out of this computer is a second usb c but I'll be able to live with one. FaceTime I never use on my computer anyways so even if there were no camera I wouldn't care.

And regarding the second usb c. I saw a video of when they opened up the MacBook. Looked like there were literally no room for a second one
 
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NICKXXXXXX said:
Very well written post my friend. You are right! Only thing I'd ask more out of this computer is a second usb c but I'll be able to live with one. FaceTime I never use on my computer anyways so even if there were no camera I wouldn't care.

And regarding the second usb c. I saw a video of when they opened up the MacBook. Looked like there were literally no room for a second one
Click to expand...

Excellent Nick, and always remember there are more of us than there are of them but you'll see so much negative posting in this subforum it becomes unbearable at times.

As long as Apple keeps the weight and thickness at or below current standards that's fine, bring a second USB-C port on, why not. Same for an HD cam, same for any feature they choose to add so long as it does not increase weight or thickness. Me, I'd like to see a 14" model at the current weight and thickness. My eyes could use the additional real estate and no messenger back would have a problem with the larger circumference. Just have to keep thickness and weight unchanged.

BJ
 
boltjames said:
Everything the naysayers condemn the RMB for is actually why it's owners love it so much. We don't mind the SD camera because we use our iPad's for that. We don't want 20 year old SD card slots because we use our iPhone's for that. We don't need USB ports because we use Dropbox for that. We don't need spacious keyboards because our companies provide a computer for that. We don't need speedy processors because they require heavy batteries and loud fans for that. We care about size. That's it. That's all it's about.
Click to expand...

My thoughts EXACTLY!
 
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boltjames said:
It's not "people". It breaks down into two factions:

1. Review Bloggers. They want to say the most bombastic anti-Apple things possible as it drives clickstream revenue through banner ads on videos and websites.

2. MacBook Air Dreamers. They view the RMB as a disappointing MacBook Air 2.0 instead of a breakthrough portable because Apple hasn't updated the Air in forever and they project their dreams and subsequent disappointment on the wrong device.

If you understand the mission of the RMB and if that mission fits your use-case, it's a brilliant device. If you are okay with sacrificing performance you don't use in order to get the lightest/slimmest notebook alive, it's nothing but win. For years, manufacturers have made notebooks into Swiss Army knives, making something to cover the most serious user and forcing the rest of us to go along for the ride. I spent 25 years dragging around VGA ports, USB ports, SD card slots, big processors, loud fans, and heavy batteries because 2% of the world actually uses all that stuff and it was safer to shove all those things on there instead of alienating a fraction of the userbase. Well, Apple got brave, created a notebook for the casual user, created a notebook for the rest of us, and it's fantastic. 98% of the planet never comes close to stressing their processors or uses these ancient legacy ports and it's high time some notebook manufacturer had the courage to get rid of all the stuff.

Everything the naysayers condemn the RMB for is actually why it's owners love it so much. We don't mind the SD camera because we use our iPad's for that. We don't want 20 year old SD card slots because we use our iPhone's for that. We don't need USB ports because we use Dropbox for that. We don't need spacious keyboards because our companies provide a computer for that. We don't need speedy processors because they require heavy batteries and loud fans for that. We care about size. That's it. That's all it's about.

BJ
Click to expand...

Huge fan of this post. I wish more of the "naysayers" and "revenue-first" reviewers would read it. Thanks BJ.
 
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boltjames said:
It's not "people". It breaks down into two factions:

1. Review Bloggers. They want to say the most bombastic anti-Apple things possible as it drives clickstream revenue through banner ads on videos and websites.

2. MacBook Air Dreamers. They view the RMB as a disappointing MacBook Air 2.0 instead of a breakthrough portable because Apple hasn't updated the Air in forever and they project their dreams and subsequent disappointment on the wrong device.

If you understand the mission of the RMB and if that mission fits your use-case, it's a brilliant device. If you are okay with sacrificing performance you don't use in order to get the lightest/slimmest notebook alive, it's nothing but win. For years, manufacturers have made notebooks into Swiss Army knives, making something to cover the most serious user and forcing the rest of us to go along for the ride. I spent 25 years dragging around VGA ports, USB ports, SD card slots, big processors, loud fans, and heavy batteries because 2% of the world actually uses all that stuff and it was safer to shove all those things on there instead of alienating a fraction of the userbase. Well, Apple got brave, created a notebook for the casual user, created a notebook for the rest of us, and it's fantastic. 98% of the planet never comes close to stressing their processors or uses these ancient legacy ports and it's high time some notebook manufacturer had the courage to get rid of all the stuff.

Everything the naysayers condemn the RMB for is actually why it's owners love it so much. We don't mind the SD camera because we use our iPad's for that. We don't want 20 year old SD card slots because we use our iPhone's for that. We don't need USB ports because we use Dropbox for that. We don't need spacious keyboards because our companies provide a computer for that. We don't need speedy processors because they require heavy batteries and loud fans for that. We care about size. That's it. That's all it's about.

BJ
Click to expand...

I disagree with part of your post, and here's why:

I don't think the rMB is only for the casual user. I consider myself somewhat of a power user. I am a journalist/photographer/videographer. I do have a mid-2012 rMBP (first gen) as well, and the rMB was supposed to supplement that computer. However, my 2015 base rMB has become my primary machine, and will do just about anything I do with the rMBP.

As a journalist, I spend my day writing stories, online, etc. Once a week, I also assist in laying out two of our weekly newspapers with QuarkXPress. While I generally use my rMBP because it is faster, I have many times used my rMB for this and it performs amazingly well. There are occasional slowdowns, and I could deal with them otherwise, but with the more powerful computer right there, I don't see the point in not using it.

I also do a ton of photography, and use Lightroom and Photoshop regularly. I notice little to no slowdown on this computer versus my rMBP, except when I export.

Same with video. I do a three-times-a-week YouTube vlog and frequently use my rMB to edit the 1080p episodes, which range from eight to 30 minutes long. Again, rarely any slowdowns, except when I export. And that is totally tolerable, and expected when you compare it to a quad core computer.

What I'm saying is that depending on your uses, this machine can certainly fit the needs of a power user as well. People often overcompensate when it comes to their processing needs.

So really, I don't disagree with your post at all. This computer is amazing, and people really should try it out before they say it's not powerful enough.
 
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Eric8199 said:
I disagree with part of your post, and here's why:

I don't think the rMB is only for the casual user. I consider myself somewhat of a power user. I am a journalist/photographer/videographer. I do have a mid-2012 rMBP (first gen) as well, and the rMB was supposed to supplement that computer. However, my 2015 base rMB has become my primary machine, and will do just about anything I do with the rMBP.

As a journalist, I spend my day writing stories, online, etc. Once a week, I also assist in laying out two of our weekly newspapers with QuarkXPress. While I generally use my rMBP because it is faster, I have many times used my rMB for this and it performs amazingly well. There are occasional slowdowns, and I could deal with them otherwise, but with the more powerful computer right there, I don't see the point in not using it.

I also do a ton of photography, and use Lightroom and Photoshop regularly. I notice little to no slowdown on this computer versus my rMBP, except when I export.

Same with video. I do a three-times-a-week YouTube vlog and frequently use my rMB to edit the 1080p episodes, which range from eight to 30 minutes long. Again, rarely any slowdowns, except when I export. And that is totally tolerable, and expected when you compare it to a quad core computer.

What I'm saying is that depending on your uses, this machine can certainly fit the needs of a power user as well. People often overcompensate when it comes to their processing needs.

So really, I don't disagree with your post at all. This computer is amazing, and people really should try it out before they say it's not powerful enough.
Click to expand...

Another well-written post. I agree that many, many users overestimate their processing needs for a computer. An older man I know the other day was talking about 3d graphics for some reason and he stated "you really can only do real 3d graphics with a proper desktop machine". In today's world with the advancements that have been made that's a totally false statement. But so many people's perceptions are skewed in that way because for so long, that would've been a valid statement.

The spec-war seems to have been over for about 5 years in terms of Intel processors as they've shifted their strategies and all their best employees towards more efficient, more mobile solutions. They've also made incredible advancements in the integrated GPU arena. In turn they're able to deliver solutions for devices I don't think people are totally grasping in 2016. If you read it on the label it says '1.3 GHz dual-core integrated GPU'. To someone who hasn't kept up with Intel's advancements in these areas, that label sounds like a pathetic joke. But if you are aware of some of the things they've improved and are capable of, you can embrace the rMB for what it does do and that's honestly an incredible number of common use-cases in 2016.
[doublepost=1463679003][/doublepost]
NICKXXXXXX said:
My iTunes is lagging... Will the latest update fix this perhaps?
Click to expand...

You could have a 2018 Mac Pro with 128GB RAM and an 8GHz octa core processor and your iTunes would still lag.
 
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Eric8199 said:
I disagree with part of your post, and here's why:

I don't think the rMB is only for the casual user. I consider myself somewhat of a power user. I am a journalist/photographer/videographer. I do have a mid-2012 rMBP (first gen) as well, and the rMB was supposed to supplement that computer. However, my 2015 base rMB has become my primary machine, and will do just about anything I do with the rMBP.

As a journalist, I spend my day writing stories, online, etc. Once a week, I also assist in laying out two of our weekly newspapers with QuarkXPress. While I generally use my rMBP because it is faster, I have many times used my rMB for this and it performs amazingly well. There are occasional slowdowns, and I could deal with them otherwise, but with the more powerful computer right there, I don't see the point in not using it.

I also do a ton of photography, and use Lightroom and Photoshop regularly. I notice little to no slowdown on this computer versus my rMBP, except when I export.

Same with video. I do a three-times-a-week YouTube vlog and frequently use my rMB to edit the 1080p episodes, which range from eight to 30 minutes long. Again, rarely any slowdowns, except when I export. And that is totally tolerable, and expected when you compare it to a quad core computer.

What I'm saying is that depending on your uses, this machine can certainly fit the needs of a power user as well. People often overcompensate when it comes to their processing needs.

So really, I don't disagree with your post at all. This computer is amazing, and people really should try it out before they say it's not powerful enough.
Click to expand...

Well written, agree completely. I think we can see just in your post that you may have had doubts early on but now realize it can be a 24/7 machine for your use case which is great.

In the big picture, the RMB may have drawbacks to those who do a lot of multitasking or functions that require a lot of processing horsepower. The amount of people who need more than what the RMB offers is a small niche though, and everyone going-in knows that if they need something more the Air and Pro are right there waiting to be purchased. As such, no one should be disappointed with the RMB. It's intended to be a light/small portable, not a fully-featured desktop replacement. For over a year, people have been judging it as if it's a bad Pro. Enough already.

BJ
 
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NICKXXXXXX said:
Finally got my iMac sold and bought this instead! Getting it on Wednesday. I also bought a usb c to lightning because you never know if I might need it.

Anyways I have questions about the performance. I might regret the purchase if it can't fulfill these things... Then I'll have to go a month without computer though til they release the new MacBook pros...

What I'm wondering first is if it will be able to play large 1080p files (around 30gb mkv) without any problems?

Will it be able to AirPlay to Apple TV without massive hickups?

Will it be able to play 4K videos on YouTube without lagging?

Otherwise I'll only use the computer to surf the web basically. Shows and movies my thought is to stream to the apple tv
Click to expand...

It'll do all those tasks just fine.

Curious ... What colour did you get?
 
boltjames said:
Well written, agree completely. I think we can see just in your post that you may have had doubts early on but now realize it can be a 24/7 machine for your use case which is great.

In the big picture, the RMB may have drawbacks to those who do a lot of multitasking or functions that require a lot of processing horsepower. The amount of people who need more than what the RMB offers is a small niche though, and everyone going-in knows that if they need something more the Air and Pro are right there waiting to be purchased. As such, no one should be disappointed with the RMB. It's intended to be a light/small portable, not a fully-featured desktop replacement. For over a year, people have been judging it as if it's a bad Pro. Enough already.

BJ
Click to expand...

Can you please refer to it as the rMB like everyone else? Overtime I see RMB, I think the Chinese currency, and it's really messing with my mind. :D

Anyway, I completely agree. It's not meant to be a Pro replacement, although it's beginning to sound like for the vast majority of people in the world, it'll do just fine as a primary computer.
 
just got my SG rMB 2016 M3/256 ... im so happy with it.. i can notice an improvement coming from 2015 model...
i had 2015 last year but return it for some issues with the touchpad..


just curious ... is istat menu working on this model? my sensors not showing... i use this before on my macbook 2015 .. and all working fine.... i just downloaded the istat menu 5.11 version but same sensors not showing....
 
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mackie8 said:
just got my SG rMB 2016 M3/256 ... im so happy with it.. i can notice an improvement coming from 2015 model...
i had 2015 last year but return it for some issues with the touchpad..


just curious ... is istat menu working on this model? my sensors not showing... i use this before on my macbook 2015 .. and all working fine.... i just downloaded the istat menu 5.11 version but same sensors not showing....
Click to expand...

IStat hasn't been updated yet. So the temp sensors don't work yet. The RAM and HD and network sensors work fine, though, I contacted them a couple weeks ago via email and they said the next update would fix it. Though not when the update would be out.
 
yes ! those last two paragraphs hit the nail right on the head!!
just got my 2016 version, basic model...and i'm loving it!
[doublepost=1463837524][/doublepost]
mehtdosa11 said:
yes ! those last two paragraphs hit the nail right on the head!!
just got my 2016 version, basic model...and i'm loving it!
Click to expand...

that was to the post by Bolt James by the way...!!
 
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