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Why do some people keep making the unsubstantiated claim that MB buyers will only be able to install apps from the App Store? Where is this foolish talk coming from?

I think they have the old chromebooks in mind where you could only install Google apps from their play store since the chromebooks were running a unique Google based OS. Not sure either why these people keep talking about this with the Mac’s. If that was the case, Apple never would have given consumers the option to download desktop AND iOS apps as their choices on the laptops/desktop computers.
 
Ok, forget the the two lenses at top and bottom of the logo, no iGlasses to be announced on March 4 after all. Let’s focus on “experience”. It’s an “experience event”, that is new, isn’t it? And a new Mac. So: Experience our walled garden on a Mac for the first time. Enjoy the privilege of downloading Mac software exclusively on The Mac App Store …
Relax dude. It’s a Mac so it can do all the Mac stuff. No walled garden.
 
Macs arent iPhones, you can just reinstall Sequoia…
I know that but I don't know where to get an OEM image that is bootable so I can blast the current HD. I also would need to buy a hard drive to make into a temporary boot drive, unless you know a way to do it.
 
I know that but I don't know where to get an OEM image that is bootable so I can blast the current HD. I also would need to buy a hard drive to make into a temporary boot drive, unless you know a way to do it.

There are a number of videos out there that walk you through the process. Sequoia is available to download from the App Store, but you will need a USB drive to create the install media. Also, all data on the machine will be completely wiped, so you'll need a way to backup the files on your current machine (which, hopefully you are doing anyway).

One example from Mr. Macintosh, but there are many others:
 
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Ok, forget the the two lenses at top and bottom of the logo, no iGlasses to be announced on March 4 after all. Let’s focus on “experience”. It’s an “experience event”, that is new, isn’t it? And a new Mac. So: Experience our walled garden on a Mac for the first time. Enjoy the privilege of downloading Mac software exclusively on The Mac App Store …
Seriously, where is this coming from? You’re like the 12th person on this thread with this. It’s going to be a mac, it’s the replacement for the M1 MBA they’ve still been selling at walmart, it’s not going to have a walled garden.
 
I think they have the old chromebooks in mind where you could only install Google apps from their play store since the chromebooks were running a unique Google based OS. Not sure either why these people keep talking about this with the Mac’s. If that was the case, Apple never would have given consumers the option to download desktop AND iOS apps as their choices on the laptops/desktop computers.
If that is what the foolish talking point is about, there is no proof Apple has made any deals with any institutions that would require that kind of lock down. And if that was the case, it certainly wouldn't apply to the general public.
 
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Trying not to get my hopes up, I want a 12", thin, 16GB RAM (base) with 512GB, light, and good for travel.

But...I believe this is catered to the kiddies for school etc.

Not a problem, but I am not getting my hopes up. Better to be WOWed then let down...again.
I'm a pilot. All I do is travel. I love macbooks because they're great for movies and internet. I don't need it for anything else. I'd LOVE a 12" version and would order it with all the bells and whistles. I've been forcing myself to not buy a 2017 macbook 12". Bring it. Most of us don't care about content creating anything.
 
If those are the colors I don’t see what’s bold about them. I guess the pink one is ok but seems like it would become dated easily. The yellowish/greenish/goldish one is just not a good color and the blue is too pale. Bring back the colors Apple used on iPods.
I had an electric piss yellow minidisk player back in the day. I really regretted getting that colour!
 
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If those are the colors I don’t see what’s bold about them. I guess the pink one is ok but seems like it would become dated easily. The yellowish/greenish/goldish one is just not a good color and the blue is too pale. Bring back the colors Apple used on iPods.
Yeah, the colors in the image are hideous beyond belief
 
Unfortunately these bright fun colors will be synonymous with… a budget MacBook. I can imagine there are many people who would prefer not to be seen using one.

But yeah if these cheaper MacBooks can be targeted towards kids just getting into computer… could be good!
If someone's embarrassed for some reason, they can always just put a bunch of little stickers on it, or pay too much to someone like dbrand for a fancy big one. But really, people should stop buying hardware based on what others might think.
Done well, plastic can be very durable, just as one would want for a laptop used vigorously by students. Colorful, durable, and cheap -- ideal for an entry-level device.
My 2006/7 blackbook was plastic, and, except for the front edges of the keyboard deck, it was pretty much just fine. Some people may even remember that the plastic top was how they were able to get the logo on the top to glow when the machine was on. And wouldn't that be a fun throwback element?
 
If someone's embarrassed for some reason, they can always just put a bunch of little stickers on it, or pay too much to someone like dbrand for a fancy big one. But really, people should stop buying hardware based on what others might think.

My 2006/7 blackbook was plastic, and, except for the front edges of the keyboard deck, it was pretty much just fine. Some people may even remember that the plastic top was how they were able to get the logo on the top to glow when the machine was on. And wouldn't that be a fun throwback element?


I always wanted them to bring that back! The issue is if your laptop lid was faced towards a bright source of light, you’d actually see the Apple logo on your screen you’re looking at lol. Never bothered me but you know how butthurt people get in 2026 over even the pressure of a key on the keyboard is too soft or too hard, etc
 
Is Tim Cook only releasing this new MacBook just to price it only a small amount cheaper than the MacBook Air, in order to greedily upsell customers to the MacBook Air?
 


Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker.

Multicolored-Low-Cost-A18-Pro-MacBook-Feature.jpg

Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET.

Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the color scheme of the Apple logo graphic used for the upcoming "Apple Experience" should match the colors of the new entry-level Mac. The invite graphic shows a 3D Apple logo made up of transparent discs in yellow, green, and blue. The post effectively constitutes a claim that the device is set to arrive at the event.

Apple-Announces-Special-Event-in-New-York-Feature.jpg

In June 2025, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the more-affordable MacBook could come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow finishes, which would match the entry-level iPad. In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple has tested a range of playful color options for its upcoming low-cost MacBook, going well beyond the muted tones available on its current laptop lineup.

Gurman said the colors tested so far include light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver, and dark gray, although he added that it is unlikely all of them will ship. The color palette would make the budget MacBook the most colorful laptop Apple has offered since the iBook G3 era in the late 90s, which included Tangerine, Blueberry, Indigo, Graphite, and Key Lime.

The low-cost machine is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display, an aluminum chassis, and an iPhone chip, likely the A18 Pro, rather than an M-series processor. It will likely retail for well below $1,000.

Article Link: Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors
Apple costly laptop itself fails after warranty, assume low cost lineup poor consumers
 
I know that but I don't know where to get an OEM image that is bootable so I can blast the current HD. I also would need to buy a hard drive to make into a temporary boot drive, unless you know a way to do it.
+1 for MrMacintosh.
Manual, videos and also downloads of Boot Images (they are called IPSWs) available.
 
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Done well, plastic can be very durable, just as one would want for a laptop used vigorously by students. Colorful, durable, and cheap -- ideal for an entry-level device.
“Mother Nature” would not approve. 😉
I am guessing that by the time you upgrade the RAM and storage, (provided BTO is offered) the new MB will be pushing the same price as the base Air. Many will say get the Air instead but, if you like the smaller form factor, the new MB will still win.
That has indeed always been the case with Apple.
 
Can't wait! I still have my 2017 MacBook, which, if it were more powerful, I would take that on the road when I travel. The weight is perfect and the size is good.
 
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I always say this and barely follow through but if they release an orange MacBook I'll buy it even though I have a perfectly good M2 Air now. 😛
I feel the same way, and I have a perfectly good M4 Pro Macbook Pro - but the colors suggested in these mockups are too pastel and unsaturated for my taste. A good strong orange, cobalt blue or emerald green would really stand out.
 
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Hopefully the colors are indeed 'bold' and not pale like some of the iPhone colors or even the iPad Air colors. Would like to see a pink one too. Will be great if the MacBook Air and even the Pro is released in one fun color along with the usual silver/shades of black or grey.
 
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