MacBook Air 2018

[tamara6]

My husband has a 2011 MBA, which he still uses everyday and loves. He was recalling the other day that it felt like it was an expensive purchase, so I thought it would be interesting to look back at the 2011 Mac 13 inch laptop options:

Macbook Air
The only difference between the two 13-inch MacBook Air models is the amount of flash storage. Both 13-inch models feature a 1.7GHz Core i5 processor, but the $1299 13-inch MacBook Air has 128GB of flash storage, while the $1599 13-inch MacBook Air has 256GB. (they both had 4GB of RAM)

Macbook Pro
The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, with a dual-core 2.4GHz Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive, costs $1199. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with a dual-core 2.8GHz Core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 750GB hard drive costs $1499.

Back in 2011, the Air cost more than the Pro, and some could argue that it was more advanced because it had already switched away from using a hard drive.

I know that we are used to thinking of the Air as Apple's "low price" laptop option, but it did not start out that way - it was a premium option.

(All info is from a MacWorld buying guide from 2011 - https://www.macworld.com/article/1163603/macs/mac-buying-guide-2011.html

 

[rutrack]

I guess most people probably don't need a USB-A as much as they think they do, provided they don't use a wired mouse/keyboard. It might be the occasional USB-A stick to transfer files, but they now come in USB-C flavours, or even a £5 adapter can sort that out. I think lack of all the different ports probably affects professional users rather than casual users.

That's not true, everybody needs to swap usb keys, all the time. Most people with USB-a don't even know what USB-A, it's just so common and everybody has plenty of that. Any presentation you go to, hand out material, just anything.

 

[Viper-FFM]

That's not true, everybody needs to swap usb keys, all the time. Most people with USB-a don't even know what USB-A, it's just so common and everybody has plenty of that. Any presentation you go to, hand out material, just anything.

That's just wrong

 

[rutrack]

That's just wrong

I can't believe I even discuss this :/

 

[Ma2k5]

Would it be optimistic to think Apple may use the scissor keys to cut costs (and also secretly appeal to mass market) with the new Air?

October 30th couldn’t come fast enough.

 

[Falhófnir]

Would it be optimistic to think Apple may use the scissor keys to cut costs (and also secretly appeal to mass market) with the new Air?

October 30th couldn’t come fast enough.

I think they could go the iPhone SE and iPad 5/6 route and re-use the existing air chassis as-is to keep costs down. That way the only increase in production cost is sourcing a retina panel, which at this point should be an almost non-existent premium. Indeed, if the price truly is to be $999 this is the only route I can really see them taking.

 

[Ma2k5]

I think they could go the iPhone SE and iPad 5/6 route and re-use the existing air chassis as-is to keep costs down. That way the only increase in production cost is sourcing a retina panel, which at this point should be an almost non-existent premium. Indeed, if the price truly is to be $999 this is the only route I can really see them taking.

Well we have heard of a thinner bezel, so the chassis will probably change a little. In fact I’d be very surprised if the design wasn’t changed a bit, if you look at what Window WhiskeyLake laptops that are coming out next month (Lenovo S730, Asus ZenBook S, Asus ZenBook 13, Huawei’s new MateBook etc) - All of these are targeting a very similarly price point with good internals and amazing design - and I can’t imagine Apple not trying to beat them on design and offering.

 

[Falhófnir]

Well we have heard of a thinner bezel, so the chassis will probably change a little. In fact I’d be very surprised if the design wasn’t changed a bit, if you look at what Window WhiskeyLake laptops that are coming out next month (Lenovo S730, Asus ZenBook S, Asus ZenBook 13, Huawei’s new MateBook etc) - All of these are targeting a very similarly price point with good interneals and amazing design - and I can’t imagine Apple not trying to beat them on design and offering.

Thinner bezel could be achieved by making the screen larger than 13.3", not necessarily reducing the footprint of the machine? I would imagine there would be a few other changes like, I can't imagine TB2 sticking around rather than a change to TB3, maybe a force touch trackpad (if they're feeling generous?) but the more they change the more the costs go up, so expect any machine that starts off at $999 will mostly resemble the Air as it currently stands. If it's redesigned more fully, almost certainly the butterfly keyboard will be a part of the change, alas - in that case I'd perhaps expect a $1,299 computer resembling a stretched 12" MB, with the smaller MB being what takes the $999 price point...

 

[Ma2k5]

Thinner bezel could be achieved by making the screen larger than 13.3", not necessarily reducing the footprint of the machine? I would imagine there would be a few other changes like, I can't imagine TB2 sticking around rather than a change to TB3, maybe a force touch trackpad (if they're feeling generous?) but the more they change the more the costs go up, so expect any machine that starts off at $999 will mostly resemble the Air as it currently stands. If it's redesigned more fully, almost certainly the butterfly keyboard will be a part of the change, alas - in that case I'd perhaps expect a $1,299 computer resembling a stretched 12" MB, with the smaller MB being what takes the $999 price point...

Perhaps we will see a price structure change - with the MB and even the Air being overpriced for what it is now. But then I see the cost of the new MacBook Pro’s and so maybe you are right, butterfly keys and a higer prices (I don’t care about price at all, though I am not keen on that keyboard).

Oh, we are expecting touchID on these things, makes sense as all the modern Window ones have face or touch login.

 

[Hey Mac]

I am not optimistic... here's what I think will happen:

- october event focuses almost solely on iPad Pro and new shiny Apple Pencil, with Apple talking about Photoshop on iPad, new camera, emoticons, blah blah

- a few updates to Macs (mainly speed bumps), 10-15 minutes total, that include...

- ...a "new" low cost 12" macbook, that somehow they'll manage to sell for just under 1000$. Only 1 usb-C port, obviously

- macbook Air discontinued

Now, THAT would be a huge disappointment

 

[Ma2k5]

I am not optimistic... here's what I think will happen:

- october event focuses almost solely on iPad Pro and new shiny Apple Pencil, with Apple talking about Photoshop on iPad, new camera, emoticons, blah blah

- a few updates to Macs (mainly speed bumps), 10-15 minutes total, that include...

- ...a "new" low cost 12" macbook, that somehow they'll manage to sell for just under 1000$. Only 1 usb-C port, obviously

- macbook Air discontinued

Now, THAT would be a huge disappointment

Well it sounds unlikely they won’t have an updated 15w CPU machine (new Air or updated nTB), it’s letting go of the most popular laptop market. Very few people need the power of the 28w/45w CPU (and prefer battery life), but at the same time want a bit more power than the fanless 4.5w CPU MacBook.

15w laptops also make up probably the majority of businesses.

 

[Dave245]

According to Bloomgergs latest report it seems a new Macbook will replace the Macbook Air

"Beyond tablets, the company is planning an entry-level Mac with a high-resolution screen to succeed the once-popular MacBook Air."

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...nveil-ipad-macbook-laptop-overhauls-on-oct-30

he has changed from his original thinking that there would be an Air update. It will be interesting to see what this new Macbook will be, it's said to feature a retina display, thinner bezels and Touch ID ( according to Ming Chi Kuo).

 

[crzdcolombian]

The specs on the air better then the MacBook? Thought both machines specs are awful for their price.

Almost same size.

Air has better keyboard + a little bigger

MB has a retina screen

They should def merge.

999 for a 13 MB. Then hopefully at the 1,299 price point they just give the non Gimck pro that price.

But even at $600 a non retina, 128gb, 8gb ram air is a rip off

 

[SweWriter]

According to Bloomgergs latest report it seems a new Macbook will replace the Macbook Air

"Beyond tablets, the company is planning an entry-level Mac with a high-resolution screen to succeed the once-popular MacBook Air."

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...nveil-ipad-macbook-laptop-overhauls-on-oct-30

he has changed from his original thinking that there would be an Air update. It will be interesting to see what this new Macbook will be, it's said to feature a retina display, thinner bezels and Touch ID ( according to Ming Chi Kuo).

That would absolutely suck, if this came to pass. Getting a new Mac with a non-butterfly switch keyboard is the only thing keeping me in the Mac game. I hate the new keyboards with a passion.

 

[Dave245]

That would absolutely suck, if this came to pass. Getting a new Mac with a non-butterfly switch keyboard is the only thing keeping me in the Mac game. I hate the new keyboards with a passion.

Going by what Mark Gurman and Ming Chi Kuo are saying it looks like the Air will be replaced, we will find out for definite at the keynote. I don’t have a problem with the new keyboards except their failure rate on the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro’s, IF Apple have fixed that issue with the third generation then I have no worries using the butterfly keyboard.

Seems like they will be putting Touch ID into it as well, but that really won’t cost that much considering it’s been in the MacBook Pro since 2016 and probably costs a lot less now.

If this comes to pass I wonder if it will be a 13” version of the current MacBook lineup, otherwise how are they going to market it? There is a 12” MacBook at the moment and the pro version, they need something to take the Air’s place in order to aim at general consumers and students.

 

[Ma2k5]

According to Bloomgergs latest report it seems a new Macbook will replace the Macbook Air

"Beyond tablets, the company is planning an entry-level Mac with a high-resolution screen to succeed the once-popular MacBook Air."

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...nveil-ipad-macbook-laptop-overhauls-on-oct-30

he has changed from his original thinking that there would be an Air update. It will be interesting to see what this new Macbook will be, it's said to feature a retina display, thinner bezels and Touch ID ( according to Ming Chi Kuo).

Could just be a new naming convention, I mean would they really make a 5w CPU based "MacBook" as the replacement of the 15w CPU based Air?

I'd have guessed you'd have the 12" MacBook, the 13" MacBook, and the Pro lineup. The 13" MacBook would use the 15w CPU and the 12", the 4.5w?

Anyone's guess really.

Also to note, some people have reported keyboard failures on the 3rd generation on this forum, yikes!

 

[Dave245]

Could just be a new naming convention, I mean would they really make a 5w CPU based "MacBook" as the replacement of the 15w CPU based Air?

I'd have guessed you'd have the 12" MacBook, the 13" MacBook, and the Pro lineup. The 13" MacBook would use the 15w CPU and the 12", the 4.5w?

Anyone's guess really.

So would the 12” be the $999 start price and the 13” version with Touch ID be the current price of the 12” MacBook?

They could even replace the 12” version with a 13” version that has Touch ID. Then discontinue the Air from the lineup?

 

[Falhófnir]

Could just be a new naming convention, I mean would they really make a 5w CPU based "MacBook" as the replacement of the 15w CPU based Air?

I'd have guessed you'd have the 12" MacBook, the 13" MacBook, and the Pro lineup. The 13" MacBook would use the 15w CPU and the 12", the 4.5w?

Anyone's guess really.

Also to note, some people have reported keyboard failures on the 3rd generation on this forum, yikes!

If they’re going ARM in a couple of years anyway they might just do a stopgap solution for now - I believe the MacBook has closed the gap on the air’s 5th gen chip (not so much on the graphics side though, HD 615 is still anemic compared to HD 6000 - as I understand it this is the big sacrifice of only having a 4.5W TDP) so it would probably end up being a power sidegrade by the time you get the 8th gen chips in there

 

[Ma2k5]

So would the 12” be the $999 start price and the 13” version with Touch ID be the current price of the 12” MacBook?

They could even replace the 12” version with a 13” version that has Touch ID. Then discontinue the Air from the lineup?

So the 12" would be the existing MacBook, and from what I am aware of, it is due an upgrade anyway to the new Amberlake CPU's.

The 13" would then use the Whiskey Lake CPU's.

As for pricing, I have no idea, it is a conundrum how a more highly spec entry level 13" MacBook could be cheaper than the existing 12" MacBook, unless it is constructed a bit more cheaply - perhaps it isn't quite as thin/small as the MacBook (ignoring screen size difference)? It could be that the 12" also gets touch ID?

It baffles me to be honest, I am actually worried that Apple may hugely disappoint, but am hoping for them to "wow" us.
[doublepost=1539953411][/doublepost]

If they’re going ARM in a couple of years anyway they might just do a stopgap solution for now - I believe the MacBook has closed the gap on the air’s 5th gen chip (not so much on the graphics side though, HD 615 is still anemic compared to HD 6000 - as I understand it this is the big sacrifice of only having a 4.5W TDP) so it would probably end up being a power sidegrade by the time you get the 8th gen chips in there

The problem is, they will be way behind the competition in the 13" ultra-book market, if they follow that suit. If they do that, that will pretty much nail the coffin and confirm my purchase of the new whiskey lake windows laptops - and Apple are aware of the competition.

 

[Dave245]

So the 12" would be the existing MacBook, and from what I am aware of, it is due an upgrade anyway to the new Amberlake CPU's.

The 13" would then use the Whiskey Lake CPU's.

As for pricing, I have no idea, it is a conundrum how a more highly spec entry level 13" MacBook could be cheaper than the existing 12" MacBook, unless it is constructed a bit more cheaply - perhaps it isn't quite as thin/small as the MacBook (ignoring screen size difference)? It could be that the 12" also gets touch ID?

It baffles me to be honest, I am actually worried that Apple may hugely disappoint, but am hoping for them to "wow" us.
[doublepost=1539953411][/doublepost]

The problem is, they will be way behind the competition in the 13" ultra-book market, if they follow that suit. If they do that, that will pretty much nail the coffin and confirm my purchase of the new whiskey lake windows laptops - and Apple are aware of the competition.

I’ll be watching very carefully, I’m in the market for a new MacBook since my 2011 MacBook Pro died a month or so ago, I don’t need the power of the MacBook Pro it would be overkill for me. While I do really like the 12” MacBook for it’s Retina display, form factor and being very lightweight I would like a 13” screen, a new 13” MacBook might slot into that place nicely.

I’m not bothered if it goes over £1000, I’d happily pay the current 12” MacBook prices for a mid level spec MacBook 13”, 8GB ram with maybe the option to go 16GB and 512 - 1TB SSD. That would be ideal for me personally.

 

[Hey Mac]

I need a laptop mainly for light use, like powerpoint presentations. I have a 5K iMac at home, I just need something to carry to school (I'm a teacher).

What I would like is more than 1 port: 1 to drive the presentation on the projector, 1 for the USB remote (to advance slides/point) and... maybe one for charging.
Just like my current 2009 macbookPro.

1 port for me would be a huge downgrade.

How discounted will the Air be once the new models are out? That could be an attractive option for me.

 

[Ma2k5]

I think a lot is at stake for Apple here. If they can make the MacBook a real mainstream success, it will help them not only make money on the MacBook, but keep people on iPhones, perhaps invest into their new watches and Homepods. The competition has really come a long way and a lot of people have switched to Windows/Android and others who are tempted.

 

[lambertjohn]

I am not optimistic... here's what I think will happen:

- october event focuses almost solely on iPad Pro and new shiny Apple Pencil, with Apple talking about Photoshop on iPad, new camera, emoticons, blah blah

- a few updates to Macs (mainly speed bumps), 10-15 minutes total, that include...

- ...a "new" low cost 12" macbook, that somehow they'll manage to sell for just under 1000$. Only 1 usb-C port, obviously

- macbook Air discontinued

Now, THAT would be a huge disappointment

I think all of this is true except I think the 12" MacBook will actually be a 13" MacBook. Same form factor as the 12" MB but in a 13" configuration, plus two USB-C ports instead of one.

 

[satchmo]

My guess is Apple will discontinue the MBA. They'll bite the bullet and drop the existing 12" MacBooks to $999 and unveil a larger more powerful 13" MacBook at $1200.

This allows Apple to claim an under 1K laptop, without having to retool. The pricer 13" model allows Apple to keep their high margins. Unfortunately, all keyboards will likely go butterfly-style.

 

[Dave245]

My guess is Apple will discontinue the MBA. They'll bite the bullet and drop the existing 12" MacBooks to $999 and unveil a larger more powerful 13" MacBook at $1200.

This allows Apple to claim an under 1K laptop, without having to retool. The pricer 13" model allows Apple to keep their high margins. Unfortunately, all keyboards will likely go butterfly-style.

This is possible and it would give the 13” enough room to include Touch ID which is reports by Ming Chi Kuo to be on the new 13” MacBook. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Mac lineup.