Macbook Air, the worst Macbook ever, don't buy it

[Scepticalscribe]

@Scepticalscribe
S, I completely share you view and experience concerning the MBA. (Some would say I am conservative as well, oh well...)
And I have to admit I admire your patience, tolerance and the very delicate way of handling "cases" like this.

Thank you.

What surprises me in many of these discussions is the complete inability to accept the validity of an alternative viewpoint.

I would have absolutely no problem with a sane and sensible thread title (Hint: OP - this is not a sane, balanced, or sensible thread title), and an initial post which remarked "I love the MB and think it possible that this may be (note the "may be") - or has the potential to be - one of the best computers Apple has ever designed".

There is no need to denigrate the choices made by others, and no need to deride them, as people choose to buy products using different criteria - the sort of criteria that matter to them when taking this sort of decision.

What I don't get is the need for constant online combat; the requirement for endless dispute. The contentious and disputatious tone. At the end of the day, it is only a damned computer, albeit a very attractive one.

Now, again, I am aware that emotions can run high when discussing Apple, and its products, especially on this site (as it is dedicated to the discussion of all things Apple), and also - as a great many young people, and, above all, I would respectfully suggest, some nerdish young men, - derive a significant part of their sense of identity from their ownership of - and use of - Apple computers (and other devices), there are reasons why some individuals might be unusually sensitive, or neurotic, or defensive when discussing Apple products.

I see nothing wrong with arguing that the MB may yet be a game changer - in the way that the MBA was a truly revolutionary computer in 2008.

However, what people tend to forget is that it took Apple quite a few years, and several generations and iterations, to develop the MBA into the stunning computer it had become by 2013, when the battery became superlative, and the power impressive.

In 2008, when the Founder (yes, the late, legendary, and sometimes far too revered, Mr Jobs) slid one from an A4 envelope (and yes, that did blow me away - my first, fascinated, thought was 'I want one' - at some stage) and brandished it aloft, the MBA was a stunning design and fantastic form factor.

But at that time, while a stunning design, it was really completely overpriced, and lacking in serious specs, had insufficient memory, and was underpowered with a limited battery life; until all that improved, I held onto my MBP.

And, despite everything, Apple really only gave the MBA the power, speed, battery and memory it needed - and deserved - in 2013. Since then, I would argue that the post 2013 MBA is the best computer Apple has ever made to date.

Re the MB, I imagine that it will - inevitably - improve. At least, I sincerely hope it does. For now, it is underpowered, has insufficient specs, and yes, I am 'conservative' in that I do not choose to store stuff on the Cloud - I dislike the rentier model of storage - overpriced, lacks sufficient ports, and its battery is inadequate for my needs.

However, in time, I will be surprised if that doesn't change considerably for the better.

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

The pro is heavier and has less effective battery life. End of discussion for me. (Though it has considerably slimmed down. However, the price tag is too much)

The Air is perfect because it stays closed around 1.6GHz UNTIL YOU NEED MORE POWER and then speeds up to 2.7GHz depending on the configuration. Comparable specs in terms of RAM and SSD do not cost more, they cost less; compared to the Macbook that is.

I have used a Macbook at the store and determined that it I had no reason to purchase it. I did not like the keyboard either. Screen was nice, I'll admit. But again, not worth the "upgrade".

If my only needs were to browse the internet then I'd rather get a Chromebook than an overpriced Macbook. (Yes, MacBooks are very expensive. But the Air is worth the money, or was, compared to other laptops.. Though it's lagging behind these days. Though the XPS 13 wasn't out when I bought mine... and there's Windows... ugh)

Also, one more thing...
I can use the Air just fine "in bed" or in other conditions where it is not directly on a desk just fine. The TN Panel is not a problem. I'm not sure how it would be... And if I want to browse the web in bed I'd just pull out my iPad.

Edit:
Comparing the prices.
$1549 CAD - Macbook base
$1469 CAD - Air 256GB SSD + 8GB RAM

So it's not as dramatic a cost difference as I thought. However, in terms of power, it falls short significantly. So it's not worth it based on that alone, I would argue.

Another problem. The Macbook does not have fans (as far as I'm concerned) resulting in more significant thermal throttling. This means that the rMB can not perform more intensive tasks by design. So, even if you upgrade it to the m5 @ 2.7GHz, you won't be able to take advantage of that increase in power. The Air has fans and can go from hot to cold in a matter of 30 seconds or less from my experience

 

[andreyush]

The pro is heavier and has less effective battery life. End of discussion for me. (Though it has considerably slimmed down. However, the price tag is too much)

The Air is perfect because it stays closed around 1.6GHz UNTIL YOU NEED MORE POWER and then speeds up to 2.7GHz depending on the configuration. Comparable specs in terms of RAM and SSD do not cost more, they cost less; compared to the Macbook that is.

I have used a Macbook at the store and determined that it I had no reason to purchase it. I did not like the keyboard either. Screen was nice, I'll admit. But again, not worth the "upgrade".


Also, one more thing...
I can use the Air just fine "in bed" or in other conditions where it is not directly on a desk just fine. The TN Panel is not a problem. I'm not sure how it would be... And if I want to browse the web in bed I'd just pull out my iPad. .

Another problem. The Macbook does not have fans (as far as I'm concerned) resulting in more significant thermal throttling. This means that the rMB can not perform more intensive tasks by design. So, even if you upgrade it to the m5 @ 2.7GHz, you won't be able to take advantage of that increase in power. The Air has fans and can go from hot to cold in a matter of 30 seconds or less from my experience

This is what bulbol doesn't understand ...People have different needs and different prefferences. At the moment MBA is still a loved device even with TN panel. The MB on the other side it's has some other disadvantages but he emphasize just the advantages . This is not how a comparation works.

 

[MacBassPlayer]

You want to talk about the Air being junk, yet you're praising the rMB? The irony is just dripping. Sure, the new Macbook has a prettier display and a lovely form factor, I'll give you that. However, I think paying $1299+ (We're talking Pro money at this point) for a 1ghz Core M processor that's barely capable of the most basic daily uses (not to mention the lack of fans) is bordering on highway robbery. To me, it's more of a fashion accessory than a Macbook. I'll take the 2ghz i7 in my Air over that any day.

 

[bubulol]

Lack of fans? Its probably one of biggest advantage of rMB over MBA, fanless, once you try it, you ll never go back
Lack of power? Probably but for power users only, most of Apple users dont need i7
You guys, it reminds me some users who still want Macbook Pro non Retina because of upgradable hard drive and superdrive
Apple telling you the truth: rMB is the futur of most laptop use because of all my previous arguments (Retina display, fanless)

 

[andreyush]

Apple telling you the truth: rMB is the futur of most laptop use because of all my previous arguments (Retina display, fanless)

No it's not ...Is the future of some ultrabooks but not most of the laptops

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Lack of fans? Its probably one of biggest advantage of rMB over MBA, fanless, once you try it, you ll never go back

You are just not going to let go, are you?

Lack of power? Probably but for power users only, most of Apple users dont need i7
You guys, it reminds me some users who still want Macbook Pro non Retina because of upgradable hard drive and superdrive

So what? Is it for you to decide what functions and features other users might decide they want to have in their computers?

You see, I have a problem with the fact that you have a problem with Apple users who insist on wanting stuff in their computers other than the stuff you think they should want (retina, fan-less, few ports...)

Apple telling you the truth: rMB is the futur of most laptop use because of all my previous arguments (Retina display, fanless)

No. As @andreyush has already mentioned, it's not.

 

[andreyush]

You are just not going to let go, are you?



You see, I have a problem with the fact that you have a problem with Apple users who insist on wanting stuff in their computers other than the stuff you think they should want (retina, fan-less, few ports...

.

I think this thread is to influence the people because most of this kind of forums can have a big influence on people who wants to buy a device and they are undecided.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I think this thread is to influence the people because most of this kind of forums can have a big influence on people who wants to buy a device and they are undecided.

Yes, but the absolutely arrogant and dismissive tone the OP adopts when discussing the choices and preferences of those who disagree with him would not be likely - in my view - to persuade many outsiders of the merits of his perspective.

 

[andreyush]

Yes, but the absolutely arrogant and dismissive tone the OP adopts when discussing the choices and preferences of those who disagree with him would not be likely - in my view - to persuade many outsiders of the merits of his perspective.

And the topic of the thread makes everything even more frustrating because it is so useless and puts in a good light the rMB by showing the cons of the MBA . This is not how you compare two devices .

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And the topic of the thread makes everything even more frustrating because is is so useless and puts in a good light the rMB by showing the cons of the MBA . This is not how you compare two devices .

Agreed.

The obvious thing to do would be to compare and contrast the respective strengths (and weaknesses) of the respective devices, and, thus armed with information, this would serve to encourage those who have been reading the thread to make a purchase based on how their needs are met by whichever device they think best meets those needs.

 

[Roller]

And the topic of the thread makes everything even more frustrating because it is so useless and puts in a good light the rMB by showing the cons of the MBA . This is not how you compare two devices .

You mean the way political candidates do it?

 

[andreyush]

You mean the way political candidates do it?

Yes the same way. That's why this kind of posts are pissing me off .

 

[s15119]

Nonsense. The Air is a great computer. I think I'll go out and buy another one. Why would you tell someone else what computer to buy? Arrogance beyond belief.

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

Lack of fans? Its probably one of biggest advantage of rMB over MBA, fanless, once you try it, you ll never go back
Lack of power? Probably but for power users only, most of Apple users dont need i7
You guys, it reminds me some users who still want Macbook Pro non Retina because of upgradable hard drive and superdrive
Apple telling you the truth: rMB is the futur of most laptop use because of all my previous arguments (Retina display, fanless)

Lack of fans is NOT a feature. I repeat, NOT a feature. The fans on the Air are silent, but kick in WHEN NECESSARY. There are times they are. It does not happen often unless I am doing something that requires it.

Because you don't have fans and a slower processor, you can't do many of the things I can do.

A retina display is certainly nice and I would welcome it. But it doesn't mean that I would eagerly buy the Macbook. My personal opinion is that the Macbook is a piece of **** and that it would be a stupid thing to buy. Overpriced, underpowered, glamorously and unapologetically bad.

It literally doesn't even make sense to buy it, in my opinion. Why would you want it? Why not just get the Macbook Pro which is at a similar price point.

My review of Macbook:
+ Retina
+ Small and thin
+ Good battery life (good enough)
- Underwhelming battery life (except not nearly as good as it ought)
- Underpowered
- Expensive (costs a lot but doesn't offer much in return)
- Single USB-C and inability to charge the device at the same time as plugging in another (unless you purchase a separate dongle) THIS IS A BIG, BIGGGGG PROBLEM, in my opinion. You are paying for an expensive notebook that requires additional purchases to be used as a main computer for most. If you don't feel that this would affect you, then great!
- No additional ports (no SD, no MagSafe, no thunderbolt)
~ Possibly uncomfortable to type on. This is down to opinion.

Macbook Air:
- Outdated (display, especially)
+ Small and thin
+ Excellent battery life (formerly best in market)
- Priced a little higher than it should be; if it was equipped with more RAM and more SSD by default, it may be a little more worth.
+ Decent amount of ports (2 USB3, SD, Mini Thunderbolt)

 

[Ankaa]

Ozelot, is that you?

 

[AFEPPL]

rMB out performs 2015 MBA based on geek bench... just saying...!
so its not really under powered unless we also conclude the MBA is underpowered?

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

rMB out performs 2015 MBA based on geek bench... just saying...!
so its not really under powered unless we also conclude the MBA is underpowered?

I'm not quite sure where you pulled this score chart graphic from. May I have a link?

But this is some missing information here. It may be that the Macbook can perform quite well. But you forgot the part where it can not sustain that level of performance without throttling the CPU due to a lack of fans...

EDIT: I found other sources to back this up; albeit with some variance showing significantly less difference in performance. It is nice to see that the Macbook has greatly improved since last I saw it. However, the CPU throttling issue is very real and still a problem.

 

[grad]

You could come up with 10s of arguments why MBA sucks. And you can have even more arguments why rMB also sucks. Many MBA users just wanted a fanless Air with a better screen. Instead, we got the rMB ... No ports to make it more useful than a tablet and a terrible keyboard. Apple (and its apologists) can say all it wants to make it look like a success, Microsoft also sold billions of lame Windows copies to the weak consumer. I am not holding my breath but I wish Apple revises its complete computer lineup (both laptops and desktops) and also spends considerable R&D resources at improving OSX.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

And the topic of the thread makes everything even more frustrating because it is so useless and puts in a good light the rMB by showing the cons of the MBA...

In some circles this method is called "dirty tricks".

...But this is some missing information here. It may be that the Macbook can perform quite well. But you forgot the part where it can not sustain that level of performance without throttling the CPU due to a lack of fans...

This is the key. Simple physics.

 

[saytheenay]

I just got a new 13" MBA 8/i7/512, and it smokes! But its going back because it has a LG screen and my 2013 (which my wife wants) has a Samsung. The LG is truly tragically bad, even for a TN panel, but the Samsung has much better color depth and angles (to my eyes at least). In addition, the current MBA runs warmer than the 2013. If it came with a Samsung display, I would keep it--especially because it is TN.

I will be skipping any Mac with a Retina display--just can't stand the lag. And having an effective resolution (and don't give me pixel doubling B$) of 1280x800 on a 13" laptop is inexcusable, especially since the more you scale it, the more it lags. The 13" MBP, in my opinion, is trash and a joke when a 13" MBA feels faster because it doesn't have any lag.

I also like being able to connect my U2715H via mini-display port and two USB 3.0 HDs without a dongle.

 

[Roller]

Lack of fans is NOT a feature. I repeat, NOT a feature. The fans on the Air are silent, but kick in WHEN NECESSARY. There are times they are. It does not happen often unless I am doing something that requires it.

Because you don't have fans and a slower processor, you can't do many of the things I can do.

A retina display is certainly nice and I would welcome it. But it doesn't mean that I would eagerly buy the Macbook. My personal opinion is that the Macbook is a piece of **** and that it would be a stupid thing to buy. Overpriced, underpowered, glamorously and unapologetically bad.

It literally doesn't even make sense to buy it, in my opinion. Why would you want it? Why not just get the Macbook Pro which is at a similar price point.

My review of Macbook:
+ Retina
+ Small and thin
+ Good battery life (good enough)
- Underwhelming battery life (except not nearly as good as it ought)
- Underpowered
- Expensive (costs a lot but doesn't offer much in return)
- Single USB-C and inability to charge the device at the same time as plugging in another (unless you purchase a separate dongle) THIS IS A BIG, BIGGGGG PROBLEM, in my opinion. You are paying for an expensive notebook that requires additional purchases to be used as a main computer for most. If you don't feel that this would affect you, then great!
- No additional ports (no SD, no MagSafe, no thunderbolt)
~ Possibly uncomfortable to type on. This is down to opinion.

Macbook Air:
- Outdated (display, especially)
+ Small and thin
+ Excellent battery life (formerly best in market)
- Priced a little higher than it should be; if it was equipped with more RAM and more SSD by default, it may be a little more worth.
+ Decent amount of ports (2 USB3, SD, Mini Thunderbolt)

I think that this is a fair comparison, though the rMB isn't quite as underpowered as you said initially and acknowledged in your subsequent edited post. But I disagree that the 13" MBP is always a better choice than the rMB. The 1.5 lb. weight difference isn't negligible for someone who's looking for the lightest Apple laptop they can get at that screen size. The Air would be a great compromise, except for its display.

 

[bubulol]

I just got a new 13" MBA 8/i7/512, and it smokes! But its going back because it has a LG screen and my 2013 (which my wife wants) has a Samsung. The LG is truly tragically bad, even for a TN panel, but the Samsung has much better color depth and angles (to my eyes at least). In addition, the current MBA runs warmer than the 2013. If it came with a Samsung display, I would keep it--especially because it is TN.

I will be skipping any Mac with a Retina display--just can't stand the lag. And having an effective resolution (and don't give me pixel doubling B$) of 1280x800 on a 13" laptop is inexcusable, especially since the more you scale it, the more it lags. The 13" MBP, in my opinion, is trash and a joke when a 13" MBA feels faster because it doesn't have any lag.

I also like being able to connect my U2715H via mini-display port and two USB 3.0 HDs without a dongle.

Retina display doesnt lag...
Lower res is ugly as fluck and blurry
Do you want go back on 3GS screen instead of Retina display on your iPhone 6S?
I am sure you guys have latest iPhone and want the best in your smartphone

 

[jerwin]

rMB out performs 2015 MBA based on geek bench... just saying...!
so its not really under powered unless we also conclude the MBA is underpowered?

Geekbench takes a minute to run. Not much time for heat to build up.

 

[kis]

You could come up with 10s of arguments why MBA sucks. And you can have even more arguments why rMB also sucks. Many MBA users just wanted a fanless Air with a better screen. Instead, we got the rMB ... No ports to make it more useful than a tablet and a terrible keyboard. Apple (and its apologists) can say all it wants to make it look like a success, Microsoft also sold billions of lame Windows copies to the weak consumer. I am not holding my breath but I wish Apple revises its complete computer lineup (both laptops and desktops) and also spends considerable R&D resources at improving OSX.

The rMB is more like a design study at this point. I have one (2016 refresh) and it its screen is gorgeous but simply too small, the performance really isn't great and the lack of ports is a joke. I use it for lack of alternatives. I just can't bring myself to go back to the MacBook Air's ridiculous dated screen after having used all kinds of laptops with retina displays. Why Apple pushed the rMB rather than a retina MBA beats me. I'm also not quite sure what their plans are in terms of the new lineup. The new rMBPs are going to be insanely expensive. I don't think they'll be dramatically lowering the rMB's price anytime soon, either. So what's going to be their entry-level laptop? Or won't there be one anymore once they've dropped the MBA later this year?