MacBook Air - with Touch ID or without?

[Sirolway]

I'm thinking of replacing a 2014 MacBook Pro that has had repeated keyboard issues, with a MacBook Air.
It seems to me that the cheaper MacBook Air has the old-style keyboard (before they seemed prone to issues), is significantly less expensive and only marginally slower. So the only real downside is the lower resolution screen (which I admit is significant)

So is the cheaper Air the better / safer (re keyboard) bet?
What do people think?

 

[mpe]

IMHO the old Macbook Air is a terrible deal in 2018. The screen is not the only downside. You gain a lot by buying a 2018 model.

It the 2018 model the keyboard was improved by introducing the plastic seal. I wouldn't mind buying it.

 

[Sirolway]

IMHO the old Macbook Air is a terrible deal in 2018. The screen is not the only downside. You gain a lot by buying a 2018 model.

It the 2018 model the keyboard was improved by introducing the plastic seal. I wouldn't mind buying it.

I suspect you're right, but what are the other downsides to the old Air?
As I mentioned, this is to replace an original-butterfly-keyboard MacBook Pro. The keyboard on that really hasn't stood up well, so I'm very wary even of the latest butterfly keyboards...

 

[Ghost31]

Ok we need the standard info. How you'll be using your computer, how much you're looking to spend, what you had for lunch. the whole deal

 

[Sirolway]

Ok we need the standard info. How you'll be using your computer, how much you're looking to spend, what you had for lunch. the whole deal

Yes good point.
It's mostly MS Office - especially a lot of Excel & PowerPoint - and email (Thunderbird). Nothing heavy like Photoshop.
This user had a previous Air and loved it; the MacBook Pro was supposed to be an upgrade but hasn't turned out well (mostly keyboard, but it's not stunningly faster).

The main irritation is the keyboard - the lack of throw but also unresponsive keys and double-typing keys. It's ridiculous that Apple hasn't taken their usual "it shouldn't do that, we'll fix it for free" approach, but it is what it is...

 

[Ghost31]

Yes good point.
It's mostly MS Office - especially a lot of Excel & PowerPoint - and email (Thunderbird). Nothing heavy like Photoshop.
This user had a previous Air and loved it; the MacBook Pro was supposed to be an upgrade but hasn't turned out well (mostly keyboard, but it's not stunningly faster).

The main irritation is the keyboard - the lack of throw but also unresponsive keys and double-typing keys. It's ridiculous that Apple hasn't taken their usual "it shouldn't do that, we'll fix it for free" approach, but it is what it is...

Let me give you my perspective man.

I had the 2012 air and then a retina pro after that. I really loved my air and for the time I had it, it was hands down one of my favorite apple devices to date. But you have to take the year and usage in perspective. It's almost 2019 and the old air screen is RIDICULOUSLY bad. I remember a few years ago people stopped recommending it because even by 2015-2016 standards, it was bad. But now 2019? How would you feel about going back to a black and white tv? I saw one of these in store awhile ago and it looked like someone smeared vaseline all over the screen. I just couldn't get over it.

The screen to me in your situation would be a huge deal because I want longevity out of my machines and I just know even if I were to give it a pass today because I got a good deal on price, in the next year or two that screen would be a dealbreaker.

Then there's the keyboard: I hated the first gen MacBook keyboard with a passion to the point I was like "I'm so done. I'm using my MacBook with old style keyboard until it dies and then switching to a windows laptop because I can NOT get used to those stupid butterfly keys". But I tried the gen 3 on the new air in store and was won over. A totally unexpected reaction. Typing on one right now. It took them a few gens, but they finally nailed it in my book. It has a nice clicky feel to it where every time you push down, it feels precise. I just...love it. And I really didn't think I would

So I'd say give the 2018 air a try. Really. All the outrage over the keyboard and other things is so overblown it really warps your perspective when you come on here and read all these threads.For your uses, the 2018 would be perfect

 

[mpe]

Irrespectively of how you want to use the computer. When selecting a laptop for 2019, my red lines would be:

1. I wouldn't buy a laptop without retina or with TN screen
2. I wouldn't buy a laptop without USB-C ports
3. At least 8GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD. More if you have a use for it.
4. I would probably avoid anything without T2 at this point as the last macOS version to not require T2 to run is probably closer than everybody thinks.

 

[Sirolway]

Let me give you my perspective man.

I had the 2012 air and then a retina pro after that. I really loved my air and for the time I had it, it was hands down one of my favorite apple devices to date. But you have to take the year and usage in perspective. It's almost 2019 and the old air screen is RIDICULOUSLY bad. I remember a few years ago people stopped recommending it because even by 2015-2016 standards, it was bad. But now 2019? How would you feel about going back to a black and white tv? I saw one of these in store awhile ago and it looked like someone smeared vaseline all over the screen. I just couldn't get over it.

The screen to me in your situation would be a huge deal because I want longevity out of my machines and I just know even if I were to give it a pass today because I got a good deal on price, in the next year or two that screen would be a dealbreaker.

Then there's the keyboard: I hated the first gen MacBook keyboard with a passion to the point I was like "I'm so done. I'm using my MacBook with old style keyboard until it dies and then switching to a windows laptop because I can NOT get used to those stupid butterfly keys". But I tried the gen 3 on the new air in store and was won over. A totally unexpected reaction. Typing on one right now. It took them a few gens, but they finally nailed it in my book. It has a nice clicky feel to it where every time you push down, it feels precise. I just...love it. And I really didn't think I would

So I'd say give the 2018 air a try. Really. All the outrage over the keyboard and other things is so overblown it really warps your perspective when you come on here and read all these threads.For your uses, the 2018 would be perfect

Thanks for your feedback; I think you're right re the screen - high res is the way to go.
The keyboard? Well, I guess we might just need to see how that goes.

 

[Wags]

T

I'm thinking of replacing a 2014 MacBook Pro that has had repeated keyboard issues, with a MacBook Air.
It seems to me that the cheaper MacBook Air has the old-style keyboard (before they seemed prone to issues), is significantly less expensive and only marginally slower. So the only real downside is the lower resolution screen (which I admit is significant)

So is the cheaper Air the better / safer (re keyboard) bet?
What do people think?

Seems to me the only reason Apple is still selling the old air is for marketing. ‘For little extra you can get the much better MBA’. Nobody should be purchasing a new 2017 or older MBA.

 

[Ghost31]

T

Seems to me the only reason Apple is still selling the old air is for marketing. ‘For little extra you can get the much better MBA’. Nobody should be purchasing a new 2017 or older MBA.

And even though its seen as "the cheap Mac", its still super expensive for what you get. Sucker should be more like $700

 

[Populus]

If keyboard is one of your main concerns, please trust me, this third gen butterfly keyboard makes a great difference, compared to the second one. It is a very refined keyboard and I find it very pleasing to type on it. It is still louder than the old scissor type keyboard, but quieter than the previous second gen butterfly mechanism.

As for reliability, I can only speak for this 2-3 weeks I've had this Air, it hasn't happened anything like stuck keys or repetitive letters. Nothing at all. I even let some debris from my face (dead skins and rheums) to fall over the keyboard and let them maybe fall beneath the frame. I'm considering some heavier test like throwing sand, but I find it is just not right or fair to do something like that to a machine like this.

And answering your main question: Yes, I would definitely buy the newer 2018 Air. I never liked the old Air, I was a MacBook Pro user. But honestly this new MacBook Air surprised me and I'm in love with it, honestly.

Any question, just ask and I'll try to answer.

 

[Macintoshrumors]

The 2018 air is not perfect. Failing keyboard and T2 issues are a huge concern. I’d by the old air as a placeholder untill Apple can fix these issues.

 

[revmacian]

I'm thinking of replacing a 2014 MacBook Pro that has had repeated keyboard issues, with a MacBook Air.
It seems to me that the cheaper MacBook Air has the old-style keyboard (before they seemed prone to issues), is significantly less expensive and only marginally slower. So the only real downside is the lower resolution screen (which I admit is significant)

So is the cheaper Air the better / safer (re keyboard) bet?
What do people think?

Have you researched the 2017 refurbished 13" MBP without Touch Bar? It's more powerful than the 2018 MBA, has a better display, and there is no real guarantee that you will experience keyboard problems. I must have watched hundreds of videos and read webpages, and I have only found two reviewers that suffered stuck keys - and one of them solved the problem with a can of compressed air. Oh, and they still make external keyboards and Apple already has a kb replacement program in place for this machine.

 

[Populus]

The 2018 air is not perfect. Failing keyboard and T2 issues are a huge concern. I’d by the old air as a placeholder untill Apple can fix these issues.

A failing 3rd gen butterfly keyboard? Weird, mine and all others I've tried (2018 MacBook pro) are all just perfect.

Have you researched the 2017 refurbished 13" MBP without Touch Bar? It's more powerful than the 2018 MBA, has a better display, and there is no real guarantee that you will experience keyboard problems. I must have watched hundreds of videos and read webpages, and I have only found two reviewers that suffered stuck keys - and one of them solved the problem with a can of compressed air. Oh, and they still make external keyboards and Apple already has a kb replacement program in place for this machine.

Well, this is indeed asking for keyboard problems. I'd stuck with 3rd gen butterfly keyboard which, so far, is used only on 2018 MacBook Pro (with Touch Bar) and 2018 MacBook Air. Just my point of view of course.

 

[revmacian]

A failing 3rd gen butterfly keyboard? Weird, mine and all others I've tried (2018 MacBook pro) are all just perfect.



Well, this is indeed asking for keyboard problems. I'd stuck with 3rd gen butterfly keyboard which, so far, is used only on 2018 MacBook Pro (with Touch Bar) and 2018 MacBook Air. Just my point of view of course.

Yes, and I happen to have proof that not every 2017 MBP is suffering keyboard problems - my local MUG (Mac User Group). Pick your battles, I guess.

 

[Populus]

Yes, and I happen to have proof that not every 2017 MBP is suffering keyboard problems - my local MUG (Mac User Group). Pick your battles, I guess.

I'm glad for you. I had the opportunity to try a 2017 MBP and it was pretty fine as well, at least the few days I had it. But that doesn't change the general feelings, the experiences on this and other forums, everything I've read about those keyboards. They seem a lot more prone to suffer those problems on the long term. That's why I recommend OP to not play lottery on such expensive devices if the performance of an 2018 Air is adequate for him. He seems fine with the old Air performance, so I assume the 2018 Air will be fine for him.

Obviously the nTB 13" MBP is the perfect machine for a lot of us, including me, it is more capable, but Apple hasn't updated this model because there weren't suitable CPUs for this machine on 2018. I'm waiting for a 2019 nTB 13" MBP, but I won't buy the 2017.

I was only giving him the advise to be careful with 2017 MBP because 1st and 2nd gen butterfly keyboards are prone to problems, especially if you aren't careful with the dust, sand and other debris. 3rd gen keyboard like the one in the newer 2018 laptops are a different story tho, and the new MacBook Air seems a safer bet.

I don't know what 'pick your battles' means because I'm not a native English speaker, but I wholeheartedly hope it doesn't mean 'keep your nose out of this business', because I was just sharing my opinion. Debating, if you want.

 

[revmacian]

I'm glad for you. I had the opportunity to try a 2017 MBP and it was pretty fine as well, at least the few days I had it. But that doesn't change the general feelings, the experiences on this and other forums, everything I've read about those keyboards. They seem a lot more prone to suffer those problems on the long term. That's why I recommend OP to not play lottery on such expensive devices if the performance of an 2018 Air is adequate for him. He seems fine with the old Air performance, so I assume the 2018 Air will be fine for him.

Obviously the nTB 13" MBP is the perfect machine for a lot of us, including me, it is more capable, but Apple hasn't updated this model because there weren't suitable CPUs for this machine on 2018. I'm waiting for a 2019 nTB 13" MBP, but I won't buy the 2017.

I was only giving him the advise to be careful with 2017 MBP because 1st and 2nd gen butterfly keyboards are prone to problems, especially if you aren't careful with the dust, sand and other debris. 3rd gen keyboard like the one in the newer 2018 laptops are a different story tho, and the new MacBook Air seems a safer bet.

I don't know what 'pick your battles' means because I'm not a native English speaker, but I wholeheartedly hope it doesn't mean 'keep your nose out of this business', because I was just sharing my opinion. Debating, if you want.

So, it comes down to possible keyboard issues with the 2017 non-Touchbar MBP.. or.. taking a chance that a T2 chip BridgeOS crash on the 2018 MBA (something I have seen first-hand) won't trash hours of work if it happens to cause a random reboot. There is currently no fix for this.

I'll take my chances with the keyboard issues, which can be quickly remedied by using an external keyboard until I can get to an Apple store to have the kb replaced via the existing kb replacement program.

 

[Populus]

So, it comes down to possible keyboard issues with the 2017 non-Touchbar MBP.. or.. taking a chance that a T2 chip BridgeOS crash on the 2018 MBA (something I have seen first-hand) won't trash hours of work if it happens to cause a random reboot.

I'll take my chances with the keyboard issues, which can be quickly remedied by using an external keyboard until I can get to an Apple store to have the kb replaced via the existing kb replacement program.

You've got a point there. I have had one single crash due to the T2 chip Bridge OS. In 5 weeks or so. Anyway it's a concern, even if it happens once in a while.

After the last software update (macOS 10.14.2) this hasn't happened yet on my 2018 MBA. I'm committed to report it on the thread if it happens again, which I expect not. And even if this isn't fixed yet, well, honestly I expect Apple will solve it because it is 100% a software problem.

I guess it comes down to preferences when taking chances of something failing xD.

 

[revmacian]

You've got a point there. I have had one single crash due to the T2 chip Bridge OS. In 5 weeks or so. Anyway it's a concern, even if it happens once in a while.

After the last software update (macOS 10.14.2) this hasn't happened yet on my 2018 MBA. I'm committed to report it on the thread if it happens again, which I expect not. And even if this hasn't fixed it yet, well, honestly I expect Apple will solve it because it is 100% a software problem.

I guess it comes down to preferences when taking chances of something failing xD.

I look forward to reading any report from you. Sadly there isn't really any "relatively safe" laptop choice from Apple right now. Hopefully, the refurb 2017 MBP I just bought will hold out long enough for Apple to solve some issues with the current offerings.

"Pick your battles" means to choose which fight you want to fight - referring to the keyboard issues or BridgeOS crashes.

 

[GoldfishRT]

Obviously a lot of it is dependent on your price sensitivity.

Under no circumstances should you get the old style air for $999+ but I regularly see it on sale for about $700 and at that price it's much more acceptable. Screen is bad. Rest of it holds up well.

 

[lpolarityl]

2018 MBA, hands down.

 

[617660]

Get the old MBA if $700 or under. Otherwise, get the 2018 version.

 

[Jimmy James]

2018 has HEVC hardware decoding if that matters to you.