MacBook Review Roundup: Major Design Appeal, but Too Many Key Compromises

[AlecZ]

Wait for v2. Always wait for v2.

 

[AppleScruff1]

So neither this or the watch is getting rave reviews. Very un-Apple like.

 

[Traverse]

So neither this or the watch is getting rave reviews. Very un-Apple like.

Many reviews say that for what it is, it's pretty good, but it is overpriced.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Many reviews say that for what it is, it's pretty good, but it is overpriced.

I liked the Keynote, I just wasn't thrilled with one port and the price.

 

[AleXXXa]

So this thing is as thin as an iPad, as fast as an iPad, has worse camera, battery life, no 4G, yet it costs 2 times more?
Innovation at its best!

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Form over function, definitely. Not even worth $800.

Actually i would pay 800 for it if it had a better camera and 4G. It would be a good price for what essentially is an iPad that runs OS X.

 

[Traverse]

I liked the Keynote, I just wasn't thrilled with one port and the price.

I am torn.

I'm starting graduate school in month and will be a TA for the next year. I'll be moving around a lot. I have a 15" rMBP docked at home with external peripherals and I've been taking an iPad and keyboard to undergraduate classes to take notes as the professor goes on and on.

My graduate classes will be far more research-based so an iPad won't cut it. And when I'm working with undergraduate students, I need a full computer to connect to certain databases.

The rMB look perfect. A thin, light, portable secondary computer for web, mail, and Office work. I know it's frivolous, but it sure would be more convenient than my MBP. And I know it will get better next year, but I'm starting school now.

It is overpriced, but I don't think drastically. It's the new Mac, it's got an impressive design, it's got sufficient performance, and all my peripherals will just be used with the MBP...

 

[bkkcanuck]

I am torn.

I'm starting graduate school in month and will be a TA for the next year. I'll be moving around a lot. I have a 15" rMBP docked at home with external peripherals and I've been taking an iPad and keyboard to undergraduate classes to take notes as the professor goes on and on.

My graduate classes will be far more research-based so an iPad won't cut it. And when I'm working with undergraduate students, I need a full computer to connect to certain databases.

The rMB look perfect. A thin, light, portable secondary computer for web, mail, and Office work. I know it's frivolous, but it sure would be more convenient than my MBP. And I know it will get better next year, but I'm starting school now.

It is overpriced, but I don't think drastically. It's the new Mac, it's got an impressive design, it's got sufficient performance, and all my peripherals will just be used with the MBP...

How much do you spend on books these days?

I probably spent more on books 25+ years ago (over the course of degree) than the price of this laptop

 

[drew0020]

This is where most people are, save the die-hard Apple maniacs. Don't get me wrong, I love their products... usually. This round of releases though are very disappointing. And it's funny to see people here saying "oh but it's just a first generation product. Wait a couple years and it will be better and cheaper." That basically says anyone the tech isn't here today to do it RIGHT, so Apple works by half-measure. When has Apple been one to compromise like that?

I mean they did make it in gold. That has to be worth something haha.

 

[Traverse]

How much do you spend on books these days?

I probably spent more on books 25+ years ago (over the course of degree) than the price of this laptop

Accounting textbooks range from $175 to $500, but I save on tuition and get a paycheck by being a TA (teaching assistant).

 

[Nicky G]

I'm a power user, and the compromises are PERFECT for me.

If only my current Air (which is slower than this) didn't still feel fast, I'd jump on it. But it's still fine, so I'll wait another year or two.

That's the point of having different models to choose from—one person's "compromise" is another person's "perfect balance."

For me, a heavier machine where I can plug in tons of cords at once is an unacceptable "compromise." (Seriously. When have I last plugged in more than one thing at once? A year or more? Wireless is the future. If you want the past, pick a different Mac.)



(Boldface mine.)

How easily people forget.... Retina display. And Force Touch trackpad. All in something that's still as thin and light as an Air (better, even). Not possible last month... available this month! Progress.



I certainly would say that, since I'm using a 2011 MacBook Air right now. Make it thinner and lighter, yes please! (Yet with a bigger screen and longer battery life.)

Your needs are not everyone's.

And throw in a retina display

Plus I'd rather have the next USB port than the old style--since I'm looking ahead.

I do not judge those whose needs are different from mine. Just know that needs vary.

(I'd recommend this machine hands-down to 99% of non-techie people too.)

Nagromme, I would have left this forum many years ago if not for your regular, reasonable, intelligent posts. Thanks dude. just felt like saying this after all these years.

 

[Nicky G]

Can we all agree it's just a Facebook-book or Writer'sBook? They specifically targeted cool and hip kids for this one. That's what 90% of people do. Facebook and tweet. Oh, and watch youtube videos.

I sell something like 7 million dollars a year worth of IT systems to the professional media industry. This machine is going to be a perfect travel machine for me. Web, email, office, Evernote, FileMaker Pro, a few other fairly basic apps. Yep, this is the machine I've been waiting for. Not my only machine, to be sure. But my perfect travel machine.

 

[lcseds]

I can see folks bashing the rMB with the 13" rMBP. But to compare it to the Air is nonsense IMO. I can't imagine anyone looking at a retina and a MBA side by side and take the Air. They are really different as in ports/power vs. display. I just can't imagine a struggle when looking at the display. *I* can do without ports on the rMB, but I hate that it might struggle with processor and video power.
So if the air is out of the equation (if you think retina is all that and a bag of chips....which it really is IMO), you are looking at rMB vs rMBP. Now there's a fight. I really, really want the rMB, but I'm going to have to settle for a rMBP.

 

[Nicky G]

In the Steve Jobs era, we had both form and function at the same time. Under Ken Cook / Jony Ive, it seems we have one or the other, but not both. This is as true for iOS as for the new Macbook. Absolutely beautiful, at the expense of usability.

Perhaps part of the true genius of Steve Jobs was keeping people like Jony Ive in line, helping them remember the mission.

Dan

Oh, please. Are you 15? Original iMac, people freaked out about lack of legacy ports. Original MacBook Air, people freaked out about lack of ports and optical drive. IPhone? Didn't even run third-party applications. Get your history straight, noob.

 

[deviant]

I sell something like 7 million dollars a year worth of IT systems to the professional media industry. This machine is going to be a perfect travel machine for me. Web, email, office, Evernote, FileMaker Pro, a few other fairly basic apps. Yep, this is the machine I've been waiting for. Not my only machine, to be sure. But my perfect travel machine.

sorry, MacBook Air is a better computer from every angle. For that use, too.

 

[bkkcanuck]

sorry, MacBook Air is a better computer from every angle. For that use, too.

The applications he just listed would not even fully tax the CPU in the macbook, a macbook air would not improve performance.... He would be taking a cut off the display (and I do want retina), but he would get a better camera... assuming he is into taking selfies at the keyboard

A more powerful CPU does not necessarily improve performance - especially if you don't use the full power of the CPU in the first place.

 

[Nicky G]

I like the general idea of the new MacBook but I wonder: if the iPad can pretty much do everything except for the heaviest, professional-type of work that require peripherals, serious video editing, Photoshop, etc, and the MacBook can't do that either, then what's it meant to be used for? It's an iPad with a keyboard that is meant to do the stuff the iPad does but on OS X.

Sure it's nicer to be able to actually multi task and download files and all that, but it's not like those are the main reasons Apple expects you to buy it. What type of typical use is it for? At least the MacBook Air was quite a powerful laptop that easily does everything, even moderate high-end stuff.

Sure you can further create sub-sub categories that go between the Air and the iPad, but I guess this machine is for those who want a real computer just because they prefer it to an iPad for basic stuff. I see it as a replacement for the iPad for those who don't like tablets, because it makes little sense to have both an iPad and the MacBook as they overlap a lot.

Multitasking? Desktop apps? It's worth a lot to some of us. I'll be able to travel with this machine, and only this machine. Never have been able to say that for my iPads (and I've owned almost every model, with keyboards).

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I won't buy one because it doesn't fit my needs. The MacBook certainly has limitations but most people won't care. Most people who use computers really don't know a GHz from a GB. They'll see a beautiful computer that works well enough for what they want to do. Is the computer overpriced? Maybe (Apple almost always has large profit margins on products) but it's still an impressive machine. Wait until the next model if you really need an ultra thin, ultralight 12" laptop geared towards extreme portability but want more performance.

While I don't disagree with your primary point, I sling IT systems for a living to major media corporations that can measure into Petabytes, with customized software platforms running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. I was on the Internet when we had to dial in to VAX/VMS systems, just to do USEnet, IRC, and our MUDs/MUCKs/MUSEs. I kind of know my ****, and I definitely know I want this machine.

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Suspected as much, a garbage computer in a golden shell.

This is a bad release apple, and be prepared for comparatives to the likes of netbooks and ASUS garbage.

too bad.
Oh, and nice one port too; slick /s

/downvote

 

[MacAddict1978]

I now have more faith in the Apple Watch. The reviewers were negative about that, and they've been negative about this, too, which I actually think is a really great product.

It doesn't matter that it doesn't have ports any more than the iPad suffers for a lack of ports. Some use cases don't require them. If this laptop isn't for you, you can pretend it doesn't exist and get a MacBook Air or Pro.

Obviously though you get idiots saying "How will I plug in my 15 USB accessories while also charging and using an ethernet cable?" but I genuinely believe this laptop is no more radical than the MacBook Air's lack of optical drive.

I dont think anyone is arguing that this isn't a great product... it's just not a $1500 product. Same with Watch. It's an alright product, but it's not revolutionary... and in many ways behind the competition and in a few minor ways a step ahead.... (developer support is really the main thing watch has going for it over Wear). The base watch is really a $200 product.

Both are 1st gen products.... 2nd and 3rd will be the sweet spot.

 

[Traverse]

If you are buying this Macbook as your only computer you are "doing it wrong". This is a travel focused ancillary computer. One you slip into your briefcase for a getaway that you don't expect to do too much work on. Or it is your take to class and take notes on. Or take to the coffee shop to do a little writing on. But the owner of one of these should have a more powerful device back at home and at the office.

That said, I know many folks who never play games on the computer, never work with large excel files, never do video editing and rarely do much photo editing beyond hitting the "remove red eye" button. In fact the folks who fit into the above description are numerous. This laptop could serve as their only device pretty easily.

Also, many folks are married with kids, so they live in households with at least three computer using people. There are often three computers in those households and one of them being ultra portable could make a lot of sense. Daddy's computer might be hooked into the printer and backup hard drives, plus need to have the processor for a little Call of Duty action. But Momma's computer doesn't need that. Because she can always use Daddy's computer when she needs to. (Feel free to flip the sexes above to make this a less sexist statement, but the point remains the same.)

Exactly. This thing would be too annoying to be my main machine I use LR and VMWare with my rMBP hooked up to an external display with external peripherals.

But as a graduate student and a TA, I'll be moving around a lot and carrying a lot of books. To disconnect my MBP and a carry around a 15" laptop that weights 4.5 pounds is more cumbersome than having a 12" laptop that weighs 2 pounds ready to pickup and go.

I'm thinking of it as an iPad replacement.

 

[Nicky G]

sorry, MacBook Air is a better computer from every angle. For that use, too.

Won't ever buy a machine with non-Retina display again, sorry.

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The applications he just listed would not even fully tax the CPU in the macbook, a macbook air would not improve performance.... He would be taking a cut off the display (and I do want retina), but he would get a better camera... assuming he is into taking selfies at the keyboard

A more powerful CPU does not necessarily improve performance - especially if you don't use the full power of the CPU in the first place.

Too busy selling solutions to take selfies. ;-)

 

[AppleScruff1]

I am torn.

I'm starting graduate school in month and will be a TA for the next year. I'll be moving around a lot. I have a 15" rMBP docked at home with external peripherals and I've been taking an iPad and keyboard to undergraduate classes to take notes as the professor goes on and on.

My graduate classes will be far more research-based so an iPad won't cut it. And when I'm working with undergraduate students, I need a full computer to connect to certain databases.

The rMB look perfect. A thin, light, portable secondary computer for web, mail, and Office work. I know it's frivolous, but it sure would be more convenient than my MBP. And I know it will get better next year, but I'm starting school now.

It is overpriced, but I don't think drastically. It's the new Mac, it's got an impressive design, it's got sufficient performance, and all my peripherals will just be used with the MBP...

It sounds like it will be fine for your needs. Your only choice for less money will be something running Windows.

I'll check it out at the Apple store myself. I always like to check out the new products whether it is Apple, Microsoft, etc.

 

[Traverse]

For me, more portability, larger screen estate, retina display, Force Touch trackpad, and equal battery life to the 11" MBA.

I don't know why people don't see this.

And the "underpowered" CPU. Has CPU power jumped dramatically since 2010? It's not like the ARM race where you're getting 2x jumps each year. Even if the core i5 is 20% faster than the Core M, I don't think it will be that noticeable except for really demanding tasks which, if you're doing them all day, the MB isn't the best choice.

The main valid criticism I see is the one port. That's up the the individual user to decide if they need. Since this will be my classroom and road warrior computer, I only need to charge it and will keep the USB-C to USB-A connector in my backpack when at school just in case.

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It sounds like it will be fine for your needs. Your only choice for less money will be something running Windows.

I'll check it out at the Apple store myself. I always like to check out the new products whether it is Apple, Microsoft, etc.

And for my needs 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (base MBAs) would be fine, but I stare at text and numbers all day. The retina screen does make a huge difference when reading all day.

 

[ColdShadow]

Way too expensive,poor performance,lack of necessary ports.
The only thing this netbook has to offer is style.
very disappointing.
And yet there are fools who compare these crippling compromises with the lack of dvd drive of the macbook air
the most disappointing and limited Macbook Apple ever made.
It's not even a macbook,more like toybook

 

[AppleScruff1]

I don't know why people don't see this.

And the "underpowered" CPU. Has CPU power jumped dramatically since 2010? It's not like the ARM race where you're getting 2x jumps each year. Even if the core i5 is 20% faster than the Core M, I don't think it will be that noticeable except for really demanding tasks which, if you're doing them all day, the MB isn't the best choice.

The main valid criticism I see is the one port. That's up the the individual user to decide if they need. Since this will be my classroom and road warrior computer, I only need to charge it and will keep the USB-C to USB-A connector in my backpack when at school just in case.

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And for my needs 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (base MBAs) would be fine, but I stare at text and numbers all day. The retina screen does make a huge difference when reading all day.

I agree about the Retina screen. How much difference in price between this and the MBA?

 

[Traverse]

Performance wise this laptop is basically on par with the iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2 weighs less, has better apps (that are cheaper), and a retina display that is a touch screen. Plus you have the option for cellular. Add a 3rd party keyboard cover and you essentially have a better and cheaper version of the new one port MacBook

And a mobile OS. OS X and iOS are very very different.

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I agree about the Retina screen. How much difference in price between this and the MBA?

Well, a 13" MBA of the same specs is the same $1,299.

An 11" MBA starts at $899 and the 13" starts at $999...

Or was that rhetorical to call into question how expensive a retina screen is?

 

[deviant]

Won't ever buy a machine with non-Retina display again, sorry.

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Too busy selling solutions to take selfies. ;-)

I understand. I don't own a retina Mac yet, but I've played a little with them at the Apple Store, it looks beautiful. But .. Yeah, ain't ever paying 1500 for that MacBook.