MBA ...yes...no...?

[tentales]

Thank you!

Yes, I'm very tempted to buy right away. I bought my current MBA just a few weeks before new models came out and I never really regretted it. But for this time around, there is this slight hope that an update in the MBAs will get them 8GB entry RAM and maybe Retina, and of course Skylake which hopefully will even further improve battery life (I'm kinda on no battery right now...let it bet 1.5hrs at most). Retina certainly isn't high priority and I've been doing more than fine without it for the last 4 years. But having recently updated to a 5K iMac (another reason why I don't need a - high-end full-power - rMBP), I noticed it is a "nice to have", after all.

I have to admit I fear that features from the MB will make it to updated MBAs, such as the keyboard. I really do not like that keyboard.

It really comes down to the Pros (maybe 8GB RAM, maybe maybe Retina (although less likely), probably Skylake) and Cons (Keyboard, increase in Price, discontinuation) of a potential update. Right now I feel like I'm gonna wait and IF the MBA is discontinued or I don't like the update at all, I'm kinda hoping to snatch one of those BTO models at Macmall (or do they order from Apple directly and don't have them in stock?)

No idea about Macmall, but your chances of returning a BTO is definitely better with Apple directly.

I feel very confident that a new MBA will NOT have a retina display. That would reduce the battery life significantly and raise the price, then you'd basically have a rMBP 13" without the added ports. 8GB might become standard, even though modern memory-management 10.9.x forward has improved greatly and unless you run virtual machines is less critical with fast SSDs at your back, than before with spinners.

Check out the PC competition Skylake laptops, especially those with hi res displays, most tested battery life is sub 8hrs.
Even though Dell claims 18hrs on the XPS 13.

Except for the retina iMacs, nothing much has impressed me the last few years from Apple.
It's missing Steve's magic touch.

 

[Ankaa]

Sorry, I think you misunderstood. I don't intend to return the BTO if bought from Macmall - I'd ONLY buy from Macmall if I don't like the updated version (or the MBA is discontinued). At least that's my plan, for now, I think.

Your argument re the battery life kinda makes sense. And while retina would be a nice-to-have, not having retina definitely won't be a deal-breaker for me. But since I will run virtual machines (not all the time, but occasionally and then for scientific software), I definitely want those 8 GB RAM.

I absolutely agree on that: I do miss Steve's magic, too. Tim's doing ok (as in: it's not bad), but something is just missing.

 

[tentales]

Sorry, I think you misunderstood. I don't intend to return the BTO if bought from Macmall - I'd ONLY buy from Macmall if I don't like the updated version (or the MBA is discontinued). At least that's my plan, for now, I think.

Your argument re the battery life kinda makes sense. And while retina would be a nice-to-have, not having retina definitely won't be a deal-breaker for me. But since I will run virtual machines (not all the time, but occasionally and then for scientific software), I definitely want those 8 GB RAM.

I absolutely agree on that: I do miss Steve's magic, too. Tim's doing ok (as in: it's not bad), but something is just missing.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/...-release-date-specs-features-rumours-3605337/

 

[Ankaa]

Great find, thank you. I've been checking the web for rumours over the past few weeks, but there wasn't really much around.

And I don't care for the 11'' - that price-tage for the 13'' sounds tempting, though If the new MBA gets that awful MB keyboard in order to make it even thinner, and a reduction in number of ports for usb-c...well, those would be dealbreakers.

 

[Meister]

No idea about Macmall, but your chances of returning a BTO is definitely better with Apple directly.

I feel very confident that a new MBA will NOT have a retina display. That would reduce the battery life significantly and raise the price, then you'd basically have a rMBP 13" without the added ports. 8GB might become standard, even though modern memory-management 10.9.x forward has improved greatly and unless you run virtual machines is less critical with fast SSDs at your back, than before with spinners.

Check out the PC competition Skylake laptops, especially those with hi res displays, most tested battery life is sub 8hrs.
Even though Dell claims 18hrs on the XPS 13.

Except for the retina iMacs, nothing much has impressed me the last few years from Apple.
It's missing Steve's magic touch.

I don't think apple will put a retina into an air. Ever.

They will keep the air around until the new macbook is powerfull enough to replace it.

The next Air refresh will only bring faster cpu and gpu. Then they might lower the price to draw new customers. 128gb ssd and 4gb ram still go a very, very long way for entry level users.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Wow...so many generalisations and assumptions .... is it really that hard to accept that people have different preferences? Seriously?

What if I told you I don't want the best specs-price ratio? If I wanted that I'd probably go Windows. I want the computer that's best for ME. May I get more for just a marginally higher price? Oh yeah, sure. But do I really NEED it? Most certainly not. I don't need a trillion ports and the best available GPU/CPU there is in Apple products at the moment... I just don't care if I don't NEED it...is it nice to have? Yes. Is it a dealbreaker? No. I don't get why people buy the Macbooks with the highest spec and all they do is checking emails ...but yeah, they at least can brag about it...

Does a 0.5 lbs difference in weight matter to you? No. Great. Guess what, it DOES matter to me. And it's not nice trying to convince me to go with YOUR preferences or act like I'm overreacting... Oh and FYI I'm not one of "those kids nowadays". I used to have several heavy 15'' bricks back in the day, so yeah I know what a "heavy laptop" really means - things have changed. Maybe you are big, strong, guys...I'm not. Just accept it. It's that same stupid argument as "Oh come on, the iPhone 6 really isn't THAT big and I can use it single-handedly"...guess what, there are people with smaller hands. Broaden your horizon.

Why would I need the better GPU? That is a serious question as I don't know enough about the technology. I'm not a gamer. I don't do any rendering/video editing. I process photos in Lightroom. As a hobby. How will the better GPU will benefit me for LR? I get the point about the CPU...and that's why I'm aiming for the better of the two...

And just saying, but $200 more is a lot of money for some people...

Buy what you like no one cares, you don't have to justify your choices but you asked for advice and those of us with a logical turn of mind will give you a logical best bang for buck answer. If you didn't want/or need any advice then why the thread???

 

[theluggage]

Some people are just inflexible in their minds.
Once they've decided for themselves what's best, nobody else's opinion or needs matter to them.

Nobody here is insulting anybody who decides that they want an Air - unless you insist on taking an obviously tongue-in-cheek 'kids these days' crack seriously. Pointing out that $200 extra gets you more bangs-per-buck is not unreasonable on a ~$1000 purchase - I'm not going to assume you can't afford that any more than I'm going to assume you can. Spend extra - get better value is a common dilemma. The first time I mentioned the 'small' weight difference I acknowledged that it might make a difference if you were carrying it around continually.

This is all on-topic: Ankaa was asking about the future of the MacBook Air, and while nobody actually knows anything for sure there is a reasonable argument that it will be made irrelevant by a future, thinner and lighter, Skylake MacBook Pro - evidenced by the fact that many of us see even the current rMBP as better value for money, plus weekly postings to this forum by people asking if they should get an Air or rMBP (suggesting that there's an overlap).

We can't predict what Apple will do next, but dropping a Skylake and/or retina display into the existing Air body seems the least likely option, while leaving the Air 'as is' as long as people still want it seems most likely.

5. You said you're a scientist, not a photographer, ergo colour accuracy on your MBA is not a priority.
Hence, retina display is not high on your list.

...they're a scientist who also carries around heavy camera equipment & uses Lightroom rather than snapping away on a phone and using iPhoto. They've already decided that they need 8GB RAM for photo editing. Its not a huge leap to assume that they care about image quality. Retina displays aren't just about colour accuracy - with 4x the pixels they do a much better job of displaying the sort of image that a decent camera produces. Have they actually looked at some photos on a Retina display c.f. a regular one? Maybe - may be not. Should I assume they live near an Apple store that lets you wander in with a USB stick or surf the web? (I never trust sample images - they're an artform in themselves designed to look brilliant on any old display)

Ankaa also mentioned wanting a decent screen size. The rMBP offers optional 'scaled modes' that, assuming your eyesight is up to scratch, fit considerably more text and icons on the screen than you'll get on an Air (and produce far clearer text than you'll get by dropping a point size on a non-retina).

If you want an Air, get an Air. It will get the job done. So will a $500 Dell. However, serious photography (be it amateur or pro) using industrial strength software (e.g. Lightroom) is a pretty good use case for a rMBP. Don't complain when people make the case for alternatives based on the stated uses. To then accuse those people of ignoring other people's opinions.... seriously?

 

[Ankaa]

those of us with a logical turn of mind will give you a logical best bang for buck answer.

And this isn't insulting? At least a little bit?

As I said before, IF I wanted the best bang for the buck, I'd go Windows...

My choices in technology aren't about the best available tech-money-ratio but really about what is best for me. Others might chose differently and that's alright, too. But then again, I'm obviously not a logical person...or else I wouldn't have bought that extremely under-powered yet extremely over-priced 1-gen MBA way back then. I wouldn't have been one of the people actually backing Apple on that and if more people had decided like this, we probably never would've had any further MBAs...or rMBPs for that matter. And it's the same with the MB; while it's not for me at the moment, I'm happy that there are people willing to buy it DESPITE all the deficits it has right now.

@theluggage: You're very well right on most of that. However, I did mention I do own a powerful iMac. I (at least thought I) did mention I am a student. If the laptop was my only computer, I'd probably seriously consider going rMBP just for the power, but the MBA just won't be my primary computer. And as a student, yes, $200 more IS a big deal.

I also mentioned that I'm kinda hoping for retina. But I hadn't considered how it would significantly influence battery life - and that is kinda a big thing for a portable computer (especially one that I will end up taking to the field - do I best possible screen in the field? most certainly not. I will process most photos at home. On that iMac. But I will need that battery life). Decent screen size as in: 12'' is too small

Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate your suggestions. It was just the way it was put as in "nah, you're stupid for considering the MBA at all if you get SO much for for kinda the same price, regardless of whether you'll actually need it or not". It was that underlaying belittling tone...

 

[Ankaa]

So, the standard configurations of the MBA are still "available immediately" (at Apple.com, not so at Macmall). Is this a good sign?

Macmall doesn't have a stock of the BTOs and would need to order them, too, unfortunately.

 

[theluggage]

So, the standard configurations of the MBA are still "available immediately" (at Apple.com, not so at Macmall). Is this a good sign?

Nobody knows. I haven't seen anything on Macrumors to suggest that next week will be about anything other than iPhones and iPads - apart from the general observation that the entire range is due for an update sometime this year.

Bottom line - if you're convinced that the Air is the machine for you, and you are getting anxious that you might miss the boat, get one. It's not a bad choice and will certainly be adequate for your applications and it won't suddenly turn into a pumpkin if Apple release a new one this week, in June, September...

My advice is that you should either consider the MacBook Pro or, if you can, wait a few months to see if either a retina Air, an improved MacBook or a slimmed-down rMBP - because the retina display is a game-changer for your photography (and is great for text & screen real estate too) and the display is the current Air's big weak spot. That's advice, not an "obey this or you are an idiot" pronouncement.

If the air does get discontinued, my guess is that there will be surplus Airs and 'refurb' options available for some time. My "local" Mac reseller often has good deals on 'last year's model' (including BTO configs) when new models come out (I'd post a link, but I'm afraid they're in the UK and I assume you're not - there must be similar places in the consumer paradise of the USA). Of course, no one can guarantee that there won't be an Air famine if they get dropped...

 

[pjfan]

I'm unsure of what sign that MacMall not having BTOs is. Seems odd to me.

You seem ready for a new laptop, and you love the MBA. Two paths I personally would consider taking, as I see it; Go to the refurb and pick one up, even if it's not the specs you're dying for. When the new model (whenever that might be) comes out, resell yours and move to the new one if you wish - that's option two. It seems as though you're suffering at the moment, and you'll enjoy your new MacBook Air w/ PCIe SSD. I moved from 13" 2010 MBA, and my MB has screamed in comparison (mine was C2D mind you). Save a couple shekels via refurb (or sale elsewhere) if possible, buy, and enjoy the computing asap. There is a March 2015 MBA top end available in US now at $1490.

 

[Ankaa]

Ok, so it turns out that I still haven't gotten very far. Ran out of money and was very happy with my iMac in the meantime. But, I still am in the need of a new macbook.

Now, getting one during Back to school would be neat. And as of now, I'd still go with an Air over a Pro any day. If, yeah if it wasn't for those stupid rumors. Both regarding the Air and the Pro. A thinner Air would probably mean that awful new keyboard. And it is still unlikely, that the Air will ever see retina.
The rumored Pro sounds interesting. I have no idea what that touch bar might be good for, but who knows. Thinner would be just my taste. But again, it could mean awful keyboard in return. I also do prefer the tapered design of the rMB/Air. However...planning ahead (meaning: 4 years into the future), going with USB-C ports seems logical. So does - maybe, potentially - slightly more power.

However, at the moment nothing points towards a release before September, or am I missing something? Though, actual part leaks would be very early if that was the case.

Just thinking out loud, but do appreciate some more input

 

[theluggage]

However, at the moment nothing points towards a release before September, or am I missing something? Though, actual part leaks would be very early if that was the case.

Same rule as always (apart from the few weeks just before a scheduled launch event like WWDC):

If you don't need a new computer today, wait - even if you don't like the new model you could make an informed choice to pick up a refurb/second hand model. I think its highly likely that new rMBPs will be in the shops by Xmas (if not, the Mac is in trouble).

If you do need a new computer today - get rid of the mindset that says your new laptop will be useless the millisecond the new model comes out. The one certain thing is that there will be a newer, shinier model along all too soon. If you always want the latest thing then you need the wallet capacity to match: deal with it.

Not having a Skylake chip isn't a big deal - they're not night & day better than last year's CPUs. It is a pain not knowing which way Apple will jump on USB-C/TB3, though. Its possible that they'll wait for the next generation of intel CPUs in 6-12 months (which apparently have built-in USB 3.1 and possibly TB3 - not 100% clear) before nailing their colours to the USB-C mast.

If you're prepared to move away from Apple then some of the Dell XPS 13" and 15" laptops look like contenders (you can even get them with Linux rather than Windows) but I've never laid hands on one - and they're certainly charging Apple-compatible prices (oh, and good luck tracking down the model you want when they're all called "XPS 13" )

Apart from that - Its all been said in this thread. If the Air hits the sweet spot for you, fine. Personally, I still think the 13" rMBP is easily worth couple hundred bucks and half-a-pound extra.

Though, actual part leaks would be very early if that was the case.

There were these - which are surprising in that they look like a slightly thinner take on the current rMBP design, rather than a more extreme "tapered" rMB-like design - although the end result might still be a similar weight to the Air. Then again, in the past people have been more than willing to make fake photoshops of "new" Macs - or it could be an upcoming Chinese Mac knockoff.

 

[Ankaa]

Same rule as always (apart from the few weeks just before a scheduled launch event like WWDC):

If you don't need a new computer today, wait - even if you don't like the new model you could make an informed choice to pick up a refurb/second hand model. I think its highly likely that new rMBPs will be in the shops by Xmas (if not, the Mac is in trouble).

If you do need a new computer today - get rid of the mindset that says your new laptop will be useless the millisecond the new model comes out. The one certain thing is that there will be a newer, shinier model along all too soon. If you always want the latest thing then you need the wallet capacity to match: deal with it.

Not having a Skylake chip isn't a big deal - they're not night & day better than last year's CPUs. It is a pain not knowing which way Apple will jump on USB-C/TB3, though. Its possible that they'll wait for the next generation of intel CPUs in 6-12 months (which apparently have built-in USB 3.1 and possibly TB3 - not 100% clear) before nailing their colours to the USB-C mast.

If you're prepared to move away from Apple then some of the Dell XPS 13" and 15" laptops look like contenders (you can even get them with Linux rather than Windows) but I've never laid hands on one - and they're certainly charging Apple-compatible prices (oh, and good luck tracking down the model you want when they're all called "XPS 13" )

Apart from that - Its all been said in this thread. If the Air hits the sweet spot for you, fine. Personally, I still think the 13" rMBP is easily worth couple hundred bucks and half-a-pound extra.

Waiting...yeah. 'By xmas' is still quite some time away. Back to School is tempting. Buying a refurb model is usually still more expensive than my edu discount.

Why would I want to move away from Apple?

I'm not even close to having the mindset that any existing computer becomes useless after a new one released. I don't need the newest and shiniest model. I also don't care too much about new CPU-Generations. However

Current Macbook Air:
- long battery life
- preferred design
- Back-to-school

rumored MBP:
- Retina
- slightly more power which I may or may not need
- thinner/lighter
- TouchBar
- may or may not have better battery
- may or may not have butterfly keyboard

And then there ARE rumors about an Air update.



Essentially, it comes down to battery vs. retina and what's the most reasonable decision for the next 4 years.

I think I will wait until mid-end August and if nothing comes out, go with an Air.

There were these - which are surprising in that they look like a slightly thinner take on the current rMBP design, rather than a more extreme "tapered" rMB-like design - although the end result might still be a similar weight to the Air. Then again, in the past people have been more than willing to make fake photoshops of "new" Macs - or it could be an upcoming Chinese Mac knockoff.

I know about the leaks. I know that they hint a non-tapered but thinner design. All I'm saying is that actual part leaks seem pretty early for a September or even later launch. You might be right, they might be fakes. But in the past, leaks usually were pretty spot on.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

Check sites like this one for MBA 'supply constraint' rumors, often (but not always) a reliable indicator of imminent product upgrades. If MBA supplies become constrained and you're worried about discontinuation, you could take your chances and quickly snap one up. Another indicator of impending upgrades is the estimated shipping dates on Apple's website; if they slip past an expected product unveiling or keynote, that often means upgraded models are pending.


Once again some info on Skylake.

Personally, I don't believe Retina is coming to the MBAs, but I have no more info on that than the next guy. It just would seem Retina would push the MBA's price point close to the MB, or even a lower end MBP, and all those extra pixels would surely require a bigger battery, not to mention more graphics horsepower, at which point it would no longer have the weight or portability of the current MBA, thus losing it's current, carefully crafted niche.

You make to much sense to ignore, however, the 3 tiered level batteries of the MB, could be utilized to negate that negative, and SKYLAKE is a major battery boost, so who knows