It's madness!
Some people can be quite dense, so Ill try to justify why I want one really bad. For some context, Im a software developer and I currently use a 2014 15 inch rMBP. Im not looking for anything to replace this machine, I love it to death, Im looking for a companion machine because Im always working remotely out and about and I dont want to always bring along the 15 incher.
> First, one of the main arguments I constantly see is this is basically just an expensive Facebook machine, might as well get a Chromebook or a blah-blah-blah.
I want to use this in as a computer for my profession when Im on the go. I have a really old Lenovo T61 with Core 2 Duo and 4GB RAM. The thing is an absolute tank and its very slow in comparison to even the MacBook, but guess what? Its still perfectly useable for all of my basic software development tasks. Our project at work spans 3GB code/assets and I can compile and run it just fine, even on this old machine (especially since I replaced the old drive with SSD), so the new MB would be even better. This thing should do just fine outside of Facebook.
> You can get a MacBook Air/Pro cheaper/same price!
Yes, and if portability is your #1 concern and you wont utilize the power, then why? If safety was my number 1 concern for a new vehicle purchase and my desired car costs as much as some sports car (with terrible safety ratings) then why would I opt for the sports car simply because it has a bigger engine? That is not a concern of mine.
> What year is it? Its only as powerful as a 2012 Air?
It has a MUCH faster drive than the older Air, it has more RAM than the older Air, the screen is leagues better, its significantly lighter, it has an improved trackpad. CPU <> entire machine. In fact, the CPU hasnt been a bottleneck for a long time for most people. Also, you cant really expect for them cut this much weight, use a 5 watt TDP CPU and have it be faster than current models, unless you have completely unrealistic expectations of course. Leaps in technology arent always about SPEED SPEED SPEED!!! Its quite impressive what this CPU is capable of, especially because it sips on power like I sip on a fine Scotch.
> It only has 1 port!
If you use ports all the time on the go then this machine is not meant for you. I honestly cant remember the last time I needed to use a port, most everything I do is wireless. When Im at home then I dont care if I use a dongle of some sort because Im at home, when Im out and about I want to carry as little as possible.
> You must be frail if you cant handle a couple extra pounds.
1.5 - 2.0 lbs really does make a significant difference in how the device feels. Its not about being weak, its just that lightweight feels good. This is especially true because I commute via bicycle 90% of the time (30 miles round-trip to work - the lighter the better!). Speaking of bikes, people in the bicycle world spend a TON of money just to shave grams, but in this particular niche you dont get near as much crap for wanting a lighter bike as you do in the tech world when you want a lighter computer.
> Its just an iPad with a keyboard!
An iPad size device that runs OS X very capably and handles all my real world and work related needs is EXACTLY WHAT I WANT!
Finally, why the heck to people care so much about other peoples purchases? Its insane! Its no better than all the children that argue over which is better, Playstation or XBOX. Its the same exact mentality.
Some people can be quite dense, so Ill try to justify why I want one really bad. For some context, Im a software developer and I currently use a 2014 15 inch rMBP. Im not looking for anything to replace this machine, I love it to death, Im looking for a companion machine because Im always working remotely out and about and I dont want to always bring along the 15 incher.
> First, one of the main arguments I constantly see is this is basically just an expensive Facebook machine, might as well get a Chromebook or a blah-blah-blah.
I want to use this in as a computer for my profession when Im on the go. I have a really old Lenovo T61 with Core 2 Duo and 4GB RAM. The thing is an absolute tank and its very slow in comparison to even the MacBook, but guess what? Its still perfectly useable for all of my basic software development tasks. Our project at work spans 3GB code/assets and I can compile and run it just fine, even on this old machine (especially since I replaced the old drive with SSD), so the new MB would be even better. This thing should do just fine outside of Facebook.
> You can get a MacBook Air/Pro cheaper/same price!
Yes, and if portability is your #1 concern and you wont utilize the power, then why? If safety was my number 1 concern for a new vehicle purchase and my desired car costs as much as some sports car (with terrible safety ratings) then why would I opt for the sports car simply because it has a bigger engine? That is not a concern of mine.
> What year is it? Its only as powerful as a 2012 Air?
It has a MUCH faster drive than the older Air, it has more RAM than the older Air, the screen is leagues better, its significantly lighter, it has an improved trackpad. CPU <> entire machine. In fact, the CPU hasnt been a bottleneck for a long time for most people. Also, you cant really expect for them cut this much weight, use a 5 watt TDP CPU and have it be faster than current models, unless you have completely unrealistic expectations of course. Leaps in technology arent always about SPEED SPEED SPEED!!! Its quite impressive what this CPU is capable of, especially because it sips on power like I sip on a fine Scotch.
> It only has 1 port!
If you use ports all the time on the go then this machine is not meant for you. I honestly cant remember the last time I needed to use a port, most everything I do is wireless. When Im at home then I dont care if I use a dongle of some sort because Im at home, when Im out and about I want to carry as little as possible.
> You must be frail if you cant handle a couple extra pounds.
1.5 - 2.0 lbs really does make a significant difference in how the device feels. Its not about being weak, its just that lightweight feels good. This is especially true because I commute via bicycle 90% of the time (30 miles round-trip to work - the lighter the better!). Speaking of bikes, people in the bicycle world spend a TON of money just to shave grams, but in this particular niche you dont get near as much crap for wanting a lighter bike as you do in the tech world when you want a lighter computer.
> Its just an iPad with a keyboard!
An iPad size device that runs OS X very capably and handles all my real world and work related needs is EXACTLY WHAT I WANT!
Finally, why the heck to people care so much about other peoples purchases? Its insane! Its no better than all the children that argue over which is better, Playstation or XBOX. Its the same exact mentality.
Read some freaking reviews /benchmarks people, this chip (the 1.3 anyway) almost matches the previous generation core i5!!!
