I don't think you get "retina". Apple absolutely knew that they shouldn't have done that.
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My in person impressions, from someone who was on the "fence"
- Thread starter vanimal
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I don't think you get "retina". Apple absolutely knew that they shouldn't have done that.
I got to play with one at the Apple Store near where I live. I wasn't really interested in a Macbook but I definitely wanted to test it out and see it first hand.
Apple really knows how to make stuff that is just cool. I played with the Macbook and I was like "man this thing is cool". Very very light. Thats the first thing I noticed. Way lighter than my MBA 13", or so it felt. Like holding an iPad.
The keyboard is quite nice. The keys don't travel far but after 5 minutes I didn't even notice. The track pad was very nice as well but for me, when I clicked, I couldn't get a consistent "click" registered. That would be something I would have to tweak.
The heaviest program I use on my current MBA is Logic Pro X. All the apple computers in the store where I live have Logic on them with a Foster the People demo song. Loading Logic on the Macbook took about as much time as it would the 13" MBAs they have (I basically walk around the store and load up Logic on all the computers and see how it loads/plays/saves etc). The bottom of the Macbook got a little warm as I ran it though Logic and safari and a youtube video.
Performance wise it was pretty good. I didn't play with the laptop and say "geez this think is slow". Running the 20 or so tracks on Logic wasn't giving it any problems. The fast SSD made for quick loading/saving Logic projects.
My impression: Its a really really nice laptop. Like an ultrabook. The screen is nice. The keyboard and track pad are nice. I'd say, seat of the pants feel, that the Macbook is as fast as my 2012 MBA. What I didn't like was the screen size. I know it's 12" but its the same size as the 11" MBA and I though that screen was too small. So compared to my 13" MBA, that one since makes a big difference, mainly because the 13" MBA is like 14.5" in size.
So after playing with the Macbook for half an hour, my assessment is that if they make a V2 with another port and 14" screen, I'm buying it. With the 12" screen though, to me, its took small. Otherwise, Apple has a winner in the Macbook!
Apple really knows how to make stuff that is just cool. I played with the Macbook and I was like "man this thing is cool". Very very light. Thats the first thing I noticed. Way lighter than my MBA 13", or so it felt. Like holding an iPad.
The keyboard is quite nice. The keys don't travel far but after 5 minutes I didn't even notice. The track pad was very nice as well but for me, when I clicked, I couldn't get a consistent "click" registered. That would be something I would have to tweak.
The heaviest program I use on my current MBA is Logic Pro X. All the apple computers in the store where I live have Logic on them with a Foster the People demo song. Loading Logic on the Macbook took about as much time as it would the 13" MBAs they have (I basically walk around the store and load up Logic on all the computers and see how it loads/plays/saves etc). The bottom of the Macbook got a little warm as I ran it though Logic and safari and a youtube video.
Performance wise it was pretty good. I didn't play with the laptop and say "geez this think is slow". Running the 20 or so tracks on Logic wasn't giving it any problems. The fast SSD made for quick loading/saving Logic projects.
My impression: Its a really really nice laptop. Like an ultrabook. The screen is nice. The keyboard and track pad are nice. I'd say, seat of the pants feel, that the Macbook is as fast as my 2012 MBA. What I didn't like was the screen size. I know it's 12" but its the same size as the 11" MBA and I though that screen was too small. So compared to my 13" MBA, that one since makes a big difference, mainly because the 13" MBA is like 14.5" in size.
So after playing with the Macbook for half an hour, my assessment is that if they make a V2 with another port and 14" screen, I'm buying it. With the 12" screen though, to me, its took small. Otherwise, Apple has a winner in the Macbook!
Nail hit right on the head. For some of us guys or bigger guys. To me the Macbook Retina was small, like TOO small. You have to see it in person to understand where i am coming from. If you currently use a 11" MBA you will be right at home though. I can pick my iPad Air laying flat and wrap my fingers around it one handed, with my claws. I can almost do the same with the macbook retina.
And that is exactly what i have said over and over. Yes the screen resolution is beautiful. But after i have been used to the 13.3" over the years its VERY hard to want to go down to a 12" screen. Might not seem much but he hit the nail on the head. The Macbook Retina is about the size of the 11" Air. Meaning you are giving up A LOT of wrist rest real-estate. And for people like me with some big bear paws, its going to probably be uncomfortable. Hell when i type on my current 13" MBA my bottom of my hand instead of my wrist is where i land to extend my fingers comfortable without cyborg claw typing.
I WOULD absolutely LOVE to see a 13.3" MBA. Or hell just give me the damn retina is the current MBA shell lol.
I am for sure waiting for V2.
I wonder if anyone would buy this if they had just updated the MBA with a retina display and the new trackpad.
I stopped and checked them out today. Unrelated but after seeing the watch I'm glad I didn't order last night. The Macbook build is amazing. I realized that looking back to 2010 my original iPad with case weighs more than this beauty, Can't wait for mine to arrive. Looking at my 2014 13 inch rMBP, it looks like square, silver, and clunky. I'll use them both during return period, but I am pretty sure the 13 will be gone.
Don't make a big man cry lol. That would be the PERFECT scenario. Too bad it will never happen.
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I use a air now because i sold my MBRP because it was WAY WAY too powerful for what i do. And picked up a maxed out 2011 MBA for $499 and pocketed $600. I sorta hand original intentions to get the 2015 MBR, but ill stretch this Air until V2. I basically bought the Pro for the screen. The newer retina Pros are still damn light, even compared to the MBA. I had no problem carrying it around my house one handed. NOW..... when you compare the Pro to the 2015 Macbook, now we are talking about some serious weight difference feel wise.
.Someone asked why I bought the Space Grey over the others/ Here's why:
1. The silver is very nice, but is dated.
2. The Gold I almost bought and was tossed between the two looks. Gold come across to me as a bit too, "look at me I've got the latest" and the Grey as a tougher image.
3. In the end I chose Grey because there wasn't a 4 week wait.
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"I wonder if anyone would buy this if they had just updated the MBA with a retina display and the new trackpad."
What a dumb statement, they did and it's called the 12" rMB. Oh you meant this, "What if they had kept the older processor, size and ports, and changed the screen to retina?" Well they didn't so why ask the question at all.
1. The silver is very nice, but is dated.
2. The Gold I almost bought and was tossed between the two looks. Gold come across to me as a bit too, "look at me I've got the latest" and the Grey as a tougher image.
3. In the end I chose Grey because there wasn't a 4 week wait.
******
"I wonder if anyone would buy this if they had just updated the MBA with a retina display and the new trackpad."
What a dumb statement, they did and it's called the 12" rMB. Oh you meant this, "What if they had kept the older processor, size and ports, and changed the screen to retina?" Well they didn't so why ask the question at all.
Or, more accurately, kept the older processor, size and ports AND BATTERY, and changed the screen to retina, with SHORTER BATTERY RUNTIME...because that's what they're asking for.
Or, more accurately, kept the older processor, size and ports AND BATTERY, and changed the screen to retina, with SHORTER BATTERY RUNTIME...because that's what they're asking for.
I agree, it will be interesting to see peoples reactions who ordered who have NOT yet played with in person. Its like the watch, its a lot smaller than it looks from pictures or videos online. If thats what your looking for, great than. But DO expect a footprint, including keyboard, and wrist rest space of a 11" MBA. I personally do not like the footprint of the 11" MBA, but again I'm not a road warrior.
I have a very athletic muscular build with larger hands, to me the MBR 12" current version at least was almost too small for me. My entire wrist is off it when i type. My palms land on where the wrist rest are, which felt unnatural to me. Way different than my 13.3" MBPR and MBA.
For MANY the current MBA 13.3" with Retina would be the perfect sweet spot. Everyone has different needs and tastes. Its kind of like i do no like the look of the Lamborghini Gallardo, compared to its next in line brother the Lamborghini Murcielago Would i take the Gallardo for free, sure lol.
Different strokes, different folks.
I agree, it will be interesting to see peoples reactions who ordered who have NOT yet played with in person. Its like the watch, its a lot smaller than it looks from pictures or videos online. If thats what your looking for, great than. But DO expect a footprint, including keyboard, and wrist rest space of a 11" MBA. I personally do not like the footprint of the 11" MBA, but again I'm not a road warrior.
I have a very athletic muscular build with larger hands, to me the MBR 12" current version at least was almost too small for me. My entire wrist is off it when i type. My palms land on where the wrist rest are, which felt unnatural to me. Way different than my 13.3" MBPR and MBA.
For MANY the current MBA 13.3" with Retina would be the perfect sweet spot. Everyone has different needs and tastes. Its kind of like i do no like the look of the Lamborghini Gallardo, compared to its next in line brother the Lamborghini Murcielago Would i take the Gallardo for free, sure lol.
Different strokes, different folks.
Yes. I ran across someone here who thought my preference for the rMBP over the MBA 13" was flawed because he found the tapered palm rest of the MBA (again, the 13") *much* more comfortable. It's obviously a very valid preference.
Like i was saying. It will be INTERESTING to see those who ordered and HAVE NOT seen it or played with in person yet. ESPECIALLY those who are used to a 13.3" display. Those coming from a 11" Air won't have much trouble, intact its better in every single aspect.
But you do give up a lot of wrist space, and the extra 1.3" screen real estate if you are coming from a 13" MBPR or a MBA.
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I liked the keys right away. The trackpad is great too. Pretty good chance i will get one. If they had them in the stores I already would have. I think they lost a lot of sales by not having them in sticks day one. Maybe today. So far it won't even show on Apples web site.
That's me.
Mine is ordered and I've seen pictures. I'm sure it will be fine.
Totally fine, i do that all the time. Did it with my 6 plus and when i got it
. But now i LOVE it. Either way you will eventually adapt. I just put some food for thought out there, thats all. All in good discussion
Totally fine, i do that all the time. Did it with my 6 plus and when i got it
Yep. I ordered my 6 plus without seeing it too. Love it!!!
"AND BATTERY"
????
The new 12" rMB is actually testing to last longer on battery than the new 11" MBA, which it is designed to replace.
Oh... you guys keep saying its a 13" replacement. Ok I get it you aren't comparing apples to apples.
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"at least was almost too small for me. My entire wrist is off it when i type."
I can see that. Right now I'm on the 11" and I rest the palms of may hands on the corners of the case and table top. I did the same and on the new 12" rMB I tried out, which made the keyboard on it even better.
As I keep saying, don't buy the 12" rMB if it's not right. Apple markets various devices for different needs and wants.
????
The new 12" rMB is actually testing to last longer on battery than the new 11" MBA, which it is designed to replace.
Oh... you guys keep saying its a 13" replacement. Ok I get it you aren't comparing apples to apples.
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"at least was almost too small for me. My entire wrist is off it when i type."
I can see that. Right now I'm on the 11" and I rest the palms of may hands on the corners of the case and table top. I did the same and on the new 12" rMB I tried out, which made the keyboard on it even better.
As I keep saying, don't buy the 12" rMB if it's not right. Apple markets various devices for different needs and wants.
Basically I'm really glad I got to play with one first hand. Apple makes some really nice products. But after playing with the Macbook, I am sure that I don't want one. Not because its poorly designed or its too slow. But because I really like the 13" screen on my MBA and for me, going to a smaller screen is not what I want. That one point is my contention. The other features of the laptop are all winners in my book. The light weight, the keyboard and trackpad, the high quality screen, etc.
Now make the Macbook with a 14" screen, and I'm in. Or better still, make a Macbook Pro in the Macbook Air body with the retina screen! That would be reason to ditch my perfectly working MBA.
Now make the Macbook with a 14" screen, and I'm in. Or better still, make a Macbook Pro in the Macbook Air body with the retina screen! That would be reason to ditch my perfectly working MBA.
Not sure what your battery reference is. I mentioned battery capacity above, but it was in the context of a discussion about how simply jamming a retina display into the MBA laptops without additional redesign would sacrifice things (like battery runtime) that people say they value about the MBA line. If you were referring to a different post, please disregard.
I'm not really "on the fence" (definitely won't buy the first generation since I couldn't live without a type-A USB port on my travel laptop), but checked it out at the Apple store anyway. The best thing about it is the weight IMO. It's really fantastically light, would be perfect for traveling. The display is very nice as expected. I also like the new touchpad, but hated the keyboard. I'd rather have 1mm more thickness and a bit more key travel. I really hope this doesn't become the new standard Apple keyboard. Couldn't really test the CPU performance due to lack of installed apps, but web browsing including some Youtube videos seemed OK.
I can see the new keyboard technology being the new Apple standard. But thicker laptops will probably still get more key travel.
Newell:
I was quoting someone who had quoted you.
It appeared to me the other author was stating a negative when about the new 12" battery time when it is actually a positive. Of course the battery time must compared with the nearest comparable device (although there really isn't one).
If one wants more than 9 hours then one must buy the bigger device, it's that simple. I just don't get all these haters of the 12" product when Apple has a very diverse product lines to choose from.
I have only two complaints, OK observations, about the new 12" device; one I expected it to be available last year at this time and two it's about $200.00 more than I expected. But, I am will to pay the extra for what I am getting and I am looking forward to traveling with it.
I was quoting someone who had quoted you.
It appeared to me the other author was stating a negative when about the new 12" battery time when it is actually a positive. Of course the battery time must compared with the nearest comparable device (although there really isn't one).
If one wants more than 9 hours then one must buy the bigger device, it's that simple. I just don't get all these haters of the 12" product when Apple has a very diverse product lines to choose from.
I have only two complaints, OK observations, about the new 12" device; one I expected it to be available last year at this time and two it's about $200.00 more than I expected. But, I am will to pay the extra for what I am getting and I am looking forward to traveling with it.
My friend who works there texted me they had some in display. I headed over to check them out.
Firstly nobody was even remotely paying attention to them. I was literally the only one looking at them at the table lol. They had every color I believe 6 models I seen. Gold looked "ok" now that SG#. That's how I wish the iPhone 6 plus was. Black on black it was beautiful.
As for size it's small, REALLY small, but I'm coming from a MBPR 13" & MBA 13". The keyboard to me felt VERY shallow and different, obviously. Not sure if I like it yet. I'm 6'1 and the tables are very low. But you don't get anywhere near the space for wrist resting like you would get in the 13" MBA. You get about the space you would get on the 11" version. I also have big hands I can almost pick up the machine laying flat with one hand. Well almost
Trackpad was the coolest part! It literally feels like you are clicking down, but..... You aren't. If you shut it down and try and press on it it doesn't click. Pretty neat.
Performance was seemed about on par with my Pro and Air browsing "websites". I did notice it "choke" here and there if I zipped up and down on the ESPN webpage. But nobody really scrolling like that I assume. Like you could see it stutter if I swipped up and down fast. Like you would see it render images etc is what I mean& text.
The screen obviously very beautiful like the PRO. But keep in mind if you are coming from a 13.3" it's a nice chunk of screen you will be missing. It's retina if you see or own one you already know what that's about
Beautiful machine insanely light, almost too light if you are a big guy lol. Honestly I'll be waiting for gen 2. It was impressive but at the same time with the keyboard and how shallow it was. I just walked out saying meh....... And I'm being honest. Now keep it mind I'm not a road warrior and don't sit at coffee shops. My computer goes from the kitchen to the bed to my desk. So a beautiful machine isn't nesesarrily needed for me. My MBA is nice enough, well for at least another year. I planned on getting the MBR but now I think I'm going to sit out for V2. Just my opinion. I'm sure others will be PLENTY happy with it especially people who travel or students. But for me strictly at home, I can easily squeeze another year until v2 comes out from my current machines.
Vincent
I share the "exact' same impressions as you. There was a large crowd around the watch displays. Only 2-3, including myself paid any attention to the MacBook. I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. I left the store feeling like I wasn't going to miss out on anything, which I was glad, the watch and Macbook, together, I anticipated on purchasing saved me over $2K.
I did the same. The thing that really amazed me was how much lighter and thinner it seemed than the 11" MBA (which I've owned twice). The difference in the hand was far greater than I had guessed from looking at the numbers on the spec sheets.
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As I said in the post I just made, it's really striking how much thinner and lighter this seems than the 11" MBA. It will be a travel dream.