New Retina MacBook Appears in Early Unboxing Video

[Rogifan]

I am well aware of those other machines. I'd have been more interested to hear your opinion on the MacBook (you know, the machine this thread is about), but I suppose a patronising comment which adds nothing to the discussion is just as easy.

Thanks for your contribution.

You want my opinion on it? It's more akin to an iPad. It's for people that value portability and lightness above all else. And I think Apple's ultimate goal is to get rid of the MBA and replace it with thinner and lighter rMBPs. So you'll have rMB for general consumers and rMBP for prosumers/professionals.

 

[themikedshaffer]

Leaving whom, exactly, to buy this?

By the time kids are in high school, they've shot more photos and video and have more music and movies than these puny drives can hold. In your mind, this warrants everyone buying MBPs? A notebook with no method for expansion whatsoever is a toy. An iPad has an excuse for being so limited. It intends to connect to a fully functional computer somewhere, which stores the master copies of media. This is supposed to be that fully functional computer, but it is not.

It is an iPad with a keyboard running OSX.

Exactly. Apple has convinced themselves that there is a market out there for people who want an iPad with a keyboard....but wait, if it has a keyboard, it shouldn't have a touchscreen, it should have a trackpad. But wait, if it doesn't have a touchscreen, it should run Mac OS X. Introducing the new Macbook.... It's just that simple. If you need/want more ports...then this isn't the product for you.

 

[MTD's Mac]

I don't think this is a classic example of Apple anything. This is the first time Apple has created a laptop with only standard standard connectors. I can see in a couple of years using USB-C for all my portable devices, whether they come from Apple or not. I don't care to argue about whether that is "form" or "function". In any case I'm glad to see Apple headed in this direction.

USB-C (w/ USB 3.1) is the best connector yet. That this isn't an Apple exclusive makes it even nicer. Only downside is that it has less bandwidth than ThunderBolt, but hopefully a future revision will change that (and I'd imagine future MacBook Pro updates will have both USB-C and ThunderBolt for a while, if there aren't massive technical challenges in doing so).

I do like MagSafe, but it seems possible for someone to create a power-only MagSafe-like USB-C cable. If not, losing MagSafe is a tough trade-off, but I think what we gain more than makes up for it.

Very good points.

Also, regarding MagSafe: Does anyone miss it on their iPad/iPhone? I've never heard this complaint. You unplug it when you want to use it. Think of the new MacBook as more i-devicelike (in terms of usage and design) and leaving out MagSafe makes even more sense.

 

[SmileyDude]

No Macsafe and/or USB 3.0 ports, no deal.

Clearly you mean no USB A type connector 3.0 ports, because USB C connectors are USB 3.0 ports (technically, 3.1).

And I'm still not getting the all the hate against not having MagSafe anymore on this thing. We are long past the day of needing MagSafe on some of these devices. The old 17" MBP was almost 7 pounds and couldn't get through the day without needing a charge. If there wasn't MagSafe on that, someone could've gotten hurt on that thing when they tripped over it.

But this new MacBook is 2 pounds and has a much longer battery life. You should need to keep this thing plugged in while using it. And really, how many people are plugging in their laptops where it's likely to be tripped over? Both places I commonly use my laptop have absolutely no chance of the cable being yanked on accidentally. And besides, there are Thunderbolt, USB and HDMI cables that are plugged in at the same time -- there is absolutely no benefit to MagSafe for me at the moment, other than its kinda neat to play with (like all magnets).

I would be willing to bet that for most people, if they would have to setup their power cable so that it would be a potential tripping hazard or have a possibility of being ripped out violently, they can probably go without a power adapter during that time. And if you are consuming battery power at such a rate that you need to be plugged in all the time, maybe the new MacBook is not for you -- a MBP might be the better solution.

It's not worth optimizing an entire product line for the diminishing number of people who absolutely need the protection of MagSafe all the time, IMO.

 

[Narcaz]

Leaving whom, exactly, to buy this?

By the time kids are in high school, they've shot more photos and video and have more music and movies than these puny drives can hold. In your mind, this warrants everyone buying MBPs? A notebook with no method for expansion whatsoever is a toy. An iPad has an excuse for being so limited. It intends to connect to a fully functional computer somewhere, which stores the master copies of media. This is supposed to be that fully functional computer, but it is not.

It is an iPad with a keyboard running OSX.

It would be really nice if this would be an iPad hybrid with a keyboard running OSX. But the Touchscreen and the iOS apps are missing. And i still don't see anything that justifies the price. Classic MBA or 13 rMBP seem to have a way better value (when portability is not the main factor). And don't look towards comparable windows machines. The Asus Zenbook UX 305 with nearly the same fanless Core M 8GB/256 SSD has a SD Card Reader/3 USB 3.0 ports/1 mini hdmi port and starts at 699$.

 

[keysofanxiety]

You want my opinion on it? It's more akin to an iPad. It's for people that value portability and lightness above all else. And I think Apple's ultimate goal is to get rid of the MBA and replace it with thinner and lighter rMBPs. So you'll have rMB for general consumers and rMBP for prosumers/professionals.

Agreed, especially with your assessment of Apple's future roadmap.

 

[Rogifan]

Many reviewer's have said it feels odd at first but you quickly get use to it. Guess you have to try it to really know if it's not to your liking.

Overall... I like the new MacBook... just will wait until version 2 comes out.

Somehow I have a feeling the key travel will be the same with version 2. Unless the customer feedback is completely horrible. I'm guessing people used to typing on an iPad will adjust pretty quick but others probably will hate it at first.

 

[themikedshaffer]

Having MagSafe in the first place is a good idea. Taking that functionality away provides literally no benefits. There's less need for MagSafe on iOS devices and I'm sure you can appreciate the difference.

They have taken away a very useful feature on the portable Macs (function), in order to get it thinner (form). This is a prime example of form over function. I can't see why some are so happy or nonchalant to see MagSafe go.

I'm not happy or nonchalant to see MagSafe go...I just think it's a victim of physics (not enough surface area for the magnets to work) and (probably primarily) Apple's design criteria being that this is an iPad with a keyboard...and all the use cases for the iPad are successful with a hard connected Lightning for power, so this has it that way. Maybe they're right, maybe they're wrong. The market has decided that for iPads...they're right, but with the new Macbook, we'll see.

 

[Mildredop]

1000% sure there's no magsafe system? Doesn't make sense for them to get rid of it!

For me, I can't wait to have a Mac without the Magsafe system. I hate it. I find it awkward to attach and get fed-up with it detaching itself.

Too many times I've come to my computer which should have been charging to find something has caused it to come out - a cusion, my duvet, a cat etc.

Plus Magsafe means it's not easy for me to use it on my lap whilst working on the mains. And even if I find a good position, every time I move or rearrange my legs or pour another glass of wine, the magsafe pops out and falls to the floor.

USB-C is one of the main reasons I'm ditching my MBP for this.

 

[Traverse]

Somehow I have a feeling the key travel will be the same with version 2. Unless the customer feedback is completely horrible. I'm guessing people used to typing on an iPad will adjust pretty quick but others probably will hate it at first.

Like I said, I think it will take some adjustment, but I imagine most people will be able to adapt. I hate all these people judging it before they even give it a try.

 

[czecho7]

I guess the keys don't have enough travel for some folks.
That needs to be experienced first hand and I'll hold on saying anything until I get my hands on one myself.

Probably how it appears as though the keys have almost no travel what so ever.

No, the keys look like they're set in/flush with the aluminium.

Ah, gotcha. It does appear that way. This MacBook is definitely something I'd like to get my hands on to test out eventually to see how the keyboard feels.

 

[HenryDJP]

I don't think I can agree on that...not having MagSafe is consistent with the anticipated user base: users who want a Mac product (keyboard, trackpad, Mac OS) in a highly portable (iOS style) device. Apple's POV is that they've sold zillions of iPads and they don't have MagSafe....

Is that really Apple's POV? I can't say I agree that they ditched magsafe based on iPad history. You don't sit your iPad on the table using it plugged in unless the battery is just on it's way to dying. With a Macbook you do heavy work with it that can run down the battery and it makes sense to do your heavy tasks while having it plugged in all the time.

 

[Rogifan]

Agreed, especially with your assessment of Apple's future roadmap.

I think MBA is hanging around for two reasons: Marketing needing to hit a certain "starts at" price point and Apple not there yet with rMBPs that are light enough. Maybe Skylake will allow them to do that?

 

[numlock]

For me, I can't wait to have a Mac without the Magsafe system. I hate it. I find it awkward to attach and get fed-up with it detaching itself.

Too many times I've come to my computer which should have been charging to find something has caused it to come out - a cusion, my duvet, a cat etc.

Plus Magsafe means it's not easy for me to use it on my lap whilst working on the mains. And even if I find a good position, every time I move or rearrange my legs or pour another glass of wine, the magsafe pops out and falls to the floor.

USB-C is one of the main reasons I'm ditching my MBP for this.

and what will happen to the cable and connector with the same behaviour/environment and the new macbook?

 

[BornAgainMac]

It isn't thin enough to warrant the drastic changes. I think it is a great project for the engineers at Apple.

 

[HenryDJP]

not to derail the video, but I have a hard time seeing many people choosing this laptop over the retina 13"

Also, a thinner keyboard? That doesn't seem like a good idea...

Different strokes for different folks. There's not "one" machine that can satisfy everyone.

 

[cdm283813]

my body is ready! 9 days and counting...

I have 20 sheets of paper with a Apple logo on it to sale you. I'm only asking $100.

 

[BubbaJones]

I'm not happy or nonchalant to see MagSafe go...I just think it's a victim of physics (not enough surface area for the magnets to work) and (probably primarily) Apple's design criteria being that this is an iPad with a keyboard...and all the use cases for the iPad are successful with a hard connected Lightning for power, so this has it that way. Maybe they're right, maybe they're wrong. The market has decided that for iPads...they're right, but with the new Macbook, we'll see.

Actually, I thought it was because you don't want to be transferring data and have the cable detach.

 

[Rogifan]

Is that really Apple's POV? I can't say I agree that they ditched magsafe based on iPad history. You don't sit your iPad on the table using it plugged in unless the battery is just on it's way to dying. With a Macbook you do heavy work with it that can run down the battery and it makes sense to do your heavy tasks while having it plugged in all the time.

Are people really going to be doing that heavy of work on this rMB that it will need to be plugged in all the time?

 

[Mildredop]

Just curious what exactly you guys don't like about the keyboard? The edge to edge design?

I can't work out if the design will be slightly uncomfortable to use.

 

[Iconoclysm]

I agree. I think there should be at least 4 ports. 2 on each side. Things Apple should have considered would be:

1. External monitors.

2. External Storage.

3. Syncing/Charging devices.

4. Power.

Having to constantly choose will be problematic. Maybe version 2 will add an additional port at least.

You do realize that an external monitor could act as power, video, and a hub for everything else, right?

 

[lovemymac123]

Look Closer

Same reason they removed drives, removed MagSafe, and removed ports.

Less materials, less parts, less assembly, less support.

Offering less product for the same or more $.

Look closer. The new brick is much smaller than MagSafe bricks. Also the cable is not integrated into the brick itself. The brick looks like an iPad brick only with USB-C instead of USB. Since there is not integrated cable, no need for the fold out parts. Having a tiny brick is a significant advantage for portability. Also having a separate cable instead of the integrated one is also an advantage. Remember all of those who had frayed MagSafe connectors... None of mine ever frayed, but I had friends who had issues. In this case you will be able to replace the cable without needing to replace the brick. Also, since USB-C is a standard, you will be able to buy cables from other suppliers, since Apple always charges so much for their cables. I would also not be surprised if someone releases either a cable or adapter to allow iPad chargers to work with this new MacBook. There is a good chance that Apple will use USB-C on future iPads as well.

 

[Mildredop]

and what will happen to the cable and connector with the same behaviour/environment and the new macbook?

It won't pop out. It'll stay connected.

 

[cdm283813]

For me, I can't wait to have a Mac without the Magsafe system. I hate it. I find it awkward to attach and get fed-up with it detaching itself.

Too many times I've come to my computer which should have been charging to find something has caused it to come out - a cusion, my duvet, a cat etc.

Plus Magsafe means it's not easy for me to use it on my lap whilst working on the mains. And even if I find a good position, every time I move or rearrange my legs or pour another glass of wine, the magsafe pops out and falls to the floor.

USB-C is one of the main reasons I'm ditching my MBP for this.

What happen when the cat causes the entire laptop to come crashing to the floor?

 

[Geert76]

I have 20 sheets of paper with a Apple logo on it to sale you. I'm only asking $100.

my blind cat started laughing after this.... thanks