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poll - what is the one thing you'd like to see in a redesigned MBA?
- Thread starter ghanwani
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Ability to replace the SSD and battery yourself.
I selected other - I'd like to see a replacement for the T2 security chip to address the recently discussed security vulnerability, the micro lagging in transitioning with some touch bar screens, issues that some pro audio users are encountering, and the BridgeOS kernel panics than can happen in some cases with tons of IO devices. I imagine the T3 will address all of these and add new capabilities.
I'd like the option of active cooling; if a fan is the only thing separating it from the M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro, in terms of performance, then give me that option so I can save $250. But yeah, two more Thunderbolt/USB-C ports wouldn't hurt at all.
I don't think it needs to be lighter; it's plenty light as it is.
A battery that isn't glued in and can be unscrewed and removed as was doable in the 2010-17 Airs would definitely be nice. And there really ought to not be a reason why it can't be that way again. Apple seemed to be leaning towards something like that for the 2018-2020 Airs.
With the T2 and M1 both acting as the SSD controllers, you're never seeing removable SSDs on a Mac ever again, save for how it's allowed to be done on the 2019 Mac Pro (which is a far cry from how zero hassle it was on pre-T-series chip based Intel Macs).
You might be a little behind the times here. The replacement for the T2 security chip is here and it's the M1 SoC that also replaces the Intel processors. There won't be a T3 as all of the functionality that was previously in the T2 is now in the M1. BridgeOS isn't as flakey as it was in 2018 when T2-equipped TouchBar Macs first came onto the scene. Also, the MacBook Air has never had a TouchBar before, so that's moot as well.
Furthermore T2 security vulnerabilities due to Checkm8 are not remote execution vulnerabilities; someone has to have physical access to a T2 Mac in order to hack the T2. And we're not talking the type of thing that can just happen by leaving your T2 Mac unattended for ten minutes. So, really, a non-issue from a serious practical standpoint.
Nor does it have a T2 anymore either.
The ability to lift up the screen with one hand. Not sure when this change, but that’s really about the only thing which annoys me (a little) about my new MBA.
"Other" - lose the notch for opening the lid. I always find it uncomfortable and somewhat sharpish
I'm operating under the assumption that the next generation Air will get the touch bar. Personally, I'd like to see it keep physical function keys (and I'd like to see the Pro revert to an option for physical function keys), but I am not holding my breath whatsoever with either.
I clearly am behind the times. I assumed the M1 systems had the T2! Nice!
BridgeOS panics in the 2019 and 2020 Intel Macs still do occur, generally with tons of IO devices connected. They will occasionally happen with my 16-inch and do not seem to be induced by a specific device by varying combinations of devices without a single culprit. Nice to know that the M1 has moved forward past the T2.
A 15" size option would be great!
Yeah, I'd definitely buy a 15" Air in a heartbeat. Hell, I'd REALLY buy a 17" Air, but I'm not gonna hold my breath.
Yeah, nope. All integrated in the M1 now. And many of the things that the T2 made annoying are either the same or slightly less annoying (Secure Boot settings can now be applied on a per-installation basis rather than system-wide or nothing). Drives are still fixed with the SSD controller being on the M1, though. I still think that's a bummer, but at least it makes more sense than it did with the T2.
I'm not saying that BridgeOS panics don't still happen, but, judging based on complaint volume, it seems to have dramatically lessened since the T2 stepped down from iMac Pro mountain and started finding its way into the more reasonably affordable Macs in 2018.
Yep unfortunately it’s been radio silence from Apple on that front despite periodic rumours right from the early days of the MBA. Don’t know if it’s because their market research tells them there’s no market for a full sized consumer laptop, or if they think it would undermine sales of the 16” pro too much. I can’t imagine there would be all that much overlap between a ~$1,299 15” Air and a $2,399 Pro, but then I also see quite a lot of people wanting a larger Air on various threads here...
If they do a 14” MacBookPro, maybe they could shift the air to that screen also?
A 16” Air for me would be great, but I can’t see it happening. The 14” however once the bezels get reduced........
Definitely smaller bezels. Apple should license the tech Dell uses for their laptops if Apple's designers can't figure it out for themselves.
I really think Apple should make the Air (or just rename it the MacBook) available in 13/15 inch models and the Pros 14/16 models.
Yeah I could see the 14.1" display size supplanting the 13.3" across the lineup eventually, they do seem to recognise the trend in general that people like larger displays with the iPad and iPhone sizes creeping up generation over generation. I can imagine it would probably also be easier/cheaper to make the screen larger rather than trying to make the body smaller when it comes time to do a redesign if they want narrower bezels or an iPad Pro style display.
Interesting that the #1 trending is smaller bezels. For some reason, bezels don't bother me -- not on the iPhone, not on the iPad, and not on my MBA.
Overall, I'm really learning how different we all are in what we care about.
Overall, I'm really learning how different we all are in what we care about.