Prospective Macbook purchaser with questions...

[Chrissybear]

Hi, first time poster here.

Thinking of purchasing a new Macbook - it would probably be the 1.3GHz processor with 256GB SSD.

I love the retina screen and the Force trackpad - I can just about handle the keyboard, which at times I find genius and at other times, downright annoying!!

I played with a 1.1 GHz version today in the Apple Store near me and it lagged a few times when there were a few programmes open, but my usage will probably be more "one program at a time" as that's the way I learned to minimise system stress back in the days of x86 devices! So if I have 4 apps open at once, that would be all and apart from a little fiddling occasionally with Logic Pro X or Garage Band, which I would only use if it were the only app open, I am unlikely to stress the processor too much.

Am I likely in your opinion to find much lag in this way of usage?

The shop one seemed very responsive working with only one open app at a time, but didn't like it when I opened a few up - the processor graph was topping out quite a lot.

Would be interested in your thoughts - and whether the 1.3 processor would be that much better at alleviating any bottlenecks.

My alternative is a maxed out Core i7 11" Air, where I lose some screen quality (though it is not as bad as I had thought it might be!) and force trackpad, but get an arguably more usable keyboard, together with ports, magsafe and processor power! (and it's £140 cheaper!)

Thanks in advance for your time in posting.

 

[Newtons Apple]

My alternative is a maxed out Core i7 11" Air, where I lose some screen quality (though it is not as bad as I had thought it might be!) and force trackpad, but get an arguably more usable keyboard, together with ports, magsafe and processor power! (and it's £140 cheaper!)

Thanks in advance for your time in posting.

Seems like you have found your choice. It is all about how much are you willing to sacrifice for thin?

 

[Chrissybear]

Thanks for the reply Newton.

It is more about weight I think for me though, if you get my drift, than thinness. The Air and Macbook are really not that different weight-wise.

It's the tradeoffs that make this decision difficult.

If I think I can get away with good performance by using apps judiciously, I will definitely go with Macbook.

If the thing is underpowered though and is just going to throttle all day long, then maybe Air is a better choice...

Unless I just bite the bullet with an MBP Retina with Force Touch and get the whole caboodle but put up with the weight!

I hate the way Apple make you decide - if only I could buy all three...

 

[Samuelsan2001]

If they could make one that combined all three....

Thanks for the reply Newton.

It is more about weight I think for me though, if you get my drift, than thinness. The Air and Macbook are really not that different weight-wise.

It's the tradeoffs that make this decision difficult.

If I think I can get away with good performance by using apps judiciously, I will definitely go with Macbook.

If the thing is underpowered though and is just going to throttle all day long, then maybe Air is a better choice...

Unless I just bite the bullet with an MBP Retina with Force Touch and get the whole caboodle but put up with the weight!

I hate the way Apple make you decide - if only I could buy all three...

they would.

The tech just isn't there yet.....

I would reccomend the rMBP I have one and it is an awesome little machine that will deal with all you throw at it. I know that the retina won't seem like to much of a difference on a small play around but try using one for a wekk then going back...

 

[JackRegan]

Ask yourself which you could see yourself saying more;


"I really wish I'd have chosen the rMB, after all it was only £140 extra"

or

"I wish I'd gone with the Air now"


I did the same when replacing my 2010 MBP and I just think I would have regretted not giving the rMB a go.

I wouldn't take much notice of display machines performance, they general aren't a good reflection. There are plenty of threads on here from people with actual hands on experience of the 1.1 and 1.2 models which should give you some confidence in the capability of the hardware. The biggest drawback I see is the lack of ports.

 

[Chrissybear]

I like your way of looking at it Jack, thanks!

 

[Newtons Apple]

Thanks for the reply Newton.

It is more about weight I think for me though, if you get my drift, than thinness. The Air and Macbook are really not that different weight-wise.

It's the tradeoffs that make this decision difficult.

If I think I can get away with good performance by using apps judiciously, I will definitely go with Macbook.

If the thing is underpowered though and is just going to throttle all day long, then maybe Air is a better choice...

Unless I just bite the bullet with an MBP Retina with Force Touch and get the whole caboodle but put up with the weight!

I hate the way Apple make you decide - if only I could buy all three...

Apple "marketing" is awesome. I wish you good luck on making your choice. Both are great machines!

 

[RUGGLES99]

go for the Amba and don't be mesmerized by retina.

Hi, first time poster here.

Thinking of purchasing a new Macbook - it would probably be the 1.3GHz processor with 256GB SSD.

I love the retina screen and the Force trackpad - I can just about handle the keyboard, which at times I find genius and at other times, downright annoying!!

I played with a 1.1 GHz version today in the Apple Store near me and it lagged a few times when there were a few programmes open, but my usage will probably be more "one program at a time" as that's the way I learned to minimise system stress back in the days of x86 devices! So if I have 4 apps open at once, that would be all and apart from a little fiddling occasionally with Logic Pro X or Garage Band, which I would only use if it were the only app open, I am unlikely to stress the processor too much.

Am I likely in your opinion to find much lag in this way of usage?

The shop one seemed very responsive working with only one open app at a time, but didn't like it when I opened a few up - the processor graph was topping out quite a lot.

Would be interested in your thoughts - and whether the 1.3 processor would be that much better at alleviating any bottlenecks.

My alternative is a maxed out Core i7 11" Air, where I lose some screen quality (though it is not as bad as I had thought it might be!) and force trackpad, but get an arguably more usable keyboard, together with ports, magsafe and processor power! (and it's £140 cheaper!)

Thanks in advance for your time in posting.

 

[Chrissybear]

Cheers Ruggles99

It certainly has it's Pros, if you will excuse the pun.

I read a lot about lagginess with Retina screens and the 11" maxed out Air sounds like it ought to be quite a powerhouse for what it is.

Retina does look amazing of course and the Force Touch I do find easier to use too, but I don't think getting used to the Air screen or trackpad would be too bad, maybe just the trackpad size. I like the thought of the ports and magsafe too.

I got to actually put a rMBP on my lap while sitting down today (something bizarrely you can't do at an Apple Store!) and it fit rather better than I expected. It rather put it up my list a bit, laggy screen notwithstanding. lol

Now I wonder if the Air and rMB might be harder to use on one's lap.

Can anyone with experience of using the smaller machines in the real world help on this?

 

[ddoyle777]

I'll add my feedback here as well because I faced a similar situation and ended up with the rMacBook. I got the base 1.1 version with the 256 SSD

I wanted the machine as a portable writing / Biblical research tool. I have 1 or two Bible programs (Accordance and Logos) open all the time and Word. I also might have Safari open and Airmail 2 as well. I haven't noticed any lag at all except for Safari page loading. This Safari lag is about the same on my 2013 MPB that has twice the RAM and and i7 chip.

I've been using it pretty heavily since getting it almost 2 weeks ago. Bottom line: it more than keeps up with whatever I'm doing. I'm really happy with the machine.

Pluses: the screen is incredible - the best I've ever used. I like the track pad, but the whiz bang of the extra stuff isn't really necessary. It works like every other track pad I've used and is great. The keyboard is fine. I've been a touch typist for 40+ years and can type on anything. It took me about two days to get used to it.

The lightness is an incredible thing for me. I can use it on a desk just fine, I can sit on the couch in the living room and place it on my chest. Every time I pass the MacBook to my wife to look at something I see the look in her eyes that says I might not get it back.

I am so glad that I went with the new tech and the new machine. I would have been very disappointed with an 11" Air.

 

[Chrissybear]

Very useful information, thank you, ddoyle777.

And exactly what I had hoped for from the new machine. It sounds like your usage is very similar to what mine would be.

I am very much leaning towards the rMB now...

In fact, I'm on the cusp of ordering a BTO 1.3GHz 256GB silver one...
...unless...