rMB 1 week in, my impressions

[pacmania1982]

I'm two weeks in and here are my thoughts:

LOVE IT! Its so tiny, I hardly notice it in my backpack.

The keyboard is fine, I was used to it five minutes after using it. Now when I look at the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro's keyboards, they look huge and out of place.

Battery life is great, speakers are awesome, the screen is bright (but I only have it on 6 or 7 from the left) and if I didn't know other wise, I would SWEAR that the trackpad did click like a traditional one. It really does feel like its clicking!

I took a whole bunch of pictures from the Top of the Rock in New York a couple of days after I got it and tried to do a 30 8MP photo merge and to my surprise it handled it without a hick up.

I've done the 1680x1050 hack and have only noticed a judder in the display when opening a folder in the dock in grid view when there are lots of files/images in it.

My only moan, and this is a biggie...the USB-C to multiport adapter (HDMI, power and regular USB) doesn't do HDCP which has really REALLY pissed me off. I paid $79 for the adapter expecting to be able to watch purchased content from iTunes or Netflix on a larger screen but I can't. Really disappointed at that.

All in all, I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

[rambler358]

I paid $79 for the adapter expecting to be able to watch purchased content from iTunes or Netflix on a larger screen but I can't. Really disappointed at that.

I heard about that issue after I bought mine as well. The only time it would bother me though is if I was traveling and wanted to watch Netflix or iTunes in a hotel room on a bigger screen. Are there any other options that would allow that?

 

[Wallabe]

Maybe it's not an adapter you needed to get. You need Apple TV and wirelessly send the video to your TV.

It's a Macbook that's meant to be wireless. Why are you guys still buying wired stuff? Stop being old fashion.

https://www.apple.com/appletv/airplay/

For $69, you can get an Apple TV that comes with a remote. You can just wirelessly mirror what you see on your mac onto your TV.

If you are traveling, most hotels now have TV that has an HDMI connector. The Apple TV has HDMI output. Why not sit back in bed and do it wirelessly? It's a very small box if you need to carry it around. If you do travel, you can use your Macbook as a wireless access point to connect with the Apple TV, or bring a Airport Express if you choose.

Even for home use, why bother getting the $79 adapter? Get the Apple TV, wirelessly mirror what you see on your screen while you keep it charged.

It's also a great way to do business presentation. You can sit across the room rather than being tied to the wire. If you are concerned about compatibility, that's not a problem. For example, if your client uses DVI (or something else), there are plenty of reliable HDMI to whatever cables you need.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-HDMI-DVI-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00L3KNZZ8

Who here has been complaining about Apple should release a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter? Here's your solution: Apple TV + this cable:
www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters®-Gold-Plated-DisplayPort/dp/B004C9P9TM

If you just recently bought the adapter, see if you can return it. There won't be issues with HDCP or DRM stuff if you use Apple TV.

Lots of videos on youtube if you need help with the setup or if you want to see how it works.

 

[zhenya]

I agree - if you are doing video to a tv, wireless is the intended method with this. Unfortunately the AppleTV is still pretty bulky to travel with. I'd pick up a Roku/Chromecast/Amazon stick to travel with.

 

[Wallabe]

I agree - if you are doing video to a tv, wireless is the intended method with this. Unfortunately the AppleTV is still pretty bulky to travel with. I'd pick up a Roku/Chromecast/Amazon stick to travel with.

For what it can do, more than just mirroring your Mac, it's small. You can connect to a non-HDMI device with the right cable if required. You also have to realize this Apple TV came out 5 years ago in its current form. Even today, for the price ($69), it can do alot more than just an adapter that Apple just came out.

 

[zhenya]

Oh, I know - I have three of them! For me though they are too large to carry with me on the off chance that I might have an opportunity to use one. It's not just the ATV box, it's the power and HDMI cables as well. I have a Roku stick the size of a thumb drive I carry in case I feel the need to stream something on a hotel tv.

 

[Wallabe]

Whichever works best for you. I don't even have an Apple TV. I don't watch TV, so I don't own any of these sticks either. If they work much better, then go with that. I think you may have to use 3rd party apps to get it to work. ADBfire?

How do you get the Fire Stick to mirror your Macbook display?

I'm looking at a paid app for the Fire TV and it doesn't seem to be reliable.
http://www.amazon.com/x9F99-x65B9-x...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Actually here is a list of possible apps, none of which seems to be reliable.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?tag=aftvn-20&rh=i:mobile-apps&hidden-keywords=B00LAT7QV6|B00L5HQRGS|B00OLMZIZK|B00LPLTI8S|B00KL52KD4|B00JHAXIIA

Maybe I'm missing something.
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/10/27/amazon-launches-fire-tv-stick/

 

[pacmania1982]

Maybe it's not an adapter you needed to get. You need Apple TV and wirelessly send the video to your TV.

It's a Macbook that's meant to be wireless. Why are you guys still buying wired stuff? Stop being old fashion.

https://www.apple.com/appletv/airplay/

For $69, you can get an Apple TV that comes with a remote. You can just wirelessly mirror what you see on your mac onto your TV.

If you are traveling, most hotels now have TV that has an HDMI connector. The Apple TV has HDMI output. Why not sit back in bed and do it wirelessly? It's a very small box if you need to carry it around. If you do travel, you can use your Macbook as a wireless access point to connect with the Apple TV, or bring a Airport Express if you choose.

Even for home use, why bother getting the $79 adapter? Get the Apple TV, wirelessly mirror what you see on your screen while you keep it charged.

It's also a great way to do business presentation. You can sit across the room rather than being tied to the wire. If you are concerned about compatibility, that's not a problem. For example, if your client uses DVI (or something else), there are plenty of reliable HDMI to whatever cables you need.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-HDMI-DVI-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00L3KNZZ8

Who here has been complaining about Apple should release a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter? Here's your solution: Apple TV + this cable:
www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters®-Gold-Plated-DisplayPort/dp/B004C9P9TM

If you just recently bought the adapter, see if you can return it. There won't be issues with HDCP or DRM stuff if you use Apple TV.

Lots of videos on youtube if you need help with the setup or if you want to see how it works.

I have an Apple TV thanks and the multiport adapter isn't JUST for showing stuff on a bigger screen TV. I bought it so that I can charge my MacBook while using the USB port.

While I agree in some part that an Apple TV would work, its another device to carry around with me. This machine is small and designed to be portable. I don't want to have to bring yet ANOTHER device with me.

 

[Wallabe]

The Apple TV is the answer if you want to wirelessly put your content onto your TV. Either it's the Apple TV or a bunch of adapters and cables.

Wired or wireless. You choose.

If you have no plans to connect to a TV, then an adapter is fine.

 

[JoePa2624]

Maybe it's not an adapter you needed to get. You need Apple TV and wirelessly send the video to your TV.

It's a Macbook that's meant to be wireless. Why are you guys still buying wired stuff? Stop being old fashion.

https://www.apple.com/appletv/airplay/

For $69, you can get an Apple TV that comes with a remote. You can just wirelessly mirror what you see on your mac onto your TV.

If you are traveling, most hotels now have TV that has an HDMI connector. The Apple TV has HDMI output. Why not sit back in bed and do it wirelessly? It's a very small box if you need to carry it around. If you do travel, you can use your Macbook as a wireless access point to connect with the Apple TV, or bring a Airport Express if you choose.

Even for home use, why bother getting the $79 adapter? Get the Apple TV, wirelessly mirror what you see on your screen while you keep it charged.

It's also a great way to do business presentation. You can sit across the room rather than being tied to the wire. If you are concerned about compatibility, that's not a problem. For example, if your client uses DVI (or something else), there are plenty of reliable HDMI to whatever cables you need.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-HDMI-DVI-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00L3KNZZ8

Who here has been complaining about Apple should release a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter? Here's your solution: Apple TV + this cable:
www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters®-Gold-Plated-DisplayPort/dp/B004C9P9TM

If you just recently bought the adapter, see if you can return it. There won't be issues with HDCP or DRM stuff if you use Apple TV.

Lots of videos on youtube if you need help with the setup or if you want to see how it works.

I have thought about carrying around an Apple TV with me while I travel for work for the very reasons that you're describing. However, what has stopped me is the need to log into every Wi-Fi network every time I want to use it. That just seems tedious.

If there is something I'm missing, please let me know.

 

[Wallabe]

Get a wire.

Do you absolutely have to be on the internet when you are using the Apple TV? If all you are doing is presenting a powerpoint without the internet, lets not complicate it.

 

[pacmania1982]

Wait... You're saying let's not complicate it...but you're on about bringing yet ANOTHER device with you, then air playing something to it. I must be missing the point as this seems like an overly complicated way of doing what a simple adapter and cable will do.

Each to their own...

 

[Wallabe]

Then stick with adapters and wires. Simple enough?

Otherwise, for each wifi you logon to with your notebook, you also need to do the same for the Apple TV.

There are a number of combinations of ways to get things to work. It all depends on what you are willing to compromise. That's where it gets complicated.

If you need to use Wifi for internet and connect to a TV at the same time, then get a wire.

The limitation here is the WiFi. It can't be an ad-hoc server and a client at the same time. Otherwise, I would say connect the Apple TV to the notebook's Ad-hoc server, and the notebook connects to whatever wifi you need for internet.

 

[RUGGLES99]

Many thanks for your response, i've mainly been against buying the rmb because if the inflated price. However, I have considered going your route, and finding a base open box at Best Buy and using the movers coupon. I'm in no rush as I recently purchased a 2014 base 11" mba, which I use more like a tablet than a full-blown computer, but can have dual use. I would view the rmb the same way. I have a feeling that by fall the price of the rmb might droo, and the online apple store will start having refurbs for sale. And i might even wait until rev 2. I do think it is a very cool device.

I am a print/online journalist for a newspaper — actually a group three.

I bought the base model as the small jumps in the processor didn't seem worth the large jump in price. I used a Best Buy Movers Coupon and bought an open box, bringing my cost before tax to right around $1K. I had to get the silver model instead of the space gray that I really wanted, but it was worth it for the discount. I HIGHLY recommend checking Best Buy for open boxes if you have that option, as they said there a lot of people are returning them because they don't realize there is a lack of ports.

Also, to clarify, my issues with the trackpad are by no means a deal breaker. It's still a million times better than any trackpad/touchpad on any Windows device. I just prefer the old style a lot more — I'm just used to that feeling. What they have done with this force touch trackpad is amazing though, and I think force touch on an iPhone is going to be pretty amazing. It just isn't the great thing I expected it to be on the Mac. I'm "used" to it. I just still don't particularly like it.

 

[Gix1k]

Link on 1680x1050 hack??

 

[inmnbob]

Ok, I had buyers remorse before the delivery of the 1.3/512 SG unit primarily because I didn't need it and secondly because I feared it wouldn't be powerful enough. I need it for Parallels and multimedia development. So far I love it. Maybe it is the shiny new toy or maybe it is so light and portable that I am using it more than the iPad. In either case i am using it more than I thought I would.

More importantly for me I am able to run Band-in-box, GarageBand, Logic Pro with AU plugins okay and do some easy editing of video. This setup with my small midi keyboard is the perfect gig for the road plus my standard day job for Windows Office, Outlook and OneNote. The keyboard was another concern but I actually love it and I am already productive with it and think I can actually type faster.

The only speed observations that are noticeable include:
1. It seems to load programs like FaceTime and Messages a lot slower
2 When using Parallels in concurrence mode there is a little degradation in the window refresh
3. The wifi has a longer reach that iPad ( I can get to the router in my yard) but the wifi speed is lower than the iMac or the Macbook pro. Not sure why

The only concern I have is battery life. I think I will get 4-5 hours max and that is just browsing the web and running Parallels.

All-in-all I will keep it. Thought I would return it but that's not going to be the case. My new Surface 3 and now rMB are the perfect combination for me. I use the Surface 3 at work and carry to meetings and use the Pen all the time for notes and marking up documents. I will take the rMB on the road and for business trips and compliment that with the 8" Asus Vivotab Note for taking meeting notes in a small form factor.

I think the Macbook Pro is the device that will get used less now.

 

[Eric8199]

Ok, I had buyers remorse before the delivery of the 1.3/512 SG unit primarily because I didn't need it and secondly because I feared it wouldn't be powerful enough. I need it for Parallels and multimedia development. So far I love it. Maybe it is the shiny new toy or maybe it is so light and portable that I am using it more than the iPad. In either case i am using it more than I thought I would.

More importantly for me I am able to run Band-in-box, GarageBand, Logic Pro with AU plugins okay and do some easy editing of video. This setup with my small midi keyboard is the perfect gig for the road plus my standard day job for Windows Office, Outlook and OneNote. The keyboard was another concern but I actually love it and I am already productive with it and think I can actually type faster.

The only speed observations that are noticeable include:
1. It seems to load programs like FaceTime and Messages a lot slower
2 When using Parallels in concurrence mode there is a little degradation in the window refresh
3. The wifi has a longer reach that iPad ( I can get to the router in my yard) but the wifi speed is lower than the iMac or the Macbook pro. Not sure why

The only concern I have is battery life. I think I will get 4-5 hours max and that is just browsing the web and running Parallels.

All-in-all I will keep it. Thought I would return it but that's not going to be the case. My new Surface 3 and now rMB are the perfect combination for me. I use the Surface 3 at work and carry to meetings and use the Pen all the time for notes and marking up documents. I will take the rMB on the road and for business trips and compliment that with the 8" Asus Vivotab Note for taking meeting notes in a small form factor.

I think the Macbook Pro is the device that will get used less now.

Great review. The more I use this thing, the more I love it and the less I use my MacBook Pro. I'm actually considering ditching the Pro all together.

Last night I was editing a vlog for YouTube in FCPX on my base rMB and every time I do it amazes me that it doesn't so much as stutter. The only delay is in the final render, which takes significantly longer than the rMBP.

Lightroom performs spectacularly and Photoshop is acceptable most of the time.

 

[Wallabe]

You don't have to get rid of your Pro. Just find another use for it.

I have a treadmill desk, so when I'm walking on it, I use it to entertain myself. It's just going to sit there most of the time, and not being moved around much.

The rMB is for the bed/couch/etc.

I'm typing on my rMBP.

 

[Cricketman]

Does anyone here have the MB as their only computer?

 

[Eric8199]

You don't have to get rid of your Pro. Just find another use for it.

I have a treadmill desk, so when I'm walking on it, I use it to entertain myself. It's just going to sit there most of the time, and not being moved around much.

The rMB is for the bed/couch/etc.

I'm typing on my rMBP.

Oh, I'm not actually going to get rid of it. Unless the wife threatens divorce. Then I'd have a tough decision to make ;-)

 

[Gix1k]

This rMB will never be able to replace my rMBP 15". Simply doesn't have the HP. I also did the 1680 tweak to it and find it too hard to see. My 15" is perfect in every way other than portability. I really don't know why I bought this 12"...I returned my 13" rMBP for the 15.

 

[rambler358]

This rMB will never be able to replace my rMBP 15".

It was never intended to.

 

[Wallabe]

Oh, I'm not actually going to get rid of it. Unless the wife threatens divorce. Then I'd have a tough decision to make ;-)

I suggest you do some research on The Red Pill.

 

[brand]

Link on 1680x1050 hack??

Its a thread in the MacBook hardware forum. With minimal effort you should be able to find it. You can also achieve the same thing with software utilities from the Mac App Store if you are not comfortable editing system files.

 

[Gix1k]

Its a thread in the MacBook hardware forum. With minimal effort you should be able to find it. You can also achieve the same thing with software utilities from the Mac App Store if you are not comfortable editing system files.

Thanks I found it. Love the new real estate, but it's too small for me. Reverted back. Still there as an option though.