The 15" MBA. Wherefore art thou?

[Steve121178]

For me this is a glaring omission in the MacBook line-up. I realise that they want to ensure that the 15” rMBP remains the ‘flagship’ MacBook, but a 15” MBA would be a huge hit. To ensure a 15” MBA does not tread on the toes of the Pro, all they need to do is keep the exact same spec as the 13” MBA and add a 15” 1680x1050 non-retina display.

Adding $150-$200 on top of the 13” MBA price would be fair, it would still remain highly profitable to Apple and would sell extremely well and justify the existence of such a MacBook.

Or have I got this wrong? Maybe there’s no place for a 15” MBA. What do you think?

 

[maflynn]

Too much overlap if they produced a larger MBA imo.

How much lighter and thinner could a 15 MBA be over the rMBP?

I don't have hard numbers but I see posts here where most people recommend the 13" rMBP over the 13" MBA. I foresee the day when apple kills off the 13" MBA because the rMBP is eating is sales.

The same thing would happen in the 15" rMBP.

 

[smellalot]

For me this is a glaring omission in the MacBook line-up. I realise that they want to ensure that the 15” rMBP remains the ‘flagship’ MacBook, but a 15” MBA would be a huge hit. To ensure a 15” MBA does not tread on the toes of the Pro, all they need to do is keep the exact same spec as the 13” MBA and add a 15” 1680x1050 non-retina display.

Adding $150-$200 on top of the 13” MBA price would be fair, it would still remain highly profitable to Apple and would sell extremely well and justify the existence of such a MacBook.

Or have I got this wrong? Maybe there’s no place for a 15” MBA. What do you think?

1. I don't think we will see another Macbook without retina display
2. 1680x1050 has always been an option and was never standard. Why would Apple suddenly believe thats a good resolution for most people?
3. I believe the 12" MBA rumors are true. Most likely that's going to be the 'one size fits all'. But there is a slight chance for a bigger 15" MBA with full 15" rMBP resolution. At least IMO.


I also wanted a 15" MBA. Went with a 13" rMBP instead.

 

[Steve121178]

1680x1050 has always been an option and was never standard. Why would Apple suddenly believe thats a good resolution for most people?

It's always been a popular 16:10 industry standard. A 15" 1440x900 screen would be very 'cheap' of Apple.

I also agree that a new non-retina MacBook will probably never happen. But a 15" MBA could still be viable. Maybe.

 

[MacRazySwe]

As much as I'd like to see one, I don't see it happening. As others have said, it would cannibalize the sales of the 15" rMBP.

Too bad, as I would really like a larger screen, but I just can't see myself paying for a 15" rMBP.

 

[michaelsviews]

You never know what apple's going to release or change. I'll never forget when they release the Air and seeing Steve take it from the large envelope.

One can only hope

 

[TheralSadurns]

Oh btw...

Wherefore means "for what reason" or "why" it does not mean "where".

Just saying...

 

[thekev]

I wouldn't say that they couldn't do this, but it does conflict with their previous pricing strategy. I understand your desire for a cheaper 15". Overall there wouldn't be a huge difference in weight compared to the retina model. Their 15" model arguably starts too high considering that 15" notebooks are typically the most popular size. There may be some exception for Apple due to retail price structure. Before the retina model the top 13" macbook pro started at $1500 without further cto configuration, which was only available online. The 15" then started at $1800. Now the 13" rmbp has moved into the $1800 spot and the 15" is at $2000, so their spacing isn't that different. I don't think they'll make a cheaper 15". If we're lucky they'll get back to $1800-1900 starting on a 15" and the 13" will go back to what it was. There isn't any way to be sure though.

 

[psik]

That exists. It goes by the name rmbp 15`

 

[Cole Carrera]

It's not going to happen.

You want big, you go pro.

 

[MTL18]

It's not going to happen.

You want big, you go pro.

Yep. +1