Warming-up for the all-new redesigned retina 2014 (2015?) MacBook Air

[zI INFINITY Iz]

Next USB plug announced

http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/4/5173686/usb-type-c-connector-specification-announced

"Work has begun on a new generation of USB that will break compatibility with existing connectors in order to improve ease of use and allow for thinner devices. The new connector, called Type-C, is an addition to the existing USB 3.1 specification and is expected to be finalized by the middle of 2014. There aren't any images available yet, but Type-C will be around the size of a Micro USB plug and, like Apple's Lightning connector, will finally be reversible — in other words, no more frustrated attempts to charge your phone with an upside-down cable"

Maybe nice news for the next MBA?

 

[lagisibuk]

Next USB plug announced

http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/4/5173686/usb-type-c-connector-specification-announced

"Work has begun on a new generation of USB that will break compatibility with existing connectors in order to improve ease of use and allow for thinner devices. The new connector, called Type-C, is an addition to the existing USB 3.1 specification and is expected to be finalized by the middle of 2014. There aren't any images available yet, but Type-C will be around the size of a Micro USB plug and, like Apple's Lightning connector, will finally be reversible — in other words, no more frustrated attempts to charge your phone with an upside-down cable"

Maybe nice news for the next MBA?

where is the best? USB next generation (C) or TB?

 

[thebrobrah]

well...that will definately be in the next air

^ the average person does not want/need TB

 

[skaertus]

Next USB plug announced

http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/4/5173686/usb-type-c-connector-specification-announced

"Work has begun on a new generation of USB that will break compatibility with existing connectors in order to improve ease of use and allow for thinner devices. The new connector, called Type-C, is an addition to the existing USB 3.1 specification and is expected to be finalized by the middle of 2014. There aren't any images available yet, but Type-C will be around the size of a Micro USB plug and, like Apple's Lightning connector, will finally be reversible — in other words, no more frustrated attempts to charge your phone with an upside-down cable"

Maybe nice news for the next MBA?

Finalized by the middle of 2014... it doesn't mean that it will be available for mid-2014. But if, it is the case, then can the MacBook Air be any thinner and without the bezel?

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where is the best? USB next generation (C) or TB?

Does it matter? Most devices don't even use Thunderbolt...

 

[gwsat]

I bought a 2010 13 inch MBA with 4GB of RAM and 512GB of flash storage when the 2010 MBA was introduced in October of that year. I have used it happily ever since except that, as reported in earlier posts, I have grown somewhat resentful about its obsolescent display. My iPad Retina showed me what a display can be and my old MBA didn't measure up.

I had become increasingly fearful that Apple's next refresh of its MBA lineup would not include a high resolution display, so when the latest iteration of the 13 inch MBP was introduced with a Retina display and a weight that was only about a half pound more than my MBA. I paid attention. Finally, earlier this week, I bought one with an 2.8GHz i7 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of flash storage. So far, it has been wonderful. The less than 9 ounces of additional weight have been unobtrusive, the Retina display a delight, and it is exponentially faster than my old MBA. Still retiring my much loved MBA came close to having a death in the family.

 

[skaertus]

I bought a 2010 13 inch MBA with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of flash storage when the 2010 MBA was introduced in October of that year. I have used it happily ever since except that, as reported in earlier posts, I have grown somewhat resentful about its obsolescent display. My iPad Retina showed me what a display can be and my old MBA didn't measure up.

I had become increasingly fearful that Apple's next refresh of its MBA lineup would not include a high resolution display, so when the latest iteration of the 13 inch MBP was introduced with a Retina display and a weight that was only about a half pound more than my MBA. I paid attention. Finally, earlier this week, I bought one with an 2.8GHz i7 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of flash storage. So far, it has been wonderful. The less than 9 ounces of additional weight have been unobtrusive, the Retina display a delight, and it is exponentially faster than my old MBA. Still retiring my much loved MBA came close to having a death in the family

Yes, the 13-inch retina MacBook Pro is great and should well replace a 13-inch MacBook Air, as the difference in weight is not that much (especially these later models which are even thinner). The next MacBook Air model will have to be even thinner and lighter in order for it not to compete with the 13-inch Pro. That's why I think a 12-inch model makes sense.

 

[iRun26.2]

Yes, the 13-inch retina MacBook Pro is great and should well replace a 13-inch MacBook Air, as the difference in weight is not that much (especially these later models which are even thinner). The next MacBook Air model will have to be even thinner and lighter in order for it not to compete with the 13-inch Pro. That's why I think a 12-inch model makes sense.

I'm beginning to be more and more worried that the new 12" MBA we are hoping for will be some kind of iOS device like an iPad with an attached keyboard.

(Which would be TOTALLY useless for me)

 

[macigo]

Apple should make the MacBook Air have retina display and still make it thinner! That would be a must buy.

 

[jmoore5196]

So far, it has been wonderful. The less than 9 ounces of additional weight have been unobtrusive, the Retina display a delight, and it is exponentially faster than my old MBA.

Have you found the need to adjust to the lower default resolution of the 13" rMBP, or are you running it to approximate the higher res of the 13" MBA?

I ask because I'm considering moving from my 11" MBA to the same machine you purchased.

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Does it matter? Most devices don't even use Thunderbolt...

In your estimation, then, those of us who use Thunderbolt displays and SSDs aren't worthy of consideration ... right?

 

[willgreene99]

If Apple would choose to add a Retina-display, while maintaining the great battery life of the 2013 model, and possibly give it a bit more ooomph - I will definitely be upgrading from my 13" MBA (2011). However, I'm not sure I could live with a 12" model. Coming from a 15" MBP, the 13" already felt a bit cramped to begin with.

2014 will be an interesting Apple-year for sure.

I'm thinking:

Redesigned MBA
iPhone 6
iWatch? Possibly? Although I'm not interested, a lot of people are.
Apple TV-set? Has been rumored for a long time, but I guess we may finally see it next year.

Is 2014 the year where Apple's product line under Jobs comes to an end? If so, then I expect that some items may take a radical departure from the vision that Jobs held.

 

[skaertus]

I'm beginning to be more and more worried that the new 12" MBA we are hoping for will be some kind of iOS device like an iPad with an attached keyboard.

(Which would be TOTALLY useless for me)

I don't think Apple will do that.

I think Apple will eventually merge iOS and OS X, but we're not there yet.

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Apple should make the MacBook Air have retina display and still make it thinner! That would be a must buy.

That's what I think will happen. Apple may use IGZO or even LTPS to make displays more energy-efficient despite the high resolution. In addition, Broadwell is supposed to consume 30% less battery than Haswell, if Intel is to be believed. If that all holds true, then the MacBook Air could have a smaller battery, a thinner body and still a battery life similar to the current model.

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In your estimation, then, those of us who use Thunderbolt displays and SSDs aren't worthy of consideration ... right?

I didn't mean that.

What I meant was that a particular device will have a USB or a Thunderbolt connector. A Thunderbolt display cannot be attached to a USB port, and a USB printer cannot be attached to a Thunderbolt port. Therefore, it's useless to compare them both from a consumer's perspective. You should get what you use more, and most devices are USB-compatible, and not Thunderbolt.

Said that, Apple laptops come with both USB and Thunderbolt, so you don't have to choose. Just get the device you want and plug it into the laptop.

This comparison between Thunderbolt and USB seems useless for me in this particular topic. If I were a company interested in making external drives or displays then I would check the comparison between Thunderbolt and USB specifications, and also the availability of such ports in the laptops in general.

But, as a consumer, all I can do is buy a device that is Thunderbolt or USB. I cannot choose an Apple external display that will work plugged to a USB port because that simply doesn't exist. Why the comparison then?

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Have you found the need to adjust to the lower default resolution of the 13" rMBP, or are you running it to approximate the higher res of the 13" MBA?

I ask because I'm considering moving from my 11" MBA to the same machine you purchased

What exactly do you mean?

I do have a 15" rMBP, and the retina settings equal to a 2880x1800 resolution with a 1440x900 aspect ratio. However, I use the 1920x1200 aspect ratio, which is the maximum allowed under OS X without tweaks (the resolution is still 2880x1800: text is incredibly sharp, but the real estate in the screen is larger, as the OS renders images at 3840x2400 to display them on the 2800x1800 screen).

A 13" rMBP should run under the following aspect ratios: 1280x800 (retina), 1440x900 and 1680x1050 (both scaled). So, the 13" rMBP should run with the very same aspect ratio of the 13" MBA, but with much better sharpness (as the resolution will be 2560x1600, despite the 1440x900 aspect ratio).

 

[gwsat]

Have you found the need to adjust to the lower default resolution of the 13" rMBP, or are you running it to approximate the higher res of the 13" MBA?

I ask because I'm considering moving from my 11" MBA to the same machine you purchased.

I have run my 2013 13 inch MBPr at max resolution all the time. Although the print is smaller on some screens, even my aging eyes have had no trouble reading it. The user experience with this display is dramatically better than that of my old 2010 13 inch MBA

 

[skaertus]

I have run my 2013 13 inch MBPr at max resolution all the time. Although the print is smaller on some screens, even my aging eyes have had no trouble reading it. The user experience with this display is dramatically better than that of my old 2010 13 inch MBA

By maximum resolution you mean 1680x1050 (HiDPI) or 2560x1600 with the tiny letters and all?

 

[jmoore5196]

I have run my 2013 13 inch MBPr at max resolution all the time. Although the print is smaller on some screens, even my aging eyes have had no trouble reading it. The user experience with this display is dramatically better than that of my old 2010 13 inch MBA

Thanks! My eyes are aging as well ... I appreciate the specific feedback.

 

[theSeb]

How would apple merge iOS and OS X considering that iOS is a subset of OS X? I am interested in hearing your theories.

 

[gwsat]

By maximum resolution you mean 1680x1050 (HiDPI) or 2560x1600 with the tiny letters and all?

I mean 2560 X 1600. As noted in my earlier post, the resolution of the Retina display is such that small print doesn't create a problem for me.

 

[iRun26.2]

Apple should make the MacBook Air have retina display and still make it thinner! That would be a must buy.

I agree completely!

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I mean 2560 X 1600. As noted in my earlier post, the resolution of the Retina display is such that small print doesn't create a problem for me.

I expect that the text must be very small. I'm glad to hear that you use your rMBP with the maximum resolution because that is what I hope to do with my new 12" rMBA (assuming Apple follows through with the rumor we've been discussing here).

The IGZO screens should be brighter and have a higher contrast ratio compared to the current MBA display so using it at the very high native resolution may be quite reasonable.

 

[iRun26.2]

I mean 2560 X 1600. As noted in my earlier post, the resolution of the Retina display is such that small print doesn't create a problem for me.

I'm sorry, but could you please post a screen shot of your of your computer's retina display. I'd like to imagine how small the text really is. I'm finding it hard to believe that someone really uses the screen at maximum resolution.

 

[skaertus]

How would apple merge iOS and OS X considering that iOS is a subset of OS X? I am interested in hearing your theories.

The first step would be that both OSs should run on the same processors...

 

[iRun26.2]

The first step would be that both OSs should run on the same processors...

I have my doubts about OSX on a an ARM processor any time soon. Windows Surface RT is Windows on an ARM processor device. It lost a ton of money for Microsoft. I think software comparability is more important than you imagine.

 

[skaertus]

I have my doubts about OSX on a an ARM processor any time soon. Windows Surface RT is Windows on an ARM processor device. It lost a ton of money for Microsoft. I think software comparability is more important than you imagine.

The fact that Microsoft lost a lot of money with Windows RT doesn't mean that it will happen again. Sure, it may scare other companies away from trying, but it doesn't mean a thing.

Microsoft's strategy seemed flawed since the beginning, at least for me. Why would it release two identical operating systems, but one of them not compatible with existing software? Windows RT was obviously a bad choice from the beginning. It could only be justified by the low price of the ARM tablets which came equipped with it. But with the release of the Bay Trail platform and the possibility of sub-US$500 devices with an Intel processor and a full-blown Windows, then Windows RT is done.

But Apple could do it differently. It could just switch to ARM, leaving no option to the consumers. It has done that before, and more than once. Not a sudden transition, but a transition nonetheless.

The Macintosh was released in 1984 with a Motorola microprocessor. In 1994, a decade later, Apple began the transition from Motorola 68000 family to PowerPC. In 2006, a bit more than a decade later, Apple began the transition from PowerPC to Intel processors. We're in 2013 now, and 2014 is one month away. Given Apple's history, who could say for sure that Apple won't turn to ARM processors in the next five years or so?

 

[skaertus]

I'm sorry, but could you please post a screen shot of your of your computer's retina display. I'd like to imagine how small the text really is. I'm finding it hard to believe that someone really uses the screen at maximum resolution.

It's very small, yet readable.

I don't know if that helps, but I took a screenshot of my 15-inch MacBook Pro running at 2880x1800 (no HiDPI). The real estate is enormous, and it's usable, but very tiny. Take a look. The pixel-per-inch is similar to the one in the 13-inch MacBook Pro (actually, a little lower), so text size would be similar (perhaps a little larger).

 

[Commy1]

I think what I would appreciate the most is an LTE enabled Macbook Air that's perhaps a little thinner. At this point I might consider ditching my iPad in favour of an Air simply for the power.
If the iPad could handle solid editing programs and storage for high quality JPG and RAW photos then I'd love to stick with it, until then...

 

[macigo]

I might get a late 2014 or 2015. The screen and camera on the Airs are not sufficient.

It needs to have a better screen and better camera.

 

[animatedude]

We expect the unprecedented 12" model will boast both the portability of the 11" model, and productivity of the 13" model. The high resolution display will also offer the outstanding visual experience of the Retina MacBook Pro. The offering will likely be lighter and slimmer than the existing MacBook Air to further highlight ease of portability in the cloud computing era. We think the form factor will showcase a much improved clamshell structure, and that it will redefine laptop computing once again following the milestone created by the MacBook Air.

this scares me a bit...i love my silver aluminum but this prediction sounds like Apple will go all the way to "unapologetically plastic" territory to compete with stuff like Surface....