What upgrades will the new Air have?

[tentales]

Dude, don't be condescending. You have no idea my age or experience with computers. The MacBook Air has a horrible display, there is no getting around it. Bringing up older computers won't change that fact.
No, it's not the latest and greatest. But when Apple releases a new model, it WILL be the latest and greatest, which is why it absolutely can't have this same display. That is what I said in my post.
I disagree with this completely. My wife's 4 year old $400 Dell has a much nicer display than my $1,100 MBA. The display is atrocious.

Apple should be leading the way. The fact that you have to compare it to 30 year old technology to make your point shows the exact opposite.

Sounds like I hit a nerve, eh ? Dude, why didn't you buy a Dell? Good for your wife, maybe she can stroke your ego.
I just take exception to gross exaggeration. Now it's atrocious? Geez man. You should SELL IT!
I wouldn't spend $1100 on an MBA either. Mine's an Apple refurb for $699.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

Apple should be leading the way..

Can we assume you'll be buying a 14" rMB in September, when they become available?(1)



(1) My WAGgy prediction, I have no inside knowledge. 🙄

 

[Crashster]

Can we assume you'll be buying a 14" rMB in September, when they become available?(1)



(1) My WAGgy prediction, I have no inside knowledge. 🙄

No, I will be keeping my MBA for many more years.

My perfect laptop would be my 13" MBA the same form factor it is now with a 14" display fit in (since it could fit with less bezel). As for the display, I don't even care if it's Retina, just something better than what is in it now.
[doublepost=1457021921][/doublepost]

Sounds like I hit a nerve, eh ?

No, you just made a silly post. But you saying this proves that you are just here to incite trouble.

Dude, why didn't you buy a Dell?

Because I wanted an Apple MacBook Air.

Good for your wife, maybe she can stroke your ego.

Now this is pure trolling on your part. I brought up the display, now you are talking about ego's?

I just take exception to gross exaggeration.

It's not gross exaggeration. The display is horrible. It's not what you woudl expect from an otherwise awesome laptop. If you put the MacBook Air's display side by side with even the most bottom of the line $350 laptop, everyone would agree that the MBA has a much worse display.

I wouldn't spend $1100 on an MBA either. Mine's an Apple refurb for $699.

The laptop starts at $999, most people are buying it for that price or more with upgrades. Only a small percentage of people buy refurbs. But it's funny that you yourself just said that the laptop isn't worth it's price lol.

This is what gives Apple users such a bad name, the die hard fanboys who can't stand to see someone saying something remotely negative about one of Apple's products, even when it is 100% true.

Since you are clearly a troll, welcome to my ignore list.

 

[jmoore5196]

Much as I may hate to admit it, I think Pedrom has the better of the argument. The Air is past it's sell-by date. I wouldn't be surprised if it's no longer part of the product line later this year. I would be surprised, on the other hand, if they gimp the existing MBA with a retina screen.

I'm not sure what option that will leave folks like me who travel a lot and need untrammeled processor power. I don't have much good to say about the 13" rMBP, either ... I'm just getting tired of looking at the anemic screen on my 11" MBA. I guess I'll hang onto my 15" rMBP and count myself lucky that I have access to both extremes.

 

[jdechko]

Look, we are all geeks on here. But don't let the fact that 50% of the people on here think that the Air screen is garbage fool you. We are less than .01% of the Apple-using population. The average person could probably tell you that they use a Mac, but they have no earthly idea that their laptop is a MacBook Air, and many would probably just call it an iMac anyway.

But we are talking about a group of people who never touch a settings panel and leave everything on default. These are the people that buy a $2500 4K tv and don't bother to configure anything about it. The display is set up with the factory "torch-mode" defaults leaving colors uncalibrated and they leave the "smooth motion plus" setting on so that every movie looks like absolute trash. (You know what I'm talking about).

The average person doesn't give a crap about native panel resolutions, viewing angles, contrast ratios or whatever. I'd imagine that the only number that most people look at is the price. Apple has come a long way down in the price of their computers, and they've done a great job persuading people to pay more for a Mac. But ultimately it comes down to what people will spend.

Is the Air's screen technically inferior to every other screen Apple makes? Yes, Absolutely. Is it a terrible screen? That's a lot more subjective question. I'd say it's adequate for me, as I sit here and type on my 2013 11" Air. It's acceptable to most people and that's not a bad thing as the Air is, or at least has been, the default machine for a while now.

I'm not naive, though. Eventually Apple will have to make a decision whether to update the screen or to discontinue the Air. I think history shows it will be the latter, once many of the downsides of the MacBook are worked out.

 

[tentales]

Look, we are all geeks on here. But don't let the fact that 50% of the people on here think that the Air screen is garbage fool you. We are less than .01% of the Apple-using population. The average person could probably tell you that they use a Mac, but they have no earthly idea that their laptop is a MacBook Air, and many would probably just call it an iMac anyway.

But we are talking about a group of people who never touch a settings panel and leave everything on default. These are the people that buy a $2500 4K tv and don't bother to configure anything about it. The display is set up with the factory "torch-mode" defaults leaving colors uncalibrated and they leave the "smooth motion plus" setting on so that every movie looks like absolute trash. (You know what I'm talking about).

The average person doesn't give a crap about native panel resolutions, viewing angles, contrast ratios or whatever. I'd imagine that the only number that most people look at is the price. Apple has come a long way down in the price of their computers, and they've done a great job persuading people to pay more for a Mac. But ultimately it comes down to what people will spend.

Is the Air's screen technically inferior to every other screen Apple makes? Yes, Absolutely. Is it a terrible screen? That's a lot more subjective question. I'd say it's adequate for me, as I sit here and type on my 2013 11" Air. It's acceptable to most people and that's not a bad thing as the Air is, or at least has been, the default machine for a while now.

I'm not naive, though. Eventually Apple will have to make a decision whether to update the screen or to discontinue the Air. I think history shows it will be the latter, once many of the downsides of the MacBook are worked out.

Very well put. I would only argue that less than 50% of MR members would classify the screen as "garbage".
My purpose in calling out those that absolutely trashed the screen was to avoid scaring the less informed public. Back in 2004 when I first joined MR, it was 99% Geeks on here, but these days the forums are a lot more diverse and like my 70+ year old non-techie neighbours asking me for advice, a lot of newcomers come here for advice and "expert" opinion.

Like with many other commenting forums, people use strong words to validate their opinion.
The OP was unsure whether to buy a MBA or wait for a better screen. In the meantime, he's made his decision, but others will come here to see whether or not they should pick up an MBA on sale.

As is the nature of technology, the half-life of most products is probably in the range of 3-6 months these days.
Would I buy a $2000 MBA fully spec'd today ? Most certainly not!
But a base model, with a substantial discount or a refurb below say $800, is definitely a bargain for what you get.

 

[pedrom]

Well, some of us have been around long enough to remember the definition of a 'absolutely horrible display'.
You're probably too young to know what a VT100/220 terminal is, which was the standard when I started in computing.
80x24 green screen CRT monitors bombarding you with electron rays, that's a horrible eye damaging terminal.

Sure the MBA screen is not the latest and greatest, but it's very functional and far from horrible.
Is the retina display better ? Of course it is, and in a few years someone will call those old retina display horrible, but for most people, these high quality TN panels with low battery drain are sufficient for most work not related to color accuracy such as photography.

What? No, frigging, way.

First of all, TN tech consumes much more power than the equivalent OLED or plain, basic IPS, not to mention IGZO version. (the ones in newer dells, newer iPads, etc.).

So, as far as efficiency goes, they are outdated pigs.

You have absolutely no idea of what you are giving a pass to: Every single computer sold above 700$ since 2012 has a much nicer display. Chromebooks at 199$ have nicer displays.

It's extremely outdated tech. The Dell XPS 13" with full HD infinity display has even better (much better) battery life than the latest Airs. Check Anandtech. Heck, even the one with higher Res. manages great.

So, the display in the Air is an inefficient, outdated, innaccurate, washed up, low PPI, piece of crap that doesn't belong on a 400$ Machine. Literally. I doubt that there is any computer being sold above 300 to 400 $ with a screen as terrible as this one. Yet, here we are, defending the decision as it it means a better product at the end of the day.

You are the type of costumer that would keep buying those 5400 rpm models and 1GB ram/16GB space iOS devices without complain, aren't you?

It's sad when it is so obvious that those decisions do nothing more than cripple devices, experiences, but make up for it on those immediate profit margins. It's sadder when even people post on forums like these actually swallow it.

 

[Reality4711]

What? No, frigging, way.

First of all, TN tech consumes much more power than the equivalent OLED or plain, basic IPS, not to mention IGZO version. (the ones in newer dells, newer iPads, etc.).

So, as far as efficiency goes, they are outdated pigs.

You have absolutely no idea of what you are giving a pass to: Every single computer sold above 700$ since 2012 has a much nicer display. Chromebooks at 199$ have nicer displays.

It's extremely outdated tech. The Dell XPS 13" with full HD infinity display has even better (much better) battery life than the latest Airs. Check Anandtech. Heck, even the one with higher Res. manages great.

So, the display in the Air is an inefficient, outdated, innaccurate, washed up, low PPI, piece of crap that doesn't belong on a 400$ Machine. Literally. I doubt that there is any computer being sold above 300 to 400 $ with a screen as terrible as this one. Yet, here we are, defending the decision as it it means a better product at the end of the day.

You are the type of costumer that would keep buying those 5400 rpm models and 1GB ram/16GB space iOS devices without complain, aren't you?

It's sad when it is so obvious that those decisions do nothing more than cripple devices, experiences, but make up for it on those immediate profit margins. It's sadder when even people post on forums like these actually swallow it.

No matter how I put this point I am sure you will take offence; but I must make the point anyway.

You are completely sure of your argument and and after reading all the posts so far I am inclined to agree with you; however!

Do you not find using your style of writing normally sets off arguments or are you permanently in a rage about everything?

For example "kill", "garbage", "trash", "pathetic". Are you surprised that responses to your posts are "defensive"?

Your point if clearly and simply put, without exaggeration for affect would probably have garnered a much more positive response and you more kudos for it. People make decisions and live with them. Not everyone myself included really enjoys having those decisions mauled and derided for what seems to be just for your amusement/entertainment.

I do hope that all your decisions are always viewed as correct by your peers, as criticism in the form you display is hard to take - especially for someone more used to dishing it out.

Just my thoughts. Happy to read your response; I am sure it will be entertaining; at least!

 

[Vital0gy]

What? No, frigging, way.

First of all, TN tech consumes much more power than the equivalent OLED or plain, basic IPS, not to mention IGZO version. (the ones in newer dells, newer iPads, etc.).

So, as far as efficiency goes, they are outdated pigs.

You have absolutely no idea of what you are giving a pass to: Every single computer sold above 700$ since 2012 has a much nicer display. Chromebooks at 199$ have nicer displays.

It's extremely outdated tech. The Dell XPS 13" with full HD infinity display has even better (much better) battery life than the latest Airs. Check Anandtech. Heck, even the one with higher Res. manages great.

So, the display in the Air is an inefficient, outdated, innaccurate, washed up, low PPI, piece of crap that doesn't belong on a 400$ Machine. Literally. I doubt that there is any computer being sold above 300 to 400 $ with a screen as terrible as this one. Yet, here we are, defending the decision as it it means a better product at the end of the day.

You are the type of costumer that would keep buying those 5400 rpm models and 1GB ram/16GB space iOS devices without complain, aren't you?

It's sad when it is so obvious that those decisions do nothing more than cripple devices, experiences, but make up for it on those immediate profit margins. It's sadder when even people post on forums like these actually swallow it.

And yet none of your ranting invalidates MY flipping choice. Do you get that? I will not pay more than 1k for a computer. Do you comprehend? That is part of MY buying decision. Obviously, you use different criteria for your purchasing decisions. That's great! Isn't that the great thing about an open market? We are each allowed to express our opinions on products by using our capital in purchasing decisions. It shouldn't hurt your feelings when others have priorities that differ from yours.

 

[navaira]

@pedrom, could you explain why you are so emotional about this? What drives your Air hate? "They must kill it!!! It's garbage!!! pathetic!!!" Do you have Samsung shares that are dropping in price or something?

– sent from my 2015 MBA bought and loved since November last year, and the screen doesn't bother me in the slightest.

 

[dennya]

I like my 2013 11" Air and would like to upgrade to a larger screen, but no way until the resolution is better.

If they want to just expand the regular MacBook line, that's fine, IF they keep or improve the keyboard design from the current Airs. The keyboard on the 12" MacBook is terribad for touch typing. I pretty much hate the keyboard on the touch cover on my iPad Pro, but even it is better than the 12" MacBook's.

 

[navaira]

I love the keyboard on Air, it was one of the main reasons I chose it over rMB. Typing on rMB feels like banging my fingers against the desk.

 

[pedrom]

@pedrom, could you explain why you are so emotional about this? What drives your Air hate? "They must kill it!!! It's garbage!!! pathetic!!!" Do you have Samsung shares that are dropping in price or something?

– sent from my 2015 MBA bought and loved since November last year, and the screen doesn't bother me in the slightest.

What the hell? Who is being emotional? It's a ****ing product from a ****ing company. As long as they have what I want, who gives a ****? You guys have this insane problem,
where you imagine people writing in CAPS as YELLING, and stuff.

Besides, like I said, I'm using a 2011 MBAir. I don't regret it one bit. It's an amazing machine. It's just like I said countless times already, it's an insanely inferior machine to the retina MBP, for almost the same price. Also, the screen doesn't belong on 199$ Chromebooks being sold today, and not only Apple has the balls to sell it, some of you have the balls to buy it...

I suspect that the users that keep buying the Air are the same buying 16 GB iPhones, and iOS devices with 1 GB of RAM*. For those, yeah I feel sorry for the parents that work their asses off to give you money so you can waste it on **** like that. However, if it is your own money, from your own work, then it is a mistake that you have to deal with, not me. I don't care. Good luck.

What bothers me is: Selling terrible machines (a terrible screen = a terrible machine, nowadays. Not enough memory to take advantage from what makes the product "worth it" = terrible, as well) means that I just can't say to family and friends that ask for advice: "Buy the  device you prefer, they are all great products". They aren't.

While Apple sells the best (see? Not some of the best.) Phones, laptops, desktops, watches and the best software, they also sell some of the worst products on each category that not even their pathetic competitors would dare to try and sell.

In the last few years, the MBAir become one of those products.

*That's not to say that some deals with deep, deep discounts aren't justifiable.

 

[Reality4711]

What the hell? Who is being emotional? It's a ****ing product from a ****ing company. As long as they have what I want, who gives a ****? You guys have this insane problem,
where you imagine people writing in CAPS as YELLING, and stuff.

Besides, like I said, I'm using a 2011 MBAir. I don't regret it one bit. It's an amazing machine. It's just like I said countless times already, it's an insanely inferior machine to the retina MBP, for almost the same price. Also, the screen doesn't belong on 199$ Chromebooks being sold today, and not only Apple has the balls to sell it, some of you have the balls to buy it...

I suspect that the users that keep buying the Air are the same buying 16 GB iPhones, and iOS devices with 1 GB of RAM*. For those, yeah I feel sorry for the parents that work their asses off to give you money so you can waste it on **** like that. However, if it is your own money, from your own work, then it is a mistake that you have to deal with, not me. I don't care. Good luck.

What bothers me is: Selling terrible machines (a terrible screen = a terrible machine, nowadays. Not enough memory to take advantage from what makes the product "worth it" = terrible, as well) means that I just can't say to family and friends that ask for advice: "Buy the  device you prefer, they are all great products". They aren't.

While Apple sells the best (see? Not some of the best.) Phones, laptops, desktops, watches and the best software, they also sell some of the worst products on each category that not even their pathetic competitors would dare to try and sell.

In the last few years, the MBAir become one of those products.

*That's not to say that some deals with deep, deep discounts aren't justifiable.

Still do not disagree with you in principal and still amused (from a distance).

Keep up the good work (tech advisor).

Regards

Sharkey

 

[Vital0gy]

I suspect that the users that keep buying the Air are the same buying 16 GB iPhones, and iOS devices with 1 GB of RAM*. For those, yeah I feel sorry for the parents that work their asses off to give you money so you can waste it on **** like that. However, if it is your own money, from your own work, then it is a mistake that you have to deal with, not me. I don't care. Good luck.

You know what they say about those who assume... You'll get much further in life if you start off with positive intent. Apple has a target margin for each product line. Their target margin is significantly higher than those making Chromebooks with awesome displays. At the point that Apple feels their overall margins are being eroded by consumers flocking their competitors they may reassess their current strategies, including displays on the airs. In the interim, Apple will continue to sell millions of Airs with sub-retina displays to consumers that DO NOT CARE about said displays in relation to other purchasing factors. The purchasing factors of other consumers in no way invalidates YOUR criteria for purchasing products. Your caustic behavior will not change anyone's mind, and will only calcify the belief that you're simply here to troll others for your own pleasure.

 

[Fancuku]

You have absolutely no idea of what you are giving a pass to: Every single computer sold above 700$ since 2012 has a much nicer display. Chromebooks at 199$ have nicer displays.

Agree with this. I don't know how people can defend the $5 screen of the Air. The Air at $1000 with that horrible screen and only 4GB of RAM is a bad value. I had a $200 POS Asus laptop that had a better display than the Air's.
3 times I bought a 13" Air only to sell it again because I couldn't accept that screen. After a while it gave me headaches. It's a big shame because if it had an acceptable screen (doesn't have to be retina) and came with 8GB RAM standard, it would be the best all around Apple laptop in my opinion. You can't beat the form factor of the Air. Also the battery life is very very good. And the processor and graphics are very adequate.

 

[iUseMacBooks]

I love my 2014 MacBook Air, but I wouldn't be surprised if, at some point, the Air line is discontinued. With the inclusion of the Retina Macbook into the Mac notebook lineup, it seems the writing is on the wall for the MacBook Air. I'm not sure what I'll do about my next laptop. I always counted on getting a Retina screen'd MacBook Air, but the MacBook is a bit too extreme for me. I'm not quite ready for just one USB-C port. If the MacBook Air is kept in production, and given a better screen (not likely, I know) I'd consider getting another one. If not, I'll have to decide between the Retina MacBook, and an rMBP at some point. Ill be watching the keynotes closely to see what, if anything, happens to the MacBook Air.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

I don't know how people can defend the $5 screen of the Air.

@Fancuku: According to your signature line, you don't even have an MBA. So why are you stirring poop?

Next, the 13" MBA is routinely credited by sites that rate hardware as being the best laptop in the world because it's portable, more than powerful enough for non-powerusers, does whatever most people need, and does it with style. Because you boys don't think it's powerful or pretty enough for YOUR needs doesn't diminish its ability to fit the needs of almost everyone who uses it.

Apple will not put a retina screen in any version of the Macbook Air, so get over yourselves, please. The next version of the Macbook Air, if there is one, will have minimal upgrades only. The retina Macbook is the new standard in computing for content creators and average users. You don't have to like that one either. Please, get a 15" Macbook Pro for yourself; it's the only computer that will satisfy your insatiable hunger for power and glory.

 

[Fancuku]

@Fancuku: According to your signature line, you don't even have an MBA. So why are you stirring poop?

If you read the whole reply, you would have seen where i mentioned that I bought a 13" three times but couldn't accept the screen so i sold them again.
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@Fancuku
Next, the 13" MBA is routinely credited by sites that rate hardware as being the best laptop in the world because it's portable, more than powerful enough for non-powerusers, does whatever most people need, and does it with style. Because you boys don't think it's powerful or pretty enough for YOUR needs doesn't diminish its ability to fit the needs of almost everyone who uses it.

Selective reading. I already said that the Air has enough processing and graphic power. It's the horrible screen and the 4GB RAM standard that make it a bad value. If it had a good quality screen and came with 8GB standard at $1000, then it would be acceptable because it has everything else going for it.

 

[mantan]

While Apple sells the best (see? Not some of the best.) Phones, laptops, desktops, watches and the best software, they also sell some of the worst products on each category that not even their pathetic competitors would dare to try and sell.

In the last few years, the MBAir become one of those products.

*That's not to say that some deals with deep, deep discounts aren't justifiable.

I agree with this point. While I like Apple products, it seems like there are increasing number of 'compromise' products in their lineup. The screen on the Macbook Air. The single port on the Macbook. The insistence on 5400 drives on the iMac. The atrocious specs on the new base Mini. 16 gig on an iPhone.

Selling premium products for a premium price is fine. But skimping on specs and delivering inferior products at a premium price sucks. People cut them a pass because they are Apple. If anybody else did it they would get a ton of blowback.

I'm getting my daughter a new laptop as a graduation present. I'm hoping that Apple gives me a better option between a MacBook Air with a way outdated screen, a MacBook with a single port or force me to get a retina Macbook Pro just to get a decent screen- but then I have to upgrade the processor to get a 256 gig model. Rather than feel like 'Wow, Apple was the perfect product', I'll feel like some sort of compromise was made.

 

[tentales]

I agree with this point. While I like Apple products, it seems like there are increasing number of 'compromise' products in their lineup. The screen on the Macbook Air. The single port on the Macbook. The insistence on 5400 drives on the iMac. The atrocious specs on the new base Mini. 16 gig on an iPhone.

Selling premium products for a premium price is fine. But skimping on specs and delivering inferior products at a premium price sucks. People cut them a pass because they are Apple. If anybody else did it they would get a ton of blowback.

I'm getting my daughter a new laptop as a graduation present. I'm hoping that Apple gives me a better option between a MacBook Air with a way outdated screen, a MacBook with a single port or force me to get a retina Macbook Pro just to get a decent screen- but then I have to upgrade the processor to get a 256 gig model. Rather than feel like 'Wow, Apple was the perfect product', I'll feel like some sort of compromise was made.

Wish there were more adult responses like yours.
Indeed, I am more critical of Apple since the demise of Steve. Maybe it was his reality distortion field, but I felt that during his 2nd reign, his product improvements were more substantial year over year than when Tim took over.

The last 5 years have felt a little more like Apple is resting on its laurels instead of jumping years ahead in their products or perceived leadership in products. In 2007, the iPhone was 5 years ahead of the competition whereas now, it's about on par. And yes, the MBA is falling behind, but not in ALL aspects.

While there've always been compromises, c'mon MR forums over the past decade and a half are full of wish lists for the next keynote speech, the compromises have been increasing lately.

Apple always was a great marketing company but lately the reliance on the 4Ps of marketing have increased vs technical innovation, or god forbid, leap-frogging competition. They're more concerned with balancing product features with price points to avoid cannibalization than pushing the envelope.

Even the highly touted Retina Display is trailing OLED and 4K displays. Although, if you look at the equivalent on the PC side, there are no $400 QHDs. Equip a DELL XPS 15 with them and you'll be north of $2K .
Also the rMBPs are way behind in introducing Skylake processors.

The main reason the Mac faithful are putting up with it is OS X and build quality, but even with OS X, the constraints are disgruntling long-time users. Windows 10 is getting better, but still suffers many drawbacks, like managing QHD touch screens. I was recently privy to testing an Asus Zenbook 305 with a fantastic QHD+ touchscreen for around $1100 on sale, but the keyboard, trackpad, coil whine, and Windows handling of fonts as well as screen coating were major drawbacks.

So while some people here get excessively emotional about one feature or another, it's the sum of all parts that drives consumer decision and Apple understands that better than any company.

Do I want a Macbook with an OLED 4K 15" screen in a 13" body, weighing less than 1lbs with 24hrs battery life and 1TB SSD for under $1K ?? Don't we all 🙂

 

[pedrom]

Wish there were more adult responses like yours.
Indeed, I am more critical of Apple since the demise of Steve. Maybe it was his reality distortion field, but I felt that during his 2nd reign, his product improvements were more substantial year over year than when Tim took over.

The last 5 years have felt a little more like Apple is resting on its laurels instead of jumping years ahead in their products or perceived leadership in products. In 2007, the iPhone was 5 years ahead of the competition whereas now, it's about on par. And yes, the MBA is falling behind, but not in ALL aspects.

While there've always been compromises, c'mon MR forums over the past decade and a half are full of wish lists for the next keynote speech, the compromises have been increasing lately.

Apple always was a great marketing company but lately the reliance on the 4Ps of marketing have increased vs technical innovation, or god forbid, leap-frogging competition. They're more concerned with balancing product features with price points to avoid cannibalization than pushing the envelope.

Even the highly touted Retina Display is trailing OLED and 4K displays. Although, if you look at the equivalent on the PC side, there are no $400 QHDs. Equip a DELL XPS 15 with them and you'll be north of $2K .
Also the rMBPs are way behind in introducing Skylake processors.

The main reason the Mac faithful are putting up with it is OS X and build quality, but even with OS X, the constraints are disgruntling long-time users. Windows 10 is getting better, but still suffers many drawbacks, like managing QHD touch screens. I was recently privy to testing an Asus Zenbook 305 with a fantastic QHD+ touchscreen for around $1100 on sale, but the keyboard, trackpad, coil whine, and Windows handling of fonts as well as screen coating were major drawbacks.

So while some people here get excessively emotional about one feature or another, it's the sum of all parts that drives consumer decision and Apple understands that better than any company.

Do I want a Macbook with an OLED 4K 15" screen in a 13" body, weighing less than 1lbs with 24hrs battery life and 1TB SSD for under $1K ?? Don't we all 🙂

The reason for Apple to being late in some hardware aspects is only related with the fact that they sell way more products than all their competitors combined.

Dell can put an infinity display and get exclusive deals because they sell way way less XPS laptops than Apple sells Mac, and production hasn't been enough to include other laptops.

Same for the higher bins of the best Intel laptops. Apple is the only OEM with the talent to put a 27W part on a premium 13" chassis. All others use standard ULV components.

The 15" rMBP probably outsells all similar mobile workstations combined, 5 to 1. And they need the best processors with the best Intel graphics, the more expensive ones.

If Apple had updated, not only would newer models always be out of stock, they would be subsidizing windows OEMs and Intel, basically. Economies of scale.

That's how Sony put a 4k display on an Xperia. No one buys them. But putting them on. 70M iPhones per quarter? Prohibitive.

The only exception? The MBAir. It uses the same ULVs as all competition, and despite clearly being the best seller in past years, I don't think that's the case anymore, and it wasn't updated because it will be discontinued.

 

[mantan]

The reason for Apple to being late in some hardware aspects is only related with the fact that they sell way more products than all their competitors combined.

Dell can put an infinity display and get exclusive deals because they sell way way less XPS laptops than Apple sells Mac, and production hasn't been enough to include other laptops.

Same for the higher bins of the best Intel laptops. Apple is the only OEM with the talent to put a 27W part on a premium 13" chassis. All others use standard ULV components.

The 15" rMBP probably outsells all similar mobile workstations combined, 5 to 1. And they need the best processors with the best Intel graphics, the more expensive ones.

If Apple had updated, not only would newer models always be out of stock, they would be subsidizing windows OEMs and Intel, basically. Economies of scale.

That's how Sony put a 4k display on an Xperia. No one buys them. But putting them on. 70M iPhones per quarter? Prohibitive.

The only exception? The MBAir. It uses the same ULVs as all competition, and despite clearly being the best seller in past years, I don't think that's the case anymore, and it wasn't updated because it will be discontinued.

It'll be interesting to see if they believe in the MB enough to pull the plug on the MBA. The overall consumer response has seemed to be lukewarm compared to the loved MBA. It didn't seem an evolution as much as a compromise device. It seems like minor chassis modifications to the MBA chassis and the same screen would have breathed new life into the MBA (which was doing just fine) - but instead they created a whole new product that as a whole didn't seem as good. But if they stubbornly stick to the current MacBook design and pull the Air, there is no question I'm snagging a MBA before they are gone and calling it a day. All of their insistence on a single port.

Sort of like I have a bad feeling I'll be grabbing a 6s if the rumors of the headphone jack being removed from the 7 are true. Taking away functionality to make things more complicated is the exact opposite of the simplicity that makes Apple great.

 

[pika2000]

I think it's almost obvious that the retina MacBook will replace the MacBook Air range. The Air was originally designed to be the light consumer level notebook (back then, the consumer lineup was the plastic MacBook). It has the Air branding to indicate the lighter form factor. Apple then discontinued the plastic MacBook.

Now, we have the retina MacBook that is lighter than the MacBook Air. He MacBook Air brand doesn't make sense anymore. Apple is keeping the Air line for now probably to have the retina MacBook production matures and scales (and also to test the market on one port laptop). If it failed, they still have the Air lineup. It also explains why the Air lineup is not getting much improvements other than the processor and chipset. It didn't even get the new touchpad.

So I think once Apple is confident on the retina MacBook (pricing, margin, etc), it will be the consumer notebook lineup, and the MacBook Air will be discontinued.

On the other hand, I wish for something in between. Although I like lighter laptops like the Retina MacBook, I wish apple would at least equip the retina MacBook with one or two more USB-C ports, and/or an SD card slot. My ideal laptop would be an Apple designed Dell XPS 13-like laptop.

 

[jmoore5196]

If consumer response has indeed been "lukewarm" to the new MB - and I don't know how you can make that claim without an idea of how many units have been sold since introduction - it's only because the MBA paved the way.

I bought a 1.3GHz MB and have been astonished by the display, especially compared to my 11" MBA. The high-end processor is tepid but capable enough, and I've only encountered a couple of vexing situations brought on by the single port. The MB is indeed the laptop of the future. How far in the future remains an open question.