Who actually is the 12" MacBook for?

[Clix Pix]

Another fan of the 12" MacBook here! I love my space grey 2017 maxed-out MacBook because it is small, lightweight, easy to carry around when traveling or even just walking from room to room in my own home. It is lightweight enough that it is comfortable on my lap, unlike my earlier, heavier machines. It does what I need and want and it does it quickly. The only thing I would change would be -- yes, I'd add a second USB-C port. Most of the time it doesn't matter and I rarely plug anything other than the charging cable into my MacBook. Only when adding or removing files and folders or running a backup do I plug in an external SSD.

I also have the 12.9 iPad Pro, which I can't imagine living without, either -- but for real productivity the MacBook wins. Each device serves it purpose in my household or away from home.

 

[LizKat]

All I did was call the MacBook a fashion accessory

Whereas in point of fact it is a very capable computer.

https://www.apple.com/macbook/specs/​

 

[Dave245]

Another fan of the 12" MacBook here! I love my space grey 2017 maxed-out MacBook because it is small, lightweight, easy to carry around when traveling or even just walking from room to room in my own home. It is lightweight enough that it is comfortable on my lap, unlike my earlier, heavier machines. It does what I need and want and it does it quickly. I also have the 12.9 iPad Pro, which I can't imagine living without, either -- but for real productivity the MacBook wins. Each device serves it purpose in my household or away from home.

Do you find that the 12.9” iPad Pro compliments the MacBook? I also have a 12.9” iPad Pro and I plan on getting a 12" MacBook that’s why I’m asking.

 

[newellj]

I bought (again - I had owned one back in 2015) one of these recently. It's doing everything I need. My needs are to review and edit Word, Acrobat, Excel and PowerPoint files, check professional and regulatory websites, run a remote access client, and log in to our corporate email. There is NOTHING there that this little m3 rMB can't handle as well as my rMBP or for that matter my quad-core Mini or the very expensive Lenovo that my firm issues. And the portability factor is huge. Saying that it's an iPad with a keyboard is actually exactly the point - that's why it's so great.

The MacBook Air is a true disgrace. I mean, just look at the ugly dated thing. HUGE bezels, silver around the screen - it's year 2000!

Disgrace might be a little strong, but outdated, redundant and useless might work. The display is crap. The bezels are horrific. The display is crap. Square inch displacement is significantly greater than even the 2015 and earlier rMBP, and square inch and total volume displacement are greater than the 2016 and later rMBP. The display is crap. The only two things going for the 13" MBA are battery life and (at least in my opinion) the old style keyboard. Oh, and did I mention that the display is crap?
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I have no desire to drop $1,300-$1,600 on a computer that lacks even the basic ports one would reasonably expect in any laptop -- not to mention the additional cost of all the dongles I'd have no choice but to buy.

*snip*

That's why it's a "true disgrace" that the MacBook is a downgrade in terms of functionality.

Consider that the nTB version of the 13" rMBP has all of what, wait for it, two USB-C ports? That's double what the rMB has, but not exactly a triumph of functional design. I don't like the thinner-and-lighter-at-all-costs mentality, but it is very clearly where Apple is going. They seem to think that the world should be wireless - maybe it will be in five years, who knows?

In any case, the single port is a consideration but hardly a disaster. I bought a $50 Satechi hub that provides 2x USB-A, HDMI and pass-through charging. It's about the size of two halves of a pencil laid side by side. It's just not a big deal to carry that around when I need it.
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The MacBook is currently my favourite Mac form factor. But yes, it needs another USB-C port. Remove the headphone jack if you must Apple, but it would benefit from that second USB-C port.

The MacBook Air should just be discontinued.

It holds a price-point for Apple, but there must have been a better solution.

 

[Clix Pix]

Do you find that the 12.9” iPad Pro compliments the MacBook? I also have a 12.9” iPad Pro and I plan on getting a 12" MacBook that’s why I’m asking.

Yes, the two complement each other very nicely. Now that the weather is (finally!) getting nice, I like to spend my evenings out on my deck and the iPad Pro goes out there with me. I have an Apple BT keyboard that I use with it out there and can do emails, participate in forum discussions, etc., quite easily and comfortably, and can move the BT keyboard into any position which suits me (I don't have the ASK and don't ever plan to use one). When darkness falls, I eventually come on into the house and then I set aside the iPad Pro (usually needs to go on the charger by that time anyway) and pick up my MacBook to use for the remainder of the evening and until bedtime. Anything that came up that I couldn't easily or chose not to deal with in iOS on the iPad Pro I take care of on the MacBook. I also prefer to use the iPad 12.9 in bed, too, rather than the MacBook, although I have done the latter, too. Nothing like being able to tuck in on a cold winter evening with the iPad or to stay in bed a little longer on a chilly winter morning with it while waiting for the house to warm up!

When I travel I often take both the MacBook and an iPad -- usually the iPad Pro 10.5 is the one who goes along on trips -- and again I can grab the iPad and use it quickly in various situations or tuck into bed with it in the hotel room in the evening, or if I have something that requires more than iOS can do, there's the MacBook, ready to use either on a hotel room desk or on my lap. Both the iPad Pro and the MacBook are light enough that I can carry them with me all day, too, rather than leaving the computer in the hotel room.

The MacBook offers the advantage of being able to plug in an external drive, and that comes in handy at times when on the road, especially if I need to refer to an older folder or file that is on my supplemental Samsung T5 external SSD or to add new material that will later get transferred to my main computer at home. The MacBook also works nicely for ingesting images from my camera's SD card via a USB-C card reader, and then the images can either be edited/processed at that time or simply shifted over to the external drive; this frees up the SD card space for further use. I know that I could also do this with the iPad Pro via the Lightning to SD Card Reader, too, but don't have that accessory and so have never tried that.

For me, yes, ever since the very first iPad back in 2010 I have found that these iOS devices are a very nice complement to a Mac computer with OS, and the iPad paired with the 12" MacBook makes a great combination.

 

[N0na]

Consider that the nTB version of the 13" rMBP has all of what, wait for it, two USB-C ports? That's double what the rMB has, but not exactly a triumph of functional design.

As a matter of fact, I'm not keen on the fourth-generation MacBook Pros, either. I intend to hang onto my third-generation model until Apple comes out with a real improvement.

 

[Dave245]

Yes, the two complement each other very nicely. Now that the weather is (finally!) getting nice, I like to spend my evenings out on my deck and the iPad Pro goes out there with me. I have an Apple BT keyboard that I use with it out there and can do emails, participate in forum discussions, etc., quite easily and comfortably, and can move the BT keyboard into any position which suits me (I don't have the ASK and don't ever plan to use one). When darkness falls, I eventually come on into the house and then I set aside the iPad Pro (usually needs to go on the charger by that time anyway) and pick up my MacBook to use for the remainder of the evening and until bedtime. Anything that came up that I couldn't easily or chose not to deal with in iOS on the iPad Pro I take care of on the MacBook. I also prefer to use the iPad 12.9 in bed, too, rather than the MacBook, although I have done the latter, too. Nothing like being able to tuck in on a cold winter evening with the iPad or to stay in bed a little longer on a chilly winter morning with it while waiting for the house to warm up!

When I travel I often take both the MacBook and an iPad -- usually the iPad Pro 10.5 is the one who goes along on trips -- and again I can grab the iPad and use it quickly in various situations or tuck into bed with it in the hotel room in the evening, or if I have something that requires more than iOS can do, there's the MacBook, ready to use either on a hotel room desk or on my lap. Both the iPad Pro and the MacBook are light enough that I can carry them with me all day, too, rather than leaving the computer in the hotel room.

The MacBook offers the advantage of being able to plug in an external drive, and that comes in handy at times when on the road, especially if I need to refer to an older folder or file that is on my supplemental Samsung T5 external SSD or to add new material that will later get transferred to my main computer at home. The MacBook also works nicely for ingesting images from my camera's SD card via a USB-C card reader, and then the images can either be edited/processed at that time or simply shifted over to the external drive; this frees up the SD card space for further use. I know that I could also do this with the iPad Pro via the Lightning to SD Card Reader, too, but don't have that accessory and so have never tried that.

For me, yes, ever since the very first iPad back in 2010 I have found that these iOS devices are a very nice complement to a Mac computer with OS, and the iPad paired with the 12" MacBook makes a great combination.

Very interesting, I do love my iPad Pro it’s very portable, I love watching video’s on it, drawing with the Apple Pencil and browsing the web. It sounds like I’ve made the right choice in getting a 12” MacBook (just waiting until they are updated).

 

[EugW]

I find the 12.9” iPad Pro too big for just entertainment and internet consumption. My combo is:

Dual 27” 2017 iMac i5
12” 2017 MacBook m3
9.7” iPad Air 2

 

[Dave245]

I find the 12.9” iPad Pro too big for just entertainment and internet consumption. My combo is:

Dual 27” 2017 iMac i5
12” 2017 MacBook m3
9.7” iPad Air 2

I love to use picture in picture while drawing and so on, i also like to take short notes. But my thinking of getting a MacBook is that it's thin and light enough to carry anywhere and would probably be perfect for blogging and long writing sessions.

 

[bluecoast]

I bought a MBP but often I wish I had just got the MB.

I think it’s unfair to brand it as a ‘fashion accessory’.

First up, there’s always an element with Apple where design is important in their products.

Each of their products have different combinations of features - with the MB, lightness, thinness and battery life have been prioritised over power.

And that’s ok.

It’s more than ok if you carry it around with you and just need to do some light productivity tasks, minor photo and video editing & maybe CMS/ web tasks etc.

My MBP 13 has power, sure. But you’d never describe it as having all day battery life. I’d be anxious about having to use it more than half a day without being able to charge it - and that’s even just using it for light productivity tasks.

So the MB fills an important niche.

There are people who want to put their computer in their bag, barely know that it’s there as it’s so light and thin and be confident and it’s going to last a working day on one charge.

That’s hardly a fashion accessory.

 

[mkelly]

I honestly don't know whom this fashion accessory pretending to be a computer is supposed to be for -- maybe Elle Woods types who absolutely have to have an entirely matching Apple ecosystem in rose gold?

Well if there’s one thing we Unix sysadmins/physicists are known for, it’s our need for high-fashion accessories to complete our look. One simply cannot be caught dead in the data centre without one’s rose gold MacBook and matching Bottega Veneta apparel.

Or, more realistically: a 12” MacBook is as portable as an iPad/iPad Pro (handy when on call 24x7), yet has that one essential feature missing from both the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro (w/Touchbar) keyboards: an ESC key.

So there, now you know. Apple obviously designed the MacBook Pro for the relatively untapped high-fashion Unix sysadmin physicist market. Obvious, when you think about it

 

[Clix Pix]

I find the 12.9” iPad Pro too big for just entertainment and internet consumption. My combo is:

Dual 27” 2017 iMac i5
12” 2017 MacBook m3
9.7” iPad Air 2

There have been times when I've been away from home and wished that I had the 12.9 iPad Pro with me rather than the smaller one, but for me the smaller 10.5 is more portable all the way around, especially when I'm carrying other things as well throughout the day. I find that at home I do reach more for the 12.9 than the 10.5.... I like the larger screen real estate. I do have the Apple pencil, too, which I use from time to time but I'm no artist and so don't use it for drawings and such.

I'm one who is like Bluecoast mentions: someone who wants to slip their computer into a bag and have it be so lightweight that it is not problematic carrying it around all day, and who also wants and needs it to be functional with Mac OS in a way that iOS just cannot be.

I also agree with Bluecoast that the MacBook is far from a "fashion accessory." It is a functional, useful and lightweight tool which serves specific purposes.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I bought a MBP but often I wish I had just got the MB.

I think it’s unfair to brand it as a ‘fashion accessory’.

First up, there’s always an element with Apple where design is important in their products.

Each of their products have different combinations of features - with the MB, lightness, thinness and battery life have been prioritised over power.

And that’s ok.

It’s more than ok if you carry it around with you and just need to do some light productivity tasks, minor photo and video editing & maybe CMS/ web tasks etc.

My MBP 13 has power, sure. But you’d never describe it as having all day battery life. I’d be anxious about having to use it more than half a day without being able to charge it - and that’s even just using it for light productivity tasks.

So the MB fills an important niche.

There are people who want to put their computer in their bag, barely know that it’s there as it’s so light and thin and be confident and it’s going to last a working day on one charge.

That’s hardly a fashion accessory.

This is why I've bought the 12" MacBook. I have a 15" MBP but never used it anywhere near it's potential. Now using the MacBook it's o much easier to use on my lap, so much lighter. I used to have to "force" myself to use the MBP. My iPad was so much easier to grab hold of.

I only use my computers for email, web browsing and word processing. I'm finding that this MB is perfect for my needs and will be selling my MBP.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

-

I find the 12.9” iPad Pro too big for just entertainment and internet consumption. My combo is:

Dual 27” 2017 iMac i5
12” 2017 MacBook m3
9.7” iPad Air 2

Ha yes! I think of the 12.9 iPad Pro as solely aimed at architects and artists purely for business use.
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Well said my friend, I don’t own one yet but I’m planning on buying one at the next update which is hopefully going to be at WWDC.

Thank you buddy! In essence, the MacBook has given me a damn good life career wise AND it's caused me ZERO stress. The MacBook with iPhone X or SE and Apple TV 4K is the perfect digital life!!! They are the ONLY tech that I use and need now - I no longer own BluRay, DVD players, CD players, tape decks, HiFi's, alarm clocks, cameras, camcorders, video recorders, mixing desks, satellite boxes, sat navs - these 3 little beauties have replaced all of these things.
Result = MORE TIME to enjoy life!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No software worries, no stress. Everything in one place. Perfect
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I have no desire to drop $1,300-$1,600 on a computer that lacks even the basic ports one would reasonably expect in any laptop -- not to mention the additional cost of all the dongles I'd have no choice but to buy.



I do, and I'm far from alone. If it weren't for the lack of such a requisite feature, which renders the device useless as far as I'm concerned, I might actually be interested in owning a MacBook.



The MacBook Air is definitely in desperate need of a long-overdue upgrade. That's why it's a "true disgrace" that the MacBook is a downgrade in terms of functionality.

Look, sorry if you were offended by my criticism of the MacBook, but I simply fail to see its value other than looks, which you've basically admitted is the reason why you like it so much.

I love its looks but performance is super. As I pointed out, I edit 4K 60fps video in Final Cut Pro X most days and this thing is gutsy. Never ever any problems. It's in use some days for 8 maybe 10 hours and it's a happy little thing. Apple have really done a great job with it.

Ports no problem as I only use the port for:
1. Charging for 2.5 hours on a evening
2. Doing a weekly TimeMachine backup to a LaCie hard drive - this takes 12 minutes MAX
3. Syncing to my iPhone X and back for photos/video - again, it takes maybe 2-3 minutes MAX

and that's it.

But it's no problem if it's not for you - certainly, the MacBook Pro offers a choice or two or four ports.
Certainly for radio use / studio use, we used MacBook Pro's as we had one USB connected to the Pioneer CDJ's and one constantly connected to power. Again that was it.

The beauty of Apple is that it offers a choice and it's a damn nice choice

But as I mentioned, I earn a fantastic living from my one MacBook. It's allowed me to do a job that most people would dream of AND a few years ago would not of been possible Now, I regard this way of working as how work should be for all in the future. The idea of people sat for 8 hours a day in grey offices really belongs in the 20th century - it's so unhealthy, unproductive and consuming. There's a whole world out there that's connected and gosh, I just wish that the majority of people could experience it. It opens your mind, heart, senses and feelings like no other

 

[Dave245]

-

Ha yes! I think of the 12.9 iPad Pro as solely aimed at architects and artists purely for business use.
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Thank you buddy! In essence, the MacBook has given me a damn good life career wise AND it's caused me ZERO stress. The MacBook with iPhone X or SE and Apple TV 4K is the perfect digital life!!! They are the ONLY tech that I use and need now - I no longer own BluRay, DVD players, CD players, tape decks, HiFi's, alarm clocks, cameras, camcorders, video recorders, mixing desks, satellite boxes, sat navs - these 3 little beauties have replaced all of these things.
Result = MORE TIME to enjoy life!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No software worries, no stress. Everything in one place. Perfect
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I love its looks but performance is super. As I pointed out, I edit 4K 60fps video in Final Cut Pro X most days and this thing is gutsy. Never ever any problems. It's in use some days for 8 maybe 10 hours and it's a happy little thing. Apple have really done a great job with it.

That's great, having zero stress and issues is the whole reason i switched over to Mac in 2011, i haven't had an issue since. I think it's a testament that my 2011 MacBook Pro (first and only MacBook) has served me REALLY well it has seen me through university, work and home all without any issues, the same can be said for my 2012 iMac.

The MacBook Pro is now getting old and very slow to start and do even some of the simple tasks, my usage has changed a lot, i'm a writer so a MacBook Pro will be over kill for me which is why i've finally settled on getting a 12" MacBook (and it has been a difficult decision between MacBook or a new MacBook Pro) for blogging, being portable at a moments notice and so on i think it will be the perfect little screen.

I too have noticed that i buy less BluRay's and DVD's since owning a Apple TV and iPad Pro in fact i find that i watch more TV shows and films on my iPad Pro than any other device including my TV! buying a TV series on iTunes is so simple and it works across my iPad Pro, Apple TV and so on. The 4K movies are great even on the 2017 iPad Pro because of the HDR, i watched Wonder Woman and DeadPool and they look fantastic

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

That's great, having zero stress and issues is the whole reason i switched over to Mac in 2011, i haven't had an issue since. I think it's a testament that my 2011 MacBook Pro (first and only MacBook) has served me REALLY well it has seen me through university, work and home all without any issues, the same can be said for my 2012 iMac.

The MacBook Pro is now getting old and very slow to start and do even some of the simple tasks, my usage has changed a lot, i'm a writer so a MacBook Pro will be over kill for me which is why i've finally settled on getting a 12" MacBook (and it has been a difficult decision between MacBook or a new MacBook Pro) for blogging, being portable at a moments notice and so on i think it will be the perfect little screen.

I too have noticed that i buy less BluRay's and DVD's since owning a Apple TV and iPad Pro in fact i find that i watch more TV shows and films on my iPad Pro than any other device including my TV! buying a TV series on iTunes is so simple and it works across my iPad Pro, Apple TV and so on. The 4K movies are great even on the 2017 iPad Pro because of the HDR, i watched Wonder Woman and DeadPool and they look fantastic

You've totally hit the nail on the head there Dave!
Two weeks ago I was at the amazing DEUS motorcycle lifestyle concept store/beach bar over in Bali and it was FULL of writers, bloggers and vloggers using new MacBooks and MacBook Pro's! They were surfing and taking in the beauty whilst making a living from their Macs Same over in SoHo London at the beautiful RAPHA bicycle clothes showroom. The most amazing cafe there filled with writers and bloggers, again all on MacBooks and MacBook Pro's - I spotted the most elegant lady there working on a space grey MacBook. The chic design suited her very well!

As a testament to the Apple TV - pre2010, I would buy one DVD once every 4 or 5 years! As contrast, last year I bought 36 films from iTunes along with maybe 10+ surfing film from Vimeo!

I agree, they look fantastic and I love how everything is on one place in my iTunes on my MacBook which I sync to my iPhone X and THEN, I can sign into a Apple TV anywhere in the world and see my film purchases

I haven't seen Deadpool yet but it's on my wishlist

 

[newellj]

As a matter of fact, I'm not keen on the fourth-generation MacBook Pros, either. I intend to hang onto my third-generation model until Apple comes out with a real improvement.

On that we are in total agreement, as are many others. Luckily, my 2015 MBP is still going very strong and completely suits my needs.

I have to say, though, other than ports/ports/ports, after using this MacBook for a month, honestly, the MBP doesn't do anything for me that this MB isn't doing just as well. OK, not completely true - the extra 1" diagonal on the display does actually make having multiple applications running a little easier, so that's not trivial. If I can plug in another display, though, it really doesn't matter much.

 

[Dave245]

You've totally hit the nail on the head there Dave!
Two weeks ago I was at the amazing DEUS motorcycle lifestyle concept store/beach bar over in Bali and it was FULL of writers, bloggers and vloggers using new MacBooks and MacBook Pro's! They were surfing and taking in the beauty whilst making a living from their Macs Same over in SoHo London at the beautiful RAPHA bicycle clothes showroom. The most amazing cafe there filled with writers and bloggers, again all on MacBooks and MacBook Pro's - I spotted the most elegant lady there working on a space grey MacBook. The chic design suited her very well!

As a testament to the Apple TV - pre2010, I would buy one DVD once every 4 or 5 years! As contrast, last year I bought 36 films from iTunes along with maybe 10+ surfing film from Vimeo!

I agree, they look fantastic and I love how everything is on one place in my iTunes on my MacBook which I sync to my iPhone X and THEN, I can sign into a Apple TV anywhere in the world and see my film purchases

I haven't seen Deadpool yet but it's on my wishlist

I’m not surprised since they are small, portable and from what I can tell quite capable. I’m thinking of getting a 16GB version with either the i5 or i7, mainly for writing but also some light photo editing within Affinity photo that I also use on my iPad Pro.

I have seen a few people with them in cafes and even at meetings, some are still using the Air while others have moved to the 12” MacBook. Still undecided with the colour, it’s either Space Grey or the Gold for me I think.

Deadpool is a great film, I went and watched Deadpool 2 the other day it’s a great sequel, very funny

 

[deepakvrao]

Shifted from a MBP to a MB, and could not be happier. Unbelievably portable, and I just did my first video edit, and though it was only 1080, I could do all my other stuff while it was exporting. Took 1 hour 10 minutes to export a 40 minute video in high quality, while I was working on other things.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

I’m not surprised since they are small, portable and from what I can tell quite capable. I’m thinking of getting a 16GB version with either the i5 or i7, mainly for writing but also some light photo editing within Affinity photo that I also use on my iPad Pro.

I have seen a few people with them in cafes and even at meetings, some are still using the Air while others have moved to the 12” MacBook. Still undecided with the colour, it’s either Space Grey or the Gold for me I think.

Deadpool is a great film, I went and watched Deadpool 2 the other day it’s a great sequel, very funny

Writing as a career is amazing!!!!! Don't waste your money on a i7 - the i5 is super plenty PLUS, I feel that there is a limit to what the MacBook should cost. Mine was £1550 as I wanted the 512GB - I feel that in 2018, that is a very steep price for a computer £1250 would be more realistic - luckily for us, we make a living from them - and you can put it through your books on your tax returns DON'T FORGET APPLE CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apple's repair prices have truly gone bonkers - corporate greed times one million - Apple Care is a must these days sadly! The greed of Apple is the only thing that I hate about them and it really makes me feel sick as, I as a human don't relate to that kind of vulgarity.

BTW I got the rose gold and love it and it looks beautiful with sunlight on it

Deadpool is in Dolby Vision should I must give it a watch

Here's to WWDC next week and maybe some interesting hints. Looking forward to tvOS, iOS12 and Mac OS

 

[GigabitEthernet]

The Mac division at Apple is just a joke at this point quite frankly. I’d switch to Windows but even the MacBooks are still better than any Windows laptop I’ve tried and Windows 10 is just awful.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Writing as a career is amazing!!!!! Don't waste your money on a i7 - the i5 is super plenty PLUS, I feel that there is a limit to what the MacBook should cost. Mine was £1550 as I wanted the 512GB - I feel that in 2018, that is a very steep price for a computer £1250 would be more realistic - luckily for us, we make a living from them - and you can put it through your books on your tax returns DON'T FORGET APPLE CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apple's repair prices have truly gone bonkers - corporate greed times one million - Apple Care is a must these days sadly! The greed of Apple is the only thing that I hate about them and it really makes me feel sick as, I as a human don't relate to that kind of vulgarity.

BTW I got the rose gold and love it and it looks beautiful with sunlight on it

Deadpool is in Dolby Vision should I must give it a watch

Here's to WWDC next week and maybe some interesting hints. Looking forward to tvOS, iOS12 and Mac OS

I have AppleCare Plus on my iPhone X Which I think is more prone to being dropped but am not planning on getting it on my MB. I bought from John Lewis and it comes with a 2 year guarantee which is what the AC+ provides.

I always get AC+ on my iPhones but have never had to use it. I alway say "this year" I'm not going to buy it but always end up doing so. I've never bought it on my Mac's or iPads.

As for 512GB. I got the 256 but am tempted to return this for the 512. My mind tells me "it's only another £300"....That said, if I can store my iTunes onto a hard drive 256 should be sufficient.

 

[Clix Pix]

I usually purchase AppleCare or AppleCare Plus for any devices which will be leaving the house regularly or traveling with me, etc. I just think it’s a good and sensible way to give myself peace of mind, if nothing else! In all the years I’ve been using Apple products, though, I have only had to use AppleCare once, and I was really very glad that I had the coverage, as the out-of-pocket replacement for a logic board would have been unpleasant. As my MacBook definitely does leave the house and goes on trips with me, I didn’t hesitate to get AppleCare for it. AppleCare Plus on my my iPhone X and on my iPads gives me peace of mind there, too.

For me, 512 GB for the SSD is the “sweet spot” and I don’t need to continually worry about filling up my machine, trying to clear off things so that it won’t fill up, etc. I can let my iTunes library grow, as is inevitable, without worrying, I can have a month where I add a lot of files and folders — photos and other data — without concern, and the machine still has “breathing space,” so to speak. Prior to my current setup I had a 13” with 256 GB and I came to feel that it was just a little too small in capacity for my comfort.

A few years ago, having also shifted down from a 1 TB HDD on a 2012 iMac to a 15” MBP with 512 GB SSD, I quickly came to see that a lot of what I had been stashing on that 1 TB simply because I could, really was not something I needed to keep on my computer’s internal drive all the time, and that external drives could easily take care of the files and folders that were not necessary for everyday use. My 15” MBP and my 12” MacBook complement each other nicely — each has 512 GB SSD and each has 16 GB RAM. Any files not on either machine can quickly be looked at and managed by simply plugging in an external SSD.

 

[newellj]

The Mac division at Apple is just a joke at this point quite frankly. I’d switch to Windows but even the MacBooks are still better than any Windows laptop I’ve tried and Windows 10 is just awful.

I bought the MacBook thinking that it would replace my corporate high-end Lenovo that was issued by my firm, using it purely to run a remote access client as well as MS Office and Acrobat Pro. Here's the funny thing - the lowly m3 MacBook runs these as well or better than the expensive Lenovo.

The real question is whether I really need or have an interest in running two Apple laptops or whether I should just bite the bullet and put the corporate stuff on my personal laptop. But that doesn't have anything to do with this thread.

 

[GigabitEthernet]

I usually purchase AppleCare or AppleCare Plus for any devices which will be leaving the house regularly or traveling with me, etc. I just think it’s a good and sensible way to give myself peace of mind, if nothing else! In all the years I’ve been using Apple products, though, I have only had to use AppleCare once, and I was really very glad that I had the coverage, as the out-of-pocket replacement for a logic board would have been unpleasant. As my MacBook definitely does leave the house and goes on trips with me, I didn’t hesitate to get AppleCare for it. AppleCare Plus on my my iPhone X and on my iPads gives me peace of mind there, too.

For me, 512 GB for the SSD is the “sweet spot” and I don’t need to continually worry about filling up my machine, trying to clear off things so that it won’t fill up, etc. I can let my iTunes library grow, as is inevitable, without worrying, I can have a month where I add a lot of files and folders — photos and other data — without concern, and the machine still has “breathing space,” so to speak. Prior to my current setup I had a 13” with 256 GB and I came to feel that it was just a little too small in capacity for my comfort.

A few years ago, having also shifted down from a 1 TB HDD on a 2012 iMac to a 15” MBP with 512 GB SSD, I quickly came to see that a lot of what I had been stashing on that 1 TB simply because I could, really was not something I needed to keep on my computer’s internal drive all the time, and that external drives could easily take care of the files and folders that were not necessary for everyday use. My 15” MBP and my 12” MacBook complement each other nicely — each has 512 GB SSD and each has 16 GB RAM. Any files not on either machine can quickly be looked at and managed by simply plugging in an external SSD.

I like the Express Replacement feature as well.