Who actually is the 12" MacBook for?

[EugW]

Seems very strange and unlike Apple to launch a cheaper laptop with a retina screen and a 13" design and then sell a 12" MacBook at a higher price and then a 13" MacBook Pro at a little more.

Agreed, the rumours at face value don't make a lot of sense. They'd probably have to lower the 12" MacBook pricing as well, or maybe release an ARM MacBook, or else release a spec updated 13" MacBook Air with non-Retina screen, or something like that.
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Well...the return period for my 2017 m3/256GB rMB expired last night (absurdly long Best Buy period - purchase date was 4/30). I had owned two of these back in 2015 and had several problems with them, the worst being the unusable keyboard (which has been significantly improved).

The reason I decided I'd keep this one is that it is amazingly more portable than my 2015 rMBP and honestly does just about everything that the rMBP does, as well, and as quickly (or so close I don't notice). I love the physical envelope. The keyboard could be a little better, but the 2015 rMBP and my beloved previous-gen Apple BT keyboards now feel a little mushy by comparison. Actually, the thing that sometimes fouls me up with the rMB keyboard is not the reduced travel but what feels to me like oversized key pads.

My uses - it was purchased to be a dedicated laptop for the remote access client my firm uses. Ironically it runs the client better than the high-end Lenovo that the firm issues. Other than that, I run MS Office apps and Adobe Acrobat Pro locally - those aren't very demanding, but maybe that's the point. Web browsing - again, not very demanding and way within the m3's abilities.

I've run Audacity a few times to edit audio files. Honestly, the m3 rMB runs that as well and (I think) about as fast as the 2.9gHz i5 in the rMBP.

I have decided that the single USB-C port (which still intellectually annoys me) is not a practical issue in real life - a $50 hub totally solved that (non-)problem.

I should also say that I've come to appreciate the fanless m3. I run iStat Menus and have kept an eye on the CPU temp. It's typically between 93-107^o F. I've seen a few higher temps - but nothing more than around 145F. I feel a little silly saying so, but it's nice not to have the fans in the rMBP spinning up.

Overall, it's just a great little, light machine and for the $950 I paid for it, almost a steal.

Yes, the single USB-C port as you put it intellectually annoys me more than it does in real world usage, but nonetheless I still would have preferred not to have to needed the hub, especially since I don't like carrying it around.

Luckily I usually don't need to carry that thing around. These are the two Apple-related dongles that I always do keep on my keychain:

1) Uncourage, with Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter

2) USB-C to USB-A adapter

I take my hub with USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, SD, USB-c passthrough usually only when I'm traveling.

 

[Dave245]

Seems very strange and unlike Apple to launch a cheaper laptop with a retina screen and a 13" design and then sell a 12" MacBook at a higher price and then a 13" MacBook Pro at a little more.

To me, it doesn't fit. It doesn't make business sense or have a uniform approach to it. Maybe the new cheaper laptop will simply be a 12" MacBook with 128GB of storage which would drop the price by £200 along with a £100 price reduction which should = £900 or £700 before the 20% UK price increase.

MAYBE, we won't see it this year and next year there will be a new MacBook with Apple's A13 bionic fusion chip design

But who knows? With all of this Apple secrecy, it's actually far more exciting than having leaks and then knowing it all before launch day

I do wonder if Apple will announce an ARM based MacBook. They are adamant on not merging IOS and MacOS are they going to leave the hybrid style devices to Microsoft? the Surface doesn’t seem as popular as Mac’s at the moment or even the iPad Pro but I do wonder if Apple have an answer to it.

The Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro does seem to be a way that Apple are trying to answer touch screen computers however what it doesn’t do is answer the question of people who want to replace both their tablet and laptop devices.

 

[dgdosen]

Well...the return period for my 2017 m3/256GB rMB expired last night (absurdly long Best Buy period - purchase date was 4/30). I had owned two of these back in 2015 and had several problems with them, the worst being the unusable keyboard (which has been significantly improved).

...

Overall, it's just a great little, light machine and for the $950 I paid for it, almost a steal.

I take it you picked one up at the end of April sale? I toyed with the idea of getting one, put one in my cart, hemmed and hawed a bit - and when I went to check out, I was notified that the item was out of stock.

They offered some pretty good deals on macbooks that day.

 

[newellj]

I take it you picked one up at the end of April sale? I toyed with the idea of getting one, put one in my cart, hemmed and hawed a bit - and when I went to check out, I was notified that the item was out of stock.

They offered some pretty good deals on macbooks that day.

Yes. I thought - heck, the iPad Pro + ASK that I was going to use for this purpose doesn't do the job as well and costs more (compared to that price), so bought one online and headed over to BB. While I was driving, I thought - wow, with this discount, go for the 512GB. Pulled over, checked the website - out of stock. Crazy...

 

[kreasonos]

My cousin is a programmer at Google and he uses a Macbook Air. Just let that sink in when you're wondering what a Macbook can handle.

 

[Dave245]

My cousin is a programmer at Google and he uses a Macbook Air. Just let that sink in when you're wondering what a Macbook can handle.

What does a MacBook Air have to do with what a MacBook can handle? the Air has faster processors i think.

 

[EugW]

What does a MacBook Air have to do with what a MacBook can handle? the Air has faster processors i think.

They’re in the same ballpark.

 

[Dave245]

They’re in the same ballpark.

Oh now I get it, I thought that the Air was more powerful.

 

[EugW]

Oh now I get it, I thought that the Air was more powerful.

The MacBook Air was more powerful than the Retina MacBook, but as of 2017, the MacBook went a long way to closing the gap, even despite the Air's CPU updates in 2017.

In 2017, the i7 MacBook is as fast as the i5 MacBook Air, and the i7 MacBook Air is maybe 15% faster. The 2017 m3 and i5 MacBooks aren't far behind the i7 MacBook either. I might expect the 2018 models to close that small performance gap with the MacBook Air completely.

To further emphasize the MacBook performance improvments in 2017, the 2017 MacBook m3 (m3-7Y32) is around 15% faster than the the 2015 MacBook m7 equivalent (M-5Y71).

Furthermore, the 2017 models get full hardware 10-bit HEVC decode, making them faster at this process than even an iMac Core i7-6700K.

Based on the tech specs, I purchased a Core m3 2017 MacBook, and I am happy with this purchase. Instead of putting extra cash into a small CPU speed boost, I put it toward more RAM, to max it out at 16 GB, which is as much as even the 15" MacBook Pro.

 

[Dave245]

The MacBook Air was more powerful than the Retina MacBook, but as of 2017, the MacBook went a long way to closing the gap, even despite the Air's CPU updates in 2017.

In 2017, the i7 MacBook is as fast as the i5 MacBook Air, and the i7 MacBook Air is maybe 15% faster. The 2017 m3 and m5 aren't far behind either. I might expect the 2018 models to close that small performance gap with the MacBook Air completely.

In contrast, the 2017 m3 MacBook is around 15% faster than the even the 2015 m7 MacBook.

Furthermore, the 2017 models get full hardware 10-bit HEVC decode, making them faster at this process than even an iMac Core i7-6700K.

Based on the tech specs, I purchased a Core m3 16 GB 2017 MacBook, and I am happy with this purchase.

interesting, I wonder what it will mean for the rumoured $1000 or just above (according to rumour) Macbook that suppose to be announced later this year?

Could it be that it’s an ARM based computer? OR a MacBook Air with Retina display in which case it would look like this:

MacBook Air 13” with Retina display £900 - £1000

MacBook 12” - current prices remain

MacBook Pro - current prices remain

It may seem odd at first to price the Air lower than the MacBook BUT Retina displays probably don’t cost as much as they use to and the MacBook Air is an old design, the MacBook 12” is thinner lighter and has a newer design.

 

[EugW]

interesting, I wonder what it will mean for the rumoured $1000 or just above (according to rumour) Macbook that suppose to be announced later this year?

Could it be that it’s an ARM based computer? OR a MacBook Air with Retina display in which case it would look like this:

MacBook Air 13” with Retina display £900 - £1000

Yes, there is something odd with this rumour. We aren't getting the full picture here, even if the pricing turns out to be correct.

MacBook 12” - current prices remain

MacBook Pro - current prices remain

It may seem odd at first to price the Air lower than the MacBook BUT Retina displays probably don’t cost as much as they use to and the MacBook Air is an old design, the MacBook 12” is thinner lighter and has a newer design.

Retina displays are still expensive.

I don't think there will be a true Air with Retina display. Either it will be a completely different computer (like with ARM in a somewhat new form factor), or else the prices are off.

A simple answer I could see is Apple releasing a 2018 12" MacBook at that price point, and then introducing a new 13" MacBook at the price point of the 2017 12" MacBook.

 

[newellj]

Based on the tech specs, I purchased a Core m3 2017 MacBook, and I am happy with this purchase. Instead of putting extra cash into a small CPU speed boost, I put it toward more RAM, to max it out at 16 GB, which is as much as even the 15" MacBook Pro.

Well, that's a shame. You missed out on the opportunity to brag about the i7 CPU and its shorter battery life.

Totally joking.

 

[JD2015]

Have a MacBook 2015 edition as need it purely for accessing Citrix at work (though may try out using Citrix mouse with an iPad to see how that experience is). It is very portable and adequate for my needs. I do enjoy using it. However, just checked how much it would cost me to get a new one and was shocked as the model I opted for came to over £1500. Even the base line you are talking £1300 plus. I paid for mine brand new at the time £1000. Certainly would not spend the above futures on a replacement MacBook. Would instead go for the IPad Pro 12.9 which is a lot cheaper and equally as powerful. Unless you wish to use full desktop versions of photoshop and final cut and want something portable then not sure I would recommend a MacBook. A refreshed MacBook Air which are cheaper than the MacBook would be more appealing, though don’t like machines now which require fans as got used to noiseless machines.

 

[kreasonos]

Have a MacBook 2015 edition as need it purely for accessing Citrix at work (though may try out using Citrix mouse with an iPad to see how that experience is). It is very portable and adequate for my needs. I do enjoy using it. However, just checked how much it would cost me to get a new one and was shocked as the model I opted for came to over £1500. Even the base line you are talking £1300 plus. I paid for mine brand new at the time £1000. Certainly would not spend the above futures on a replacement MacBook. Would instead go for the IPad Pro 12.9 which is a lot cheaper and equally as powerful. Unless you wish to use full desktop versions of photoshop and final cut and want something portable then not sure I would recommend a MacBook. A refreshed MacBook Air which are cheaper than the MacBook would be more appealing, though don’t like machines now which require fans as got used to noiseless machines.

So, you've been using your 2015 Macbook daily for 3 years, 1st gen keyboard, and no issues? Keyboard still works?

 

[JD2015]

Yes have used it daily for three years. No issues whatsoever with the keyboard and as good as the day I bought it. Is a delight to use, though I know I am in a minority with this.

 

[kreasonos]

Yes have used it daily for three years. No issues whatsoever with the keyboard and as good as the day I bought it. Is a delight to use, though I know I am in a minority with this.

That's good to hear. We need more positive stories about Macbooks around here. I would say you're actually in the majority and not the minority. The minority would be keyboard issues. The majority of macbooks work just fine. I have a second gen and it works perfectly, no issues. I sincerely don't think this computer gets the credit it deserves.

 

[EugW]

Have a MacBook 2015 edition as need it purely for accessing Citrix at work (though may try out using Citrix mouse with an iPad to see how that experience is). It is very portable and adequate for my needs. I do enjoy using it. However, just checked how much it would cost me to get a new one and was shocked as the model I opted for came to over £1500. Even the base line you are talking £1300 plus. I paid for mine brand new at the time £1000. Certainly would not spend the above futures on a replacement MacBook. Would instead go for the IPad Pro 12.9 which is a lot cheaper and equally as powerful. Unless you wish to use full desktop versions of photoshop and final cut and want something portable then not sure I would recommend a MacBook. A refreshed MacBook Air which are cheaper than the MacBook would be more appealing, though don’t like machines now which require fans as got used to noiseless machines.

The Citrix client on the iPad is really annoying to use if you need to do text entry, even with an external Bluetooth keyboard. I find it basically unusable. The MacBook is much, much better for Citrix VPN, because of the interface.

Same for using Excel. Excel on the iPad is nearly unusable, for the same reason. Performance on the iPad is more than fine for this, but the interface makes it unusable.

 

[kreasonos]

The Citrix client on the iPad is really annoying to use if you need to do text entry, even with an external Bluetooth keyboard. The MacBook is much, much better for Citrix VPN.

This is a little off topic but... I ended up buying an iPad and I've found I have no use for it. I hate that it doesn't stand up on it's own. Even with the cover, the Macbook is a million times more versatile imho. Now, it just sits on the shelf.

 

[Dave245]

The Citrix client on the iPad is really annoying to use if you need to do text entry, even with an external Bluetooth keyboard. I find it basically unusable. The MacBook is much, much better for Citrix VPN, because of the interface.

Same for using Excel. Excel on the iPad is nearly unusable, for the same reason. Performance on the iPad is more than fine for this, but the interface makes it unusable.

I have an iPad Pro and for drawing and taking hand written notes it’s good, also good for YouTube, Netflix and genera consumption.

However I tried using it for writing and it’s not very good the interface is just not as good as on a Mac, for long periods of time it’s just not very good.
The overall reason for wanting to get a 12” MacBook is to compliment my iMac which is my main desktop but also to work alongside my iPad Pro.

Word processing, web browsing and so on is all I plan to do on it, maybe some light gaming but we are talking Theme Hospital and those type of games (i.e nothing heavy at all)

 

[EugW]

This is a little off topic but... I ended up buying an iPad and I've found I have no use for it. I hate that it doesn't stand up on it's own. Even with the cover, the Macbook is a million times more versatile imho. Now, it just sits on the shelf.

I have an iPad Pro and for drawing and taking hand written notes it’s good, also good for YouTube, Netflix and genera consumption.

However I tried using it for writing and it’s not very good the interface is just not as good as on a Mac, for long periods of time it’s just not very good.
The overall reason for wanting to get a 12” MacBook is to compliment my iMac which is my main desktop but also to work alongside my iPad Pro.

Word processing, web browsing and so on is all I plan to do on it, maybe some light gaming but we are talking Theme Hospital and those type of games (i.e nothing heavy at all)

Yes. For my type of productivity, the MacBook is much better, but for media consumption I prefer the iPad.

One example for media consumption is Netflix. My iPad Air 2 is lighter and at under one pound it is very easy to carry around and to hold while watching. More importantly though is that the iPad can download some Netflix content for offline viewing. This feature simply isn’t available on the MacBook.

So, on the plane on business trips I carry both, strangely enough.

 

[Dave245]

Yes. For my type of productivity, the MacBook is much better, but for media consumption I prefer the iPad.

One example for media consumption is Netflix. My iPad Air 2 is lighter and at under one pound it is very easy to carry around and to hold while watching. More importantly though is that the iPad can download some Netflix content for offline viewing. This feature simply isn’t available on the MacBook.

So, on the plane on business trips I carry both, strangely enough.

That's a good point actually, i have the 512GB iPad Pro and download most of my TV programmes and some Netflix shows/movies for offline viewing when travelling because wifi on trains (at least here in the UK) isn't very good.

I just wish Apple would hurry up and announce the update's for this years Mac line up, i want to see what's happening with the MacBook and iMac specifically, the MacBook i want to buy as my 2011 MacBook Pro is starting to have issues, also my iMac 2012 is going to be due an update next year and i wouldn't mind knowing if they have plans for a redesign.

I know it will probably be October but i would be happy with a silent update/press release sooner.

 

[Rugbydman]

That's a good point actually, i have the 512GB iPad Pro and download most of my TV programmes and some Netflix shows/movies for offline viewing when travelling because wifi on trains (at least here in the UK) isn't very good.

I just wish Apple would hurry up and announce the update's for this years Mac line up, i want to see what's happening with the MacBook and iMac specifically, the MacBook i want to buy as my 2011 MacBook Pro is starting to have issues, also my iMac 2012 is going to be due an update next year and i wouldn't mind knowing if they have plans for a redesign.

I know it will probably be October but i would be happy with a silent update/press release sooner.

im in the exactly same position. Everything needs replacing

 

[Dave245]

im in the exactly same position. Everything needs replacing

I really hope Apple updates the Mac’s soon, it’s more likely to be October tho.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

@Dave245, I'm really thinking buddy that you simply should of bought the 2017 MacBook this time LAST YEAR! It's excellent AND you'd of saved yourself one full year of talking about MacBooks that just don't seem to be happening and really wasting your precious time here on earth.
We all know that iPhones are updated every September BUT with MacBooks and Macs, buy when you really want one. Don't waste your time and life waiting for things because you may be disappointed in the long run! It's only a product at the end of the day and the majority of Apple stuff is great - except that old hag of a MacBook Air that should of been deleted there years ago. Gosh that thing annoys me!

 

[kreasonos]

@Dave245, I'm really thinking buddy that you simply should of bought the 2017 MacBook this time LAST YEAR! It's excellent AND you'd of saved yourself one full year of talking about MacBooks that just don't seem to be happening and really wasting your precious time here on earth.
We all know that iPhones are updated every September BUT with MacBooks and Macs, buy when you really want one. Don't waste your time and life waiting for things because you may be disappointed in the long run! It's only a product at the end of the day and the majority of Apple stuff is great - except that old hag of a MacBook Air that should of been deleted there years ago. Gosh that thing annoys me!

Lol. Honestly, I've had a few Macs. My first was the 12" iBook, then a Titanium Powerbook G4 (remember those?), then a Macbook Pro, then another Macbook Pro, and now this 12" Macbook, and I have to say it's awesome. It's just as fast as any of the other computers by Apple I have had. The iBook was the most fun, the Titanium Powerbook was my favorite, and the Macbook Pro's were ok and got me through college. This Macbook is great for my purposes now.