Who actually is the 12" MacBook for?

[Clix Pix]

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.

Some years ago, back in 2010. when I bought my first iPads, I knew that I wanted to have some sort of stand for them and that the Smart Cover was not the answer...... I found some inexpensive plastic-coated three-wire stands on Amazon (I think they're made by Gibson) and bought several of them. They work a treat! I never lay my iPads down flat, I always have them on their stands, whether for charging or just for hanging around or at times for actual use with an external keyboard. At home, usually out on my deck in nice weather, I use my current 12.9 second-generation iPad Pro for browsing and participating in forums, for email, whatever....with a BT (older Apple one pressed into service) external keyboard and it all works very nicely. Through the years, these stands have worked wonderfully for whatever iPads, regardless of size, I've had and continue to have.

That said, I still prefer a "real" computer and a lot of times when on an iPad will see something and make a mental note to myself to return to it when I'm on the computer (usually so I can download it). There are things that I am just more comfortable doing on a computer than on the iPad, and much as I love my iPads, I also love my 12" MacBook, which also offers the same light weight and portability while also providing me with full OS capabilities.

 

[dgdosen]

@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!

Everybody who reads and comments on these threads should probably do a better job at valuing any derived benefit (dollar savings?, time benefit of obtaining faster or more capable machines?, peace of mind?, etc.) vs opportunity cost of your time (valued at say $100/hour?). Objectively, I'm sure we'd all find that value of any better informed decision is not worth the effort of following these posts.

Of course, there's also the masochistic side of the equation - People derive benefit from some combination of complaining about Apple, complaining about other users, reading people's complaints, making wild assumptions, trolling, sharing knowledge, etc. - that provides some value on it's own

Me, I just want a small laptop (12") with long lasting keyboard.

 

[Clix Pix]

For me, since I am retired and have been now for a while now, I daresay the value of my time per se isn't quite as significant as it was when I was still working and earning a salary and expected to be producing tangible results in a timely fashion for that salary. Nonetheless, I still have values which are important to me, and while some things which may have mattered more ten or fifteen years ago aren't quite as important to me now, other things still are or have increased in importance. Ten or fifteen years ago I also was a lot younger, too, and, yes, more physically fit. Back then, toting around a 17-inch MBP wasn't a big deal to me. Now it would be, and I am more than happy to have the ultra-slim, ultra-lightweight 12" MB instead, and guess what, that little machine does what I need it to do right now, at this time, just as that earlier 17-inch MBP did years ago....The same things? Not necessarily, as my needs have changed.

Also, many years ago I was perfectly fine with opening up my machine and putting in new RAM or a new CD drive -- now, I'm perfectly happy not to have to bother with such things and dealing with whatever is on offer and knowing that I need to make the right decision at the time of purchase rather than thinking, "oh, well, I can add [xx] later...." I look ahead and try to figure what will give me the most bang for my buck now and also two, three or four years from now. Not so hard to do, really.... And that is why at the time of purchase some months ago I chose a 2017 MacBook with "all the trimmings," so to speak -- fully kitted out with 512 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM and the fastest processor available in that machine right now.....

I love my little 12" MacBook!

 

[Mike Boreham]

Everybody who reads and comments on these threads should probably do a better job at valuing any derived benefit (dollar savings?, time benefit of obtaining faster or more capable machines?, peace of mind?, etc.) vs opportunity cost of your time (valued at say $100/hour?). Objectively, I'm sure we'd all find that value of any better informed decision is not worth the effort of following these posts.

Of course, there's also the masochistic side of the equation - People derive benefit from some combination of complaining about Apple, complaining about other users, reading people's complaints, making wild assumptions, trolling, sharing knowledge, etc. - that provides some value on it's own

Me, I just want a small laptop (12") with long lasting keyboard.

I think most people are here in their own time because they are interested and enjoy reading others views and experiences. They are not here as part of their working time where cost/benefit considerations would be applicable.

I agree it would be very hard to make a business case for browsing forums at $100 per hour!

 

[Dave245]

@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!

This is true I regret not buying last years even if I didn’t like it I would of had 14 days to return it (even tho I don’t like doing that). My thinking at the moment is I’ve come this far I will wait and see what this year brings with the Macbook, it will probably be in October.

I can’t help but think that they will hold a Mac event in October this year where we will see the rumoured 13” MacBook or new MacBook Air (which ever one it turns out to be).

At that event I also think Apple will update the MacBook 12”, MacBook Pros and the iMac, it would be nice to see a redesign of the iMac but I’m not holding my breath on that one.

 

[Dave245]

I think most people are here in their own time because they are interested and enjoy reading others views and experiences. They are not here as part of their working time where cost/benefit considerations would be applicable.

I agree it would be very hard to make a business case for browsing forums at $100 per hour!

This is true, I browse the forums because I like to read other people’s opinions and experience’s with the technology because everyone has a different opinion and outlook on things. I don’t really browse during work time, although i’m A writer and most of my time is spent in front of the computer but I never visit the forum during creative flow, that would be detrimental to getting any work done and also interrupt it in a big way.

Also as a side note I’m not very tech savvy, for example I don’t know what processor, ram or graphics card is the best to get on a laptop, this forum is very informative for that reason also.

 

[PatrycjaKozdra]

My mom has a MacBook 12-inch. She wouldn't see much of a difference between the 13-inch and 12 since she doesn't use it often. If you have always been using a 13-inch and switch to 12 you'll probably notice a difference. But if it is your first Laptop it should be good

 

[Dave245]

My mom has a MacBook 12-inch. She wouldn't see much of a difference between the 13-inch and 12 since she doesn't use it often. If you have always been using a 13-inch and switch to 12 you'll probably notice a difference. But if it is your first Laptop it should be good

I’ve been using a 15” MacBook Pro since 2011 and an iMac 27” as my desktop, before that I was a Windows user before 2011.

My 2011 is on its last legs I think, it’s very slow especially on first boot up.

 

[AVBeatMan]

My mom has a MacBook 12-inch. She wouldn't see much of a difference between the 13-inch and 12 since she doesn't use it often. If you have always been using a 13-inch and switch to 12 you'll probably notice a difference. But if it is your first Laptop it should be good

Well, I've moved from my 15" MBP to the 12" MacBook and I don't notice the difference. I mean, of course there is but you concentrate on the content so much that I don't really notice the size. I just know it's much nicer to use on the lap than the 15".

I also prefer the keyboard. I know some don't get on with the new keyboards but for me (thankfully) I instantly preferred it.

 

[newellj]

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.

Interesting - as mentioned elsewhere, I bought mine as a more or less dedicated remote access machine for our firm's systems. We use Citrix and Horizon. They have different advantages and disadvantages - I tend to use the Horizon virtual desktop most of the time. I will also add that the Horizon client runs better on my Macs than on my company-issued high-end Lenovo Windows laptop.

I'm chiming in here because I started off purchasing an iPad Pro + ASK + Pencil but found that for running desktop apps like Word, Excel and Acrobat Pro I was much happier with a desktop OS and (because our time entry system requires a lot of very precise cursor positioning) mouse support. YMMV, of course, but I found the MB a much better tool for remote access than the iPad Pro.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Sorted it. It just needed a time machine backup. Now looking much healthier with 221GB available.

Don't know what's happening but my MacBook is back to 70GB of photo's. Don't know what I'm doing wrong? I ticked the box that said "Store all your photos in iCloud". They did go (see pic) but now they're come back! Can someone tell me precisely what settings I need to enable to keep my photo's in the cloud and off the MacBook? Thanks.

 

[Dave245]

Does anyone know what the specs are likely to be for this years update to the 12” MacBook?

Also if there is a 13” version on the way what specs do you think will be in it? And is there anything that’s been released that could be suitable for a 13” version of the MacBook?

 

[waquzy]

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.

Most ppl with keyboard issues are the ones who eat baquettes while typing on their MacBook
[doublepost=1530985989][/doublepost]

Does anyone know what the specs are likely to be for this years update to the 12” MacBook?

Also if there is a 13” version on the way what specs do you think will be in it? And is there anything that’s been released that could be suitable for a 13” version of the MacBook?

With Apple planning to release 3 new iPhones this September, there won't be any new MacBook's on show unfortunately, just the usual spec bump. I would just get the latest MacBook if you can afford it, I'm not expecting any new hardware this year...

 

[Dave245]

Most ppl with keyboard issues are the ones who eat baquettes while typing on their MacBook
[doublepost=1530985989][/doublepost]

With Apple planning to release 3 new iPhones this September, there won't be any new MacBook's on show unfortunately, just the usual spec bump. I would just get the latest MacBook if you can afford it, I'm not expecting any new hardware this year...

I'm waiting for the spec bumps, i suspect Apple do a silent update especially after the recent report that they have registered five new MacBooks models with the EEC. They will probably be the MacBook Pro's and the MacBook spec update or possibly the rumoured 13" version of the MacBook.

 

[waquzy]

I'm waiting for the spec bumps, i suspect Apple do a silent update especially after the recent report that they have registered five new MacBooks models with the EEC. They will probably be the MacBook Pro's and the MacBook spec update or possibly the rumoured 13" version of the MacBook.

I can't see them doing a 13" MacBook never mind releasing it this year... the spec bump will most likely be at the end of the year, but it's up to you. I'm still going strong on a 2015 base model MacBook, its specs are pretty bad, but as you know macOS' optimisation is second to none. Its fast for me, haven't had any problems whatsoever, I suppose it all depends what you gonna use it for. However I suspect the spec bump from 2017 to 2018 won't be that big...

 

[Dave245]

I can't see them doing a 13" MacBook never mind releasing it this year... the spec bump will most likely be at the end of the year, but it's up to you. I'm still going strong on a 2015 base model MacBook, its specs are pretty bad, but as you know macOS' optimisation is second to none. Its fast for me, haven't had any problems whatsoever, I suppose it all depends what you gonna use it for. However I suspect the spec bump from 2017 to 2018 won't be that big...

The 13" has been rumoured for a while and confirmed by a couple of reliable sources personally i think it exists BUT i'm not sure if it is a 13" version of the MacBook OR an updated version of the Air.

I want to update from my 2011 MacBook Pro that has served me well but is now old, yes it still works but it's slow and sometimes the screen will go black when booting up, i'm guessing it doesn't have too long left. I really don't think Apple will hold an event for spec updates and when they do press releases they have been in July or August in the past for Mac's, time will tell but i don't see it being September.

 

[waquzy]

The 13" has been rumoured for a while and confirmed by a couple of reliable sources personally i think it exists BUT i'm not sure if it is a 13" version of the MacBook OR an updated version of the Air.

I want to update from my 2011 MacBook Pro that has served me well but is now old, yes it still works but it's slow and sometimes the screen will go black when booting up, i'm guessing it doesn't have too long left. I really don't think Apple will hold an event for spec updates and when they do press releases they have been in July or August in the past for Mac's, time will tell but i don't see it being September.

I didn't know it has been confirmed by some sources, we haven't had any leaks for it though and that is actually a worrying sign, because as you can remember there were leaks for the 12" MacBook and the Touch Bar MacBook.
I have a feeling it will be an updated-reasonably priced Air.
And yes there won't be any events for spec updates, nor any upcoming Mac events in July/August, therefor it is even more unlikely to happen this year...

 

[Dave245]

I didn't know it has been confirmed by some sources, we haven't had any leaks for it though and that is actually a worrying sign, because as you can remember there were leaks for the 12" MacBook and the Touch Bar MacBook.
I have a feeling it will be an updated-reasonably priced Air.
And yes there won't be any events for spec updates, nor any upcoming Mac events in July/August, therefor it is even more unlikely to happen this year...

Yea both Mark Gurman and Ming Chi Kuo have confirmed it. There won’t be any leaks if it looks like the current MacBook or MacBook Air. There doesn’t need to be an event for MacBooks to be updated they will just do a silent update via press release either this month or next.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/appl...-development-of-macbook-air-insider-says/amp/

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/9to5mac.com/2018/05/31/bloomberg-wwdc-roundup/amp/

 

[waquzy]

Yea both Mark Gurman and Ming Chi Kuo have confirmed it. There won’t be any leaks if it looks like the current MacBook or MacBook Air. There doesn’t need to be an event for MacBooks to be updated they will just do a silent update via press release either this month or next.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/appl...-development-of-macbook-air-insider-says/amp/

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/9to5mac.com/2018/05/31/bloomberg-wwdc-roundup/amp/

Yes, but if they release a brand new never before seen 13" MacBook, then it would happen in an event IMO. Silent releases are only for spec bumps I agree. So therefor the 13" MacBook ain't gonna happen this year, unless they have a special event after September's iPhone keynote, maybe late October or so

 

[Dave245]

Yes, but if they release a brand new never before seen 13" MacBook, then it would happen in an event IMO. Silent releases are only for spec bumps I agree. So therefor the 13" MacBook ain't gonna happen this year, unless they have a special event after September's iPhone keynote, maybe late October or so

They could hold an October event like they have done so in the past BUT they really don’t need too, they could easily just issue a press release for the 13” after all it’s not going to look any different and will only be 1” bigger, also if it’s just a budget model of the Air then they definitely don’t need an event for that.

It could go - press release with MacBook Pro’s, MacBook and 13” version released

Or - October event where they announce the 13” and spec updates but I don’t think so since the last time they held a October event it was for the new MacBook Pro’s.

Mark Gurmam and Ming Chi Kuo have already said that the 13” MacBook will be later this year, second par of the year in think Gurmam has said.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

This thread is getting silly now. No new MacBooks this year. 2019, the MacBook will be 4 years old so maybe late 2019 we'll see the new technology going into the MacBook.
For this year, maybe a spec update on the Air but again, that old thing should of gone in 2015. Any new designs and we'd of seen leaks by now.
Anyone who buys a 2017 MacBook right now is still getting a truly wonderful laptop. And remember guys, that's all it is - we are not designing beautiful houses for ourselves or friends here or saving up for a Ferrari or visiting the rainforest, it's only a laptop!!!!!! A DAMN LAPTOP! Not that exciting And in 2018, there's only so much that one can do design/spec with a laptop that really makes a difference

 

[Clix Pix]

I love my 2017 MacBook and even if some spec bump is announced this year, I won't be interested, as my machine has what I want (512 GB, i7 processor and 16 GB RAM) and is fast and so lightweight, super-portable.

 

[Dave245]

This thread is getting silly now. No new MacBooks this year. 2019, the MacBook will be 4 years old so maybe late 2019 we'll see the new technology going into the MacBook.
For this year, maybe a spec update on the Air but again, that old thing should of gone in 2015. Any new designs and we'd of seen leaks by now.
Anyone who buys a 2017 MacBook right now is still getting a truly wonderful laptop. And remember guys, that's all it is - we are not designing beautiful houses for ourselves or friends here or saving up for a Ferrari or visiting the rainforest, it's only a laptop!!!!!! A DAMN LAPTOP! Not that exciting And in 2018, there's only so much that one can do design/spec with a laptop that really makes a difference

I’ve waited this long I might as well wait for the spec update, then I’m getting one! Even if there is a redesign next year I can always sell this years and get that one, my MacBook Pro 2011 won’t last much longer I don’t think anyway.

I agree that there won’t be any new redesign but I do think that if the 13” is coming this year it won’t leak, if it looks the same as the current version what’s the point?

 

[waquzy]

I’ve waited this long I might as well wait for the spec update, then I’m getting one! Even if there is a redesign next year I can always sell this years and get that one, my MacBook Pro 2011 won’t last much longer I don’t think anyway.

I agree that there won’t be any new redesign but I do think that if the 13” is coming this year it won’t leak, if it looks the same as the current version what’s the point?

Well if you think about it, the 13" MacBook wouldn't look the same, cos it is an inch bigger. Like for an example, where do they put the speaker grills? Leave as it is, or next to the keyboard like the 13" MacBook Pro's?!
[doublepost=1531033268][/doublepost]

Yea both Mark Gurman and Ming Chi Kuo have confirmed it. There won’t be any leaks if it looks like the current MacBook or MacBook Air. There doesn’t need to be an event for MacBooks to be updated they will just do a silent update via press release either this month or next.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/appl...-development-of-macbook-air-insider-says/amp/

The article is written in 2016

 

[Dave245]

Well if you think about it, the 13" MacBook wouldn't look the same, cos it is an inch bigger. Like for an example, where do they put the speaker grills? Leave as it is, or next to the keyboard like the 13" MacBook Pro's?!
[doublepost=1531033268][/doublepost]

The article is written in 2016

The overall design would look the same, Apple aren’t going to hold an event just to stand on stage and say “we have moved the speaker grills and made the screen one inch bigger” Apple only tend to hold October events when there is something more substantial to announce, like they did in 2016 with the new MacBook Pro’s with Touch Bar.

Yes it is from 2016 I was giving an example of how long it’s been rumoured and been in the works, it has been pushed back a number of times, the below article quotes Mark Gurman who has said Apple are working on the MacBook 12 spec updates and a 13 MacBook Air replacement.

“The company is working on refreshes to the MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook with new Intel Corp. chips, and is planning a new low-cost laptop to succeed MacBook Air. But those won’t be ready until later this year, according to people familiar with the plans. Apple is also working on a redesigned iPad Pro line with Face ID, but that’s also expected later.”

https://9to5mac.com/2018/05/31/bloomberg-wwdc-roundup/