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The MacBook is smaller than the air and its also lighter.
So thats at least 2 things that the MacBook does better.


... there is absolutely nothing, I repeat nothing, that the MacBook does better than the MacBook Air, after today's updates...

Sure it is a bit smaller, but the screen is only 12" vs. 13.3". And, you can get an i7 CPU, but "only" 7th Gen.
 
when I travelled the world backpacking for 2 years, I had a MacBook Air 2012 13”

The size and the weight of it made me wish I had a MacBook Air 11”

The 13” was too bulky and I felt the weight of it especially when I had to travel light on a backpack.

The MacBook 12” is the ideal notebook for those who want to travel light. I can’t wait to see the next MacBook 12” refresh/update.

I still have my MacBook Air 13” now that I’m settled down and not traveling anymore, but man I wish I had that ultralight weight notebook like the air 11” or MacBook 12”
 
So in their wisdom they included a fan for the (fanless) cpu on the Air

Fans cost money folks. People want fans. They demand them, that's why they included it (even though it's not needed). I mean, look at all the useless crap people want; like the touch bar, dongle's, etc.

Apple comes through on this.
 
Without a MacBook 12 refresh the other day I'm guessing Apple will: a) let the model die, or b) update it with the same Y chip as the Air, or c) update it with a new ARM chip. Releasing a refreshed MBA (arguably the most solid and popular Apple notebook model in history) was a big deal. Refreshing the MacBook 12 at the same time would have been marketing folly.
 
I just got my 2017 MacBook from my uncle for 750 usd and for the price I got it for (he rarely used it so it’s in near mint condition) I cannot complain. Truthfully, seeing the MacBook Air’s release kinda made me want the MBA and I almost regretted buying my rMB til I had time to really think about it and honestly, my laptop works perfectly fine for my needs. I’m a student so I mainly use my laptop for media consumption, homework and notes. Plus, it’s so dang portable. I know the MBA has a better battery life, Touch ID and a bigger screen but these are all things I don’t need nor want.

I don’t think I’ll be upgrading from my rMB for a year or so.
 
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So much hyperbole about the Macbook 12'' not getting updated. Apple have just released a Macbook Air with a 1.6 ghz processor that ''could'' have gone in the 12''. The new MBA has a bigger screen plus other features, but it also has half the storage, so 1199 gets you 128GB which is a pain for a Mac. Now with no SDXC slot you can't upgrade storage sideways and I'm sure the T2 chip stops people upgrading the storage through 3rd party means?! Realistically the majority will want/need 256GB so that makes the machine 1399. So looking at pricing....
  • Macbook 12'' 1249 with 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
  • Macbook Air 13.3'' 1399 with 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
Clearly if the Macbook 12'' had got a processor upgrade then people would look at that and maybe get the Macbook 12''. They simply don't want people comparing an updated Macbook 12'' against an updated MBA, now they can sell the MBA with the new features and really upsell the storage options (1249 vs 1399 = 150 more revenue).

What I personally think Apple will do next year is put the 1.6Ghz processor in the Macbook 12'', then spec bump the MBA and get rid of the 128GB option.....As such the Macbook 12'' at 1249 will be the 'base' offering. They won't go down to 999 again for a long time (Ignoring the old school MBA 2015 they're still selling - Unless materials get cheaper or sales drop to zero I can't see that ever?), this obsession with that price point needs to end, that's now iPhone and iPad Pro territory.

When buying off Apple these days it's like buying a new car with the way they get you in with the base and then sting you with options that you actually need to make the thing useful for it's intended purpose. Then take the possibility of A series chips in these machines, some observers seem to think prices will reduce if Apple get rid of Intel, that won't happen either - their profits will just go through the roof even more.
 
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... there is absolutely nothing, I repeat nothing, that the MacBook does better than the MacBook Air
wrong.
The formfactor is still much mre portable and convinient that Air.
New Air is still HUGE in comparison.
Also 12” screen is PERFECT.
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Fits on an economy flight tray better.
I sold the MBP in favour of 12” MB,the portability and formfactor is unique and better than Any other Macbook including the new Air.
 
Question - if you all had the choice of a 2016/2017 MB 12 or a MBP for 100 bucks more, would you all make the plunge or stick with the MB 12?
 
Question - if you all had the choice of a 2016/2017 MB 12 or a MBP for 100 bucks more, would you all make the plunge or stick with the MB 12?

I would stick with the 2017 MacBook since it really fits well with my needs. I’m a student and commute frequently so having such a thin and small laptop is a godsend.
 
AppleInsider still says the MacBook Air does not have a fan.

Appleinsider is not exactly the source to look to for accuracy or journalistic integrity.

Anyways, the 12" is far superior in multiple areas for mobility.

The 13.3 new MBA is suitable for a mixed usage (desktop replacement and traveling), it's pretty chunky, has some heft, and not fanless, but just portable enough to be lugged along with some effort and a sturdy bag with good shoulder pads on the strap.

The MBPs are pretty much desk bound, other than the occasional moves between locations.
 
Appleinsider is not exactly the source to look to for accuracy or journalistic integrity.

Anyways, the 12" is far superior in multiple areas for mobility.

The 13.3 new MBA is suitable for a mixed usage (desktop replacement and traveling), it's pretty chunky, has some heft, and not fanless, but just portable enough to be lugged along with some effort and a sturdy bag with good shoulder pads on the strap.

The MBPs are pretty much desk bound, other than the occasional moves between locations.

Isn't the 13" MBP just a quarter pound heavier than the new MBA, with the same footprint? Hardly seems desk bound to me.
 
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Isn't the 13" MBP just a quarter pound heavier than the new MBA, with the same footprint? Hardly seems desk bound to me.
Yep. The 13" MBP used to be same weight as the MacBook Air. Now the MacBook Air is 0.25 lbs lighter at 2.75 lb.

In contrast the 12" MB is just 2 lb and is fanless.

My main gripe with the 12" MB is the lack of a second USB-C port. Otherwise, it's perfect for me. At home I use a 27" Retina iMac, with an external 27" 2010 iMac as a second screen. ie. Huge dual 27" iMac setup at home, and uber portable 12" MacBook on the road.

In truth, the lack of a second port isn't a deal killer on my MacBook for my usage, but it's still annoying to have to unplug the machine when sticking in a USB drive. I don't use an external monitor with mine, but for those who do, it's an issue because you can't do 4K p60 + USB 3 at the same time, even with hub. You have to choose between 4K p60 and USB 3. Luckily you can do USB 3 and 1080p (or even 4K p30) at the same time though (and charge at the same time too if you have the appropriate hub).
 
So much hyperbole about the Macbook 12'' not getting updated. Apple have just released a Macbook Air with a 1.6 ghz processor that ''could'' have gone in the 12''.

That was my initial thought/ complaint, but let's think about that a little more.

1) The 1.6 processor in the Air is a 7W vs a 4.5W part in the MacBook. Intel's specs confirm this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_...oprocessors#"Amber_Lake-Y"_(dual-core,_14_nm)

2) The Macbook Air (apparently requires a fan). There is no higher clocked processor, probably due to heat concerns.

Logically, therefore, the thermal capacity of the (fanless) Macbook would be unable to cope with the additional heat from the processor.

https://ark.intel.com/products/codename/186968/Amber-Lake-Y

This page lists the possible Chips for the MacBook. The i5-8210Y is the one in the MacBook Air, which has been plausibly ruled out due to heat, but the other ones could be potential candidates.

Of interesting note, The i5-8210Y is the only one with the 617 GPU, and it's the only one with a 7W TDP (vs 5W on the others). I'm guessing the extra GPU power is what pushes it over the thermal limit of the MacBook.
 
That was my initial thought/ complaint, but let's think about that a little more.

1) The 1.6 processor in the Air is a 7W vs a 4.5W part in the MacBook. Intel's specs confirm this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i5_microprocessors#"Amber_Lake-Y"_(dual-core,_14_nm)

2) The Macbook Air (apparently requires a fan). There is no higher clocked processor, probably due to heat concerns.

Logically, therefore, the thermal capacity of the (fanless) Macbook would be unable to cope with the additional heat from the processor.

https://ark.intel.com/products/codename/186968/Amber-Lake-Y

This page lists the possible Chips for the MacBook. The i5-8210Y is the one in the MacBook Air, which has been plausibly ruled out due to heat, but the other ones could be potential candidates.

Of interesting note, The i5-8210Y is the only one with the 617 GPU, and it's the only one with a 7W TDP (vs 5W on the others). I'm guessing the extra GPU power is what pushes it over the thermal limit of the MacBook.

i dont think the chip in the new MBA needs a fan. it just has a fan so that the turbo boost can work for prolonged periods. if you try this on the MB, the temperate will reach 100 degree and the chip get throttled. in other words, the MBA can operate like the MB, but when loaded, it can also run like the nTB MBP for sustained duration. the UHD 617 limits its graphics performance though.
 
Pre October 30th: I wonder why is there MacBook Air around when there is MacBook?

Post October 30th: I wonder why is there MacBook when there is MacBook Air?

Oh, how the things change in the blink of an eye.
My blinks normally do not last a full day. ;)
 
I have a 15" MBP 2016 and a 12" 2015 MB. I actually just end up lugging the 15" MBP with me everywhere, even though it's much heavier than the 12" MB.

Once the MBP dies I'll probably reevaluate my options, but most likely I'll grab something with a 15" screen, but who knows, the MBA does look pretty good.
 
i dont think the chip in the new MBA needs a fan. it just has a fan so that the turbo boost can work for prolonged periods. if you try this on the MB, the temperate will reach 100 degree and the chip get throttled. in other words, the MBA can operate like the MB, but when loaded, it can also run like the nTB MBP for sustained duration. the UHD 617 limits its graphics performance though.

My point was that the MacBook doesn't have a fan in it's design. If Apple had decided to put the same chip in the MB, it would have had to throttle it (leading to mass complaining) or it would require a case redesign to accommodate a fan (in a laptop already designed with no extra space). There are other intel chips that are much better suited for the MB, but the 8210Y in the Air is not one of them.

So, yes, Apple "could" put the chip in the Air, but it would be a bad choice.
 
That was my initial thought/ complaint, but let's think about that a little more.

1) The 1.6 processor in the Air is a 7W vs a 4.5W part in the MacBook. Intel's specs confirm this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i5_microprocessors#"Amber_Lake-Y"_(dual-core,_14_nm)

2) The Macbook Air (apparently requires a fan). There is no higher clocked processor, probably due to heat concerns.

Logically, therefore, the thermal capacity of the (fanless) Macbook would be unable to cope with the additional heat from the processor.

https://ark.intel.com/products/codename/186968/Amber-Lake-Y

This page lists the possible Chips for the MacBook. The i5-8210Y is the one in the MacBook Air, which has been plausibly ruled out due to heat, but the other ones could be potential candidates.

Of interesting note, The i5-8210Y is the only one with the 617 GPU, and it's the only one with a 7W TDP (vs 5W on the others). I'm guessing the extra GPU power is what pushes it over the thermal limit of the MacBook.
That is not entirely accurate. The MacBook uses TDP-up, at more than 4.5 W but less than 7 W.

Interestingly the specs of the i5-8210Y in the Air are basically identical to the TDP-up specs of the i7-7Y75 in the 12” MacBook. ie. If you run the i7-7Y75 at 7 W, it basically becomes the i5-8210Y.

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...y-just-a-rebadged-i7-7y75-at-7-watts.2151365/

The GPU specs are the same too BTW.

The i5-8210Y thus appears to be a custom SKU for Apple, based directly off the i7-7Y75.
 
That is not entirely accurate. The MacBook uses TDP-up, at more than 4.5 W but less than 7 W.

Interestingly the specs of the i5-8210Y in the Air are basically identical to the TDP-up specs of the i7-7Y75 in the 12” MacBook. ie. If you run the i7-7Y75 at 7 W, it basically becomes the i5-8210Y.

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...y-just-a-rebadged-i7-7y75-at-7-watts.2151365/

The GPU specs are the same too BTW.

The i5-8210Y thus appears to be a custom SKU for Apple, based directly off the i7-7Y75.


They are definitely similar, but it doesn't seem like it's exactly a 1:1 comparison. You may be correct that Intel just locked the 8210 in the TDP-up position. They haven't completely updated the page for the 8210 yet, so we'll see. For one, the GPU has a slightly faster clock speed (~10%).

Additionally, I think it's odd that there are no other processor options for the Air, even though the MacBook has 3. Leads me to believe that this is the "best" chip that Apple could spec (or have intel make) for the Air. Maybe they designed themselves into another "thermal corner" on the Air, but I'd bet that its the fanless design that precludes apple from putting this in the MacBook.

However, it's not lost on me that the Air has a history of custom-built CPUs.
 
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They are definitely similar, but it doesn't seem like it's exactly a 1:1 comparison. They haven't completely updated the page for the 8210 yet, so we'll see. For one, the GPU has a slightly faster clock speed (~10%).
No, the i7-7Y75 and i5-8210Y have the exact same GPU clock speeds. Both are 300 MHz base and 1.05 GHz max.
 
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