Who is the new Macbook geared towards? - According to Apple

[Sirious]

Who is the new Macbook geared towards? - according to an Apple chat.

[start chat]
Me:Who is the new Macbook geared towards?
Rep:Do you mean the type of user or a person?
Me: Type of user
Rep:Ok
Rep: New MacBook is a combination of a Mac and an iPad. It’s light, thin and compact product. At the same time it’s a full MacBook experience, with keyboard, touchpad and Retina display...
Perfect for day-to-day tasks, internet browsing, mail, documents
For studying or working on the go
Me: As a student, I can't see myself plugging my USB flash drive or SD card in to it
Rep:Do you mean flash storage?
Me: Yes, a flash drive
Rep: Ok
Well, you can connect it using an additional cable.
[end chat]

I still don't understand who it's aimed towards. Perhaps the person who can handle a string of adapters, or mostly works online
Hoping that this chat shines a light for some people who seem puzzled as to why Apple would release such a thing.

EDIT: The new MacBook doesn't bother me in any way. It's a broad step in to the future of the notebook world. I understand why Apple made all those decisions - but some people seemed perplexed about the whole thing, so this thread is for them to see Apple's reasoning behind the creation of the device. Admittedly, its just one Apple rep's opinion so it should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[PDFierro]

I think the Apple representative did a great job of telling you who it's aimed for. It certainly fits my usage.

 

[fisherking]

it's a laptop. there's an adapter. there will be usb-c peripherals coming soon (reasonable expectation, especially as other companies move to usb-c).

it's not for final cut, or logic X. it's probably well-suited to basic users, people who live on the web, email. use word. etc.

am guessing that lots of people will buy it just for what it is, for it's design, screen, weight. style.

who's it for? if it's for you, you'll know...

 

[boast]

Do you also not know who the iPad is geared towards? We could maybe start with that.

 

[Snot Rox]

That sums it up nicely. I currently have a late-2013 rMBP and I don't carry it with me to school all the time because of the weight along with my books. For me, this would be more convenient for just writing my papers at school and looking stuff up. I'll still use my rMBP for my work intensive loads, but for on the fly, I can definitely use the MB.

I don't really need a USB flash drive anyways since I store most of my school papers on a cloud that syncs with all of my devices.

 

[HardBall]

certainly a great machine for ppl on the go;

or a secondary laptop, if you have something like a rMBP 15" for work related stuff.

The only complaint is that you can't hook anything else up when charging, unless you pay for a $70+ adaptor somewhere.

Really hope they come out with a 10.1 inch version of it, would be even better suited for a lot of things.

 

[PDFierro]

certainly a great machine for ppl on the go;

or a secondary laptop, if you have something like a rMBP 15" for work related stuff.

The only complaint is that you can't hook anything else up when charging, unless you pay for a $70+ adaptor somewhere.

Really hope they come out with a 10.1 inch version of it, would be even better suited for a lot of things.

A 10-inch laptop would go against everything this new MacBook is trying to do.

 

[venom600]

I think it's aimed at my mom, who would love the light weight, beautiful screen and the gold coloring. All she does is surf the web, read gmail, and occasionally facetime.

 

[Hankster]

Who is the new Macbook geared towards? - according to an Apple chat.

[start chat]
Me:Who is the new Macbook geared towards?
Rep:Do you mean the type of user or a person?
Me: Type of user
Rep:Ok
Rep: New MacBook is a combination of a Mac and an iPad. It’s light, thin and compact product. At the same time it’s a full MacBook experience, with keyboard, touchpad and Retina display...
Perfect for day-to-day tasks, internet browsing, mail, documents
For studying or working on the go
Me: As a student, I can't see myself plugging my USB flash drive or SD card in to it
Rep:Do you mean flash storage?
Me: Yes, a flash drive
Rep: Ok
Well, you can connect it using an additional cable.
[end chat]

I still don't understand who it's aimed towards. Perhaps the person who can handle a string of adapters, or mostly works online
Hoping that this chat shines a light for some people who seem puzzled as to why Apple would release such a thing.

People need to stop complaining because Apple did not launch a computer just for their specific needs. Please see below points:

• If you need more processing power use a MacBook Pro.
• If you need light and portable with some ports use a MacBook Air.
• If you need light and portable without ports use a MacBook Retina.

Seriously, the amount of people who cry just because a device is not custom to them is beyond embarrassing. I've been using a MacBook Air for over four years for everything including Photoshop, iMovie and editing .raw files. I have probably used the USB port maybe 5-6 times a year while my laptop was charging.

Bottom line is if you don't use ports much (or at all) this laptop is for you. If you need more ports then get the MacBook Air 11" or 13". Or, get the MacBook Pro.

 

[slight32]

This seems fairly obvious to me. It's geared toward those who realise that with everything going wireless we won't need so many ports anyway. We already have wireless storage, portable too, we have cameras that can transfer files wirelessly, pretty much everything entertainment oriented is wireless. Honestly, why will you need to attach anything?

There is a multi adaptor available from Apple, which if you can afford the machine is not to much to pay out for. You can charge, use USB and run a monitor at the same time, I think. I have an MBA, and I still have to use adaptors anyway, so where's the difference?

Initially there'll be some catching up to do for the peripherals manufacturers, but there'll be solutions along soon and I reckon that within 12 months we'll all be asking what the fuss was about.

 

[fisherking]

This seems fairly obvious to me. It's geared toward those who realise that with everything going wireless we won't need so many ports anyway. We already have wireless storage, portable too, we have cameras that can transfer files wirelessly, pretty much everything entertainment oriented is wireless. Honestly, why will you need to attach anything?

There is a multi adaptor available from Apple, which if you can afford the machine is not to much to pay out for. You can charge, use USB and run a monitor at the same time, I think. I have an MBA, and I still have to use adaptors anyway, so where's the difference?

Initially there'll be some catching up to do for the peripherals manufacturers, but there'll be solutions along soon and I reckon that within 12 months we'll all be asking what the fuss was about.

exactly.

 

[mlts22]

I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of Wi-Fi NAS models, as well as drives that work via BlueTooth. Perhaps a hard drive that plugs into the wall, and has a power supply robust enough to keep the HDD going, as well as keep the MacBook charged up.

 

[Sergi0]

Who is the new Macbook geared towards? - according to an Apple chat.

[start chat]
Me:Who is the new Macbook geared towards?
Rep:Do you mean the type of user or a person?
Me: Type of user
Rep:Ok
Rep: New MacBook is a combination of a Mac and an iPad. It’s light, thin and compact product. At the same time it’s a full MacBook experience, with keyboard, touchpad and Retina display...
Perfect for day-to-day tasks, internet browsing, mail, documents
For studying or working on the go
Me: As a student, I can't see myself plugging my USB flash drive or SD card in to it
Rep:Do you mean flash storage?
Me: Yes, a flash drive
Rep: Ok
Well, you can connect it using an additional cable.
[end chat]

I still don't understand who it's aimed towards. Perhaps the person who can handle a string of adapters, or mostly works online
Hoping that this chat shines a light for some people who seem puzzled as to why Apple would release such a thing.

Sorry for my ignorance, but why not just use the cloud?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This seems fairly obvious to me. It's geared toward those who realise that with everything going wireless we won't need so many ports anyway. We already have wireless storage, portable too, we have cameras that can transfer files wirelessly, pretty much everything entertainment oriented is wireless. Honestly, why will you need to attach anything?

There is a multi adaptor available from Apple, which if you can afford the machine is not to much to pay out for. You can charge, use USB and run a monitor at the same time, I think. I have an MBA, and I still have to use adaptors anyway, so where's the difference?

Initially there'll be some catching up to do for the peripherals manufacturers, but there'll be solutions along soon and I reckon that within 12 months we'll all be asking what the fuss was about.

Because some of us still need to.

Nevertheless, a very good and well argued post.

People need to stop complaining because Apple did not launch a computer just for their specific needs. Please see below points:

• 
  [*]If you need more processing power use a MacBook Pro.
  [*]If you need light and portable with some ports use a MacBook Air.
  [*]If you need light and portable without ports use a MacBook Retina.

Seriously, the amount of people who cry just because a device is not custom to them is beyond embarrassing. I've been using a MacBook Air for over four years for everything including Photoshop, iMovie and editing .raw files. I have probably used the USB port maybe 5-6 times a year while my laptop was charging.

Bottom line is if you don't use ports much (or at all) this laptop is for you. If you need more ports then get the MacBook Air 11" or 13". Or, get the MacBook Pro.

Again, a very well argued and reasoned post.

Sorry for my ignorance, but why not just use the cloud?

Chiefly because not all of us choose or wish to do so for a variety of reasons, not least that I, for one, like to actually have my data on my own hard drive, and, on USB sticks.

 

[HardBall]

A 10-inch laptop would go against everything this new MacBook is trying to do.

A 10' with the same resolution and inductive charging would be the best.

Not sure what you mean by "go against everything ....". It would be perfect for a lot of ppl on the go, and needing a light productivity machine.

 

[KittyKatta]

People need to stop complaining because Apple did not launch a computer just for their specific needs. Please see below points:

• If you need more processing power use a MacBook Pro.
• If you need light and portable with some ports use a MacBook Air.
• If you need light and portable without ports use a MacBook Retina.

I don't mean to make you more upset than you are, but does that list make sense when you factor in cost to your reasoning?

$899 - MacBook Air 11 (Light and Portable with Ports)
$999 - MacBook Air 13 (Light and Portable with Ports)
$1299 - MacBook Pro 13 (More Processing Power)
$1299 - MacBook 12 (Light and Portable without Ports)

The new MacBook 12 is lighter than the Air but also has less power and costs significantly more. So I'm not sure why you are so offended by people on an Apple board asking "Who is the new MacBook geared towards".

Personally, I agree with the reps statement because when you factor in price and compromises then it does seem like its main target is iPad Power Users.

 

[fisherking]

I don't mean to make you more upset than you are, but does that list make sense when you factor in cost to your reasoning?

$899 - MacBook Air 11 (Light and Portable with Ports)
$999 - MacBook Air 13 (Light and Portable with Ports)
$1299 - MacBook Pro 13 (More Processing Power)
$1299 - MacBook 12 (Light and Portable without Ports)

The new MacBook 12 is lighter than the Air but also has less power and costs significantly more. So I'm not sure why you are so offended by people on an Apple board asking "Who is the new MacBook geared towards".

Personally, I agree with the reps statement because when you factor in price and compromises then it does seem like its main target is iPad Power Users.

but it runs OS X, not iOS. it's a full-fledged apple computer. and again, you're paying for new tech...that's just how it goes...

 

[mtneer]

I think its basically meant for someone who wants an iPad with OSX. Those who were not connecting to peripherals, transferring data or using corporate projectors to begin with.

 

[shenan1982]

I think the Apple representative did a great job of telling you who it's aimed for. It certainly fits my usage.

Mine too.

What student uses a flash drive in 2015? I have several current students in the family and everything they turn in is submitted via dropbox or the school's online portal for turning in documents, and they all go to very well known schools.

Heck, I went to college from 2001 to 2005, and even way back then there were two methods for turning in papers... printed out, or emailed to the professor...

Not sure why all the naysayers about having to carry dongles and what not... it's what you get when your computer's primary focus is thin and light. I don't trash the Macbook Pro because it's huge and heavy and awkwardly large to carry because it has to be so thick to accommodate all those ports I have no use for... not sure why people trash what's not targeted for them.

If you still don't see the demographic, good thing you're not a Marketing major!

----------

I think its basically meant for someone who wants an iPad with OSX. Those who were not connecting to peripherals, transferring data or using corporate projectors to begin with.

I can see this as an issue in very small offices and what not... but almost any modern office conference room is stocked with the latest adaptors. If my company gets a request for the adaptor, they add it to the collection in the conference rooms. If I travel out to locations, I carry adaptors anyhow because some companies have VGA projectors, some DVI, some mini-dvi, some mini display port. You act as if there's one single standard and a laptop should have every port. That's the beauty of a dongle.

----------

$899 - MacBook Air 11 (Light and Portable with Ports)
$999 - MacBook Air 13 (Light and Portable with Ports)
$1299 - MacBook Pro 13 (More Processing Power)

By with ports you mean USB and Thunderbolt... which you need a dongle to attach to almost anything standard in the industry.

On the Macbook Air and Pro you so lovingly love to compare...

- Ethernet? There's a dongle for that.
- DVI? There's a dongle for that.
- HDMI? Dongle Dongle Dongle

So what's your point? It's great that you want to make it seem like the Air has so much port action going on, but it really doesn't.

 

[zhenya]

It's an ultralight laptop. That's it. There's no great mystery here; people who want something incredibly portable will flock to this. It has a screen that is more functional than the 13" Air but in a package closer in size to the 11" Air, and it weighs a full pound less than the already lightweight 13" Air! I think you will be astonished by what that means in real life when you have the opportunity to hold the two side by side. Dropping a pound off of a device is an enormous change - say the difference between the iPad Air and the Surface Pro. It almost moves the device into a different class altogether.

 

[shenan1982]

I think it's aimed at my mom, who would love the light weight, beautiful screen and the gold coloring. All she does is surf the web, read gmail, and occasionally facetime.

I guess your mom and I have a lot in common. Based on the survey results, sounds like most of Apple's consumer base shares a positive view of the laptop.. in fact, it's surprising that more than 50% are excited about it, especially considering this is a very much above-average consumer base using this forum. That means the "average" mac user will be an even heavier adopter.

----------

It's an ultralight laptop. That's it. There's no great mystery here; people who want something incredibly portable will flock to this. It has a screen that is more functional than the 13" Air but in a package closer in size to the 11" Air, and it weighs a full pound less than the already lightweight 13" Air! I think you will be astonished by what that means in real life when you have the opportunity to hold the two side by side. Dropping a pound off of a device is an enormous change - say the difference between the iPad Air and the Surface Pro. It almost moves the device into a different class altogether.

Very well said.

The funny part is if Apple packaged it at $1499 and included 2-3 dongles, people still would have lined up to buy it saying how amazing it is. I actually expected that price point.

But then, the naysayers would be whining that Apple forced them to pay for adaptors they didn't use... I can hear them already...

"Who plugs things in anymore, it's 2015, why is Apple forcing me to buy a USB-C to USB adaptor"

See? Flip it around.

 

[technosix]

This new 12" MacBook is ideal for my frequent regular flights abroad. Currently I am enjoying a 2014 13" MBA. I'll be selling it after my MacBook arrives. Although I'm certain key pitch (travel) will be very shallow, I have no hesitation about its functionality. The overall size is exemplary. I'm sure side by side it'll make my 2015 15" MBPr look massive but it's my favorite laptop of all. Conversely the MacBook is a picture of convenience when packing.

 

[Fissure]

I think it's aimed at my mom, who would love the light weight, beautiful screen and the gold coloring. All she does is surf the web, read gmail, and occasionally facetime.

Which in all honesty could be done on a cheaper, simpler, lighter and more power efficient iPad.

iPad ='s consumption devices, Laptops = productivity devices.

----------

Mine too.

What student uses a flash drive in 2015? I have several current students in the family and everything they turn in is submitted via dropbox or the school's online portal for turning in documents, and they all go to very well known schools.

Heck, I went to college from 2001 to 2005, and even way back then there were two methods for turning in papers... printed out, or emailed to the professor...

Not sure why all the naysayers about having to carry dongles and what not... it's what you get when your computer's primary focus is thin and light. I don't trash the Macbook Pro because it's huge and heavy and awkwardly large to carry because it has to be so thick to accommodate all those ports I have no use for... not sure why people trash what's not targeted for them.

If you still don't see the demographic, good thing you're not a Marketing major!

----------



I can see this as an issue in very small offices and what not... but almost any modern office conference room is stocked with the latest adaptors. If my company gets a request for the adaptor, they add it to the collection in the conference rooms. If I travel out to locations, I carry adaptors anyhow because some companies have VGA projectors, some DVI, some mini-dvi, some mini display port. You act as if there's one single standard and a laptop should have every port. That's the beauty of a dongle.

----------



By with ports you mean USB and Thunderbolt... which you need a dongle to attach to almost anything standard in the industry.

On the Macbook Air and Pro you so lovingly love to compare...

- Ethernet? There's a dongle for that.
- DVI? There's a dongle for that.
- HDMI? Dongle Dongle Dongle

So what's your point? It's great that you want to make it seem like the Air has so much port action going on, but it really doesn't.

Point being combining power with video or storage out was a bad idea.
No dual monitors with power, no storage with power. They should have kept the MagSafe and then 1 USB type C would have been fine.

 

[surjavarman]

If its just for day to day tasks why not get a tablet instead? Or better yet why not save $1200 and get a chromebook

 

[Mrbobb]

Me think the hypothesis that Apple made this machine for someone is faulty. Me think Apple made this machine because it's the natural progression of what's available from Intel and Apple's relentless for thin and unique and the push toward cloud.

Paraphrasing Paul Teutel's Sr: You don't tell us what to make, you buy what we make.