Why did you get a 12" MB?

[marc55]

I just sold my 15" MBP as it was just too big, and had more power than I would ever need. I'm currently sharing my wife's 13" MBP, and it's perfect overall.

We just got a refurb 12"MB base model, and although the screen real estate takes some getting use to, I'm beginning to really like the overall form, fit, and feel of the 12"MB. It does everything we need it to do, and it's just so light and easy to carry around.

That said, since we're within the 14 day period, I think we will return the 12"MB, and either get the M7 version, or wait for the new model which should be coming out in the near future, as the battery life should be better. I'm thinking the M7 or the 2017 version will have slightly more "future proofing" than the 2016 base model.

So, why did you guys choose the 12"MB, and do you still like it? OR, what don't you like about it?

 

[PatriotInvasion]

Love the design and weight. So easy to pick up and carry to the couch or someplace else.

I have a 2015 base model because I got a $999 deal when the 2016 came out. It's a bit slow but since I also have an iMac, I can live with the speed for what I do on it. I don't think the performance gains from the base to the M7 really justify the added cost. The real bottleneck for what I do on it is likely the integrated graphics anyway and not the CPU, so wouldn't change my life much.

I think it's time for the 12" to come down in price, especially at the entry level model. $1,299 is too much for what you get in 2017, so if the new models drop a few hundred bucks, I may consider upgrading if Kaby Lake and the updated graphics provide noticeable gains.

 

[viperGTS]

I bought mine (2016 m3) for a couple of reasons:

1) My old 2012 MBP was dying (failing hard drive), and I was tired of carrying it around because it was pretty heavy. Basically, I wanted something more portable.

2) I needed something that could still perform all the tasks I would've thrown at my old MBP, including my more intensive coding assignments. Needless to say, it's handled them all fine. My tasks included: Unreal Editor on lowest graphics settings (slow but it works), Xcode development, and even running VMs for an operating systems course I took.

3) I was able to live with the "compromise" of having only 1 USB C port. Before I bought the computer, I already had an idea of what I needed from it, and I knew that I rarely used the ports on my MBP. I bought a cheap USB C adapter that gives me 3 extra USB 3.0 ports and a USB C port so that I can still charge and use those extra ports. It's worked just fine so far for the rare cases I needed it.

4) I wanted a computer with great battery life. This MacBook greatly outlasts my MBP, and I can get around 9-10 hours of usage compared to the old 4-5. Also, the charger for the MacBook is great since it's smaller and the USB C cable is detachable!

5) It's a sleek looking computer!

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I'm on a maxed 2015. I bought it to replace a maxed 2011 11" MBA.

It is my primary professional machine, does everything I ask of it with flying colors.

I did the higher resolution trick to fix my only issue with it, which was screen real estate. Now it has the 15" default resolution.

The only thing I use the iMac for at this point is video editing for our youtube channel. All other business consulting and motorsport tasks are done on this little gem of a machine.

 

[ApolloBoy]

I mainly wanted a small light laptop that I could carry around the house and use for travel, since my other main laptop (a Dell Inspiron 7559) is fairly hefty and is a bit fragile in some ways. I was starting to feel the same way about my old 2012 cMBP so I thought it was time for a change.

So far I'm still liking the rMB and the single port actually hasn't bothered me as much as I thought it would. However, I've found that the keyboard will get gummed up with even the slightest bit of debris, and the battery life is a little subpar (I get maybe 5 hours tops). I might replace it next year with a new MBP if the prices come down.

 

[c0ppo]

I've purchased it coz of size and weight. I thought about using it simply as a surf/movie laptop. But I use it now for everything. It has become my main machine.

I am a game dev (mobile games, mostly 2D). And my rMB2016 can handle being docked with TB3 dock + Dellu2515 monitor. I use CoronaSDK and Unity3D, and everything works like magic. No problems at all.

Only time when I wish for more perfomance is when building a solution, but I can live with some waiting since I don't build that often. Excellent little machine, and I really love it.

 

[chriscl]

I have a 2016 m5, I travel frequently (I mean, a lot) and often commute around Europe for work, and I wanted a portable laptop I could easily put into my hand luggage (often I just travel with hand luggage alone when flying) but something that was powerful enough to do some photo editing, as well as basic stuff like Office and web browsing.

The MacBook is absolutely perfect. It allows me to keep in touch wherever I am, and I just carry the small charger and the Apple USB-C adapter (the one with USB-A, USB-C and an HDMI out) which meets all my connectivity needs.

It's perfectly capable of streaming HD video from the likes of Netflix and Amazon (well useful when you are a frequent traveller) as well.

Yes it isn't the most powerful laptop in the world, but I don't care, the form factor is brilliant, it is incredibly lightweight and does everything I need.

I love it!

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Same here. Traveling a lot and this little machine is all the time with me accompanied by a small wireless hotspot so I have internet all the time. It is quite perfect for this purpose.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Weight, design, screen, battery, macOS.

It replaced a 2006 15" Macbook Pro, so it is slightly more portable.

 

[throAU]

m5 vs m7, the m7 will not be any more future proof; you're talking a handful of percent at best in terms of performance. save your money.

by the time the m5 feels too slow, the m7 will also.

 

[Eggtastic]

I have no idea.

Kidding, I came from a 2011 11" MBA. The MBA actually was working fine, but I wanted to upgrade after 5 years of the same machine and seeing the retina display in stores I decided to make the move. I went with an m5 open box from best buy (saved $300). It had only 9 charge cycles, but it did have a damaged charging cable. I took the opportunity to ask for a gift card instead ($25) for the cable, and went with this. It's longer, more durable, and compliments the look better with my space gray. My MBA cable frayed after a while and figured this type of cable would be better.

For my day to day uses; this machine has been great and I could have probably went with the m3, but opted for the m5 with more storage to future proof it a little. I am beginning to get into light photography as a hobby and from my research this machine can handle it. I may buy a dock and link it to an external monitor down the line.

I originally was going to get the new rMBP. When it came out and I saw the price of a 13" with the emoji bar I was pissed and decided on this. Probably good that I did since I don't need the extra power or weight.

For what you mentioned, the m3 or m5 would be great. I would jump on the discounts now or wait to see whatever refresh comes.

 

[ARK]

I got it at Best Buy because its damn sexy and it was an open box during a sale.

 

[PsychicRutabaga]

I got it because it was sexy. Seriously. I'm an IT professional and have corporate Wintel laptops for work and powerful servers to play on. But like your typical auto mechanic who drives a jalopy, my personal non-work computers were always older beaters. But I also liked portability. So for several years my main personal system for e-mail, communication, browsing, personal programming and light gaming was actually an Atom based netbook dual booted with Win7 starter and Bodhi Linux. I liked being able to take it anywhere in the house or to a coffee shop. But it was slow. Ugh. When that started to choke and finally died, I shifted to my iPad for most stuff. For e-mail, browsing and comms it was great and an upgrade from that netbook, but even with a nice keyboard/case it wasn't the same as having a true PC.

I decided I was finally going to treat myself to a premium computer this time. I'd never owned a Mac before, but was interested in getting a native Unix under the hood system with better application options than you can get with desktop Linux. So I took the plunge and got the 2015 gold 1.2ghz 512G system at launch. Two years later and this thing is still my main personal system. I love everything about it. It runs VMs under VirtualBox just fine when needed, handles the few games I'm interested in (StarCraft 2, Morrowind under Wine), and does absolutely everything else I could ask of it.

Oh, and I should mention that I got my wife the 2016 model, same options. She didn't realize she needed one, but then kept stealing mine to use. She's got bad knees, so sitting at a desk with a desktop computer was sometimes difficult. Easier to sit in an easy chair or bed with an ultralight laptop. She uses hers for her crafting blog as well as personal use and is also a very happy customer.

 

[psymac]

Portability.

BTW, M5 faster than M7, see Anandtech review.

Actually, this site:

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Face-Off-Apple-MacBook-12-Core-m3-Core-m5-and-Core-m7.172046.0.html

 

[Rory76]

Portability.

BTW, M5 faster than M7, see Anandtech review.

Do you have a link to that review?

 

[ColdShadow]

ok, I haven't bought one yet, but as soon as the 2017 models are out I will be buying one.
I have a 13 MPB 2014 now, and used to have an iPad as well.(different models during past few years last one being Pro 9.7)

so I started to feel iPad is becoming irrelevant,with bigger phones and smaller ultra portable laptops, there is simply no reason for a tablet specially with limitations of iOS.(for most people IMO).
so I sold the iPad and decided I never want one anymore.

now the 13" MBP is still to heavy and bulky to be taken out on couch and fire up for quick,convinient use.
so there you go 12 Inch MacBook is much better for casual, everyday use.
that being said the M3 model should be avoided, it's simply too weak and not worth the money.
M5 is MUCH better and should be the starting model for EVERYONE.M7 is not worth the extra money, very minimal improvement over M5.
I won't touch a base M3 even if it's a half price sale (honest).

 

[GoldfishRT]

It's a combination of the form factor and my own personal needs being rather light. I've always liked 12" laptops. The 'sub-notebook' class has just fit perfectly into my education, personal, and professional lives. It's a great compromise, especially with the retina screen that provides ample desktop real-estate. And this sub notebook has a lot of what I like about the tablet devices, notably the battery life and lightness.

I won't touch a base M3 even if it's a half price sale (honest).

Comments like this scared me a ton before buying my MacBook and I really just don't understand them now. I took a risk on buying the M3 during that fantastic Best Buy sale because combined with a gift-card, my after tax amount was below a grand. Which I will grant you is far below MSRP. However, every performance issue I've read about I simply haven't experienced. I don't get random beachballs, or slow loading applications, or poor graphics rendering. I spent a few hours playing Rocket League, I've got 10 Safari tabs open, iTunes playing a podcast, Remote Desktop, Excel with a few spreadsheets and it's all just fine. I do believe I could overwhelm it if I tried but in actual use? It just hasn't happened. I'm sure there's a few people that could absolutely get value out of the M5, especially with that extra storage. But from what I've seen, if the M3 isn't going to cut it, the M5 probably won't either and it'd be better to step into something like a 15w (13" nTB) or 28w (13" TB) Core series laptop if you actually need horsepower.

 

[psymac]

Do you have a link to that review?

Sorry, not Anandtech (surprising, given the detail). Here it is:

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Face-Off-Apple-MacBook-12-Core-m3-Core-m5-and-Core-m7.172046.0.html

 

[DaMax85]

I got a killer open-box deal at Best Buy last November: $1,019 for a Space Grey 2016 M3. I love it.

 

[boltjames]

I bought a 12" MB when it first came out because I am a world-traveling Executive Vice President who wants the lightest/slimmest Windows 10 notebook on the planet. Boot Camp is terrific, I never see MacOS at all, it's as if Microsoft built it.

I have a bulky Windows notebook at home. I have a powerful desktop-replacement Windows notebook at work. But when I travel I insist on light weight and low profile design, since the mid-90's I have always had Sony Vaio Windows machines to fill this role but Sony abandoned the notebook business and Apple filled the void for me.

My MacBook sits in a drawer 260 days a year, but on those 100 days that I'm traveling to Europe, Asia, Carribean, or commuting by rail it's a fantastic machine. Some people have weekend convertible sports cars, I have a situational notebook.

BJ

 

[viperGTS]

I won't touch a base M3 even if it's a half price sale (honest).

Do you have a reason for this? I own an m3 and it handles some tough tasks (3D game editing, VMs) fine. It's not a speed demon, but then again, if the m3 struggles with something, the m5/m7 aren't going to magically fix that.

 

[ColdShadow]

Do you have a reason for this? I own an m3 and it handles some tough tasks (3D game editing, VMs) fine.

I've played with friends M3 a bit and it definitely slows down even in simple browsing when website is too heavy..also most users of M3 are admitting it slows down at times just read the reviews and user threads..when considering it's a VERY expensive machine,this simply is not acceptable specially when its such a recent machine..how will it cope a few years down the line?

if the m3 struggles with something, the m5/m7 aren't going to magically fix that.

that's actually a very false statement.
the M5 is noticeably faster and provides a noticeably better performance than the M3,again do some research..it's the difference between M5 and M7 which is really minimal and neglect able (maybe 10% speed bump hardly noticeable)..but the performance difference between M3 and M5 is there to see and feel, for sure.
there are even detailed charts showing the performance difference between the 3.

 

[Eggtastic]

I've played with friends M3 a bit and it definitely slows down even in simple browsing when website is too heavy..also most users of M3 are admitting it slows down at times just read the reviews and user threads..when considering it's a VERY expensive machine,this simply is not acceptable specially when its such a recent machine..how will it cope a few years down the line?

that's actually a very false statement.
the M5 is noticeably faster and provides a noticeably better performance than the M3,again do some research..it's the difference between M5 and M7 which is really minimal and neglect able (maybe 10% speed bump hardly noticeable)..but the performance difference between M3 and M5 is there to see and feel, for sure.
there are even detailed charts showing the performance difference between the 3.

Well I am glad I went with the m5. I also saved going with an open box from best buy with 9 charge cycles. Hopefully this thing serves me well for the next few years (or until a noticeable upgrade comes along).

 

[viperGTS]

I've played with friends M3 a bit and it definitely slows down even in simple browsing when website is too heavy..also most users of M3 are admitting it slows down at times just read the reviews and user threads..when considering it's a VERY expensive machine,this simply is not acceptable specially when its such a recent machine..how will it cope a few years down the line?

that's actually a very false statement.
the M5 is noticeably faster and provides a noticeably better performance than the M3,again do some research..it's the difference between M5 and M7 which is really minimal and neglect able (maybe 10% speed bump hardly noticeable)..but the performance difference between M3 and M5 is there to see and feel, for sure.
there are even detailed charts showing the performance difference between the 3.

Then there is something wrong with your friend's M3, I literally own one and it does not slow down when browsing on a heavy website. Send me a page to test with, I would be more than glad to test it on mine.

The point stands that the m3 does not slow down with simple tasks like you're making it seem.

 

[ApolloBoy]

I've got the base model from 2015 and I barely notice any kind of lag, even if I've got several Chrome tabs open.