Why does Apple cuts costs on a $1200 laptop???

[dumastudetto]

BS. A simple Windows laptop can pull this off and the previous intel machines could pull it off. You’re calling it a pro feature in your shill mode because you know very well that it’s an arbitrary limitation imposed on the M1 and 2 devices. I can attach their highest priced pro Xdr monitor with 6K so dual monitors are not rocket science at all. So if pro features were a thing in the real world, then that 6K display wouldn’t connect at all because how much more pro could it be.

I don't very well know it's an arbitrary limitation imposed. There are lots of complex factors that are weighed up by incredibly smart people before we see the final product. They have to consider overall experience, performance, heat dissipation, available bandwidth, ensuring good product lifespan etc. It's not some arbitrary decision.

I trust Apple to make the best product decisions that ensure the most expansive and immersive experiences.

 

[dumastudetto]

That's not true. The performance of the 256GB model has been reported. The terrible heat sink has been reported. The fingerprints on the midnight chassis has been reported. People are stalking your comments because you are so obviously miinformed.

The base model is less performant than the higher GPU spec model? Shocking.

The "terrible heat sink" gripes are just opinions, mixed in with far too many clueless online personalities baiting YT hooks for views.

I don't like seeing excessive fingerprints either so I wouldn't choose midnight. Not a flaw. Just a consequence of that particular finish. Some people will love it and wont care about fingerprints. That's why Apple gives us choice of different finishes.

 

[Andysapple]

How is the terrible heat sinks "just opinions"? It's measured in several real world tests online. The M2 air runs significantly hotter than the M1 air even in fairly light use-cases.

It's the same thing in nearly every similar thread. Apple makes something worse compared to the previous generation (SSD-speeds/heat dissipation in this case). The apologists defend apple with claims that "it doesn't matter" or "it won't be noticeable to most people" or (my favorite) "apple knows best", and therefore we shouldn't complain or just "buy something else".

But if a company makes certain aspects objectively worse than the previous generation, charges a higher price and doesn't mention these downgrades in any promotional materials - why shouldn't we as a consumer complain? That's really the only venue we can really make our voice heard. We all want the products we spend a lot of money on to be the best they can be, and if a product has significant drawbacks, then of course Apple needs to hear that consumers are disappointed in the direction they have chosen to take.

 

[EastHillWill]

Two things are true in this situation:

-Whether for cost savings or supply chain issues Apple downgraded the quality of the base storage
-Most people who purchase the new MBA will not be negatively impacted by this, and therefore it's not a big deal

It seems as though many folks are having a hard time reconciling that dissonance. And storage speed is not one of those banner numbers that Apple markets, especially in a decidedly non-pro machine like the MBA. So, I don't have an issue with them not coming right out and saying, 'oh by the way, the 256 SSD is slower than its predecessor.'

The fingerprint thing is annoying but not an issue. Apple has a return window, and the buyers who are really bothered by it can get another color. The folks who don't mind can enjoy their midnight MBA.

Overall this is a very good computer, with some tough value proposition questions as the price increases with upgrades.

 

[ericwn]

I don't very well know it's an arbitrary limitation imposed. There are lots of complex factors that are weighed up by incredibly smart people before we see the final product. They have to consider overall experience, performance, heat dissipation, available bandwidth, ensuring good product lifespan etc. It's not some arbitrary decision.

I trust Apple to make the best product decisions that ensure the most expansive and immersive experiences.

These things are planned years in advance. You can try to dismiss criticism as much as you want and label things non-pro, but at the end of the day, it's clearly designed into the product at this time. The most expensive pro display works, dual display solutions that are common in plenty home and business scenarios don't - and they used to in the past.

But sure as hell, you can expect the clueless apologist horde and the Rene types get busy on YT in no time claiming they figured it all out. "We trust stucco traded corporations that focus on shareholder value act in the best interest of the user."
Right.

 

[EastHillWill]

Apple makes something worse compared to the previous generation (SSD-speeds/heat dissipation in this case)

But if a company makes certain aspects objectively worse than the previous generation, charges a higher price and doesn't mention these downgrades in any promotional materials - why shouldn't we as a consumer complain?

I don't think it's reasonable to expect Apple to include in it's marketing for a new consumer laptop that base storage speeds are slower, or that prolonged, intensive workflows may cause thermal throttling.

These would have been stories in a Pro machine, but I really don't think either point is relevant in the MacBook Air market. The large majority of customers will never notice these items, and Apple was not wrong to make these decisions. And for the record, I'm far from an Apple apologist. This isn't a butterfly keyboard situation, not at all. That was a legitimate hardware *and* PR screwup. The things we're talking about here are just choices.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I don't think it's reasonable to expect Apple to include in it's marketing for a new consumer laptop that base storage speeds are slower

Then why is it reasonable for them to advertise the machines are faster (in other benchmarks and comparison points)?

 

[EastHillWill]

Then why is it reasonable for them to advertise the machines are faster (in other benchmarks and comparison points)?

YoY processor improvement is a pretty standard data point to highlight. Storage speed isn't, especially on a laptop primarily intended for consumers. I'm not even sure Apple highlights read/write speed on their pro machines, but again, for that market I think downgrading the SSD without making note of it would be wrong. To be clear, I think what they did sucks, especially if it was primarily a cost saving move. I'm more sympathetic to supply issues, but either way it's not ideal.

 

[russell_314]

Inflation is largely due to, Inflation. Basically what happens is the Media and the News outlets report increased inflation, and it becomes trendy

Ummm I don't think this is how it works. It's not like a TikTok challenge 🤣

 

[hans1972]

Then why is it reasonable for them to advertise the machines are faster (in other benchmarks and comparison points)?

Because marketing is about selling.

Marketing is supposed to tell you about the good things about the product.