With MBPs 2018 released, what MB/MBA to expect?

[cyberone]

Apologies if this is in the wrong subforum.

For you wise people who've been with Mac notebooks for a long time:

After the launch of the latest MBPs, what next Macbook and / or Macbook Air to expect?

In terms of processors, RAM, screen, etc.?

I ask because there seems to be some logic in Apple releases, with a trickle down effect from the top to the lower lines.

Of course no one here knows whether there will be another MBA and when new machines will be announced, yet we might get an idea how the next updates of the "lower-end" notebooks will look like.

 

[afir93]

There are rumors about a new low-end MacBook this fall since a while now, and a few days ago there were some rumors that it would have last year's Kaby Lake chips, which would make sense, given that getting the price as low as possible is probably a big factor with these machines. It's unknown if they'll fall under the MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air branding – personally I can't see Apple continuing the outdated MacBook Air chassis, design and display, but who knows. My guess would be that they'll be more like a "light"-version of the 2017 nonTB MacBook Pro in terms of design, features and so on, possibly without the Pro-branding. In that case it would also make sense that the nonTB MBP wasn't refreshed just now.

Then of course there is the 12" MacBook. Not much known about new features for that one, though there were rumors it might use the new Amberlake CPUs. Apart from that I wouldn't expect any big changes.

In regards to your question about RAM, screen and so on, I wouldn't expect any surprises. 8GB of RAM will probably be the baseline for all of them, and I'd wager that the same goes for a Retina screen; I can't imagine the new low-end MB to release with the horrible old low-res MacBook Air screens.

 

[Howard2k]

There are rumors about a new low-end MacBook this fall since a while now, and a few days ago there were some rumors that it would have last year's Kaby Lake chips, which would make sense, given that getting the price as low as possible is probably a big factor with these machines. It's unknown if they'll fall under the MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air branding – personally I can't see Apple continuing the outdated MacBook Air chassis, design and display, but who knows. My guess would be that they'll be more like a "light"-version of the 2017 nonTB MacBook Pro in terms of design, features and so on, possibly without the Pro-branding. In that case it would also make sense that the nonTB MBP wasn't refreshed just now.

Then of course there is the 12" MacBook. Not much known about new features for that one, though there were rumors it might use the new Amberlake CPUs. Apart from that I wouldn't expect any big changes.

In regards to your question about RAM, screen and so on, I wouldn't expect any surprises. 8GB of RAM will probably be the baseline for all of them, and I'd wager that the same goes for a Retina screen; I can't imagine the new low-end MB to release with the horrible old low-res MacBook Air screens.

Seconded. I think this makes a lot of sense.

 

[jesChexin]

I am hoping for a new MBA/MB that is a Goldilocks type device. The 2018 MacBook Pro is “too much” for what I need, the 2017 12” MacBook is “too small,” and the MBA is “too old.” I’m interested in seeing what Apple does in this space, I just hope they do it soon as I’m in desperate need of a new laptop.

 

[netmaskit]

Apologies if this is in the wrong subforum.

For you wise people who've been with Mac notebooks for a long time:

After the launch of the latest MBPs, what next Macbook and / or Macbook Air to expect?

In terms of processors, RAM, screen, etc.?

I ask because there seems to be some logic in Apple releases, with a trickle down effect from the top to the lower lines.

Of course no one here knows whether there will be another MBA and when new machines will be announced, yet we might get an idea how the next updates of the "lower-end" notebooks will look like.

A new laptop from Apple will be probably released much sooner than most of you imagine:

In the beginning of July, Apple filed 3 models with the regulatory of Eurasia:
a1988, a1989, and a1990.
Later, Apple released 2 new MBPs:
13" and 15".
The number on the chassis of the 13" is a1989, and the number on the chassis of the 15" is a1990.
The a1988 is yet to be announced.
It's probably going to happen very soon, because usually there is a short time between the Eurasian filing and the announcement.

 

[cyberone]

A new laptop from Apple will be probably released much sooner than most of you imagine:

In the beginning of July, Apple filed 3 models with the regulatory of Eurasia:
a1988, a1989, and a1990.
Later, Apple released 2 new MBPs:
13" and 15".
The number on the chassis of the 13" is a1989, and the number on the chassis of the 15" is a1990.
The a1988 is yet to be announced.
It's probably going to happen very soon, because usually there is a short time between the Eurasian filing and the announcement.

That would be welcome. I'd go for the latest MBP, but that keyboard just seems a substantial step down from my trusted current MBA...

 

[DeepIn2U]

That would be welcome. I'd go for the latest MBP, but that keyboard just seems a substantial step down from my trusted current MBA...

Coming from a 2011 MBA 13" to 2018 MBP 13" the keys although "feel" different, the latter has a faster 'rebound' allowing to type just a bit faster if you press less on the keys. Hard to explain but the closest feeling is a feeling of "sticky" keys because there is less 'wiggle' side to side than the MBA but even if you hammer on the keys like I do then you'll adjust within 24hrs.

PS: Many people I've worked with in the past mention that when I type it's like I'm keying a piano in the sense that there is a rythmic sound lol.

 

[cyberone]

Coming from a 2011 MBA 13" to 2018 MBP 13" the keys although "feel" different, the latter has a faster 'rebound' allowing to type just a bit faster if you press less on the keys. Hard to explain but the closest feeling is a feeling of "sticky" keys because there is less 'wiggle' side to side than the MBA but even if you hammer on the keys like I do then you'll adjust within 24hrs.

PS: Many people I've worked with in the past mention that when I type it's like I'm keying a piano in the sense that there is a rythmic sound lol.

Exactly the MBA I'm on... so how does the new machine compare overall to the trusted old 2011 MBA?

 

[waziazi]

My guess is they will phase out the MBAs. Maybe add a 13 inch screen size to the MB line.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Exactly the MBA I'm on... so how does the new machine compare overall to the trusted old 2011 MBA?

Well you already know about dongle life!
- no SD card reader (I've purchased the Apple TV adapter with HDMI, USB3 and USB-C but I completely forgot photos and docs I've stored on a few SD cards ... ARRG.

recommended viewing:

Typing:
(let me preface this with that fact I'm 45yrs old, been typing since I've been 8yrs old first on manual typewriters, touch-typing).
When I type ... there seems to be a rhythm, some habit formed from manual typewriters, then transitioned to Commoder Pet, Vic20 (home), Apple ][e, Tandy (some junk at home), Macintosh, several windows desktop computers to my first laptop, a Compaq, Apple Ti_Book G4, MacBook Air 11" swapped for 13" for a few years, then Lenovo X240/T450s/460s/X1 Carbon 5th generation.

I wish I had a better description. Typing in the Apple store on a 2017 MBP 13" seems like almost typing on glass, hardly any travel, no rebound, and this cause me to double enter keys in any app when I typed. Again this was in the store, so no real adjustment time for me. The BEST laptop keyboard I've ever typed on was the X1 Carbon due to the familiarity of key travel on the defending (key press) that I've had for over 30yrs. VERY close is my current MBP 2018 13". I actually love the rebound (the key return after being pressed and lifting the finger), which allows me to quickly type again - if using the same or any other key because my muscle memory is quickly adjusting.

For those that complain about the TouchBar ... I say many are just winers and a few actual rely on the day to day muscle memory (something I was never taught in typing or computer classes, and yes I worked 3yrs on AS/400 3270 sessions daily). The TouchBar can be customized per application or a default set, while also be set to persistently have the Function (Fn) keys.

Great how to tips/tricks video here:

All in all if you liked the TouchBar and 2016/2017 MBP keyboard design (it's the same pretty much), you'll do just fine with a smile. If you disliked the keys ... you'll need to adjust or stop worrying or being aggrevated, take a deep breath and just do the work you want/need to do .. the aggravation will eventually fade away.

FYI:
MBA - slightly better keyboard because so many of us are used to it.
MBA - SD Card reader/writer slot
MBA - USB-A 2.0 ports x2
MBA - MiniDisplayPort (if you have adapters/LCD that relies on it)

MBP - Faster processing for just about anything (with current mid-2018 model comparison vs MBA)
MBP - Cleaner and better screen resolution, True Tone (which can be quickly disabled)
MBP - having a Fn key row that adapts to the application you're using (which can be customized) is very productive if you just open your mind and give it a try over a week or two. We all still glance at the keys so you'll see the benefit soon enough. Have iTunes playing in it's own desktop space you'll see why.
MBP - smaller in terms of dimensional size and volume for carrying, yet although lighter ... "seems" a tiny bit heavier (I have no ideal why I'm perceiving this).
MBP - will continue to evolve.

MBA will soon be fully replaced and or merged into the tiny MacBook.

If you're still not sure ... save your money, or invest it to grow, and take your time practicing in the store or wait until mid-september for Apple to update the MacBook or the MacBook Air.

Cheers.

 

[cyberone]

Thanks much @DeepIn2U, very helpful!

 

[roland.g]

Give me a 14” MacBook with TouchBar and Retina Screen that is not too underpowered and with decent battery that supports 16GB RAM and upwards of a 1TB SSD and I am in. I don’t need 6 Cores and a dedicated GPU but I want a bigger screen than my 13” Air.

I’d also like it to come in around 3.25-3.5 lbs.

Otherwise I’ll get a 15” Pro that is way more than I need just for the screen.