Mr. Retrofire
macrumors 603
It means Kaby Lake, because only the iGPU in those processors can decode future iTunes/Netflix/Amazon HEVC content.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
would apple upgrade the air
- Thread starter grandM
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
bodonnell202
macrumors 68030
So it's official - Macbook Air got a very minor processor upgrade in the base model. Looks like it's still Broadwell but they switched from i5-5250u to i5-5350u, which is a 200 Mhz boost on base and turbo speeds.
For those asking if they will update the MBA the answer is yes, but it's an even smaller update than we might of expected. I'm betting it's also the last update we'll see for the MBA...
[doublepost=1496692117][/doublepost]
For those asking if they will update the MBA the answer is yes, but it's an even smaller update than we might of expected. I'm betting it's also the last update we'll see for the MBA...
[doublepost=1496692117][/doublepost]
Nope, slightly faster Broadwell chip. The graphics are still listed as HD 6000.
kiwipeso1
Suspended
bodonnell202
macrumors 68030
The silver lining is that this update will breath a little more life into the longevity for future software updates for the MBA. I could be mistaken, but Apple tends to support their laptop models with software updates for about 5-6 years....give or take. So, a 2015 model would get updates to about 2020. This new processor should make this MBA the 2017 model, which should receive software updates until 2022.
Of course, there are no guarantees, but that's how it seems to have worked in the past.
EDIT: BTW - My 2014 MBA is hands-down the best computer I have every owned, and given the incredible MBA discounts offered by the big box stores, I believe it is still one of the best values.
Of course, there are no guarantees, but that's how it seems to have worked in the past.
EDIT: BTW - My 2014 MBA is hands-down the best computer I have every owned, and given the incredible MBA discounts offered by the big box stores, I believe it is still one of the best values.
Last edited:
sracer
macrumors G4
It's quite possible that Apple was "forced" to go to a slightly newer processor or discontinue the MBA completely. Maybe Intel gave Apple a better deal to move up slightly from that ancient CPU. Apple might've been the only reason why Intel was still making that chip. 🙂
bodonnell202
macrumors 68030
Quite possibly, the CPU they switched to is a newer stepping of the same chip (still from 2015 though). Intel may have been looking to simplify their production since they likely aren't manufacturing many Broadwell chips still...
MiniReplacement
Suspended
It may have been that Intel was discontinuing the i5-5250u. Apple is probably getting a discount on an older line, making more profit.
But still, whether the i5-5350u (speed bump) or the older i5-5250u, these were near the bottom of i5 mobile rocessors for speed. Why did Apple go so low in the first place?
So much for Apple being top of the line!!!!
[doublepost=1496780308][/doublepost]
Exactly my thoughts, too!
IMO, the only reason they are keeping the MBA is because it's the bottom of the line and they want to offer a $1000 laptop. When they can get the MacBook price down to that point, they will drop it.
bodonnell202
macrumors 68030
These were the top of line i5s with a thermal design power (TDP) of 15w (which is what the chassis & cooling system of the MBA was designed to handle) at the time the 2015 MBA models were released. You can't really compare them to i5s with 28w and 45w TDPs since they were generally used in larger laptops with more substantial cooling systems.
even with slight speed bump, they could have offered 16GB RAM build to order.
it is really embarrassing to use 2015 technology and call it Mid 2017 MBA. Do not mistake me, I like the MBA and ordered Mid 2017 1.8Ghz, 8GB and 512Gb. Was originally intend to buy Ref 2016 rMBP and decided against it because of the dongles (and do not have one device/hard drive with USB-C yet). so this Mid 2017 MBA serve me for another few years.
I think in the year 2015, apple really offered lots of products at $1299 price point. Similar specs MBA, MacBook, MBP for $1299, you choose based on your needs (rMB, MBA, rMBP -> 5W, 15W, 28W/35W CPU ->portability/battery life/performance). now it is all weird. To get 512GB you need to spend $1700 on rMBP.
it is really embarrassing to use 2015 technology and call it Mid 2017 MBA. Do not mistake me, I like the MBA and ordered Mid 2017 1.8Ghz, 8GB and 512Gb. Was originally intend to buy Ref 2016 rMBP and decided against it because of the dongles (and do not have one device/hard drive with USB-C yet). so this Mid 2017 MBA serve me for another few years.
I think in the year 2015, apple really offered lots of products at $1299 price point. Similar specs MBA, MacBook, MBP for $1299, you choose based on your needs (rMB, MBA, rMBP -> 5W, 15W, 28W/35W CPU ->portability/battery life/performance). now it is all weird. To get 512GB you need to spend $1700 on rMBP.
Last edited:
maerz001
macrumors 68030
But a 512gb was also not cheaper back than. yes it's expensive, but 20% more over the ancient air is ok when we talk about the new MBP.
But why anyone buys now a "new" 2years old air instead of refurbished is beyond me...
Dongle life! and when you see the reviews for all the adapter unless you have usb-c device, better to get a with USB port. other than that you are correct.
And there is sentiment getting the "new" one vs "used" one 🙂
rMBP with function key uses 15W CPU compared to 28W CPU in the MBP with touch bar.
I think the original poster means; for Apple standards, the machine is really outdated in every aspect.
Apple wants the MBA folks to turn over to rMBP with function key, but it is very expensive and no USB 3 ports (and just two USB-C ports) ; the iPad Pro is hitting 512GB in storage but MBP starts at 128GB.
maerz001
macrumors 68030
Bad reviews about some dongles stops u buying a MBP?
Well than just buy the good reviewed ones🙂 I have a hootoo hub and an Anker USBa to C dongle working flawless.
And 95% of the time I use my MB without anything plugged in. So don't complicate things...
USBa won't come back
I hear you! but we decided go with MBA 2017. we will stick it for few years before upgrading.
I like Macs. I have MBA and Mini.
Although I hope Apple will do real, meaningful upgarde. It seems like Apple's so called "upgarde" is aiming at limiting users accessbility and is aiming at your wallet. For instance, it makes it way more difficult to simply add more RAM. In some case the RAM is solider to the logiboard, impossible to add. Harddrive, shall you want to increase capacity or switch to SSD, Apple's "upgrade" makes it difficult on purpose, so you need special tools or spend an arm and a leg to the so called bogus "genius." Apple's greedy CEO in design is aiming at every pennies from you, not your accessibility. Disgusting!
Yes, I know long time DIYer myself, the days are upgrade able PC/Mac are going away.
But what is irritating is apple's way of eliminating upgrades (even if you spend money).
1) Low end iMac cannot upgrade to 512GB
2) Low end Mac Mini cannot upgrade to SSD
3) MBA cannot upgrade to 16GB RAM
4) Built to order are not given to best buy and such retailers where you find discounts.
and the list goes on (remember we had iPhone 16 GB, 64GB and 128GB)
only apple is courageous enough to screw their customers. Like Steve once called Microsoft, now Apple is run by Sales people. I do not mind appliance model but if apple can provide specs for each price point. Asking for $200 to upgrade from 128GB SSD to 256 SSD itself an rip off.
It is wiser to buy apple stock than apple products. I am Mac user since 2002 (12" PB). it is what it is. Thanks to SSDs we will keep the PC/Macs for longer time.
Last edited: