I want a 12"MB, not the new MBA

[kutxitril]

Guys, I just did it.
Got special price drop from the University (in Switzerland), for the high-end 12” MB (i7, 16gb ram, 512gb). Total price was 1850 $.

After looking at the benchmarks of new MBA, and confirming that its processor scores very VERY similar to i7 MB, I am convinced that high-end 12”MB can look face to face to new MBA in terms of power.

Also, as some of you suggested, I also gave a thought to the usage I usually do with a laptop and truth is I don’t do very heavy computing.

I cannot think of a better formfactor, portable device. And I decided to go for the high-end to overcome the inherent power deficit of the 12”.

 

[catlv]

Guys, I just did it.
Got special price drop from the University (in Switzerland), for the high-end 12” MB (i7, 16gb ram, 512gb). Total price was 1850 $.

After looking at the benchmarks of new MBA, and confirming that its processor scores very VERY similar to i7 MB, I am convinced that high-end 12”MB can look face to face to new MBA in terms of power.

Also, as some of you suggested, I also gave a thought to the usage I usually do with a laptop and truth is I don’t do very heavy computing.

I cannot think of a better formfactor, portable device. And I decided to go for the high-end to overcome the inherent power deficit of the 12”.

Good to hear!

I’m getting the same configuration also next month, or maybe around Black Friday.

My usage patterns and the MB’s form-factor were really the most compelling factors for me.

 

[kutxitril]

Good to hear!

I’m getting the same configuration also next month, or maybe around Black Friday.

My usage patterns and the MB’s form-factor were really the most compelling factors for me.

Good to hear your choice as well!
Wise strategy to wait for B.Friday. I'd have done it if not for this university discount (official price of high-end 12"MB is 2200$ in Switzerland).

 

[objektør]

The new rMBA has usb-c thunderbolt ports and an intel Y cpu (amberlake). Is this TB integrated in the CPU or is there a separate controller?
If/ when the rMB gets an update with an Amberlake Y cpu (tdp 5 Watt ?) does this mean it can have a Thunderbolt usb-c port?
I wonder because I thought Amberlake was not capable to deliver thunderbolt or am I wrong

 

[fokmik]

Now i understand why Apple did not update the 12" MB with 8th gen cpu...bec the top model would surpass the 13" 7W cpu from MBA

 

[EugW]

The new rMBA has usb-c thunderbolt ports and an intel Y cpu (amberlake). Is this TB integrated in the CPU or is there a separate controller?
If/ when the rMB gets an update with an Amberlake Y cpu (tdp 5 Watt ?) does this mean it can have a Thunderbolt usb-c port?
I wonder because I thought Amberlake was not capable to deliver thunderbolt or am I wrong

Amber Lake does not have Thunderbolt built in, so it must be a separate controller.

 

[ZipZap]

As a three year owner of the MB I moved to the Air and I dont regret it. I was out of warranty and facing the potential having to deal with the first year product issues (keyboard, battery).

I got a good trade and the Air is terrific. Fan silent. Size is fine. Audio is great. Screen is plenty bright unless you sit outside unshaded. The extra weight is not a factor for me though I could see others may not agree.

BTW, has apple resolved the I7 issue in the MB. Last I heard it heated up the machine and could not sustain higher CPU speeds due to the heat.

 

[EugW]

As a three year owner of the MB I moved to the Air and I dont regret it. I was out of warranty and facing the potential having to deal with the first year product issues (keyboard, battery).

I got a good trade and the Air is terrific. Fan silent. Size is fine. Audio is great. Screen is plenty bright unless you sit outside unshaded. The extra weight is not a factor for me though I could see others may not agree.

The Air is 35% heavier than the MacBook, and has the exact same footprint as the MacBook Pro. The MacBook is much, much smaller.

IMO the MacBook and Air really aren’t very comparable machines in terms of portability. The Air is at best minimally more portable than the Pro.

If that’s fine with you then that’s great but for those who found the Pro too big, they’d likely find the Air too big too since the Air has the exact same footprint and is only 9% lighter.

In fact, if I were good with the Air’s size, I would go with the Pro instead to get better performance and the much better screen, esp. considering the pricing. Getting a Pro on the refurb store is actually cheaper than retail for the Air. (The Air won’t be available on the refurb store until 2019.)

 

[James.K.Polk]

Guys, I just did it.
Got special price drop from the University (in Switzerland), for the high-end 12” MB (i7, 16gb ram, 512gb). Total price was 1850 $.

After looking at the benchmarks of new MBA, and confirming that its processor scores very VERY similar to i7 MB, I am convinced that high-end 12”MB can look face to face to new MBA in terms of power.

Also, as some of you suggested, I also gave a thought to the usage I usually do with a laptop and truth is I don’t do very heavy computing.

I cannot think of a better formfactor, portable device. And I decided to go for the high-end to overcome the inherent power deficit of the 12”.

This is the Macbook I have (and is for sale). Really, really terrific machine - even better when paired with an external. I just find myself wanting more screen real estate for my workflow (law student, patent agent) - but the power has always been more than sufficient. I don't know what the i7 gets us, practically, but the 16 GB of RAM make running basically all the apps I need a breeze.

 

[KPOM]

I know about all things new MBA does better than current 12"MB but....

Let's be fair: New MBA cannot compete with
- 2 pounds of weight
- fanless
- 0.14 to 0.5 inch thin

I see the new MBA and I still prefer the 12"MB.
I have a wide budget so my purchase would be top high-end with i7 cpu, 16gb RAM and 512gb SSD.

My question is:
Should I buy it or should I wait for 2019?
2019 meaning:
- New CPU (ARM?)
- 3rd gen keyboard
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port
- 1TB SSD?


Don't try to convince me to go for new MBA ;-)

There is no way the MacBook is getting Thunderbolt before Cannonlake (if then). There isn't sufficient thermal capacity in the current design. That's partly why the MacBook Air has a fan. The only potential upgrades would be Amber Lake and the 3rd-gen keyboard, and larger SSD. I think all are doubtful unless there is another delay to Cannonlake into 2020. The 3rd-gen keyboard feels a little softer than the 2nd-gen but the 2nd-gen has been fine with me.

 

[EugW]

There is no way the MacBook is getting Thunderbolt before Cannonlake (if then). There isn't sufficient thermal capacity in the current design. That's partly why the MacBook Air has a fan. The only potential upgrades would be Amber Lake and the 3rd-gen keyboard, and larger SSD. I think all are doubtful unless there is another delay to Cannonlake into 2020. The 3rd-gen keyboard feels a little softer than the 2nd-gen but the 2nd-gen has been fine with me.

I don’t think Cannon Lake will include Thunderbolt either. My understanding is that Cannon Lake is supposed to just be a die shrink of Kaby Lake / Amber Lake.

It was apparently Ice Lake that was supposed to include Thunderbolt built-in.

 

[in Cider]

There is no way the MacBook is getting Thunderbolt before Cannonlake (if then). There isn't sufficient thermal capacity in the current design. That's partly why the MacBook Air has a fan. The only potential upgrades would be Amber Lake and the 3rd-gen keyboard, and larger SSD. I think all are doubtful unless there is another delay to Cannonlake into 2020. The 3rd-gen keyboard feels a little softer than the 2nd-gen but the 2nd-gen has been fine with me.

Just to confirm, are you saying the TB chip is part of the reason the MBA has a fan? Is this a fact or a guestimate? The reason I ask is the TDP on the JHL7540 is 2.4W and it's physical location is on the opposite side of the case and about as far away from the fan as can be.

I really hope the overall thermal profile can support a fanless design with tb3 in the next MB release, fanless is a big draw for me. Hopefully they can make space for more logicboard by including less battery as a result of power savings.

 

[Abs_p]

The Air is 35% heavier than the MacBook, and has the exact same footprint as the MacBook Pro. The MacBook is much, much smaller.

IMO the MacBook and Air really aren’t very comparable machines in terms of portability. The Air is at best minimally more portable than the Pro.

If that’s fine with you then that’s great but for those who found the Pro too big, they’d likely find the Air too big too since the Air has the exact same footprint and is only 9% lighter.

In fact, if I were good with the Air’s size, I would go with the Pro instead to get better performance and the much better screen, esp. considering the pricing. Getting a Pro on the refurb store is actually cheaper than retail for the Air. (The Air won’t be available on the refurb store until 2019.)

At similar price, Pro is a better deal, yes but I wouldn't get anything from Apple's refurb when It's not THAT hard to get a new laptop for more or less the same price as Apple's refurbs price at one of their authorized resellers. You can get a new air for $999 from Microcenter, price match at BBY. Last year I got a new MBP and no sales tax for $1099 from B&H. You just need to shop around.

 

[jingo_man]

At similar price, Pro is a better deal, yes but I wouldn't get anything from Apple's refurb when It's not THAT hard to get a new laptop for more or less the same price as Apple's refurbs price at one of their authorized resellers. You can get a new air for $999 from Microcenter, price match at BBY. Last year I got a new MBP and no sales tax for $1099 from B&H. You just need to shop around.

Does anyone know any equivalent “shopping around” options in the UK? Our VAT sales tax is always included. Black Friday is now a “thing” over here as well, but the general news reporting of deals is pretty poor.

KRCS are offering 6% off all MacBook sales and 10 months interest free financing is available, credit check pending obviously. I am holding out that their BF sales, starting Monday, offers even more with the MacBook not being a 2018 (specific) model.

Depending who you work for, I have seen similar company provided discounts in the region of up to 6% as well.

 

[JPH675]

My dilemma:

Have a first generation, early 2015 i5/8/256 1.1 MacBook, which has been absolutely flawless since day 1, these are such cool notebooks. It is used in conjunction with a 4K LG UltraFine display, with 3 USB-C ports, sold by Apple giving a super desktop experience along with ultra-portability of the 2 lb MacBook. USB-C is fine for my needs, Thunderbolt-3 not required, and 8 GB RAM is fine for my use. But it is time to update/upgrade. Zero issues with the keyboard but I will not eat near it nor get crumbs in it.

2018 rMBA: Disappointed in the dimmer display vs. my MacBook, hate fan noise, larger form factor, and feel it is 15-20% overpriced.

Given the last update was about 18 months ago, do I pull the trigger on a refurb MacBook now since that early 2017 update or wait it out hoping for an updated 2019 MacBook?

Thoughts?

 

[ascender]

Thing is, if you want a MacBook (presumably because of portability and/or its more than capable of doing what you need), you're unlikely to want an Air.

Looking on the Apple refurb store in the UK today, you can get a refurbed MB for about £1000. The Air starts at £1399. A spec-bumped MB when/if it lands is still going to be more than capable of doing everything you want (if you're in the market for a MB in the first place), so I'd still be tempted to go for one of those over an Air.

I know the MB gets a raw deal on these forums, but the fact remains that for many people, its all the power they need and its also got the advantage of being incredibly portable. I do think if it was going to be updated it would have happened at the same time as the Air so I do wonder if its being held over for when it goes ARM.

And yes @jingo_man you'll see some corporate offers which get you a wee bit more discount too. Occasionally some of the high street retailers have price offers (not massive) or even refurb units on their eBay stores.

 

[EugW]

My dilemma:

Have a first generation, early 2015 i5/8/256 1.1 MacBook, which has been absolutely flawless since day 1, these are such cool notebooks. It is used in conjunction with a 4K LG UltraFine display, with 3 USB-C ports, sold by Apple giving a super desktop experience along with ultra-portability of the 2 lb MacBook. USB-C is fine for my needs, Thunderbolt-3 not required, and 8 GB RAM is fine for my use. But it is time to update/upgrade. Zero issues with the keyboard but I will not eat near it nor get crumbs in it.

2018 rMBA: Disappointed in the dimmer display vs. my MacBook, hate fan noise, larger form factor, and feel it is 15-20% overpriced.

Given the last update was about 18 months ago, do I pull the trigger on a refurb MacBook now since that early 2017 update or wait it out hoping for an updated 2019 MacBook?

Thoughts?

If your 2015 MacBook still works fine, and what you really want is an updated MacBook, then definitely wait it out.

 

[KPOM]

My dilemma:

Have a first generation, early 2015 i5/8/256 1.1 MacBook, which has been absolutely flawless since day 1, these are such cool notebooks. It is used in conjunction with a 4K LG UltraFine display, with 3 USB-C ports, sold by Apple giving a super desktop experience along with ultra-portability of the 2 lb MacBook. USB-C is fine for my needs, Thunderbolt-3 not required, and 8 GB RAM is fine for my use. But it is time to update/upgrade. Zero issues with the keyboard but I will not eat near it nor get crumbs in it.

2018 rMBA: Disappointed in the dimmer display vs. my MacBook, hate fan noise, larger form factor, and feel it is 15-20% overpriced.

Given the last update was about 18 months ago, do I pull the trigger on a refurb MacBook now since that early 2017 update or wait it out hoping for an updated 2019 MacBook?

Thoughts?

It seems unlikely that the MacBook will get an upgrade until at least Cannon Lake, which is a year off at best. There is quite a difference in performance between the 2017 and 2015 MacBook.

 

[jingo_man]

I just pulled the trigger today...! MacBook 12”, i7, 16GB, 256GB.

Thanks for everyone’s inputs across the threads I have posted in. This really helped me to this decision.

• There isn’t enough performance difference on the Air, in shorts burst, less than 10% by some measures (i.e. Cinebench). My heavy uses, code compiling, aren’t likely to be extended to make a difference. I got the i7, to make myself feel happier about the 7th gen, mobile series CPU and I may get a small percentage back.
• Most usage is browsers, messaging apps, video browsing, productivity apps. Running a VM for a work app that is Windows only. Max RAM is what I need here.
• I travel for work.
• I travel to my sofa, and lye in awkward angles. 2lbs is great.
• Screen is actually brighter than new Air. Go figure!
• Rarely transcode or process media. It if I do, it’s for short videos that I think this will still function pretty well within initial Turbo Boosts. And rest of the times, I’ll wait a bit longer...
• Did I mention 2lbs?
• Whilst overall a pain, looking forward to USB C world... when I get there, it should mean I’ll have fewer cables and devices in my setup. Hope there a good new device coming. Hope it isn’t deprecated too soon and becomes a good standard.
• Commentary about next model’s anticipated release date and innards. I need the device today and agree with the expectations, which means it may not get updated imminently. And it’s current specs are close enough to the Air. Full circle from opening bullet.

Really, my only gripe is the single port and that it’s not Thunderbolt 3. Technical trade off, for the above usage profile. But I think my common usage will be a single device attached. And I’m sure a desk-bound solution is possible for my needs on those rare occasions.

Finally, if I get a couple / few years out of it, it becomes my young kids first laptop in time... what a device for a 1st!

I’m like a kid at Christmas!

UK purchase, KRCS online store. Black Friday 9% discount, with interest free financing for 10 months.

 

[catlv]

Ordered a MB with 'the works' this AM.

Delivery by Dec 3-5.

BTW, how long does 'Order in Progress' usually take? Weird that my card hasn't been charged yet.

 

[jingo_man]

Typically the card is charged as the order is being fulfilled. Those timelines seem about right, direct from Apple.

I’m being quoted 6th Dec, but it has been changing nearly daily since ordering on KRCS’ tracking portal. But aligns with yours, plus extra days between parties until it arrives for my early Xmas!

 

[spook]

I just pulled the trigger today...! MacBook 12”, i7, 16GB, 256GB.


UK purchase, KRCS online store. Black Friday 9% discount, with interest free financing for 10 months.

I presume this is the Gold?

For some reason they don't advertise the Storm Grey in those specs

Still trying to decide between this and a 13" pro

 

[BeatCrazy]

I just pulled the trigger today...! MacBook 12”, i7, 16GB, 256GB.

Thanks for everyone’s inputs across the threads I have posted in. This really helped me to this decision.

• There isn’t enough performance difference on the Air, in shorts burst, less than 10% by some measures (i.e. Cinebench). My heavy uses, code compiling, aren’t likely to be extended to make a difference. I got the i7, to make myself feel happier about the 7th gen, mobile series CPU and I may get a small percentage back.
• Most usage is browsers, messaging apps, video browsing, productivity apps. Running a VM for a work app that is Windows only. Max RAM is what I need here.
• I travel for work.
• I travel to my sofa, and lye in awkward angles. 2lbs is great.
• Screen is actually brighter than new Air. Go figure!
• Rarely transcode or process media. It if I do, it’s for short videos that I think this will still function pretty well within initial Turbo Boosts. And rest of the times, I’ll wait a bit longer...
• Did I mention 2lbs?
• Whilst overall a pain, looking forward to USB C world... when I get there, it should mean I’ll have fewer cables and devices in my setup. Hope there a good new device coming. Hope it isn’t deprecated too soon and becomes a good standard.
• Commentary about next model’s anticipated release date and innards. I need the device today and agree with the expectations, which means it may not get updated imminently. And it’s current specs are close enough to the Air. Full circle from opening bullet.

Really, my only gripe is the single port and that it’s not Thunderbolt 3. Technical trade off, for the above usage profile. But I think my common usage will be a single device attached. And I’m sure a desk-bound solution is possible for my needs on those rare occasions.

Finally, if I get a couple / few years out of it, it becomes my young kids first laptop in time... what a device for a 1st!

I’m like a kid at Christmas!

UK purchase, KRCS online store. Black Friday 9% discount, with interest free financing for 10 months.

Yep, I think you'll like it. I have 2 of the 12" MacBooks, along with 2 of the 13" MacBook Pros (current gen).

The size/weight delta is bigger than most would have you believe. The 12" is crazy-good for sitting on the couch, and feels like nothing in your bag.

You shouldn't worry about the lack of TB3 port. Unless you're planning on using an eGPU to an external display, there really isn't much benefit. And if you do need a display connected, the 2017 12" MacBook can drive a 4K display for normal tasks, no problem.

 

[jingo_man]

I presume this is the Gold?

For some reason they don't advertise the Storm Grey in those specs

Still trying to decide between this and a 13" pro

I have Space Grey on order. When filtering the devices on the Mac page, it had 3 items per each spec for the 3 colours it comes in (rose gold, space grey & silver).

It was listed as either out of stock or custom order, can’t remember which now. But it was listed.

Still waiting. I’ll post my experience when I get it, though many have commented and recommend it who probably use it similar or harder to my intended uses...
[doublepost=1543097742][/doublepost]@BeatCrazy thanks for confirming the single port up to 4K. Sure it’ll be great.

 

[GlastoEls]

If your 2015 MacBook still works fine, and what you really want is an updated MacBook, then definitely wait it out.

Agreed and that’s my scenario.