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m1maverick

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2020
1,368
1,267
I'm basing it on pictures, AR, and the measurements given in both the unleashed event and on Apple's websites. I don't get your hostility; I've said several times that the perception that many people have that the newer MBPs look thicker is likely due to a few factors. I'm not claiming facts; I'm conjecturing. ?‍♂️
There's no conjecture as we have the published specifications on the each models thickness. People keep stating they're thicker when then reality is they're the same (14") or a mere 1.2mm (16") thicker (which, IMO, is imperceptible). It's my opinion making statements of "they're thicker" based on the feet is stretching it, that's not hostility just expressing my opinion.
 
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transpo1

macrumors 65816
Jul 15, 2010
1,048
1,722
It will be interesting to see what they do with the next Air. Will they retain a “wedge” in some form, or switch to the boxier design of the new Pros? If M2 is based on the A15 (or A16), it should gain even more efficiency, so Apple shouldn’t feel the pressure to make the Air any thicker or heavier (I’d actually like them to bring back an ultralight model - it would be a perfect use of the M2’s performance per watt). I’m sure we’ll see the bigger screen with the notch, but it won’t get ProMotion or the fancier speakers and microphone.
It appears based on some renderings they were doing away with the wedge design. That said, I’d also love for them to bring back the MacBook 12” design with M2. The performance and power gains would be tremendous in such a light weight machine. I still have my Intel version and have been waiting to trade it in until they do precisely that ?
 

januarydrive7

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2020
537
578
There's no conjecture as we have the published specifications on the each models thickness. People keep stating they're thicker when then reality is they're the same (14") or a mere 1.2mm (16") thicker (which, IMO, is imperceptible). It's my opinion making statements of "they're thicker" based on the feet is stretching it, that's not hostility just expressing my opinion.
Reread my post. I didn't say "they're thicker" based on the feet. I've even said that I don't even perceive them as thicker. What I said is that some people might perceive them as thicker based on what looks to be thicker feet. I agree that the thickness of the machine omitting the feet is negligibly thicker for the 16", but perceptibility is subjective --- I gave a conjecture for why some people might perceive it to be thicker, such as the ratio of width:height of the actual case (not including feet) being higher.
 
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m1maverick

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2020
1,368
1,267
Reread my post. I didn't say "they're thicker" based on the feet. I've even said that I don't even perceive them as thicker. What I said is that some people might perceive them as thicker based on what looks to be thicker feet. I agree that the thickness of the machine omitting the feet is negligibly thicker for the 16", but perceptibility is subjective --- I gave a conjecture for why some people might perceive it to be thicker, such as the ratio of width:height of the actual case (not including feet) being higher.
So far you're the only one (at least that I've seen) who has claimed they're perceptively thicker based on the feet. You're really stretching this foot thing by applying it to others.
 
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Phil77354

macrumors 68000
Jun 22, 2014
1,927
2,036
Pacific Northwest, U.S.
Well, you’re right— and that’s the direction Apple went with. Function over form. For instance, the beefy display lid is dictated by the mini LED, I’m sure.

Laptops can be beautiful, though— the original MacBook Air and the MacBook 12” come to mind. For this particular machine, though— we needed a BEAST ??

It will be interesting to see what they do with the next Air. Will they retain a “wedge” in some form, or switch to the boxier design of the new Pros? . . .

It appears based on some renderings they were doing away with the wedge design. That said, I’d also love for them to bring back the MacBook 12” design with M2. The performance and power gains would be tremendous in such a light weight machine. I still have my Intel version and have been waiting to trade it in until they do precisely that ?
We have a 2015 MacBook 12" as well, so are in kind of the same position. I like the weight and slim profile. If we went to an Apple store now (or as soon as they have these new models on display) and looked at a new Air, side-by-side with one of the new Pro models, I think the display and possibly other features would make it difficult for us to get an Air today.

But the cost is so much more . . .

It's nice to speculate on the different choices. When the time comes to actually buy one, I don't know what my decision will be.
 

januarydrive7

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2020
537
578
So far you're the only one (at least that I've seen) who has claimed they're perceptively thicker based on the feet. You're really stretching this foot thing by applying it to others.
I've seen many people talk about how thick the new machines look. I've seen many people talk about how the thickness is minimally different. I haven't seen a lot of people talk about where the thickness measurement comes from, so I pointed to a fact (that the feet are not included) as a possible reason for the perceived difference. I've never claimed to do a statistical analysis of how many people are perceiving a difference in thickness due to feet. :rolleyes:
 

marinersaptcomplex

macrumors 6502
Sep 20, 2021
428
556
This is the tiniest, tiniest, tiniest thing: but I think the Touch ID sensor on the current MBA/M1 Pros looks so much better than the one on these new ones/iMac keyboards...they look kinda cheap with the circle in the square. I prefer the smooth glass square.
 

m1maverick

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2020
1,368
1,267
I've seen many people talk about how thick the new machines look. I've seen many people talk about how the thickness is minimally different. I haven't seen a lot of people talk about where the thickness measurement comes from, so I pointed to a fact (that the feet are not included) as a possible reason for the perceived difference. I've never claimed to do a statistical analysis of how many people are perceiving a difference in thickness due to feet. :rolleyes:
I think the reason people are talking about how thick the new machines look is because they read they are thicker. That's what I thought until I was checking out the specs. Thus leading to my initial comment about thickness.

That said is your reason a possible reason? Certainly, though I don't think it likely thus my characterization of it stretching.
 

januarydrive7

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2020
537
578
I think the reason people are talking about how thick the new machines look is because they read they are thicker. That's what I thought until I was checking out the specs. Thus leading to my initial comment about thickness.
Possibly, although I haven't read any posts from users saying they think it's thicker simply because they read that it's thicker.
That said is your reason a possible reason? Certainly, though I don't think it likely thus my characterization of it stretching.
I think it's more likely that there's some other reason other than perception based on reading that they're thicker, such as a higher width:height ratio.

Edit: Then again, off-the-cuff math isn't my strong suit. Doing the calculation, the width:height ratio is actually smaller with the new 16" (~22.01 vs. ~21.23) ?‍♂️
 

KPOM

macrumors P6
Oct 23, 2010
18,311
8,324
It appears based on some renderings they were doing away with the wedge design. That said, I’d also love for them to bring back the MacBook 12” design with M2. The performance and power gains would be tremendous in such a light weight machine. I still have my Intel version and have been waiting to trade it in until they do precisely that ?
The rumor mill was spot on this time around, probably because it was based on stolen documents as opposed to inside leaks (the latter always subject to intentionally false “leaks”). I actually like the wedge design since it is a bit more comfortable typing on the sloping case, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see essentially a smaller version of the 14” Pro case design.
 

smoking monkey

macrumors 68020
Mar 5, 2008
2,363
1,508
I HUNGER
It's a pretty damn fine piece of stonking kit. Apple really outdid themselves.
In saying that, it's not perfect!

1. too thick and heavy
2. UGLY
3. No USB A
4. No FaceID (and keep TouchID)
5. Only two colors.

I know that thinner and lighter means hotter and less battery, but I'm just sayin'!
Ugly doesn't really matter, but it's so unApple like.
No USB A isn't a big problem, but my work still uses printers with USB A, so I have to carry around my own printer to USB C cable to the various locations. This is a me problem.
FaceID would have been sweet, but it's not overly important with TouchID. And if they dumped TouchID for FaceID it would be a disaster in our masked up world.
As for colors, well, it'd be nice to a have a metallic racing green MBP! Haha.

All small piddling things in the grand scheme of the new machines. On the surface and just thinking about it, I'm giving Apple a 9.8/10 on this release. This wasn't an iterative decent phone/watch release. This was outta this world!

Well done Apple. We are quick to jump on when they stuff up, but gotta give em the plaudits when they reach for the stars.
 

m1maverick

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2020
1,368
1,267
Possibly, although I haven't read any posts from users saying they think it's thicker simply because they read that it's thicker.

I think it's more likely that there's some other reason other than perception based on reading that they're thicker, such as a higher width:height ratio.
Or the fact that the 16" is actually thicker (ignoring feet). Thus someone stating it's thicker is correct in doing so and therefore it would not be unreasonable for someone reading that fact to continue stating it. This whole thicker by feet thing is really stretching it given more reasonable explanations.
 

januarydrive7

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2020
537
578
Or the fact that the 16" is actually thicker (ignoring feet). Thus someone stating it's thicker is correct in doing so and therefore it would not be unreasonable for someone reading that fact to continue stating it. This whole thicker by feet thing is really stretching it given more reasonable explanations.
0.06 cm thicker is perceptively negligible. For people to be complaining this much that it's so much thicker encourages the researcher in me to look for reasons why. I'm sorry to have offended you so much by offering a possible, though potentially incorrect reason. I've yet to see more reasonable explanations given for perceived thickness, though ?‍♂️
 

mercury895

macrumors newbie
Feb 1, 2010
13
38
Especially considering the Notch. What is the point of a Notch if you're not achieving the very thing it was designed for?!
The menu bar is like 2.5 times thicker, just so it can line up with the notch.
Instead of getting a reasonable bezel + thin menu bar, you are getting a thin bezel + a thicker Menu bar. There is barely any real estate gained at all.

The fact that there isn't any FaceID just adds insult to injury.
You can auto-hide the menu bar the same as the dock. There is no reason for it to be there all the time and you get extra screen real estate.
 
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KPOM

macrumors P6
Oct 23, 2010
18,311
8,324
It's a pretty damn fine piece of stonking kit. Apple really outdid themselves.
In saying that, it's not perfect!

1. too thick and heavy
2. UGLY
3. No USB A
4. No FaceID (and keep TouchID)
5. Only two colors.

I know that thinner and lighter means hotter and less battery, but I'm just sayin'!
Ugly doesn't really matter, but it's so unApple like.
No USB A isn't a big problem, but my work still uses printers with USB A, so I have to carry around my own printer to USB C cable to the various locations. This is a me problem.
FaceID would have been sweet, but it's not overly important with TouchID. And if they dumped TouchID for FaceID it would be a disaster in our masked up world.
As for colors, well, it'd be nice to a have a metallic racing green MBP! Haha.

All small piddling things in the grand scheme of the new machines. On the surface and just thinking about it, I'm giving Apple a 9.8/10 on this release. This wasn't an iterative decent phone/watch release. This was outta this world!

Well done Apple. We are quick to jump on when they stuff up, but gotta give em the plaudits when they reach for the stars.
1) I agree that it would be nice to have a thinner and lighter option with the M1 Pro.
2) Disagree here. Apple‘s materials prominently display the “feet” but that won’t be noticeable when it’s on a desk. It’s definitely better than the ”platform” that the latest Surface Pro Studio sits on.
3) USB-A is never coming back.
4) I’m guessing FaceID would require a thicker top case, at least until Apple can shrink the module.
5) True, but that’s always been the case with the MacBook Pro. Apparently Apple doesn’t think Gold/Rose Gold looks “professional.”
 

Hunter5117

macrumors 6502a
Mar 17, 2010
569
401
I can't argue that the new performance specs, insane processor specs, promotion, back to reasonable variety of ports, MagSafe charger and all the rest are all really welcome improvements. However, I do think the edge profile is ugly as compared to my i9 16" MBP with the slightly upswept bottom line. Regardless, I planned to keep my current 16" for at least 2-3 more years and that will stay my plan for the foreseeable future.

Oh yeah, I do like the Touch Bar as well.
 

mercury895

macrumors newbie
Feb 1, 2010
13
38
The menu bar is like almost over 2 times thicker than what it was. Moving it up 5mm has done absolutely nothing to create more space.

Thin bezel + Thin Menu bar vs. No Bezel + Thick Menu Bar to line up with the notch. There is no more usable space than there already was.
You can auto-hide the menu bar the same as the dock. There is no reason for it to be there all the time and you get extra screen real estate.
 
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m1maverick

macrumors 65816
Nov 22, 2020
1,368
1,267
0.06 cm thicker is perceptively negligible. For people to be complaining this much that it's so much thicker encourages the researcher in me to look for reasons why. I'm sorry to have offended you so much by offering a possible, though potentially incorrect reason. I've yet to see more reasonable explanations given for perceived thickness, though ?‍♂️
I agree it's negligible (stated as much in my first post on this subject). However I think it's more reasonable to assume people are carrying the "it's thicker" mantra not because of the feet but because it (at least the 16" model) is thicker and therefore when someone reads that it's thicker they assume what they're reading is correct (which it is). They just may not realize that it's not really perceptible.
 
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januarydrive7

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2020
537
578
I agree it's negligible (stated as much in my first post on this subject). However I think it's more reasonable to assume people are carrying the "it's thicker" mantra not because of the feet but because it (at least the 16" model) is thicker and therefore when someone reads that it's thicker they assume what they're reading is correct (which it is). They just may not realize that it's not really perceptible.
We might agree more than disagree, but I won't assume that.

My line of conversation has never been directed at the fact of the negligible difference in thickness, but entirely at the claimed perception.

However, I do think the edge profile is ugly as compared to my i9 16" MBP with the slightly upswept bottom line.
This is a great contender for why many might perceive it as significantly thicker.
 
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chumps

Cancelled
Sep 2, 2020
71
62
I was surprised to find that the new MBP's are more or less the same thickness as the old ones because, yes, it does certainly appear thicker.
 
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januarydrive7

macrumors 6502a
Oct 23, 2020
537
578
I was surprised to find that the new MBP's are more or less the same thickness as the old ones because, yes, it does certainly appear thicker.
Prompted by my discussion with @m1mavrerick, I did a screen grab of Apple's renders of the old vs. new 16" MBPs and cropped to align the top of the cases and cut off the feet from the newer model.

To me, the flatter edge + feet seems to add to the thickness illusion.

1634605351954.png
 

armoured

macrumors regular
Feb 1, 2018
211
163
ether
Not gonna lie I was happy waiting for updated mini but now I'm gonna wait for the reviews and I'm really interested in the 14" with 10/16 cores.
Not at all bold prediction: when the first several months of purchase frenzy and backlogged orders is cleared, and esp end-year purchases and gifts, the Mini will get updated - probably not before about March.
 
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