iPad OS is still very different to Mac OS so I wouldn't recommend getting that over a macbook 12" unless you're ok with the mediocre file management of iPad OS. The Macbook 12" is still lighter than the ipad + keyboard combo so it's still more portable. But I agree that the Macbook 12" is outdated; if you were to buy a mac today, it should really have the M1 chip.
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Would you buy a MacBook 12" in 2021?
- Thread starter DaneTheGr8
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Hi I'm also running MACBOOK 12 m3/8gb 2016 , and previous use MacBook Pro 13 2015 , and also occasionally use Macbook 12 m/8 2015
from my experience , if you guys planning to buy MACBOOK 12 RETINA ,
must be 2016 or 2017 , because the faster processor and storage speed , brings huge difference compare using 2015 ones ,
if is new wait until warranty finish , visit fixit.com or sent to trusted apple 3rd party tech to do thermal paste replaced , otherwise you make break something ,
if bought used MacBook , please replace thermal paste right away ,for future hassle trust me this MacBook runs cool no lag .
some people have dead cpu with original OEM thermal paste , etc ... if you guys comes from many laptop before you know that OEM thermal paste sucks.
why I changed from MacBook Pro 13 2015 , first the speakers in MacBook 12 sound amazing and also the screen , and I like new keyboard , no fan noise , and save for last , `thin , light and portable. also with new type-c charging , easily swappable with your other type c charger.
finger cross if apple make one with M1 Chip , 🥲😇
from my experience , if you guys planning to buy MACBOOK 12 RETINA ,
must be 2016 or 2017 , because the faster processor and storage speed , brings huge difference compare using 2015 ones ,
if is new wait until warranty finish , visit fixit.com or sent to trusted apple 3rd party tech to do thermal paste replaced , otherwise you make break something ,
if bought used MacBook , please replace thermal paste right away ,for future hassle trust me this MacBook runs cool no lag .
some people have dead cpu with original OEM thermal paste , etc ... if you guys comes from many laptop before you know that OEM thermal paste sucks.
why I changed from MacBook Pro 13 2015 , first the speakers in MacBook 12 sound amazing and also the screen , and I like new keyboard , no fan noise , and save for last , `thin , light and portable. also with new type-c charging , easily swappable with your other type c charger.
finger cross if apple make one with M1 Chip , 🥲😇
There was a news piece on Apple running a poll on whether users want 12 in to come back. Hopefully it will.
just get a 13 / 14". 12 is subpar for pretty much anything.
Guys, I also really think that this is still a very capable machine for lot of people as a daily driver.
I had a 2017 12" m3 MacBook and loved it very much, I used it to drive a 43" 4K external monitor and was very happy using it when traveling, it is so incredibly light
The MacBook Air 2020 is much thicker and heavier in comparison, you really notice it. Working with Office, playing music, surfing the web with Safari with lots of tabes open, all worked fine, you could even do software development on it! And I really liked its butterfly keyboard, I luckily did not have any problems with it. Great sound, great display, completely loudness operation, lovely
I hope Apple will bring back the 12" with a M1 chip, that would be a dream.
You can read my review and my thoughts on this little beauty here:
ikarios.wordpress.com
I sold it because I wanted to try the MacBook Air 2020 M1 and I already have a 16" MacBook Pro and I often miss it when I am traveling with the 2020 M1 Air :-(
Greetings Janni
I had a 2017 12" m3 MacBook and loved it very much, I used it to drive a 43" 4K external monitor and was very happy using it when traveling, it is so incredibly light
The MacBook Air 2020 is much thicker and heavier in comparison, you really notice it. Working with Office, playing music, surfing the web with Safari with lots of tabes open, all worked fine, you could even do software development on it! And I really liked its butterfly keyboard, I luckily did not have any problems with it. Great sound, great display, completely loudness operation, lovely I hope Apple will bring back the 12" with a M1 chip, that would be a dream.
You can read my review and my thoughts on this little beauty here:
Using a MacBook 2017 12″ in the year 2020
This blog entry is about how usable a MacBook 2017 12″ is in the year 2020 as your main computer. The machine was first introduced 2017 and was sold until mid 2019. And this is when I bought …
ikarios.wordpress.com
I sold it because I wanted to try the MacBook Air 2020 M1 and I already have a 16" MacBook Pro and I often miss it when I am traveling with the 2020 M1 Air :-(
Greetings Janni
Thanks for sharing and it is a very nice writeup indeed! Big fan of this model as well, especially the maxed-out 2017 version with I7 and 16G of Ram, 512GB ssd. This was easily Apple's crown jewel at the time, which it still remains to this day. Really hoping they will bring it back with a new chip.Guys, I also really think that this is still a very capable machine for lot of people as a daily driver.
I had a 2017 12" m3 MacBook and loved it very much, I used it to drive a 43" 4K external monitor and was very happy using it when traveling, it is so incredibly light
I hope Apple will bring back the 12" with a M1 chip, that would be a dream.
You can read my review and my thoughts on this little beauty here:
Using a MacBook 2017 12″ in the year 2020
This blog entry is about how usable a MacBook 2017 12″ is in the year 2020 as your main computer. The machine was first introduced 2017 and was sold until mid 2019. And this is when I bought …
I sold it because I wanted to try the MacBook Air 2020 M1 and I already have a 16" MacBook Pro and I often miss it when I am traveling with the 2020 M1 Air :-(
Greetings Janni
Hard disagree. A 12" retina screen is fine for many uses, especially if it means a very portable machine.
I think that there is much to expect from this one as we all try to work out on the way that we hope to do best. One can say that there is just too much work to do when it comes to the one that we all try to do for mac. Is there even a legit price for this one? You have to know that before you buy.
I am really interested to know why you just don't go for the 13" Air. It's much more recent, has better architecture it's super thin and 1" more won't really hurt.
To me, the appeal is packed in its diminutive size and weight, essential for travel and even day-to-day commute. It is much lighter than MBA, with a significantly smaller footprint. The retina screen is bright and large enough for any kind of work while on the go, and its ability to drive a 4K external display is an asset too, albeit with extra dongles.
I agree the Air is hugely better than the 12" in every respect, except size and weight. If these are crucially important the choice is harder.
Anyone who has never used a 12" may not appreciate its appeal.
I sold my maxed out 12" to get an M1 Air and have no regrets, but I do understand the appeal and would get a 12" M1 if it existed.
Yes, the 12" rMB has been the perfect travel companion for us (international travel pre-pandemic and now currently domestic travel).
We have 2 12" rMB: I use the 2015 customized M and she uses the 2017 i7 - both with 512GB SSD.
Compared to our 13" MBA, the 12" is just thinner, lighter, packs better in carry ons plus the charger I can downsize to a 20W iPad/iPhone charger and works perfect for worldwide use.
When we travel, we don't have a need for any dongles or adapters so that means we travel light.
in my opinion an iPad can never replace a Mac at least for me. If you give me the best iPad Pro vs the slowest 12 inch MacBook I would go for the Mac, I have a 2017 i7 16gb ram 512gb 12 inch MacBook and I love it, and would only replace it if they make an m2 chip 12inch, I do have a gaming pc and a 15 inch MacBook Pro for intensive stuff but I still can edit photos and videos with no problem.
I sold my 2017 1.5 years ago with a brand new battery in it from apple. Waited and replaced it with new 16” and iPad mini 6 after testing out the 2020 M1 Air. I just knew that the M chip and new keyboards would be game changing and I’ll wait for that version to come out. Meanwhile the iPad mini is my portable computer. I’m not going to hold onto laggy older intel tech knowing Apple has moved on with their operating system.
I don't think my 2017 m3 (wasn't that the chip?) has much value, so I'm converting it to run Windows for a test generator I use as a teacher that isn't available on Mac anymore. I'd rather keep using Exam View than find something new, as I'm comfortable with it after 15 years. I thought about a cheap-o Windows home laptop from Costco or Woot, but instead figure this is the best use of that old MacBook
I'm waiting for the 3nm M3 chips. With the big step up in efficiency and therefore low thermals, I'm really hoping Apple makes something like the Macbook again. My ideal specs would be a slightly bigger 13" screen, 500 nits, thinner bezels and put up with the notch to reduce the overall footprint, and as thin as the 12" Macbook. That would be ideal.
I'm still using a 13" 2016 base spec MBP. The new M2 Air looks nice, but thermals of the M2 don't look promising so far.
I'm still using a 13" 2016 base spec MBP. The new M2 Air looks nice, but thermals of the M2 don't look promising so far.
I just bought a base 2017 M3 on eBay for $300. I‘m using it to Screen Share to my racked M1 Mini that runs music VSTs and is perfect - light and compact for stage use. A separate monitor plus keyboard and touchpad would have cost about as much.
it looks positively tiny next to my 16” M1 Pro MBP
it looks positively tiny next to my 16” M1 Pro MBP
I have a 2017 base model - just got the battery and top case replaced via Apple ($199), so it's essentially 'brand new'.
I also have the 5th gen 12.9" iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard.
MacBook 12"
Pros: - better on your lap than an iPad + keyboard, much lighter weight, 'real' macOS so better at multi-tasking even light Office work/browsers.
Cons: Not super fast, so have patience when opening apps. Will lose macOS support after Ventura.
5th gen iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard
Pros: 5G connectivity, better screen/ProMotion, can draw on or use touch (I don't), longer OS support
Cons: Good keyboard but awkward to do significant typing on while in lap because it's top-heavy. Screen shape and iPad OS not great for multi-tasking.
Both basically have a single port (yes I know the MK has a charge port!), but with both of these devices, I imagine you're going to be relying more on web/cloud vs. connecting a bunch of peripherals. Their main selling point is portability, after all.
I also have the 5th gen 12.9" iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard.
MacBook 12"
Pros: - better on your lap than an iPad + keyboard, much lighter weight, 'real' macOS so better at multi-tasking even light Office work/browsers.
Cons: Not super fast, so have patience when opening apps. Will lose macOS support after Ventura.
5th gen iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard
Pros: 5G connectivity, better screen/ProMotion, can draw on or use touch (I don't), longer OS support
Cons: Good keyboard but awkward to do significant typing on while in lap because it's top-heavy. Screen shape and iPad OS not great for multi-tasking.
Both basically have a single port (yes I know the MK has a charge port!), but with both of these devices, I imagine you're going to be relying more on web/cloud vs. connecting a bunch of peripherals. Their main selling point is portability, after all.
Funny you ask
For the MacBook Pros covered under the extended keyboard replacement, the top case + battery are one piece. So for those models, you could get a new keyboard/battery if you're within the 4 year period. After the 4 year period, I'm not sure if the flat-rate battery fee of $199 gets you the keyboard too, but I would think so.For the 12" MacBook specifically, Apple considers the keyboard replacement and battery as separate parts, and if you get the keyboard serviced under the free/4-year extended program, they will not replace your battery (free) as part of the keyboard replacement service. That's where they quoted me the $199. I figured, if they were already going to have the entire Macbook torn apart, I might as well use it as an excuse for a new battery. Mine was pretty weak, in the 70% range IIRC. I should get at least 3-4 more years of use out of it for the $199, even as a hot-spare for a family member, or even myself. I know it's solid with Ventura, functioning keyboard and 100% battery health.
As I paid $300 for the whole laptop and the battery is still around 84% it’s probably not worth another $199. I still have a maxed out 2017 12” with only 55 battery cycles that’s mint but didn’t want to use it as a gig PC...that one now is for writing and travel.Funny you ask
For the 12" MacBook specifically, Apple considers the keyboard replacement and battery as separate parts, and if you get the keyboard serviced under the free/4-year extended program, they will not replace your battery (free) as part of the keyboard replacement service. That's where they quoted me the $199. I figured, if they were already going to have the entire Macbook torn apart, I might as well use it as an excuse for a new battery. Mine was pretty weak, in the 70% range IIRC. I should get at least 3-4 more years of use out of it for the $199, even as a hot-spare for a family member, or even myself. I know it's solid with Ventura, functioning keyboard and 100% battery health.
Yep. Well you should check the coverage date and see if it's older than 4 years. If not, go ahead and take it to Apple to have a new keyboard installed. Not much harm.
I paid £255 ($310) for my 2015 base model Macbook 12". A OK price for the UK and a years warranty..
Its only for out and about for portability, for Spotify, Safari and e-mail client it runs surprisingly well..its on its latest supported OS, which is Big Sur, but for my needs, I don't regret my purchase, even in 2022.
Its only for out and about for portability, for Spotify, Safari and e-mail client it runs surprisingly well..its on its latest supported OS, which is Big Sur, but for my needs, I don't regret my purchase, even in 2022.
It's hard to find a 2017 12 inch for less than $300 so I won't get one unless I find one that is dirt cheap.
I have a 2016 m7 8Gb/500Gb model. I wish I had the 2017 with the scissor keyboard however, my keyboard is fine and I have no problems so far.
This is truly the Swiss-army Knife of Macs and I don't think its slow at all. Yes it may be outdated and the CPU is Intel but for me this is an advantage for being able to run Windows using Parallels or BootCamp.
Mine is also configured as dual boot to run Mojave and Monterey. I use Mojave for 32 Bit Apps when I need it. All these things you cannot do with an iPad.
The one you are planning to buy will be lighter and cheaper than any iPad with keyboard and far more capable.
This is truly the Swiss-army Knife of Macs and I don't think its slow at all. Yes it may be outdated and the CPU is Intel but for me this is an advantage for being able to run Windows using Parallels or BootCamp.
Mine is also configured as dual boot to run Mojave and Monterey. I use Mojave for 32 Bit Apps when I need it. All these things you cannot do with an iPad.
The one you are planning to buy will be lighter and cheaper than any iPad with keyboard and far more capable.