Apple MacBook (2015) Hands-On
by Ryan Smith on March 12, 2015 9:00 AM ESTWhen Apple first introduced the MacBook Air back in 2008, I’m not sure anyone knew quite what to expect in the long-run from the little, low-powered Mac. Though the ultra-portable laptop itself wasn’t a new idea, there is in retrospect a distinct line dividing the Air – the first of what we now classify as Ultrabooks – from previous attempts at ultra-portables. What Apple eventually kicked off was a distinct market segment, though as a market it did take some time to materialize.
With the announcement this week of the suffix-less MacBook (2015), I’m left to wonder if Apple is doing the same thing for a new market segment. The MacBook isn’t just a new Air – though in a sense it’s an heir to the Air – but it’s something new that isn’t entirely removed from its predecessors while not being exactly the same either. The end result is a device that like the original Air is hard to pin down in this time frame, as it straddles a couple different product segments.
Mac Meets iPad
In terms of design, the MacBook is best described as what would happen if you crossed an iPad with a MacBook Air. At 2lbs it’s light, lighter than even the 2.38lb 11” Air, never mind the 2.96lb 13” model. It’s thin too, its 13.1mm thickness making it thinner than the original iPad (13.4mm), and yet it’s a clamshell laptop with a keyboard and trackpad. But despite being thin and light it’s not really small, as the 12” screen makes it larger than the smallest Air, never mind any kind of iPad comparisons.
A lot of the time the MacBook ends up feeling like a Macintosh tablet, combining the form factor of a laptop and OS X with the design cues of the iPad. Externally this is backed by the use of Apple’s common glass & metal design philosophy, but I think it’s also very telling that this is the first Mac to come in various colors like iOS devices, silver, grey, and gold. Apple has never been one to shy away from making their devices conspicuous, but the metal colors really take this up a notch.
Apple’s internal component choice also reflects this design philosophy. Though this is a Mac through and through – OS X and x86 lie at its heart – Apple has shifted from Intel’s Core U-class processors in the Air to their Core-M (Y-class) processor in the MacBook. Intel’s lowest power Core processor design to date, Core-M is intended to be used in tablets and up, further driving the point that the MacBook is a tablet Mac in laptop form factor. The use of Core-M influences several design aspects of the MacBook; it’s smaller and thinner than other Intel processors, allowing for Apple to get away with a very small logic board, and at 4.5W it means Apple can rely on the relatively large 12” metal case to dissipate heat and skip the fans entirely. Which in turn has allowed Apple to fill most of the rest of the laptop’s internal volume with 39.7Wh of batteries.
Those batteries in turn help drive the only other significant power drain on the device, which is the MacBook’s 2304x1440 Retina-class display (sorry, Air users). The use of a Retina display is not unexpected here – especially if you want to make it all the more comparable to the iPad and offer similar display clarity – but using Retina displays is always a tradeoff due to the greater power requirements that come from the stronger backlight needed to punch through the display. I wouldn’t be surprised if more than half of the MacBook’s average power consumption is the display, which would also explain why Apple’s battery life estimates are only 9-10 hours despite the low power Core-M processor. With that said, we’ll have to see how well the MacBook’s display holds up to critical analysis in our labs, but in our brief hands-on time it looked as good as any other Apple Retina display.
Moving on, to get a Mac laptop so thin Apple has made some other design tradeoffs in other areas, which in turn will have some interesting ramifications. For the keyboard Apple has done away with the long-standing scissor switch mechanism in place of a new “butterfly” mechanism, as Apple has pushed for keystrokes so shallow that even the scissor doesn’t work well here. The butterfly mechanism in turn is an interesting change; the resulting keystrokes are extremely shallow – think of something akin to the iPhone/iPad home button – and perhaps a bit unsettling at first, meaning it takes a bit of time to adapt to touch typing this keyboard. On the other hand the butterfly mechanism also does away with one of the scissor switch’s only real weakness, the mechanism’s trouble with off-center key presses, resulting in a key that responds the same no matter where you press it. Having used a number of different scissor keyboards over the years, and having struggled with a few of them not registering keystrokes, I think the potentially improved accuracy of the butterfly mechanism may be even more important than the space savings that Apple is really going for.
Meanwhile the keyboard’s compatriot, the touchpad, has also received its own upgrade here with the Force Touch trackpad. Similar to the keyboard, Apple’s first goal here is to save space, doing away with the switch mechanism in place of a combination of force sensors and an electromagnet “taptic engine” to simulate key presses. The result is shorter tap depth, but it also allows the MacBook to register multiple click types based on how deep the click was. This essentially manifests itself as two clicks – a shallow click and a deeper click – with Apple playing around with what to assign their new-found clicks to. Otherwise the trackpad can also be used as a variable force sensor, allowing for applications to respond based on how much force is being used.
Whereas the keyboard’s improvements were more obvious, the trackpad change is more significant and one that’s harder to judge in a short period of time, especially given the ability to adjust the pad’s resistance. It still feels like an Apple trackpad, clicks and all, but with the click varying with the force it’s going to take some practice to learn what the new clicks do in various applications, and to be able to reliably trigger the click that you want.
Side Discussion: USB Type-C
Last but certainly not least, the final design tradeoff of ports has certainly attracted quite a bit of attention, to the point that I got emails about this before I was even out of the Apple event. In scaling down from the MacBook Air, Apple has also scaled down the number of port on the MacBook. What you’ll find is a single data & power port in the form of a new USB Type-C port on the left side, and on the right side is a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Air was already light on ports, but there has never been a Mac like this before.
From a design perspective I’m sad to see the MagSafe power port go. I suspect there are first and second-order size issues at play here – Apple can’t get the MagSafe port small enough to use on the MacBook, and there’s only room for one port of any kind on each side of the laptop – so in its replacement we have an all-in-one port that does away with the magnetic safety feature in place of getting data and power down to a single port.
Depending on configuration specifics, Type-C ports and cables can accommodate upwards of 100W of power (5A @ 20V) along with over 20Gbps of data in various forms. And for the first time on a USB connection, they’re reversible, doing away with full-size Type-A’s infamous trinary nature, or Micro-AB’s need to figure out which side is the top or bottom. All of this comes with the ability for Type-C to be used with both hosts and devices, eventually allowing cables to be C at both ends, and allowing devices like the MacBook to be both a USB device when charging, and a USB host when other devices are plugged into it.
For Apple’s implementation of Type-C there are still a few unknowns, but there are a few common points that bear pointing out based on the email questions I have received. Using the Type-C connector does not require that a device support a specific version of USB; the connector is designed to supersede protocols, being all-around better than pretty much any other connector and purposely created to allow manufacturers to take advantage of it for its size and reversibility. Consequently we will be seeing devices with Type-C connectors and USB 2.0 connectivity (phones, tablets, etc), and even hosts won’t necessarily support USB’s fastest speeds. Put in other words, while 10Gbps USB requires Type-C, Type-C does not require 10Gbps USB.
In Apple’s case the company will be using Type-C to host 3 different functions: USB data, power, and DisplayPort video. Apple is driving the MacBook’s USB data capabilities straight off of the Core-M processor, which in turn only supports USB 3.1 Gen1 data (5Gbps Superspeed), which is otherwise equivalent to USB 3.0. To support Gen2 speeds (10Gbps Superspeed+), Apple would need to use a 3rd party USB controller at this time, which are still very new and would compromise the size of the logic board, along with potentially compromising battery life. For the moment at least I suspect 5Gbps will be enough for the MacBook, particularly if the similarly small internal SSD is unable to saturate that connection.
As for power, Apple will be supplying a new 29W Type-C power adapter with the MacBook. So far Apple has not published the full specifications for the adapter itself, but with Type-C allowing up to 5A of power, at this point Apple could be using either 12V or 20V, with the former being more likely. The use of a Type-C port and the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification means Apple is much more strongly bound to industry standards this time, pushing them away from their previously proprietary power chargers and interfaces.
Finally, through the use of USB alternate mode functionality, Apple is able to also supply DisplayPort over the Type-C connector. Through the alt mode capability, 1, 2, or 4 lanes of USB 3 data can be replaced with alternate protocols, in this case DisplayPort. The final resolution that can be passed though is implementation specific and isn’t available in Apple’s specifications – but based on Core-M’s capabilities I suspect that Apple has it setup to use 2 lanes, which would allow a maximum of 2560x1440 (WQHD). Meanwhile DisplayPort can also be actively converted to other formats, which is what allows Apple to offer HDMI and VGA through adapters.
The downside here is that Apple has only equipped the MacBook with a single Type-C port, a single port that in turn needs to be both the power changing port and the device/peripheral port. Based on the size of the MacBook and its taper, I suspect Apple would not be able to get more than 1 port on each side of the MacBook – it gets too thin if you go any farther forward – and in traditional Apple fashion they have picked a thinner device over additional features. The use of a breakout box/multiport adapter mitigates this some, allowing charging while also offering an HDMI port and USB Type-A port, but it’s an inelegant solution for sure.
With that said, after using the MacBook and talking with the Apple employees presenting it I’m increasingly convinced that this is intentional, and not as a means to sell accessories (as would be the most obvious answer). There is one other class of Apple device that has this same kind of single data/power port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and that is iOS devices. Going back to what we said earlier about the MacBook design coming off as a fusion of the Mac and the iPad, the port selection on the device is another element that reflects this design. With the iPad Apple only needed those two ports to make the device usable, and it’s this paradigm they seem to be channeling on the MacBook as well.
Despite being a Mac, the use scenario Apple seems to be aiming for on the MacBook is very much the iPad use scenario. Which is to say that it’s a portable device designed to be carried around, used for a period of time, and then taken back to its storage location to charge, with virtually all data transfers being wireless (through the use of dual-stream 802.11ac). Just like the iPad then, the sole Type-C port exists first and foremost as the charging port, followed by a port for connecting the very occasional accessory. The traditional Ultrabook paradigm of power and peripherals is not what Apple is shooting for in this design. Whether this is the right move is another matter altogether – for the record I’d rather have another Type-C port – but it’s easy enough to see how Apple could set out to create a Mac they want treated like an iPad rather than a Mac.
First Thoughts
Ports aside, my overall first impression is one that’s positive, but cautiously so. This is by far the most portable Mac Apple has ever created, thinner and lighter than ever, making it very easy to carry around. And while I’m a bit concerned about overall performance from a 4.5W CPU, overall the hardware is looking solid, with Apple’s keyboard and trackpad changes being very interesting solutions to shaving off further thickness without greatly compromising usability. At this point then it’s the broader picture that remains unclear; with the MacBook Apple is treading new ground by pushing a new usage model, and I think it’s going to take some time to really figure out how well that model works, if the $1299+ price Apple wants to charge is right for that model, and if that model makes sense in a world where there is already the MacBook Air.
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Aikouka - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
In regard to the port situation, I've been wondering if part of the issue is due to complexity. A port that can handle every task sounds great in theory, but somewhat of a nightmare electrically. Just imagine how much more complex the solution would have to be to handle ports on opposite sides of the laptop, or even the same side, and keep in mind how small the board is.Now, Apple could've decided to use a data-only USB Type-C port, but I wonder what would happen if you plugged the power cable into the wrong one? Also, it would simply cause confusion in people that don't really know any better.
Guspaz - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
The Chromebook Pixel has two USB Type-C ports, and both can be used for the same things (charging/data/video).If you did have a notebook with multiple Type-C ports that didn't support charging on all the ports, then nothing bad would happen: power levels are negotiated between the devices. When you plug the USB-C power cord into a Macbook or Chrome Pixel, no power is going to flow until the laptop and the power brick have a little chat and negotiate the power situation.
Aikouka - Saturday, March 14, 2015 - link
Ah, okay. Thanks for the information!Stuka87 - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
"...but I think it’s also very telling that this is the first Mac to come in various colors like iOS devices, silver, grey, and gold..."Rest in peace CRT iMac, you have been forgotten it seems :(
CharonPDX - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
A couple notes, and a couple minor complaints about the article.As others have noted: This laptop most certainly isn't for everyone - but there *ARE* people it is right for. I tend to alternate between having my desktop be powerful, and my laptop being powerful. When it's turn for my desktop to be powerful, I go for the smallest/lightest "non-netbook" laptop I can. In the past, this has been a PowerBook Duo, a Sony PictureBook, a 12" PowerBook G4. I went a while with an iPad as my "laptop" as well. While my current laptop is my "high-end" one and my desktop is aging, once I replace my desktop, my NEXT laptop will be the "think and light" variety - and the new MacBook is a PERFECT fit for that. So, no, this isn't for me *NOW*, but in 1-2 years, it will be.
The *ONLY* niggle I have with this is the single USB Type-C port. The updated ChromeBook Pixel does it right: One USB Type-C on each side. This allows for charging plus a single peripheral at the same time, while also allowing "ambidextrous" connection of power and/or display! *THAT* is the killer use of USB-C as charging: allowing more flexible charging! I would even give up the headphone port for a USB-C on the other side (heck, I was surprised to see it after the talking-up of Bluetooth for audio.)
Then the two article complaints: It is most definitely *NOT* Apple's first multi-color portable - the spiritual predecessor to it, the original iBook, likewise came in multiple colors. (And it also was light on ports, having only one USB, plus an Ethernet and a modem.)
Likewise, this isn't Apple's first "nearly no input/output", either. The previously-mentioned Clamshell iBook had only a single USB port (although it also had Ethernet and a modem,) while the PowerBook Duo had just one single serial port! (And an optional modem.) The PowerBook Duo had a dock port to allow for connection to more devices, but USB Type C can duplicate that functionality. The iBook clamshell was even more limited - its only interface was slow USB 1.1, it's default networking was AirPort (WiFi -b,) with Ethernet of the 10/100 variety.
Calista - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
Maybe my memory is slipping, it was so many years ago, but did not the PB Duo also have an external SCSI-port?Stuka87 - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
None of the Duos did, they had the docking port. The dock then had SCSI, among other ports.Sushisamurai - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
What an amazing design... too bad I'm not the target market for this device, I'm certainly envious of its aesthetics. I'm definitely looking forward to a more in-depth review of this machine. I may just consider it if the core-M doesn't drag performance wise.For those who are against this laptop, chances are you were not the target market. Yes, I was a bit dismayed myself when they released a new, hot looking laptop with it's current specs. I'm sure we'll have better and aesthetically similar laptops coming out in september. However:
1) I use to teach/tutor lectures for medical students to help prep for their US licensing exams. Yes, I can see that there would be a port issue connecting whatever display/lecture devices you may potentially present in, in a business perspective or teaching perspective. Some work-arounds would be the lowered apple TV price ($69 was it? I could just attach the HDMI cable or DVI-HDMI adapter, and stream to the apple TV) and or the USB-C adapter. Honestly, I don't think it's that much of an issue -> I would always broadcast a Ad-hoc/FTP server from my laptop prior to the lecture and during my 10 minute break so all my students were able to access my lecture materials and pictures/resources used during the lecture if they didn't download it ahead of time - transferring files this way was pretty simple - my students would use their phones/laptops to download my files off my computer, making USB drives pointless. The only thing i'd miss in this new macbook would be my wireless laser pointer/presenter or wireless mouse (i'd use a miniature mouse in my hand to control my presentation as I walk around) as I would charge my laptop while I present.
2) I'm pretty sure the Core-M would render gaming unfeasible on this laptop and although having a mouse at times increases productivity on OS X, i'm pretty sure your focus would be on performance and not mobility when it comes to the new macbook. Therefore, i'm pretty certain you'd choose at least an MBA, or rMBP.
3) I would probably use this around my house for light browsing / watching videos when my iPad isn't sufficient... I'd rather take my "real" laptop if I was out and a tablet wasn't sufficient. Even on vacations my iPad isn't really sufficient (I usually broadcast my own ethernet ad-hoc in the hotel room so my family can all use the hotel internet wirelessly in our room and not be restricted to the lobby). I could see this being a great use case for students though.
Calista - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
I could very well be a potential consumer, especially since I have been using sub-3lbs machines since years before the original MBA was even a thought in the back of the head of Mr Jobs and Ive. Still I just don't feel tempted by the new Macbook despite all its pros. Performance wise it's more than enough. The display is really nice. Storage and RAM is sufficient. But the idea of always having to carry an adapter with me to use any of the 50 billion USB devices already in existence rub me the wrong way. I'm all for USB type C, it's an impressive evolutionary step. But just adding a single port and completely excluding a type A connector..? I'm sorry, but that's just Apple acting as a bully. And I don't like bullies.uhuznaa - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
USB type A just wouldn't fit in there. Really, there's no room for it. I know that most people have never seen an USB type C socket and so can't really judge what they see here, but please look at the right side of that device (with the 3.5mm headphone jack) and compare what you see with an USB type A port. That headphone jack JUST fits into the side. There is NO way an USB type A port would fit in that case.And, of course: You will run into the adapter trap sooner or later anyway. You'll see more and more USB type C ports and plugs everywhere this year and next year and this will clash with type A/C ports and devices. You will need an adapter. Period.
And this time you'll not need to buy it from Apple. There will be adapters and cables and hubs and chargers in all combinations on offer everywhere.
I would really love an USB keydrive that has an USB type A plug on one side and an USB type C plug on the other side. Because this is something people will start to lust after very soon...