The New Macbook
Discussion
I've used it for basic photo editing using Lightroom and it seems fine. I've only used it with tens, rather than thousands of images, as my main library is on my iMac. The MacBook is for on the road, so is only used for light editing, before importing the images into my main library. I haven't even installed Photoshop on it, as I prefer and big, calibrated monitor and a mouse (rather than a track pad) for Photoshop.
Likewise, I haven't installed the GoPro software, as my GoPro footage goes onto the external drive attached to my iMac.
Likewise, I haven't installed the GoPro software, as my GoPro footage goes onto the external drive attached to my iMac.
I bought a MB as an office machine. I already have the highest spec 2014 MBP that I use for everything at work, including some Windows specific software that can only be used in bootcamp (it knows when it is in vmware, which I also use for other Windows software that doesn't care). I was finding it too slow to go between Windows and OSX on the MBP when writing reports that needed to reference the work on the Windows side. With the little MB I can be working on both computers simultaneously. I went with the MB because it was newer than the Air and I didn't really need the power of another MBP. But until recently the only way I had to transfer files between the two when the MBP was in Windows was by USB stick as I didn't have my office network set up.
More than once I got caught out by the MB only having the shared USB-c port. Even the MBP takes the P with only two USBs. The fact is that running software often needs dongles, etc. I use a Bluetooth mouse but sometimes I need to plug it in for detailed work, etc. I have to wonder what drives the idea that less ports are better - kinda dumb having a snazzy looking machine with not very snazzy USB hubs hanging out of it...
I did find out that I could AirDrop files between the two OSXs even when not connected to wifi which I was hugely impressed by, and I'm sure in a few years things will have caught up and the lack of ports will be less of an issue but at the moment I think the current minimalist port strategy strangles an otherwise hugely capable machine.
On the plus side I like the MB keyboard (very disappointed with the cheap feel of the 2014 MBP keyboard compared to my 2006 model, which is still solid, and the fact that it can make the MBP look frumpy.
More than once I got caught out by the MB only having the shared USB-c port. Even the MBP takes the P with only two USBs. The fact is that running software often needs dongles, etc. I use a Bluetooth mouse but sometimes I need to plug it in for detailed work, etc. I have to wonder what drives the idea that less ports are better - kinda dumb having a snazzy looking machine with not very snazzy USB hubs hanging out of it...
I did find out that I could AirDrop files between the two OSXs even when not connected to wifi which I was hugely impressed by, and I'm sure in a few years things will have caught up and the lack of ports will be less of an issue but at the moment I think the current minimalist port strategy strangles an otherwise hugely capable machine.
On the plus side I like the MB keyboard (very disappointed with the cheap feel of the 2014 MBP keyboard compared to my 2006 model, which is still solid, and the fact that it can make the MBP look frumpy.
It looks like G-Technology are bringing out a new drive aimed at MacBooks, which is good for me, as I'm currently using an old LaCie Rugged, which is a bit flakey and needs the adaptor.
Has anyone else experienced buggy wifi on their MacBook? Occasionally the networking locks up and I need to turn wifi off and on again. It happens on different networks, but other devices still have connectivity when it happens.
Has anyone else experienced buggy wifi on their MacBook? Occasionally the networking locks up and I need to turn wifi off and on again. It happens on different networks, but other devices still have connectivity when it happens.
Craikeybaby said:
Has anyone else experienced buggy wifi on their MacBook? Occasionally the networking locks up and I need to turn wifi off and on again. It happens on different networks, but other devices still have connectivity when it happens.
Yes mine has done this, I had a couple of months of needing to turn it on and off to pick up my home wifi - however recently it's been very stable.The 12" MacBook has had a processor bump: http://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/19/new-2016-12-in...
I was half expecting it to get thunderbolt 3 through the USB-C port, but that doesn't appear to have changed.
I was half expecting it to get thunderbolt 3 through the USB-C port, but that doesn't appear to have changed.
No, but as someone who bought the old one at the back end of December it is a relief that mine isn't obsolete already.
I'm using mine loads, more than I used my iPad, infact I'm only using my iMac when I need the bigger screen. I had a few niggles, mainly wifi dropping out but removing some start up applications seems to have sorted it.
I'm using mine loads, more than I used my iPad, infact I'm only using my iMac when I need the bigger screen. I had a few niggles, mainly wifi dropping out but removing some start up applications seems to have sorted it.
Geekbench scores already: https://twitter.com/film_girl/status/7224645567909...
Compare with https://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks for any Macs you're used to using to compare - bear in mind that measures CPU performance only.
fwiw, very similar numbers to my Macbook Air (13", mid-2012 with the i7 processor) which has never felt slow.
Compare with https://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks for any Macs you're used to using to compare - bear in mind that measures CPU performance only.
fwiw, very similar numbers to my Macbook Air (13", mid-2012 with the i7 processor) which has never felt slow.
Richyboy said:
Not much of an update is it.
How are people getting on with the first iteration?
I have been very happy with mine, but it is just used for logging into work when I am away, and other lightweight tasks. Whilst probably not the best laptop if you need to do much more, it is very slim/light, great battery life and really nice to use.How are people getting on with the first iteration?
Dan_1981 said:
Am I right in thinking the Macbook doesn't have an SD card reader?
So for travel & uploading from camera etc I need to plug the camera in or use an external card reader?
Correct. I just plug the camera in, I have a short 3" lead which I connect to the USB adaptor and use that to connect hard drives/cameras/charge m GoPro etc.So for travel & uploading from camera etc I need to plug the camera in or use an external card reader?
kingston12 said:
Richyboy said:
Not much of an update is it.
How are people getting on with the first iteration?
I have been very happy with mine, but it is just used for logging into work when I am away, and other lightweight tasks. Whilst probably not the best laptop if you need to do much more, it is very slim/light, great battery life and really nice to use.How are people getting on with the first iteration?
Jobbo said:
Do you get used to the keyboard? That's the one thing which puts me off the Macbook. I've tried it a few times now and the lack of travel still feels odd.
I agree. The Air and normal laptop line keyboards feel much better. An Air with a Retina screen would be ideal.Or a 15" Macbook in the same form factor as a 13" Air only lighter...might persuade me to persevere with the dubious keyboard
K12beano said:
Other keyboards seem odd to me since I moved to apply-stuff!
But the Macbook keyboard is odd compared to the rest of Apple's stuff! I love my wireless keyboard (like below) but the lack of travel on the Macbook still feels like a real obstacle to me. Particularly since I will still be using the wireless keyboard, and a PC keyboard at work.
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