9to5 Mac has an article about the next MacBook Air sku, 12in, shuns USB, SD slot, etc

[Bateluer]

http://9to5mac.com/2015/01/06/macbook-air-12-inch-redesign/

Apple is preparing an all-new MacBook Air for 2015 with a radically new design that jettisons standards such as full-sized USB ports, MagSafe connectors, and SD card slots in favor of a markedly thinner and lighter body with a higher-resolution display. Sources within Apple, who have used internal prototype versions of the upcoming computer, have provided in-depth details about the machine, and our exclusive artist renditions of the revamped MacBook Air provide the first close look at Apple’s first major step in mobile Mac computing since the Retina MacBook Pro launch in 2012.

Looking at it from an upward view straight down on the keyboard, it looks very similar to the Samsung Chromebook line, though I'm sure this MBA will start at or above 1000 USD and have much better build quality.

I'd rather have the extra few millimeters of thickness and full USB ports though.

 

[TheStu]

Yea, I really hope this isn't true. Having to carry adapters to connect to external displays is one thing, how often does it happen that you're constantly connecting to new displays?

But, 1 connector to rule them all? And then some sort of box hanging off the side with additional ports? Ridiculous.

 

[Oyeve]

So apple is ditching mag and USB3/3 and using c? Will this also be used to charge the thing? I liked the safety of the magsafe but methinks if this is true we will see people tripping and busting this thing. Unless they are doing wireless charging.

 

[mmntech]

Yea, I really hope this isn't true. Having to carry adapters to connect to external displays is one thing, how often does it happen that you're constantly connecting to new displays?

But, 1 connector to rule them all? And then some sort of box hanging off the side with additional ports? Ridiculous.

Apple's pretty good at forcing new standards on the world. They were pretty much responsible for the elimination of floppies and popularization of USB in general back in the day. So I'm not shocked they're pushing the Type-C connector. Though odd they seem to be abandoning Thunderbolt.

A MacBook with a single data port though that doubles as power? Sounds like they're trying to turn it into a iPad. No way, especially not at Apple's prices. Using Type-C will require a dongle as well since everything uses Type-A.

 

[Eug]

Similar rumours to everyone else's which makes me wonder if this claim of inside info is bull.

As for ports, I don't know what they'd have, but I'd LIKE to see:

1) Headphone
2) USB 3.1 Type C x 1 <-- Also used to power the unit
3) A second USB 3.1 Type C. <-- Actually I'd prefer a standard USB 3 port, but I'm not optimistic.
4) Thunderbolt x 1 <-- Not optimistic on this one either, and ultimately, there is little need for it.

Also, I'd like to see a full-sized keyboard, NOT a reduced size one like some claims. A reduced size keyboard is probably a deal-killer for me.

Actually, even if it uses Broadwell (instead of Core M), I probably wouldn't buy one anyway. I want a Skylake unit, so that I have proper H.265 HEVC support. Apple is already pushing H.265 in FaceTime, and that will be future of internet video streaming, so it'd be a shame to have a laptop purchased in 2015 that can't support it fully, esp. since I keep my laptops a very long time.

It also should be noted that Apple removed the Firewire port for the 2008 aluminum MacBook. People complained, and the following year Apple reintroduced the machine with the exact same form factor, but called it a MacBook Pro with Firewire and SD slot.

 

[JAG87]

Like Eug said, I won't touch this unless it has 2 of those ports. And Touch ID. WTF is taking so long Apple.

 

[Eug]

If there is only one USB controller, is it possible to use a USB peripheral device on one port and charge the laptop on the other at the same time?

Or would you need two separate USB controllers for that?

 

[ControlD]

I find it hard to believe that Apple would:

(a) Get rid of the Mag Safe power connector
(b) Go to a clickless trackpad

Those are two of the best features of Mac laptops. It would be nice to see a more robust track pad put into the Air (my wife's has broken twice with light usage as she prefers a regular mouse) but don't get rid of the click. The magnetic power connector has saved both our laptops on more than one occasion.

 

[vailr]

The linked article doesn't mention what might be located along the hinge side. There should be room there for other ports, such as MagSafe, DP/HDMI, USB 3.0, etc. Moving to only a single USB Type-C port doesn't seem to be very believable.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

The magnetic power connector has saved both our laptops on more than one occasion.

This. It's a huge selling point. This has to be a joke, or somebody at Apple is on crack. A lot of somebodies.

I can only hope it's a Cube Redux rather than a first-of-many.

 

[Eug]

I find it hard to believe that Apple would:

(a) Get rid of the Mag Safe power connector
(b) Go to a clickless trackpad

Those are two of the best features of Mac laptops. It would be nice to see a more robust track pad put into the Air (my wife's has broken twice with light usage as she prefers a regular mouse) but don't get rid of the click. The magnetic power connector has saved both our laptops on more than one occasion.

Those are exactly two things I could see Apple doing.

(a) One of the best things about USB 3.1 is that it allows bidirectional power. Magsafe is great but then again, none of the iPads or iPhones have anything comparable, yet nobody complains about the lack of Magsafe on them.

(b) I would MUCH prefer a clickable trackpad, but I notice a lot of people use tap to click anyway. I'm not one of them, but Apple could get away with it. The other thing is that it would not only allow the machine to be thinner, it would also likely reduce service calls. One of the most common problems I've had with Apple laptops is mushy clicks with the trackpad. I believe the entire top case has to be replaced to fix this. Or at least it needed to be in the older MacBooks.

I don't see Apple just sticking with one USB 3.1 port though. That's too crippled, even for Apple. But then again, stranger things have happened, but luckily Apple has been known to backtrack when they've gone too austere (see above).

 

[ControlD]

Those are exactly two things I could see Apple doing.

(a) One of the best things about USB 3.1 is that it allows bidirectional power. Magsafe is great but then again, none of the iPads or iPhones have anything comparable, yet nobody complains about the lack of Magsafe on them.

I guess for my family it is just a difference in usage. My wife's Air pretty much resides permanently next to where she normally sits at home. The power cord is long and more exposed because it is in the main living area. There have been dozens of times where a child or family pet has snagged the power cord and popped it off. With a normal connector that would have resulted in a laptop flying onto the floor. Phones tend to get charged on a counter or shelf somewhere because they are smaller and don't need a dedicated space.

The Mag Safe is bidirectional as well.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

(a) One of the best things about USB 3.1 is that it allows bidirectional power. Magsafe is great but then again, none of the iPads or iPhones have anything comparable, yet nobody complains about the lack of Magsafe on them.

iPads/iPhones are light enough that if you knock if off a table while it's plugged in, it'll just dangle by the cord.

I have seen old-fashioned (30-pin dock connector) iPads that were damaged by yanking on the cables, but lightning is friction-fit and it disengages pretty happily if you pull too hard.

 

[ControlD]

iPads/iPhones are light enough that if you knock if off a table while it's plugged in, it'll just dangle by the cord.

I have seen old-fashioned (30-pin dock connector) iPads that were damaged by yanking on the cables, but lightning is friction-fit and it disengages pretty happily if you pull too hard.

Phones are also fairly light devices. It would take a magnetic connector with very little break away force to be practical, otherwise you would still end up with a phone on the floor. Laptops are heavy with a decent amount of surface area so the connector dislodges quite easily. I suppose a mag connector would work on a iPad too but I can understand the design decisions better there to not have a dedicated power connection for a device that is used 90% of the time without being plugged in.

 

[Eug]

I guess for my family it is just a difference in usage. My wife's Air pretty much resides permanently next to where she normally sits at home. The power cord is long and more exposed because it is in the main living area. There have been dozens of times where a child or family pet has snagged the power cord and popped it off. With a normal connector that would have resulted in a laptop flying onto the floor. Phones tend to get charged on a counter or shelf somewhere because they are smaller and don't need a dedicated space.

The Mag Safe is bidirectional as well.

What I was suggesting about the bidirectional is that it is a feature not present in older USB standards. ie. You can't charge a computer through its USB 2.0 port. Now you can charge a computer through its USB 3.1 port.

All of a sudden, a separate power port is superfluous. You lose the benefit of Magsafe, but you gain a thinner, lighter machine. That's a tradeoff Apple is willing to make IMO, esp. since it can be a differentiating feature for MacBook Pros.

I don't know what USB 3.1 supports for power input specifically, but I know the standard can go as high as 100 W depending upon the mode. On the simplest mode, it only supports 10W, but there are also modes for 18, 36, and 60 W.

If say the input power for a MacBook Retina can be 3A x 12V, then that 36W input would be easily sufficient to power such a machine.

Phones are also fairly light devices. It would take a magnetic connector with very little break away force to be practical, otherwise you would still end up with a phone on the floor. Laptops are heavy with a decent amount of surface area so the connector dislodges quite easily. I suppose a mag connector would work on a iPad too but I can understand the design decisions better there to not have a dedicated power connection for a device that is used 90% of the time without being plugged in.

9.7" iPad 4: 1.44 lbs
13.3" Lenovo LaVie Z: 1.72 lbs

 

[JAG87]

Magsafe is even just about tug. My wife consistently laps her charging laptop on the couch and hits the connector against either the side cushion or a pillow. Magsafe snaps off, USB Type C would end up with a bent plug, and maybe even break all together since it's so thin.

 

[Eug]

I'm not saying Magsafe isn't great. I'm just saying Apple could get rid of it on a 1.5 lb laptop and people would still buy a bazillion of them.

That said, I hope they keep it. A redesigned smaller one would be great.

 

[Rakehellion]

Phones are also fairly light devices. It would take a magnetic connector with very little break away force to be practical, otherwise you would still end up with a phone on the floor. Laptops are heavy with a decent amount of surface area so the connector dislodges quite easily. I suppose a mag connector would work on a iPad too but I can understand the design decisions better there to not have a dedicated power connection for a device that is used 90% of the time without being plugged in.

This computer probably weighs as much as a phone.

Make it 2 USB ports and I'm okay with this being a second machine.

 

[Rakehellion]

Maybe the new Apple charger will have MagSafe 3.

 

[ControlD]

This computer probably weighs as much as a phone.

Indeed the computer weighs as much (and probably more) than an iPhone. We agree.

 

[StinkyPinky]

Who do they design these laptops for? Are people that weak and feeble they cannot carry the current MB Airs? Time to ease up on the "slimmer at all costs" philosophy and focus more on features and performance IMO.

 

[Eug]

Who do they design these laptops for? Are people that weak and feeble they cannot carry the current MB Airs? Time to ease up on the "slimmer at all costs" philosophy and focus more on features and performance IMO.

They're designing them for all the people who want them, like me. I would love a sub 2 lb ultrabook, although a Pro ultrabook under 2.5 lbs sound good too.

And yes, I find the current 13" MBP a bit heavier than preferred.

Besides stuff like video playback with low power usage, I haven't really cared about CPU performance in the last 5 years. As long as it's got an SSD and ample RAM, and a CPU better than Atom, I'm fine with it.

In fact, I'm still using a MacBook Pro from 2009, with Core 2 Duo. I'm not upgrading for CPU performance. Some of my reasons to upgrade are:

Weight
Retina
USB 3
802.11ac
HEVC

 

[JAG87]

Because for people who actually carry this stuff around, travel with it, and use it not on a desk, it makes a huge difference. An iPhone is infinitely more portable than an iPad which is infinitely more portable than a Macbook. It's not even a close call.

Having said that, I myself, don't care that much. My reasons to upgrade are:

1. Connectivity for 4K/5K external display
2. Touch ID
3. 802.11ac (I need a new router for this lol)
4. HEVC hardware decoding
5. And finally, size/weight improvements

 

[Eug]

With regards to the 802.11ac: Real world, I end up using 802.11n most of the time, since the range of 802.11ac is so poor. And many of the times when I need to make use of the extra speed, I use Gigabit Ethernet.

Which reminds me... I'm going to miss having a GigE port on my laptop, but for the times I do need it, using a dongle doesn't bother me too much. I already have a USB to Ethernet dongle, but it's limited to 100 Mbps Ethernet. I figure $29 is reasonable for a USB 3.1 --> GigE dongle from Apple. That's how much they sell the Thunderbolt --> GigE adapter for.

Touch ID would be awesome on such a machine, but I'm not expecting it.

 

[Koing]

Yea, I really hope this isn't true. Having to carry adapters to connect to external displays is one thing, how often does it happen that you're constantly connecting to new displays?

But, 1 connector to rule them all? And then some sort of box hanging off the side with additional ports? Ridiculous.

MagSafe is a dealbreaker for me. I've had a laptop go bad as the power connector got too wobbly towards the 3rd year of it's life. My dads Dell power slot didn't last too long either.

Hopefully it'll have a few at least one full sized USB port. It would be a pain to have to use an adapter to sync your iPhone to your MBA.

I do like the fact that the bezel around the screen is thinner. That is my only real gripe of my rMBP is that the bezel around the screen isn't thinner. Also the fact that I didn't spec 16GB of ram

The trackpad also looks wider in the artist mock up of the new MBA.

Koing