May 5, 2015
Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback! Model: 1.3 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, SilverUsage: I use my laptop for 2-3 hours a day for medical records/research, internet browsing, email, and office productivity. I have owned the MacBook for about a week.Early Review Disclaimer: I eagerly read just about every major outlet's early MacBook review so I could get a sense of what I was getting myself into. But, I always like seeing user reviews to see what real world use is like. I wanted to put up an early review in the hopes that it may be helpful to anyone considering a purchase. I would like to provide my early impressions and then place an addendum after a few weeks of daily use.Introduction: I am a bit of a computer nerd, as are most people that would be reading gadget reviews on the internet. I have always owned the highest end configuration of PowerBook/MacBook Pro as far back as my very first G4 PowerBook in high school. I always told myself that I needed the best and fastest computer out there in case I needed to edit videos or play video games. Honestly, I have done a little bit of those things here and there, and I still have a nice MacBook Pro in case I ever need to do those things again. But, as I have started my professional life, I have found that I truly value portability above all else. Carrying a computer every day makes each ounce of weight seem like a big deal. I have long fancied a MacBook Air, but after having a retina display on all my other devices for a few years, the idea of having a non-retina display on a machine that costs at least $1500 didn't seem right to me. So, the MacBook came along and seemed like the perfect option for me. I've been using it as my daily work machine for about a week now, and I've really enjoyed it so far. I'd like to address a few of the key issues that I've seen discussed around the internet on various forums so that this review is helpful.One Port: I plug things into my MacBook Pro a few times per month. When I come back from a family event, I plug in my DSLR. Occasionally, I pull some photos to share with friends or family. I plug in my iPod every few weeks to sync music. Other than that, everything I do is wireless or online (Google drive, DropBox, iCloud, etc.). I don't use a wireless mouse or other accessories. I did purchase a USB-C adapter to transfer over big files from my old computer, but it's not really that big of a hassle to carry a little adapter in my bag. The whole complaint of "a bag full of dongles and wires and adapters" is nonsense. Most days, I don't have to carry a power cord, because the battery easily lasts all day. A 3 inch adapter weighs a few ounces and is not a hassle to keep handy in a small zipper pocket of my satchel. If these conditions do not apply to you, then you will be frustrated. It's as simple as that. The way that I see the average person use a computer does not include a huge amount of devices. I honestly do not miss the additional ports, and I doubt I ever will. If you need multiple ports, then the MacBook is just not the right machine for you.Keyboard: As a lifelong primary Mac user, the new keyboard is rather odd at first. I don't really buy into the marketing pitch that the "amazing butterfly mechanism will revolutionize your life", but I have really grown to enjoy the keyboard. The keys have much less travel than on any previous Macintosh. However, the keys are larger, optimally laid out, and do not wiggle. Each keystroke feels firm, and I make fewer mistakes than I did on my MacBook Pro. If you are very particular about keyboards, you might not like this keyboard. I've seen many reviews that are very polarizing regarding the keyboard. I think if you are flexible and try to get used to it, you will likely grow to enjoy it. Your mileage will vary, but I am very satisfied with the new keyboard.Trackpad: I like the size of the new trackpad, and the taptic engine is a neat little trick. I don't really understand the hullaballoo about the trackpad. To me, it feels like the trackpad on every other Macintosh, only this one has an engineering fix so it can be incredibly thin. I do not think this is a make or break item when it comes to owning this computer. The keyboard is much more of a radical change than the trackpad.Core M: This was one of the most problematic issues for me going into my purchase. I have never owned a computer without the highest end chip available at the time of purchase. In retrospect, I never really used anywhere near the full power of any of my last 3-4 machines. I cheated a little bit and got the special configuration of the 1.3 GHz, so I can't speak for the slightly slower 1.1 GHz and 1.2 GHz chips, but I don't imagine that they would be significantly different. I run 3-5 programs at a time, and my daily operation is smooth and snappy. I don't notice lag or slowdown or whatever else I was afraid of happening. If you want to push this computer into the dirt with photo or video editing applications, or try and run Crysis on maximum settings on Steam, then this computer will not make you happy. It's pretty simple. If you want to put a square peg in a round hole, you will not succeed. By the same token, trying to use a machine for something it isn't designed to do is a fruitless endeavor. I have not noticed any problems whatsoever with the processor speed, and I anticipate using this as my primary portable machine for the next several years.Bottom Line: I am a long-term Apple fan. I own pretty much every Apple product, so in the interest of full disclosure, I happen to like their products. At the end of the day, if you are like 90% (maybe more) of average computer users, you will be satisfied with this machine. If the idea of having one port seriously bums you out or you need to use professional level software, this probably isn't the right choice for you. For everyone else, I think you will greatly enjoy this superbly designed ultraportable machine.