In other words, until Apple announces its intention to resurrect the dusty Macbook Air brand. This is the update we have always wanted for this laptop. An 8th generation Core i5 processor, a Retina display, a modern keyboard and trackpad, Touch ID ports and Thunderbolt 3. What more could we ask for?
A lower price, to start. At $ 1,200, the new air shows show that we must pay attention to what we want.
Of course, call it a MacBook "Air"
At one time, no laptop was much like a Macbook. Nowadays, the Apple logo is one of the only signifiers that separate a MacBook from the batteries of other laptops available. Whether it's the XPS 13, the MateBook X Pro or the Surface Laptop 2, the savvy owner has more choices than ever before.
The same goes for the weight and thickness, two areas that were once the highlights of the MacBook Air. The ZenBook 13 UX333FN and the Dell XPS 13 are both thinner and lighter, while the Surface Laptop 2 is almost identical. Air always has a corner design, but calling it an "Air" is a little ridiculous, especially since Apple has other laptops even thinner and lighter. Nowadays, the MacBook Air is not special. It's just another laptop.
Still, you'll find Apple's quality down to the smallest detail: fewer signs, creaks, bends, and friction points. The choice of materials and a new gold color feel unique and robust. The chassis as a whole supports just as much as the $ 1,600 Macbook Pro and will probably last longer than any internal component.
The same goes for the ports. The USB-A, HDMI, microSD ports and the beloved MagSafe charging port have been dropped for two Thunderbolt 3 ports. We are used to the choice of ports and the benefits of Thunderbolt 3 now outweigh the inconvenience – even if we sometimes miss an SD card slot or a USB-A port. Being able to charge your phone, plug in a 4K monitor, enhance the graphics with an eGPU and power your laptop in one port feels a bit like magic. I love the included headphone jack as long as you still have it.
The third-generation butterfly keyboard is doing pretty well
The Air offers the third-generation butterfly keyboard, featured in the latest update of the 2018 MacBook Pro. Although the new version offers a typing experience similar to that of the 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro, it is slightly more silent this time. Those who do not like the trip in shallow waters will still not appreciate it. Switching from the MacBook Air keyboard to the Dell XPS 13 keyboard is not a good idea yet, but we've been able to type quickly and accurately.
The Third Generation Butterfly Keyboard also adds a plastic membrane under each cover to protect it from dust and dirt, a problem that has affected previous versions of this keyboard.
When it comes to touchpad, it's the same Force Touch keyboard that we've been seeing on MacBooks since 2015 – and it's still the best in the industry. It's roomy, the palm or thumb reject is perfect, and the tracking is accurate. For a detailed job such as text selection, moving windows or multi-key gestures, the MacBook Air reigns supreme.
More from Apple
Another feature borrowed from the MacBook Pro is Touch ID, located in the upper right corner of the keyboard. This is one of the best fingerprint scanners on a laptop, which rarely misprints fingerprints to unlock or make purchases. However, laptops with Windows Hello face recognition, such as the Surface Laptop 2, make adding a bit outdated. To make matters worse, Face ID has been integrated with the iPad Pro this year without going through the MacBook Air.
We are happy that did not see the Touch Bar. The expensive OLED bar at the top of the MacBook Pro keyboard does not add enough value to justify its price. We are pleased that the functionality has been left to high-end models and has not been integrated here to the detriment of larger components. Good choice, Apple.
The display is Retina, but not impressive
Bringing the Retina display on the MacBook Air is a feature that Apple fans have been longing for since arriving on the MacBook Pro in 2012. Six years old, it's a long wait, its arrival Feeling a little less triumphant. This is a 2560 x 1600 screen, using Apple's 16:10 format. This image is sharper than most laptops offered at this price.
But there is a problem. It's not the same great screen as the MacBook Pro – or even the 12-inch MacBook.
Apple displays are generally unmatched in key areas such as brightness, contrast, color gamut, and color accuracy. This is not true here.
Brightness, for example, is mediocre. The 13-inch screen of the MacBook Pro exceeds 500 nits, which surpasses all other laptops. Other options such as the Huawei MateBook X Pro and the Dell XPS 15 (4K) also exceed 500. In comparison, the MacBook Air has only 291 nits. It's just average and, to make matters worse, the shiny layer stays. Glare can be a problem. Other weaknesses include contrast and black, where the MacBook Air's screen is behind not only other Macs, but also competitively priced PCs.
One aspect of the MacBook Air's display is up to Apple's reputation and color accuracy. Its color error rate is very low, making it a decent choice for photographers and graphic designers.
Another strength of the MacBook Air is its speakers. They are now turning up, like the MacBook Pro, as it should be. More than that, these are the clearest speakers you'll find on a 13-inch slim laptop. Music seems rich, as are videos and movies. For intense media experiences, we always recommend headphones, but we have enough punch to fill a room.
Enough of performance, but not much
The MacBook Air comes with a single processor. This is an 8th generation Core i5 processor, but not the same type as the XPS 13 or MateBook X Pro. This is the Intel series of the Y series, less powerful chips with fewer cores. You'll find them in ultra-portable laptops like the Pixelbook or the 12-inch MacBook, which are not supposed to be very powerful.
But before you leave the MacBook Air, know that Apple has done something one-of-a-kind. Unlike other Y-series chips, the Core i5-8210Y has a 7-watt TDP instead of 5 watts, which should translate into better performance. The Air also includes 8GB of RAM in its base model.
In single-core performance, whether it's Geekbench or simple observations of everyday use, the MacBook Air blitzer ahead. If your daily workflow includes watching videos, using Photoshop, word processing, and web browsing, using the MacBook Air is fast and fluid. This is underpinned by its impressive Speedometer benchmark, which simulates the responsiveness of web applications. If you're currently using something like the 13-inch MacBook Pro, you'll notice a drop in overall performance.
This is the multicore performance where the two hearts of MacBook Air find their limit. The 8th generation Intel processors have dramatically increased their multicore performance, especially in the U series processors that have gained additional hearts (most are now quads). Laptops like Dell XPS 13, Surface Laptop 2 and Huawei MateBook X Pro have nearly twice as many multicore capabilities. We've reached that limit ourselves when we try to do too many things at the same time: pull twenty open Chrome tabs, several desktop applications, stream audio to Spotify and videos to YouTube, and power a secondary 4K monitor.
When you consider the components that computers Laptop computers price, the MacBook Air seems a little underpowered.
The same can not be said of storage performance. The original MacBook Air was the first to use SSDs, and Air continues this legacy by offering an excellent NVMe PCIe SSD. Although it's no longer a distinctive feature, Air offers extremely fast read and write speeds that make file loading and opening applications fast.
If you want to play, buy an eGPU
MacBooks have never been slot machines, and the MacBook Air proves it. Since 3DMark is not compatible with MacOS, we have not been able to compare the Intel UHD Graphics 617 processor. However, it is safe to say that these built-in graphics are not designed for games or rendering serious video.
In comparison, the iPad Pro (or even just the iPad) is a more powerful gaming machine, with a much larger gaming library. You can even play Civilization VI which can barely work on the MacBook Air even with graphics settings disabled. With Thunderbolt 3 ports and new MacOS features, connecting an eGPU is supported if you are using an AMD graphics card.
Loss of ground in the life of the battery
The battery life has remained the same since the original MacBook Air. In recent years, the world has been catching up while laptops like the MacBook Pro are in decline. With the new Air, Apple promises again twelve hours of battery life on the Internet and thirteen hours of video playback. These figures would have been respectable even in 2018. Unfortunately, battery life did not reach those highs in our tests.
We found that the MacBook Air lasts about eight hours in light web browsing. It's always okay – and it's going to take you almost a whole day – but it's closer to the average than the leader of the pack. The MateBook X Pro will last until nine-thirty, while the 1080i version of the Core i5 XPS 13 will last another hour. Meanwhile, you can expect about x in video playback, which is once again surpassed by the same percentages by these other laptops.
If you do a more intensive job, you can expect about three and a half hours, depending on the results of our Web Basemark benchmark, which is about an hour shorter than these same competitors. Similarly, our video loop test generated a little over ten hours of playback time, more than three hours behind XPS 13.
That said, it's the best battery life you'll currently find on a MacBook, with about 35% more than the MacBook Pro.
Our take
As a more affordable MacBook, Air will be the one many people will choose – and there are some good reasons to do so. It's a complete MacBook without major flaws.
However, it is not revolutionary like the original MacBook Air. Far from there. This new MacBook Air does not grow beyond other Macs, let alone its many Windows 10 competitors. Many competing laptops offer better display, better keyboard, more ports, quad-core processor and better battery life.
The air just has enough problems to upset the enuthisasts, but not enough to deter the average shopper.
Is there a better alternative?
If you're looking for a MacBook in this price range, we prefer the MacBook Air to the 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro base model. It's not better in every way, but it's the most balanced Mac.
When you leave the Mac world, you'll find a multitude of good alternatives, many of which provide better components at a lower price. The Huawei MateBook X Pro, Dell XPS 13, Surface Laptop 2 and HP Specter x 360 systems all offer a better set, each in a chassis as high-end as the MacBook Air.
How long will it last?
The MacBooks are still well built, and it's no different here. The MacBook Air should last more than a few years, thanks to the robustness and reliability of its chassis.
Apple also excels in customer service, and it's no different here. This time, the MacBook Air is still a little easier to repair than other Macs, which means that you will have a better chance of fixing it if something goes wrong. The MacBook Air comes with a standard one-year limited warranty, but includes the extended coverage option up to three years via AppleCare.
Do you have to buy it?
Yes, but our recommendation is not clear.
If you are determined to buy a MacBook, you should consider the first option. It's the best balanced MacBook, worth less than $ 1,500. If you are open to Windows, however, you will easily find a better laptop that costs less.
Like what you read? Follow us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Follow us on Instagram and Subscribe via FeedBurner.
In other words, until Apple announces its intention to resurrect the dusty MacBook Air brand. This is the update we have always wanted for this laptop. An 8th generation Core i5 processor, a Retina display, a modern keyboard and trackpad, Touch ID ports and Thunderbolt 3. What more could we ask for?
A lower price, to start. At $ 1,200, the new air shows show that we must pay attention to what we want.
Of course, call it a MacBook "Air"
At one time, no laptop was much like a MacBook. Nowadays, the Apple logo is one of the only signifiers that separate a MacBook from the batteries of other laptops available. Whether it's the XPS 13, the MateBook X Pro or the Surface Laptop 2, the savvy owner has more choices than ever before.
The same goes for the weight and thickness, two areas that were once the highlights of the MacBook Air. The ZenBook 13 UX333FN and the Dell XPS 13 are both thinner and lighter, while the Surface Laptop 2 is almost identical. Air always has a corner design, but calling it an "Air" is a little ridiculous, especially since Apple has other laptops even thinner and lighter. Nowadays, the MacBook Air is not special. It's just another laptop.
Still, you'll find Apple's quality down to the smallest detail: fewer signs, creaks, bends, and friction points. The choice of materials and a new gold color feel unique and robust. The chassis as a whole supports just as much as the $ 1,600 MacBook Pro and will probably last longer than any internal component.
The same goes for the ports. The USB-A, HDMI, microSD ports and the beloved MagSafe charging port have been dropped for two Thunderbolt 3 ports. We are used to the choice of ports and the benefits of Thunderbolt 3 now outweigh the inconvenience – even if we sometimes miss an SD card slot or a USB-A port. Being able to charge your phone, plug in a 4K monitor, enhance the graphics with an eGPU and power your laptop in one port feels a bit like magic. I love the included headphone jack as long as you still have it.
The third-generation butterfly keyboard is doing pretty well
The Air offers the third-generation butterfly keyboard, featured in the latest update of the 2018 MacBook Pro. Although the new version offers a typing experience similar to that of the 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro, it is slightly more silent this time. Those who do not like the trip in shallow waters will still not appreciate it. Switching from the MacBook Air keyboard to the Dell XPS 13 keyboard is not a good idea yet, but we've been able to type quickly and accurately.
The Third Generation Butterfly Keyboard also adds a plastic membrane under each cover to protect it from dust and dirt, a problem that has affected previous versions of this keyboard.
When it comes to touchpad, it's the same Force Touch keyboard that we've been seeing on MacBooks since 2015 – and it's still the best in the industry. It's roomy, the palm or thumb reject is perfect, and the tracking is accurate. For a detailed job such as text selection, moving windows or multi-key gestures, the MacBook Air reigns supreme.
More from Apple
Another feature borrowed from the MacBook Pro is Touch ID, located in the upper right corner of the keyboard. This is one of the best fingerprint scanners on a laptop, which rarely misprints fingerprints to unlock or make purchases. However, laptops with Windows Hello face recognition, such as the Surface Laptop 2, make adding a bit outdated. To make matters worse, Face ID has been integrated with the iPad Pro this year without going through the MacBook Air.
We are happy that did not see the Touch Bar. The expensive OLED bar at the top of the MacBook Pro keyboard does not add enough value to justify its price. We are pleased that the functionality has been left to high-end models and has not been integrated here to the detriment of larger components. Good choice, Apple.
The display is Retina, but not impressive
Bringing the Retina display on the MacBook Air is a feature that Apple fans have been longing for since arriving on the MacBook Pro in 2012. Six years old, it's a long wait, its arrival Feeling a little less triumphant. This is a 2560 x 1600 screen, using Apple's 16:10 format. This image is sharper than most laptops offered at this price.
But there is a problem. It's not the same great screen as the MacBook Pro – or even the 12-inch MacBook.
Apple displays are generally unmatched in key areas such as brightness, contrast, color gamut, and color accuracy. This is not true here.
Brightness, for example, is mediocre. The 13-inch screen of the MacBook Pro exceeds 500 nits, which surpasses all other laptops. Other options such as the Huawei MateBook X Pro and the Dell XPS 15 (4K) also exceed 500. In comparison, the MacBook Air has only 291 nits. It's just average and, to make matters worse, the shiny layer stays. Glare can be a problem. Other weaknesses include contrast and black, where the MacBook Air's screen is behind not only other Macs, but also competitively priced PCs.
One aspect of the MacBook Air's display is up to Apple's reputation and color accuracy. Its color error rate is very low, making it a decent choice for photographers and graphic designers.
Another strength of the MacBook Air is its speakers. They are now turning up, like the MacBook Pro, as it should be. More than that, these are the clearest speakers you'll find on a 13-inch slim laptop. Music seems rich, as are videos and movies. For intense media experiences, we always recommend headphones, but we have enough punch to fill a room.
Enough of performance, but not much
The MacBook Air comes with a single processor. This is an 8th generation Core i5 processor, but not the same type as the XPS 13 or MateBook X Pro. This is the Intel series of the Y series, less powerful chips with fewer cores. You'll find them in ultra-portable laptops like the Pixelbook or the 12-inch MacBook, which are not supposed to be very powerful.
But before you leave the MacBook Air, know that Apple has done something one-of-a-kind. Unlike other Y-series chips, the Core i5-8210Y has a 7-watt TDP instead of 5 watts, which should translate into better performance. The Air also includes 8GB of RAM in its base model.
In single-core performance, whether it's Geekbench or simple observations of everyday use, the MacBook Air blitzer ahead. If your daily workflow includes watching videos, using Photoshop, word processing, and web browsing, using the MacBook Air is fast and fluid. This is underpinned by its impressive Speedometer benchmark, which simulates the responsiveness of web applications. If you're currently using something like the 13-inch MacBook Pro, you'll notice a drop in overall performance.
This is the multicore performance where the two hearts of MacBook Air find their limit. The 8th generation Intel processors have dramatically increased their multicore performance, especially in the U series processors that have gained additional hearts (most are now quads). Laptops like Dell XPS 13, Surface Laptop 2 and Huawei MateBook X Pro have nearly twice as many multicore capabilities. We've reached that limit ourselves when we try to do too many things at the same time: pull twenty open Chrome tabs, several desktop applications, stream audio to Spotify and videos to YouTube, and power a secondary 4K monitor.
When you consider the components that computers Laptop computers price, the MacBook Air seems a little underpowered.
The same can not be said of storage performance. The original MacBook Air was the first to use SSDs, and Air continues this legacy by offering an excellent NVMe PCIe SSD. Although it's no longer a distinctive feature, Air offers extremely fast read and write speeds that make file loading and opening applications fast.
If you want to play, buy an eGPU
MacBooks have never been slot machines, and the MacBook Air proves it. Since 3DMark is not compatible with MacOS, we have not been able to compare the Intel UHD Graphics 617 processor. However, it is safe to say that these built-in graphics are not designed for games or rendering serious video.
In comparison, the iPad Pro (or even just the iPad) is a more powerful gaming machine, with a much larger gaming library. You can even play Civilization VI which can barely work on the MacBook Air even with graphics settings disabled. With Thunderbolt 3 ports and new MacOS features, connecting an eGPU is supported if you are using an AMD graphics card.
Loss of ground in the life of the battery
The battery life has remained the same since the original MacBook Air. In recent years, the world has been catching up while laptops like the MacBook Pro are in decline. With the new Air, Apple promises again twelve hours of battery life on the Internet and thirteen hours of video playback. These figures would have been respectable even in 2018. Unfortunately, battery life did not reach those highs in our tests.
We found that the MacBook Air lasts about eight hours in light web browsing. It's always okay – and it's going to take you almost a whole day – but it's closer to the average than the leader of the pack. The MateBook X Pro will last until nine-thirty, while the 1080i version of the Core i5 XPS 13 will last another hour. Meanwhile, you can expect about x in video playback, which is once again surpassed by the same percentages by these other laptops.
If you do a more intensive job, you can expect about three and a half hours, depending on the results of our Web Basemark benchmark, which is about an hour shorter than these same competitors. Similarly, our video loop test generated a little over ten hours of playback time, more than three hours behind XPS 13.
That said, it's the best battery life you'll currently find on a MacBook, with about 35% more than the MacBook Pro.
Our take
As a more affordable MacBook, Air will be the one many people will choose – and there are some good reasons to do so. It's a complete MacBook without major flaws.
However, it is not revolutionary like the original MacBook Air. Far from there. This new MacBook Air does not grow beyond other Macs, let alone its many Windows 10 competitors. Many competing laptops offer better display, better keyboard, more ports, quad-core processor and better battery life.
The air just has enough problems to upset the enuthisasts, but not enough to deter the average shopper.
Is there a better alternative?
If you're looking for a MacBook in this price range, we prefer the MacBook Air to the 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro base model. It's not better in every way, but it's the most balanced Mac.
When you leave the Mac world, you'll find a multitude of good alternatives, many of which provide better components at a lower price. The Huawei MateBook X Pro, Dell XPS 13, Surface Laptop 2 and HP Specter x 360 systems all offer a better set, each in a chassis as high-end as the MacBook Air.
How long will it last?
The MacBooks are still well built, and it's no different here. The MacBook Air should last more than a few years, thanks to the robustness and reliability of its chassis.
Apple also excels in customer service, and it's no different here. This time, the MacBook Air is still a little easier to repair than other Macs, which means that you will have a better chance of fixing it if something goes wrong. The MacBook Air comes with a standard one-year limited warranty, but includes the extended coverage option up to three years via AppleCare.
Do you have to buy it?
Yes, but our recommendation is not clear.
If you are determined to buy a MacBook, you should consider the first option. It's the best balanced MacBook, worth less than $ 1,500. If you are open to Windows, however, you will easily find a better laptop that costs less.
Like what you read? Follow us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Follow us on Instagram and Subscribe via FeedBurner.
The post The MacBook Air plays the oldies we love, but the band is getting old appeared first on News Doses.
