First impressions of the 12” Macbook (2016)
This is an overview of my initial impression of the 2016 edition of the 12” Macbook after two days of use. I am using the base model. The specification for the machine that I am using are as follows:
- 1.1GHz dual core Intel Core m3 processor
- 256 GB PCle-based onboard flash storage.
- 8 GB memory
- Intel HD Graphics 515
- Colour: Space Grey.
Why I bought this specific computer
I am a PhD student and aspiring writer. I live a distance from my university, and so, in regard to my tech, I prioritise portability, last ability (battery life), and usability (I am often writing/reading for extensive periods of time, and so keyboard and display are very important). Given this information, you might ask; why do you need such a fancy machine, if effectively all you do is write and read? To which I would reply; “You know what, you’ve got a point”, and after this I’d take the opportunity to explain the following. I upgraded from a 4 year old Macbook Air 11”, which served me well and, honestly, has been, to some degree, unnecessarily replaced — it still runs excellently, it is highly portable and its keyboard, memory, touchpad and battery life perfect. However, in 2015, I was seduced by the design of the newly released, and premium priced 12” Macbook. After gawking at its beautiful display in the comfort of the Apple store, I was convinced that I wanted one…eventually. I was prepared to wait. A year on, my wait paid off. Whilst physically unchanged (for the better in my opinion), the battery life boasted a moderate one hour bump, and the new models featured the new Intel chip, which I’d read, had boosted the speeds and performance of some machines by as much as 25%. This however, is arguably unnecessary for someone who wants to just write a ridiculous amount of pages, and read an extensive amount of journal articles online (with the occasional viewing of Netflix thrown in). These arguments are what, in some part, prolonged my decision to buy this machine. How could I justify spending that much money on one for what I need it for? And the truth is, I cannot fully challenge this opinion. I was simply seduced by the design and screen. Full stop. Not to sound like a [insert judgement here] but I was adamant that I was going to get one. However, in debating the degree to which I as being a [insert judgement here], these arguments really did force me to consider which specification to opt into buying. Quite basically, screen quality, the new keyboard (yes, I know its controversial, but I love it) and extreme portability of this machine are the main factors contributing to my decision.
What I love about this machine
Aside from the display, which really is just the most impressive display that I have ever encountered on a portable notebook, there is a lot to love about this machine. I have selected three aspects.
First up, design and colour. Since Apple started using Space Grey across its range, I quite simply fetishised over it. Honestly, I feel like this is the colour that Batman would choose if he were to walk into an Apple Store. Its sleek and to some degree reminds me of the old black Macbook model, which I always wanted, but never did get my hands on. This is a seriously well designed machine, which comes with compromises. Controversially, the single USB-C port is a major issue, and for good reason, a personal issue. For me, it is not a problem. I am almost completely cloud-based. I can’t even remember the last time I used USB, and feel that if I ever do in the future, the use of a dongle is fine. I do agree that said dongle should have been thrown in with the machine.
Keyboard. I write. I write a lot. When watching Jony Ive’s curated design video upon the MacBook’s 2015 release, I understood the mechanics of the butterfly mechanism, however was sceptical about typing on what some reviewers had suggested as being like a flat surface. Some of these urged those who write a lot, not to get this machine. However, after many visits to an Apple store between 2015–16, and numerous exercises with Apple Notes (writing “all work and no play…” over and over), I wholeheartedly disagree. The wide keys and low travel, for me, make for a perfectly comfortable and effective (I so rarely mis-press a key) experience that I immediately adapted to.
Speakers. I was prepared for the retina display, however little really prepared me for the full sound and high volume of the speakers. My first experience of these was an episode of Netflix’s Daredevil which immediately opened on a fight sequence, halfway through which, after picking up my jaw, I had to turn the volume down. Amazing sound quality. Rich. Loud.
What I don’t love
This part is difficult. I am still very much in the honeymoon phase with this machine. I would have to say the price is a bit high, however for that cost — when compared with the cost of a Macbook air — I value the quality of the machine that I get in terms of display, sound, design. I will return to this section at a later date when I actually have something that I dislike.
In sum
I am, as you may tell, very excited about owning a 2016 Macbook. Whilst I appreciate many people’s arguments for/against this machine, I cannot help but side with the former. I love it. Whilst not a necessary upgrade, it is one that for me made all the difference. The screen quality is insane. It is highly portable. The keyboard, though contested by some, for me is really comfortable. Battery life is a working day.
