Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Apple Announces New MacBook Air With Retina Display, Touch ID and Sketchy Keyboard (cnet.com)

Posted by msmash on from the long-overdue-update dept.

At an event on Tuesday, Apple announced an update to one of its most popular laptops, the MacBook Air. The 13.3-inch laptop now has a 13.3-inch Retina display with four times the resolution with thin bezels, but moves to two USB-C ports only. Other features of it include: T2 chip for TouchID, three-mic array for better voice recognition, new butterfly keyboard (the same module the company used in this year's MacBook Pro lineup -- which as you might remember are not reliable), eGPU and 5K display support, 8th-gen Intel Core i5, up to 16GB 2333MHz memory, up to 1.5TB SSD, 2.75 pounds. It is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum. It starts at $1,199 and ships starting November 7.

14 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I will get one by jellomizer · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Or you could just ask her what she would want?

    --
    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
  2. FFS by ilsaloving · · Score: 2

    Why are they still pushing that POS keyboard? Is it not bad enough that they can't make a mouse to save their lives, but now they have to ruin keyboards too?

    That thing is an ergonomic nightmare.

    1. Re:FFS by drinkypoo · · Score: 2

      Why are they still pushing that POS keyboard?

      Because part of maintaining the cult of Apple is never, ever admitting that they made a mistake. That's why they delete knowledge base articles that make them look like assholes, and why iPhone users who got poor reception were holding their phones wrong.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  3. Re:1440x900? by msmash · · Score: 2

    Yes, an earlier version of the story mentioned the screen resolution of the older generation MacBook Air. We regret it. We do not know the exact resolution of the new MacBook Air's display. What we know so far is that it is has a Retina display. We will update the story when Apple's official website adds tech specs of the new devices they are announcing today.

  4. Re:Wow! Unpressive! by garcia · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I use my MBP for work and I find no reason to use a dongle to the point where it would become something I would endlessly complain about.

    What are you guys doing that requires regular use of dongles to get your jobs done?

  5. Re:1440x900? by PPH · · Score: 4, Funny

    when Apple's official website adds tech specs

    They are working on writing them up. But it's slow going on that damned keyboard.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  6. Re:Wow! Unpressive! by b0s0z0ku · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I frequently need Ethernet for the infrastructure part of my work. Fortunately, I have a real laptop (Thinkpad X-series), not a Crapple (cripple?) toy.

  7. Re:"Sketchy" keyboard, eh? by b0s0z0ku · · Score: 2

    And (ohmigahd) TWO USB-C ports! Not one like the regular MacBook for plebes. Two! Wooooowwwww! At least you can plug in a dongle and charge at the same time :D

  8. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports (not USB-C) by RandCraw · · Score: 2

    /editmodeoff

  9. Re:who cares by b0s0z0ku · · Score: 5, Funny

    New ideas:
    (1) Thinner keyboard that's virtually unusable
    (2) Glue/solder in everything so it becomes recyclable (or e-waste) after 3-4 years.
    (3) Remove any useful ports. Yes, the world still runs on USB-A.

    COURAGE!

  10. Re:I will get one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Why not grow up and buy presents just for children? Adults buy whatever they fucking want.

  11. Re:Wow! Unpressive! by LynnwoodRooster · · Score: 5, Informative

    HDMI or VGA to show things on TVs and projectors. Not to mention USB connections to test equipment (all of which seems to come with type A connectors). My current laptop (a Lenovo P71) has 4 type A USB ports on it, and I frequently have 3 of them occupied. The HDMI port on the back usually drives a secondary monitor as well.

    --
    Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
  12. Re:Wow! Unpressive! by ilsaloving · · Score: 2

    I have two monitors connected to my macbook.

    I have an ethernet jack because I need to work from multiple VLANs.

    I have a USB3 hub with an ergonomic keyboard, trackball and external drives.

    I literally have every every port full on my 2015 MBP.

    At least with the 2015 I still have *some* normal ports so I can plug in USB devices and my HDMI monitor.

    If I used one of the newer MBPs, I would need multiple port replicators to cover all the stuff I plug in. And I would have to buy spares in case one failed or got forgotten somewhere.

    How do you use your machine? I am guessing you are either in an Apple-centric shop where everything has been setup for you (AppleTVs on every TV/Projector, etc), or you don't do anything that requires connectivity to other devices.

  13. Re:Too expensive, too close to the MBPro by sexconker · · Score: 2

    128GB PCIe-based SSD

    Configurable to 256GB, 512GB, or 1.5TB SSD

    My guess is $100, $200, and $500 extra for each step.

    I checked the order page. It's $200, $400, and $1200 extra! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

    Hey, Apple! Look at this! https://amzn.to/2DbTKBd
    High end NAND + controller + board + per unit pricing (not per millions like you contract for) + retail markup is less than 28 cents per GB. Even the most zealous Apple fanboi who believes your SSDs are magical, custom parts will have a time with you charging about 3 times the going (single-purchase, retail) rate for a component included in large volume systems.

    WTF?!