Remember that impossibly thin MacBook Apple launched last year?
It's back again with a slight upgrade.
The updated MacBook, which you can buy now starting at $1,299, is pretty much the same as before except for a faster processor, improved graphics, better battery life, and a faster flash storage drive.
Oh yeah, it also comes in pink now:
Other than that, it's essentially the same computer as last year. Here's a quick look at what it's like using the new MacBook.
It's more powerful, but still slow compared to other MacBooks.
If you need a lot of power, the MacBook isn't for you.
Even though the latest update has a chip that's 25% faster than the last model, it's still relatively weak compared to the MacBook Air or Pro. I found that the MacBook is fine for tasks like web browsing and light photo editing, but it can still get hung up if you have a lot of tabs and apps open at once. And don't even think about working with professional programs like Photoshop or Final Cut.
Overall, it's about as powerful as the MacBook Air was four years ago, which might be fine for some people, but it does make me wonder how well it'll hold up a few years from now.
It's beautiful
The MacBook is the best-looking computer I've ever used.
It has a roomy 12-inch screen, but it's still shockingly thin and light. It's closer to an iPad than a laptop. Even the svelte MacBook Air looks chunky by comparison. Plus, it has Apple's sharp Retina display, which you can't get on the MacBook Air.
I also love the keyboard, which has keys that are almost flush against the body. They don't press down as much as keys on a normal keyboard, but it's a delight to type on once you're used to it.
It only has one port.
I'm fine with pushing things forward, even if everyone isn't quite ready for the future yet. Apple has a history of doing this. Over the years, it has eliminated floppy disks, DVD drives, and replaceable batteries from its computers, and it was right to do so every time.
The MacBook takes that theme to the extreme and has just one port: A USB-C plug, which is the new standard that lets you charge the MacBook and connect to accessories like monitors or your smartphone. USB-C has a lot of promise, and it could replace a lot of the plugs on your gadgets one day. It's faster than regular USB, works with HD monitors, and it's reversible so you don't have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way.
But I was hoping Apple would add a second USB-C port to the refreshed MacBook. Instead, you're stuck with just one, which means you can't charge and plug in an accessory simultaneously. You also can't plug in multiple accessories at once.
In theory, Apple says you should be able to charge your MacBook overnight and have plenty of juice to get you through the day, freeing the USB-C port for other things. In my tests, the battery did get me through the day, but I can imagine plenty of scenarios where I'd want to plug in multiple things at once.
And since USB-C is so new, you'll also need to buy a lot of pricey adapters to connect to your existing gadgets. Get ready to drop even more cash on those.
The MacBook Air may be old, but it's still a better computer.
Even though it looks a bit dated and is just begging for a redesign and a sharper screen, I still have to recommend the MacBook Air over the MacBook. You get more power for your dollar (the 13-inch model starts at $999), and it's still plenty thin, light, and portable. It won't turn heads like the new MacBook, but it will definitely last you quite a bit longer.
There's only one reason to buy it.
As enticing as the MacBook is, it's hard for me to recommend it over the MacBook Air or even the MacBook Pro. At $1,299, the MacBook is actually the same price as the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which is several times more powerful and capable.
It seems like the only real advantage the MacBook has over other computers is its design and portability. The only reason to buy it is if you value looks over everything else and are willing to pay a premium for it.
