New macbook about review. New MacBook Pros: Ten Facts. Battery life

An in-depth review of the 2017 12-inch MacBook.

In June 2017 Apple unveiled an updated 12-inch MacBook. Compared to last year's model, the laptop has not changed at all externally, but inside it has become prettier, having received a seventh-generation Intel Kaby Lake processor. How powerful is this for the 2017 12-inch MacBook, how does the increased performance feel in such a compact and lightweight body, and does it have any competition? Dealt with all these questions in our detailed review 12-inch MacBook 2017.

If you write longer text, the sound will be really jittery over time. I also don't like the positioning and positioning of the arrow keys. We come to the trackpad, which in this series should clear all the prices for the largest trackpad in a laptop.

The question inevitably arises: why? For me personally, it is not clear why such a large surface is being built. The thing is so big that you have problems with handball from time to time. This inevitably lies on the surface. Basically, the bale detection function is pretty good, but it gets wrong from time to time and a normal click is recognized as a click. right click mice. Otherwise, there is nothing to complain about. This part is the best thing in the trackpad market.

Design

The 12-inch MacBook in 2017 looks no different from the previous two years. The laptop received the same ultra-thin aluminum case with a thickness of only 13 mm (at the narrowest point it is 3.5 mm at all), and weighs 920 grams. MacBook case is very compact, almost the same size as an 11-inch MacBook Air- length 281 mm, width 197 mm.

Less, however, sometimes more. Depending on what the application support looks like, this part can be quite handy. Most of the time, this worries me. An interrupt in a workflow should peek from the display to see which function is now where it just isn't needed on the panel.

Connections or "Thing with keys and adapters"

Sorry, but the thing might use something in the next generation, but there is much more to me than a nice trick here. Then the sensor becomes even more practical. Anything you have so far, cables and adapters, you can give, sell or throw in the trash. However, the non-existent transition from the old to the new standard is the subject of much discussion on the web. This is incomprehensible, because this medium is found in each camera.

A small lyrical digression. The first time you touch your MacBook 2017, you are truly amazed. The laptop is so thin and so solid that you absolutely do not want to let go of it, and in order to stop looking at the device it takes a lot of time. Even when a few days later you get used to the MacBook a little, sitting down for the next session with the computer, thoughts about how amazing it is to visit again. Such sensations will be especially strong for those people who were not familiar with 12-inch MacBooks before.

This allows all existing connections to be used for new connections. Time will do the rest. Processing is the best thing you'll find in the laptop market right now. Also in terms of performance, you cannot blame the device. The touchpad is not fully developed yet and distracts me personally more than it helps. The display and trackpad are very good and the keyboard is very familiar. Also the issue with the ports that we have already discussed.

All the praise you can really save considering we're talking about a damn high-end product. This should be taken for granted. A very good device for the diseases of young children. There you will find almost all device models. Nevertheless, we can also note the novelties that they come from development departments with a fundamentally different approaches... This is understandable: since the desktop replacement for the home is neither the one nor the other. Instead, manufacturers are targeting those who want to at least make the most of a specification that is compelling enough to mobile computer.

When the laptop is open, three things stand out. Firstly, the very thin bezels around the 2017 MacBook screen. Compared to previous models in the lineup, they are the same, but their dimensions are still amazing. Secondly, the hidden hinges that connect the bottom of the laptop to the screen. You can notice them, but for this you have to bend down on purpose. During normal work with the MacBook, the hinges are hidden from the user's eyes. And thirdly, a keyboard with a new second-generation butterfly key stroke mechanism, which we described in more detail below.

More similarities than differences

If you have a healthy self-awareness, and you have such things, you can take a look at it. This is why it pays to deal with high-end vehicles even if you don't really think about buying them. In advance: in many cases they do not give anything. This affects important aspects such as processor and memory. See the table below. Operating system not discussed here: the respective advantages and disadvantages have been adequately addressed.

The 2017 MacBook has only two connectors: a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The lack of additional, and most importantly familiar connectors is the main disadvantage of the laptop. Taking the MacBook out of the box, the new owner will not be able to connect even an ordinary USB flash drive to it - no adapters are included with the laptop. The only thing that will be available is charging the MacBook, which is done via USB-C.

Two Ultrabook Configurations

Here they should be in the spotlight.

It sits where otherwise cryptographic function keys are for many users. Even without a test, the concept seems practical: the narrow touch strip allows functions to dynamically adapt to the application being used.

So the user is doing a lot of work: since so far this had to do this work in the head.

This, in turn, is an important criterion in many companies - and it may be in others during the digitization process. Because not everything can be really practical in an application package, but more and more more work must be made or must be made mobile or mobile. Regular change between tablets and laptops is probably not the most The best way.

You will most likely have to purchase adapters (at least one) after purchasing a MacBook 2017. Unless, of course, you want to connect flash drives, cameras, input devices, etc. to your laptop from time to time. Apple offers a wide variety of adapters for purchase at traditionally high prices. So, the USB-C / USB adapter from Apple, with which you can connect one USB device to the MacBook 2017 (while the laptop cannot be connected to charging at this time) will cost 1,490 rubles. A multiport adapter that allows you to simultaneously connect to your MacBook Charger, any USB-device and, for example, HDMI-monitor - already 5 490 rubles. Note that it is not necessary to purchase adapters and adapters from Apple. There are a great many alternatives, including the most budgetary of the Chinese online stores.

Fingerprint scanner, battery and interfaces

It seems more practical and convenient to do both types of tasks on one device, a device that can be disassembled and operated with a mouse and keyboard, as well as a finger or a pen. The touchpad doesn't help much: it's more practical for experienced users who use intensive and long-term reusable applications know exactly what they want to do with them, and thus gain another opportunity for fast typing. But he could well find his niche. Of course, the technology has improved since then.

A few words about the package bundle of the MacBook 2017. It is meager. In the box with the laptop, Apple put only the charger (29 W, 5.2 V, 2.4 A), two-meter USB-C cable for charging and an envelope with leaflets. That's all, as we already said, not a single adapter is supplied with the MacBook 2017. Apple’s obstinacy in this regard is surprising. It's been two years since the first MacBook with only one USB-C port, there is a huge stream of criticism towards the company. Users are unhappy with the fact that for a laptop, whose cost is close to 100 thousand rubles, it is imperative to buy adapters, without which the device will be defective for most people. Apple doesn't seem to be particularly concerned about such reviews.

Battery life

The integration of the authentication function into the operating system and interoperability with other applications have also improved significantly. The manufacturer says about 12 - 16 hours autonomous work... After the first tests, it is necessary in practice to take more "a little more than 12 hours". The magic word here is support. To actually use these capabilities, users - by at least, for a while - can arm themselves with a culture bag full of keys and adapters.

The tech giant offers three different laptop options at vastly different prices. At the same time, however, the price screw was turned. The 13-inch model weighs 1.37 kg, one with the 15-inch 1.83 kg. You are getting powerful laptop with an excellent screen, which also improves video and video processing. And the device needs to be recharged. Its single port and limited performance is likely to hold back professional and mid-range users alike.

The 12-inch MacBook 2017 comes in the colors that are familiar from last year: gray, gold, silver and pink.

Adapters

Since the need to purchase adapters and adapters will certainly become the main headache for future MacBook 2017 owners, in this section we decided to look at the available choice of accessories, and also clarify one very important point.

The market they are targeting

For that, it looks really deadly and super light. It already came with 10 "5" or 12 "9" laptop screens. With an extra pen, the tablet is ideal for creative use. But the differences are significant, and we will start by saying that they are addressed to different users.

It is designed to be light and thin, allowing those who prefer it to bring it and take it with them without too much trouble. Screen size is one of the first differences. The difference is significant, especially for those professionals who work with graphics and video.

Actually, here it is - the use of non-original adapters and adapters for the MacBook is much safer than accessories for the iPhone or iPad. In the case of Lighting charging cables for iOS devices purchased in China, there is a considerable risk that one "fine" day you will stumble upon a message stating that this accessory is not supported. This won't be the case with third-party MacBook accessories, as Apple doesn't mind its customers using them.

Prices that stay, rise and fall

In both cases, type. Of course, the price of computers has great importance... This is always good news. There is a € 400 split between both models right now. When we level out the storage, the difference is reduced to € 250. You may have lost the battle with smartphones, but you are ready to win the computer war. We are talking about two laptops with very different characteristics and different ways work. Surface book with surface dial. The screen can be split to become a tablet, but loses the power of graphics.

Of course, the non-original adapters and adapters themselves may be of terrible quality or not work at all. It is important here, as with any purchase in Chinese online stores, to carefully study the reviews and make purchases only from trusted sellers.

So, what adapters and adapters will MacBook 2017 owners need to work properly with their device?

You can see this more clearly in this video. In this video, you can enjoy it to its fullest. The main difference between both laptops, as well as their most interesting novelty, is the new work tools. It is a kind of loop controller that can be used on the table to control some action, turning or pressing the dial. You can scale, rewind or rewind the movie, or switch between documents or between colors in graphic editor... But it is more useful when you put it on the touchscreen.

USB-C to USB adapter

Why: connect any USB device to your MacBook 2017.

1 490 rbl .
36 rbl .

USB-C Multiport Digital AV Adapter

Then there are virtual buttons around it that differ depending on the application you are using and allow you to select functions as you turn the dial. You can see him in action in this video. In any case, you need to understand that the state of ultrathin laptops limits Hardware pointer, which requires significant heat dissipation. Both offer support for multiple screens.

Comparison with competitors

It also includes a fingerprint reader for unlocking the device and making purchases and other transactions. As we said, there will be many different configurations. Here we show the most representative ones. Both devices will begin shipping in November in the United States.

Why: To connect your MacBook 2017 with a charging cable, USB device and monitor via HDMI.

V official store Apple - 5 490 rbl .
In Chinese online stores - from 790 rbl .

USB-C to VGA multiport adapter

The biggest differences are in the form of use. Two different philosophies in which performance, which seems fairly flat by specs, translates into background mode... Who do you stay with? Another got an amazing 19.5 hours in his best test and dropped to 4.5 hours in his worst. Typically, the battery life is only 5% of the test to be tested. The result was a truly terrifying qualification. The 15-inch version scored 56 points in the 13-inch version without the new touchpad, got 47, and the 13-inch Touchpad got only 40 points.

For what: To connect the charging cable, USB device and monitor via VGA to your MacBook 2017.

In the official Apple store - 5 490 rbl .
In Chinese online stores - from 740 rbl.

Multifunctional USB-C / USB Hub

The newest feature of new computers is the touchpad, a touchpad above the keyboard that changes functions based on the program that is active on the screen. We will help you make that decision. Let's compare something simple: memory and memory. The lower memory capacity is certainly one of the downsides to choosing the most powerful model at its base price, but as you'll see below, it's probably worth it.

Wondering which of the two might be the best? Get the best advice and last news on your phone. These two computers are made from the same piece of aluminum, have the same weight and are the same dimensions. The biggest design difference is in the doors.

What for: to connect a charger and several USB devices to your MacBook 2017.

There are no such universal hubs in the official Apple store. In Chinese online stores, there are many original solutions at prices from 650 rbl .

Operating system of updated MacBooks

This is a great choice of computers. Each model suits the type of user, depending on mobility and performance, in addition to different screen sizes and capacities. Before buying one, check out the specifications and differences in design, displays, performance and usability of your laptops, and see which ones are worth using in your daily work or at home.

Already 11-inch air weighs 1.08 kg and 13-inch 1.35 kg. The notebooks are visually appealing, with a clean and sophisticated design. The laptop has options of 13 inches without retina, with retina screen and 15 inches with retina screen. As expected, the connection was very good, but slightly modified with 1 meter distance and direct view.

Keyboard

The keyboard of the new MacBook has a second-generation butterfly keystroke mechanism, just like last year's laptop model. Improved keyswitches provide only 0.5mm key travel for MacBook 2017, and the keys themselves barely protrude from the metal base of the keyboard.

Due to such a low key travel, when typing on MacBook keyboard 2017 it seems that there is no move at all. The only thing that directly indicates a key press is a soft click. By the way, with active typing on the MacBook keyboard, these clicks merge into a monotonous melody, which, frankly, is quite pleasant to listen to.

Typing on the MacBook 2017 keyboard is also convenient because the shape of its keys is rectangular, not square. Due to this, it is easy to get on the keys, even despite the portability of the laptop itself as a whole.

Comfortable typing on MacBook 2017 in the dark is provided by backlighting, individual for each key. Despite the reduction in the size of the laptop, Apple did not dare to abandon the backlight and this is definitely an additional plus.

Screen

The screen options of the 2017 MacBook have not changed compared to the two previous models, but we felt it necessary to talk about it for completeness. The new MacBook features a 12-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 2304 x 1440 pixels (226 ppi) and high quality color rendering (millions of colors). The maximum screen brightness in manual setting mode is 350 cd / m2.

This brightness of the display, coupled with the anti-glare screen on the MacBook 2017, makes it easy to fully enjoy the laptop in bright daylight. Moreover, the image and text remain perfectly readable, even in direct sunlight on the screen.

It should also be noted that automatic system brightness control copes with its work on a solid five. The brightness is not set too high unless it is necessary, and as a result, the laptop battery is consumed significantly less. For example, if, when working outdoors in bright sunlight, the brightness of the MacBook screen automatically increased to 350 cd / m2, then in normal room light it dropped to an acceptable 110 cd / m2, which was more than enough for comfortable work. In total darkness, the screen brightness of the MacBook 2017 is reduced to 15 cd / m2.

As for the image itself, the screen of the MacBook 2017 can be called ideal for its class. Good color balance, sRGB coverage, flicker-free, high viewing angles and a resolution of 2304 x 1440 pixels make the MacBook's display head and shoulders above the competition.

Hardware part

Like the rest of the Mac models updated in 2017, the 2017 MacBook received a seventh-generation Intel Kaby Lake processor, which became the main feature of the new product. The basic version of the laptop is equipped with a dual-core processor Intel Core m3 Kaby Lake with a clock speed of 1.2 GHz, the middle one is a dual-core Intel Core i5 Kaby Lake chip with a frequency of 1.3 GHz. The older model is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed of 1.4 GHz, but such a version of the MacBook 2017, for some unknown reason, is not available on the Russian market.

Volume random access memory All configurations of the MacBook 2017 are 8 GB (LPDDR3 1866 MHz), the graphics processor is the same in all cases - Intel HD Graphics 615. In addition to the processors, the assemblies differ in the amount of SSD-drives. While the basic version of the 2017 MacBook offers a 256 GB flash drive, the mid-range (senior for the CIS) build has 512 GB.

We tested the base MacBook 2017 (Intel Core m3 1.2GHz, 8GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 615) in various benchmarks and compared it to last year's MacBook starter build (Intel Core m3 1.1GHz, 8GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 515).

In the Geekbench 3 benchmark, the new 2017 MacBook outperformed the 2016 model in both single-core and multi-core. In single-core mode, the MacBook 2017 turned out to be 14% faster than its predecessor - 2938 versus 2535 points, respectively. In multi-core mode, the advantage of the MacBook 2017 over the MacBook 2016 was 15% - 5900 points against 5025 points, respectively.

And if the previous test hardly surprised anyone, after all new processor in the MacBook 2017 was obliged to demonstrate the best performance, then testing the write and read speed of SSD-drives of 12-inch MacBooks of two generations was able to do it. Testing in the BlackMagic Disk Speed benchmark showed that the write speed of the SSD-drive of the new MacBook is 921 MB / s, which is not much, but still less than the 2016 model. Note that this is not a glitch in the benchmark. Similar figures have been confirmed by several tests.

But with the read speed of an SSD drive MacBook Pro 2017 all right. As promised by Apple, the speed has been noticeably increased over the predecessor model. The difference in reading speed was 26%, a more than decent gain.

Testing in other benchmarks also remained for the MacBook 2017. Separately, it is worth noting the confident victory of the novelty in complex tests in the Xbench and NovaBench benchmarks, which assess the overall performance of Mac computers.

As you can see, the MacBook 2017 outperforms its predecessor in most tests, and noticeably. New generation processor and slightly improved graphics chip have done their job by decently speeding up Apple's 12-inch laptop in all aspects.

It is also worth emphasizing that, as before, the MacBook is not suitable for gaming. The Intel HD Graphics 615 GPU does a poor job even with relatively old games running at low resolutions. Racing arcade game Dirt 3 at a resolution of 1400 × 900 pixels showed only 23.6 fps. There is nothing to say about more demanding games - the MacBook 2017 will not handle them. If you need an ultrabook with the ability to run modern games, then the MateBook X and Zenbook 3 are worth a closer look. These ultrabooks in Dirt 3, launched at 1920 × 1080 pixels, produced 71 and 47 fps, respectively.

Working hours

Where the 2017 MacBook beats its competitors is battery life. In benchmark testing, which involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi, the 2017 MacBook lasted 9 hours and 29 minutes. That's, by a minute, more than two hours more than the Zenbook 3 (7:05) and more than three hours more than the HP Specter (6:06). The difference is incredible!

The closest competitor to the MacBook 2017 was the MateBook X, which finished testing with a decent 8 hours 41 minutes of battery life.

Comparison with competitors

And since we are talking about the main competitors of the MacBook 2017, we will show in more detail the comparison of laptops in various parameters.

Working hours

Color rendering (Delta E)

Note: A lower value means better color rendering.

Color gamut

Display brightness (cd / m2)

Geekbench 4

Configuration and prices

As we noted above, Apple sells only two modifications of the MacBook 2017 in the CIS countries:

2-core processor Intel Core m3 Kaby Lake 1.2 GHz, 8 GB RAM LPDDR3 1866 MHz, SSD 256 GB, Intel HD Graphics 615 - 94,990 rubles.
2-core processor Intel Core i5 Kaby Lake 1.3 GHz, 8 GB RAM LPDDR3 1866 MHz, SSD 512 GB, Intel HD Graphics 615 - 116,990 rubles.

Should you buy?

If you need a light, thin, compact and incredibly beautiful laptop for everyday tasks, including office, the MacBook 2017 is the perfect choice. If, in addition to everything else, the mobility and autonomy of a laptop are very important to you, then better than MacBook 2017 models are definitely not to be found.

If you plan to perform resource-intensive tasks using your laptop, for example, video editing or image processing, then the MacBook 2017 is not for you. For such tasks, it is better to take a closer look at the MacBook Pro 2017 (), which is more expensive, but in terms of performance, it has gone far ahead. Also note that the new MacBook will not suit you if you are looking to purchase a laptop for gaming. In the latter case, pay attention to the same MacBook Pro 2017 or iMac 5K 2017 (), or better - towards gaming laptops on Windows.

Conclusion

MacBook 2017 is sleek, sleek, incredibly lightweight, and compact with a package that allows you to do all the basic tasks you face every day. Despite the arrival of Intel's seventh-generation Kaby Lake processor, the new MacBook isn't a monster when it comes to performance. The laptop has no problems with multitasking, but the MacBook will definitely ponder on truly resource-intensive tasks. And that's why the new 12-inch MacBook is a highly specialized product that is more suitable for use on the road than at home as your main home computer.

5,00 out of 5, rated: 7 )

Ten facts about the presentation of the new MacBook Pro - in short, then, no doubt, it turned out very well. If you develop a thought, then you need to wait for samples and try the Touch Bar yourself. But first things first…

1. I'll start with the main thing, a touch panel was added above the keyboard, in each program it can behave differently, work as a standard set function keys- F1-F8 fans will not be disappointed. Perhaps this is very the right decision for macOS striving to get closer to iOS. In iMessage, you can use emoticons, in DJ software a special set of icons and commands, in Photoshop too. You can pay for purchases using Apple Pay, you can quickly sign in with Touch ID (there is a second-generation sensor), and quickly and accurately adjust volume and brightness. While real professionals have questions, ordinary users will surely enjoy at least "touch ID", they get bored with entering the code every time, and they will enjoy Apple Pay, especially when the payment technology appears in popular Russian online stores. It's great to buy books on "ozone", pay by touching the panel and wait for delivery. And it's also safe! While we can discuss the usefulness of the panel, its capabilities, but we will talk more about this when a live sample appears in our hands. The Touch Bar will fit into MBP 13 and 15 so no one will be offended.

2. For those who do not need the Touch Bar, there will be a modification of the MBP 13 with a regular keyboard, without touch screen, in fact, it turns out to be the cheapest new MacBook Pro in the line, 119,990 rubles. By the way, all prices for new MBPs can be viewed.

3. What laptops are still in the current lineup? This is the MacBook Air 13 - in fact, the basic Apple computer, I talked about this in a recent article. Next comes the MacBook, not in terms of price, but in terms of compactness, followed by the MacBook Pro 13 and 15 in different configurations. Apparently, they do not want to clean the Air yet, like the iPhone SE - advanced citizens will pay for the "custom", but students will have the opportunity to choose a MacBook to their liking.

4. The current MBP lineup has two colors, silver and space gray. I think the latter will be very popular. And I will also note the scope of delivery, now there is no extension cable, but there is a completely universal long USB-C cable paired with an 87 W power adapter.

5. Detailed characteristics, I will note that playing the latest "Civilization" will work without problems on all new MBPs, which is very, very good. MBP 13 uses Intel processors Core i5, in MBP 15 it is Intel Core i7, graphics in trinash is Intel Iris, in MBP 15 it is a Radeon Pro 455 with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory and Intel HD Graphics 530, switching between one or another graphic adapter occurs automatically depending on running applications... In general, the new MBPs are very fast, plus you can easily choose the configuration for yourself. If this is an ordinary job, mail, documents already mentioned "Civilization" several hours a day, you can buy a junior MBP 13. If you need a versatile and powerful laptop for all tasks, then it is better to buy an MBP 15 with Intel Core i7 clocked at 2.7 GHz and Radeon card Pro 455. Yes, even the MBP 15 has 16 GB of RAM (LPDDR3 2133 MHz), it is not yet clear whether it can be increased - but for the first time it will be enough for sure.

6. A comrade is actively writing to me, they say, what is happening with the ports! How to charge! How to live now! It seems to me that everything is logical. Apple is reducing the amount of exotics, it is bad without a magnetic connector, but it's good when you can find a cable for charging a laptop in any office. Believe me, it will be so later. The MacBook Pro 15 now uses the following ports: four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, each of which supports device charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps) and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps). Four in one! Four identical connectors and with each you can charge your laptop. No magnetic chargers... No miracles. This is good. Let's see how quickly accessories with USB-C support appear - I suppose now the transition to the standard will occur rapidly.

7. MacBook-like keyboard, huge Force Touch touchpad, plus an extra touchpad. The keyboard will have to be tried in practice.

8. Thank God they didn't take the headphone jack anywhere. You can connect anything without any adapters. Optimized operation of microphones, now there are three of them - apparently, this is due to the joint use of MBP and iPhone. That is, it will be more convenient to talk in different conditions.

9. I liked very much that MBP 15 can be connected to two or even four monitors at once, the laptop acts here as a kind of “hub” - you come home, connect to displays, work calmly. This is why universal connectors are needed.

10. And, of course, the new MacBook Pros are much smaller than the old ones - less, but the MBP 15 still weighs 1.83 kg. For mobile people, MBP 13 will be more interesting, weight 1.37 kg.

Finally, I will add that the anniversary is a quarter of a century since the release of the first Apple laptop- the company celebrates it as it should. A solid lineup, interesting features not previously seen in mass-produced popular products, minimal dimensions, weight, high performance and, finally, good prices... We are waiting for the sale, we are waiting for samples. My old MBP 15 needs to be replaced and the best one could not even be imagined.