You are almost certainly going to want the i5/i7 for that resolution of display, if not for the extra cores. Naturally Apple is charging $300 for a part that is only $90 over the cost of the i3 from Intel.
for all the hate I have inside for apple, box looks decent. half of the cost is apple premium but at least its modern parts not 2y+ old ones. 3733 ram is supported only on 9/10'th gen and I think 10'th only for non XMP.
If you only want the faster i5 CPU and don't care about the added storage, you can upgrade just the CPU in the base model for a shockingly reasonable $100.
True, there's no reason to skip the i5 for $100. Unfortunately I suspect all the education models that will eventually flood the market will be i3's and minimum storage :(
I think Apple wanted to hit the $999 price point and using the slower chip let them do that. That said, since the $1299 is also a “stock” configuration I expect that to be popular among consumers.
You can also custom build the 256GB model to the quad core i5 for $100 ($1099 total). I would recommend that, particularly for anyone eligible for the student or a corporate discount.
My main problem is the lack of upgrades for the base model. $999 for dual core, like before. Just G1 graphics. I believe the i5 variant is still G4. So yeah, the top of line and most expensive is greatly improved. But I can buy a Microsoft Surface for a lot less. They've had these chips for more than 6 months already.
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Hi, Anton. Why stating that MBA 2018 and 2020 models having DCI-P3. I'm not thinking it's true. It looks to me as an sRGB panel compared to TouchBar equipped MBP 2018.
Just found reference on compare page on Apple website. All Air models stated as Full Standard Color (sRGB). Please correct it. It is the BIG DEAL for many of us.
Seems like apple has some sort of contract with broadcomm and they still use the 3x3 wifi 5 solution, instead of adding the CRF from Intel to use the one integrated into the PCH of the Ice Lake platform.
Only 3 vendors sell more laptops than Apple (HP, Lenovo, and Dell). Apple is the fourth largest PC OEM by volume, and 80% of the PCs they sell are laptops. The MacBook Air is their least expensive laptop and generally their top-selling model. Annual volume is millions of units. The MacBook Air likely outsells any single product from any of the other vendors.
So yes, this is an indication that Intel has finally managed to produce 9W quad-core CPUs on 10nm in actual volume. Or at least that Apple was able to stockpile a quarter’s worth prior to the release of Tiger Lake in a few months.
On top of that apple represents 5% of intel revenue, and MacBook Air as the default Mac for Apple seems to be the most popular, Intel will only let apple to build a high volume 10nm computer when they are really confident of their process.
Not necessarily gone; nothing with more than 4 cores has been publicly released yet. But certainly this, improving availability of Ice Lake notebooks from other vendors (I got one from Dell last month), and the cancellation of Cooper Lake are signs that it's probably improving. I won't call it 'gone' until Intel has a "generation" with complete desktop, server, and mobile part lineups all shipping in volume with no 14 nm parts (and if that "generation" is mixed 7 nm/ 10 nm then I'd guess that it was never completely solved).
The XPS 13 definitely looks better but I don't feel like these bezels are large enough to be off-putting. That said, I'd rather buy the XPS 13, but that isn't due to the thin bezels.
You criticize the 2017 chassis but it had quality of life features like a proper usb a port and sd card slot. Also it had a proper 15W U series chip and comfortable keyboard. This is a 9W CPU so don't rush to applaud the iris graphics.
The USB-IF says that USB-C is "proper." I look forward to the day when all the old people are either finally onboard with the better USB port interface or are dead.
There are still a ton of new peripherals that use USB-A. Yes, USB-C is better, but it's going to take at least another 5 years for all device manufacturers to make the transition. And not everyone can afford to upgrade their gear every time a new standard is released.
If you can afford a new MacBook Air, you better afford buying new peripherals (or dongles). It will take at least another 10 years before any new standard comes out, which means that you'll have to make the switch at some point anyways.
I've seen a review already of the i5 model. It idles at 70 degrees and reaches easily 100 at which point it throttles. 12W is boost until it begins to throttle to 9W. The latter is sustainable the 1st is not.
The 15W U-series CPUs can spike up to 25W. In reality Apple sells a lower powered package than when the MBA was seen as the best ultrabook. 1100$ for an underpowered throttle prone machine is never a good deal. Sorry.
Not only does the redesigned MacBook Air have a fan, but it also uses Y-series processors—in a 13.3-inch laptop.
The old 11-inch Air was available with 15W U-series i7s. Most tablets lack fans, have less surface area for cooling, and contain SoCs with TDPs in the 12W range, so I’m not sure why anyone thinks throttling will be an issue here.
9W TDP + quad core = low base clocks. Although a 1.1GHz base clock does sound a bit pathetic.
I'm not sure if the benefits of low noise is enough to counteract the lower cooling capabilities of a fanless chassis. Especially since fan noise is imperceptible at low RPM and Apple could have limited the max RPM of the fans. A low RPM fan is still better than zero airflow
should have just had I5/I7 considering the price point but this is Apple you are talking about. Its still not a bad laptop IF the keyboard is not as bad as the previous gen's keyboard.
Overpriced, as compared to what? The XPS 13, or the HP Spectre 13, both of which are about the same price? You can't exactly expect to get a premium product at $500 or something
It have way better iGPU though, 48 execution unit G4 at standard and 64 unit G7 for i5 and i7. And (compared to XPS at base price of $1249) a better screen (2560x1600 vs 1920x1200 same at 500 nits). And amazing trackpad/speakers and mic (especially important these days) to boot!
Decent keyboard, no touch bar, decent integrated graphics, quad-core, thin and light and not outrageously priced. Seems to me that the MacBook Air has gone a from pointlessly mediocre alternative to the MacBook Pro to actually pretty great.
I hope the cooling and screen brightness are good enough though as both were issues with past iterations.
3733Mhz is enabled by intel 10 gen, apple always wanted to go faster (they generally use the fastest chip that particular cpu supports I think, of course without overclocking). 4200Mhz are overclocked ones, iirc Intel desktop CPUs Have 2666Mhz as standard and AMD have 3200Mhz.
Total novice here but really appreciate the expert reporting/comments here. You guys rock. I’m interested in replacing my (late) 2008 macbook pro (still going strong - hacked for Mojave). The 16 inch is a bit pricey. Is this a “powerful enough” machine? I use MakeMKV/Handbrake occasionally but a lot of stuff is mundane browser/mail stuff - with a bit of terminal thrown in! Otherwise I guess I should wait for the rumored 14 inch update (appreciate a it of speculation as to which chips would be in that and how the compare to these ones). Thanks and keep up the good work.
If doing handbrake, the more cores the merrier, question is how often and how long you have to wait. If you really want an apple device, this is probably the best priced of the laptop devices.
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jeremyshaw - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Do we know if the IGPs are G7 or one of the lessor configurations?nestroyer - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
i3 model is G4, i5 and i7 have G7.mmm200 - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
i3 in $1000 model is for sure G4, $1300 model looking like G7.Samus - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
You are almost certainly going to want the i5/i7 for that resolution of display, if not for the extra cores. Naturally Apple is charging $300 for a part that is only $90 over the cost of the i3 from Intel.Samus - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Ohh, should have looked. For the extra $300, you also get a 512GB SSD. Less salt on the wound than I thought.deil - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
for all the hate I have inside for apple, box looks decent. half of the cost is apple premium but at least its modern parts not 2y+ old ones. 3733 ram is supported only on 9/10'th gen and I think 10'th only for non XMP.lowlymarine - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
If you only want the faster i5 CPU and don't care about the added storage, you can upgrade just the CPU in the base model for a shockingly reasonable $100.Samus - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
True, there's no reason to skip the i5 for $100. Unfortunately I suspect all the education models that will eventually flood the market will be i3's and minimum storage :(KPOM - Saturday, March 21, 2020 - link
I think Apple wanted to hit the $999 price point and using the slower chip let them do that. That said, since the $1299 is also a “stock” configuration I expect that to be popular among consumers.KPOM - Saturday, March 21, 2020 - link
You can also custom build the 256GB model to the quad core i5 for $100 ($1099 total). I would recommend that, particularly for anyone eligible for the student or a corporate discount.Alistair - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
My main problem is the lack of upgrades for the base model. $999 for dual core, like before. Just G1 graphics. I believe the i5 variant is still G4. So yeah, the top of line and most expensive is greatly improved. But I can buy a Microsoft Surface for a lot less. They've had these chips for more than 6 months already.chrkv - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Actually all versions have at least G4 GPU because all version (even base) have Intel Iris Plus and Intel calls G1 grachics "UHD" - https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/produc... https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/produc...I believe that this is the processor used for the base model - https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/produc...
lisabmassey - Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - link
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pamelaajames22 - Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - link
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Hi, Anton. Why stating that MBA 2018 and 2020 models having DCI-P3. I'm not thinking it's true. It looks to me as an sRGB panel compared to TouchBar equipped MBP 2018.mmm200 - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Just found reference on compare page on Apple website. All Air models stated as Full Standard Color (sRGB). Please correct it. It is the BIG DEAL for many of us.close - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Not to Anton.mmm200 - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
It is such a shame that 2020 model doesn't include WiFi 6. Kind of a deal breaker for me cause I'm doing WiFi installs for a living.yeeeeman - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Seems like apple has some sort of contract with broadcomm and they still use the 3x3 wifi 5 solution, instead of adding the CRF from Intel to use the one integrated into the PCH of the Ice Lake platform.repoman27 - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Apple tends to use Broadcom based modules from either Murata or USI. However, the MacBook Air has historically only been 2x2:2 for power reasons.yeeeeman - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
The CPU must be throttling like crazy in this slim chassis.yeeeeman - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Anyways, if this is based on 10nm parts, it means that Intel 10nm capacity problem is gone officialy.yeeeeman - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Another thing is that these are probably the 9W range, topping out with 1060G7.KPOM - Saturday, March 21, 2020 - link
12W cTDP upgrade based on the base clock speeds.duploxxx - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
you think? just because there is a vendor offering these? Apple market share in laptop is very smallrepoman27 - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Only 3 vendors sell more laptops than Apple (HP, Lenovo, and Dell). Apple is the fourth largest PC OEM by volume, and 80% of the PCs they sell are laptops. The MacBook Air is their least expensive laptop and generally their top-selling model. Annual volume is millions of units. The MacBook Air likely outsells any single product from any of the other vendors.So yes, this is an indication that Intel has finally managed to produce 9W quad-core CPUs on 10nm in actual volume. Or at least that Apple was able to stockpile a quarter’s worth prior to the release of Tiger Lake in a few months.
Stephen_L - Thursday, March 26, 2020 - link
On top of that apple represents 5% of intel revenue, and MacBook Air as the default Mac for Apple seems to be the most popular, Intel will only let apple to build a high volume 10nm computer when they are really confident of their process.drothgery - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Not necessarily gone; nothing with more than 4 cores has been publicly released yet. But certainly this, improving availability of Ice Lake notebooks from other vendors (I got one from Dell last month), and the cancellation of Cooper Lake are signs that it's probably improving. I won't call it 'gone' until Intel has a "generation" with complete desktop, server, and mobile part lineups all shipping in volume with no 14 nm parts (and if that "generation" is mixed 7 nm/ 10 nm then I'd guess that it was never completely solved).Mccaula718 - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Bezels....#xps13Stochastic - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
They do stand out, don't they?ingwe - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
The XPS 13 definitely looks better but I don't feel like these bezels are large enough to be off-putting. That said, I'd rather buy the XPS 13, but that isn't due to the thin bezels.id4andrei - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
You criticize the 2017 chassis but it had quality of life features like a proper usb a port and sd card slot. Also it had a proper 15W U series chip and comfortable keyboard. This is a 9W CPU so don't rush to applaud the iris graphics.solipsism - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
The USB-IF says that USB-C is "proper." I look forward to the day when all the old people are either finally onboard with the better USB port interface or are dead.Stochastic - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
There are still a ton of new peripherals that use USB-A. Yes, USB-C is better, but it's going to take at least another 5 years for all device manufacturers to make the transition. And not everyone can afford to upgrade their gear every time a new standard is released.Rudde - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
If you can afford a new MacBook Air, you better afford buying new peripherals (or dongles). It will take at least another 10 years before any new standard comes out, which means that you'll have to make the switch at some point anyways.KPOM - Saturday, March 21, 2020 - link
12W.id4andrei - Saturday, March 21, 2020 - link
I've seen a review already of the i5 model. It idles at 70 degrees and reaches easily 100 at which point it throttles. 12W is boost until it begins to throttle to 9W. The latter is sustainable the 1st is not.The 15W U-series CPUs can spike up to 25W. In reality Apple sells a lower powered package than when the MBA was seen as the best ultrabook. 1100$ for an underpowered throttle prone machine is never a good deal. Sorry.
x15 - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
What is the wifi chipset, and how many antenna?repoman27 - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Apple tends to use Broadcom based modules from either Murata or USI. The MacBook Air has historically been 2x2:2 for power reasons.danielfranklin - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Is it still fanless?These 9w chips with huge graphics are going to throttle in seconds!
chrkv - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
MacBook Air have never been fanless. May be you are confusing it with MacBook that was using Y-Series processors.repoman27 - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Not only does the redesigned MacBook Air have a fan, but it also uses Y-series processors—in a 13.3-inch laptop.The old 11-inch Air was available with 15W U-series i7s. Most tablets lack fans, have less surface area for cooling, and contain SoCs with TDPs in the 12W range, so I’m not sure why anyone thinks throttling will be an issue here.
FreckledTrout - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Interesting, the trend to lower bae clocks continues.Retycint - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
9W TDP + quad core = low base clocks. Although a 1.1GHz base clock does sound a bit pathetic.I'm not sure if the benefits of low noise is enough to counteract the lower cooling capabilities of a fanless chassis. Especially since fan noise is imperceptible at low RPM and Apple could have limited the max RPM of the fans. A low RPM fan is still better than zero airflow
trivik12 - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
should have just had I5/I7 considering the price point but this is Apple you are talking about. Its still not a bad laptop IF the keyboard is not as bad as the previous gen's keyboard.sonny73n - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - link
Under-specs. Overpriced.Retycint - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Overpriced, as compared to what? The XPS 13, or the HP Spectre 13, both of which are about the same price? You can't exactly expect to get a premium product at $500 or somethingid4andrei - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Those notebooks start with a 15W CPU. Apple makes use of a 9W part.Stephen_L - Thursday, March 26, 2020 - link
It have way better iGPU though, 48 execution unit G4 at standard and 64 unit G7 for i5 and i7. And (compared to XPS at base price of $1249) a better screen (2560x1600 vs 1920x1200 same at 500 nits). And amazing trackpad/speakers and mic (especially important these days) to boot!playtech1 - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
Decent keyboard, no touch bar, decent integrated graphics, quad-core, thin and light and not outrageously priced. Seems to me that the MacBook Air has gone a from pointlessly mediocre alternative to the MacBook Pro to actually pretty great.I hope the cooling and screen brightness are good enough though as both were issues with past iterations.
scottrichardson - Thursday, March 19, 2020 - link
I had to google the RAM speed to check it wasn't a mistake. That's the fastest (by Megahertz) RAM in any Mac, ever.RSAUser - Friday, March 20, 2020 - link
Considering that there's 4200MHz and up chips hitting the market now, better late than never I guess.Stephen_L - Thursday, March 26, 2020 - link
3733Mhz is enabled by intel 10 gen, apple always wanted to go faster (they generally use the fastest chip that particular cpu supports I think, of course without overclocking). 4200Mhz are overclocked ones, iirc Intel desktop CPUs Have 2666Mhz as standard and AMD have 3200Mhz.PaulE42 - Friday, March 20, 2020 - link
Total novice here but really appreciate the expert reporting/comments here. You guys rock.I’m interested in replacing my (late) 2008 macbook pro (still going strong - hacked for Mojave).
The 16 inch is a bit pricey.
Is this a “powerful enough” machine? I use MakeMKV/Handbrake occasionally but a lot of stuff is mundane browser/mail stuff - with a bit of terminal thrown in!
Otherwise I guess I should wait for the rumored 14 inch update (appreciate a it of speculation as to which chips would be in that and how the compare to these ones).
Thanks and keep up the good work.
RSAUser - Friday, March 20, 2020 - link
If doing handbrake, the more cores the merrier, question is how often and how long you have to wait. If you really want an apple device, this is probably the best priced of the laptop devices.Whether you should wait or not, that's up to you.
RSAUser - Friday, March 20, 2020 - link
You will notice quite an upgrade though, pretty much anything is better than a 2008 laptop.PaulE42 - Friday, March 20, 2020 - link
Thanks - it’s an old one but a good one! ;0)