The 12-inch MacBook has received criticisms and doubts among consumers, but a new report is saying otherwise.
Surprisingly, the 12-inch MacBook from Apple could be the best travel laptop yet, at least when it comes to keyboard and portability.
Below are some of the highlights from Forbes' mini-review of the 12-inch MacBook, which are pretty convincing considering Best Buy's Holiday Deal on the device (more on that in the last paragraph).
- Retina Display
The 12-inch MacBook's non-touch 2,304×1,440 Retina display is described as "amazing" in the report. However, it's the resolution of such an ultra-thin and light laptop that really delivers the goods. While not spectacular, Apple delivers when it comes to the laptop's contrast, brightness and sRGB color gamut.
· Keyboard
The keyboard of the 12-inch MacBook is said to be its "best part" because at 17 percent larger and 40 percent thinner than the usual laptop, larger keys allow for more accurate typing.
Admittedly, the keyboard of the ultra-light laptop is incomparable to the softness of the keyboard of Dell's XPS 13 2015 model or HP's EliteBook Folio 1020, but as noted in the review, the keyboard experience in the 12-inch MacBook is "enjoyable" with no typing problems presented in a 24-hour duration - a rare offering in today's super-thin keyboards offered in the market.
· Portability
This is perhaps where the 12-inch MacBook is most noteworthy. Having a light and thin laptop is extremely important if one is a constant traveller. A laptop that can be easily grabbed and tossed in a bag and one that presents too much weight make for a huge disparity in one's travels.
The 12-inch MacBook doesn't just present exceptional portability, but as noted in the review, it's the lightest that a laptop can get "without being a tablet." In addition, the Apple device does this without the sacrifice of poor speed and battery life.
While the review doesn't say the device is perfect for gamers who need the best battery and the quickest laptop performance, the 12-inch MacBook delivers when it comes to moderate use (roughly eight hours) while traveling, with the need for recharge only once in every two days.
· Conclusion
Having 1.1GHz Intel ("Broadwell") Core M processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.4GHz, 8GB RAM and 256GB PCIe-based flash drive, USB-C connectivity, Force Touch Trackpad and refreshed keyboard, the 12-inch MacBook is Apple's best light laptop yet at 0.52-inches and 2 pounds.
It's not slow, battery life is decent, it doesn't get hot and it's really good-looking to boot. It can even pass as a 12-inch iPad when closed.
According to 9to5toys.com, Best Buy is now offering all colors of the Apple 12-inch Retina MacBook (Silver, Gold, Space Gray) for only $999.99 with free two-day shipping. That's $200 off the original price. Get additional $50 off with a unique coupon with a .edu email address, dropping the laptop's price to $949.99.
Watch an in-depth review of the 12-inch MacBook below.