Entry № 041-3 / V-4519 · 0:00 synced

Macbook 12" Retina Early 2015 - Waste of Money?

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips1.2M viewsMay 31, 201512:12
Source
YT
Views
1.2M
Subscribers
16.8M
Critic
?
Audience
?

0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings

Channels and socials

The Macbook 12" Retina Early 2015 video is upon us. Do I tear it a new one - a new port, that is - or do I marvel at its beauty? Maybe a touch of both... dbrand link: dbrand.com Ting link: linus.ting.com Kingston link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com

Start
AI OverviewDefault language

The video begins by framing the MacBook 12 inch Retina from early 2015 as a controversial device, weighing its groundbreaking thinness and its limited port selection against real-world usability. The host immediately dives into design details, highlighting the plain aluminum chassis, the protective dbrand wrap, and the two small ports: a single USB-C (which is actually USB 3.0 5 Gbps with power, display capabilities, and power delivery through the connector) and a 3.5 mm audio jack. This section emphasizes how the port scarcity drives the daily experience, especially for users who expect a modern laptop with straightforward connectivity. The host then critiques the webcam, praises the high-resolution 16:10 display, and comments on the speakers, setting up a contrast between the device’s aesthetic appeal and practical limitations. He uses this frame to transition to the practical use case: booting into Windows via Boot Camp with a USB-C dongle and a USB hub, only to find the experience hampered by the need for adapters and the awkwardness of the initial setup. By the end of the first segment, the video signals that the device is a fetish object of sorts for its design and battery life, but a questionable choice for those needing versatile and immediate I/O. The reviewer then shifts to describing the trackpad, keyboard, and the infamous butterfly keyboard mechanism, arguing that while the keyboard is controversial, the touchpad offers a compelling haptic feedback experience, adding that OS X features for file previews and Force Touch are well integrated. The middle portion weighs the device’s strengths against its compromises, noting the impressive battery life claim and the potential of future Apple CPUs to make the form factor more viable, while also warning that the current ecosystem of adapters can erode the convenience of owning a thin portable. In the closing segment, the host summarizes who the MacBook 12 is for and who it isn’t, concluding that its strongest selling point is battery life and its status as a sleek, portable device, but that price, limited IO, and the need for dongles undermine its practicality for many users. The video ends with a candid appraisal that the MacBook 12-inch Retina is essentially a tablet transformed by a keyboard cover, and it casts the device as a prelude to future, more capable designs rather than a fully realized standalone laptop for most power users. The host closes with a light plug for carrier and affiliate links, and reiterates that while there are excellent PC notebook options, the MacBook 12 inch remains a niche choice based on personal style and particular workflow needs.

Topics · technology · laptops · product_reviews · consumer_electronics

Questions answered

What is the primary hardware limitation that shapes the MacBook 12's usability in this video?
The primary hardware limitation is the limited port selection, featuring a single USB-C port (which is actually USB 3.0 with power and display capabilities) and a 3.5 mm jack, requiring adapters for most peripherals.
How does the reviewer assess the keyboard and touchpad design?
The reviewer finds the touchpad to be highly impressive with its haptic feedback and responsiveness, while the Butterfly keyboard is controversial and criticized for its typing feel, though it includes a slim backlight and is considered fast with manageable error rates.
What future Apple developments does the video speculate could change the viability of this form factor?
The video speculates that a future Apple CPU, possibly a core M or later A-series chip, could power a more efficient and capable device, making a tablet-like experience feasible with better performance and battery life.