This is a flash hands on review to give you the chance to see what the laptop is all about as soon as possible. Stay tuned as we’ll be expanding and upgrading this review very shortly with more info.
Apple’s new Macbook is all about style, while still combining it with oodles of power. This is apparently the ‘notebook redefined’ according to the Cupertino brand, and it certainly does push the envelope in one area: the lightness of this thing is insane.
It’s so light you could mistake it for a half-empty sheaf of papers. Holding it in one hand is quite unnerving, as you feel you could snap it without holding properly.
The keyboard has been retooled to include a ‘butterfly hinge’ underneath each key. This means they’re massive and to be honest, lacking in travel. I’m sure that’s the sort of thing that after a while will become a genius idea for some, but in my brief time with it all I could think was ‘man, these are some big ol’ keys’.
The force touchpad is cool, with levels of clicks that aren’t really there. That’s to say that the more you press down, the more levels of haptic you hit – it’s a cool idea but one that requires some sensitivity.
The lack of any port bar the USB-C connector for HDMI, power and, well, everything else, is a bold one. Initially I was saddened by the loss of so many ports, but if it makes the new Macbook this thin, I’m all over it.
Early verdict
This is a great design from Apple, bringing a 12-inch laptop with a Retina display and stunning lightweight chassis for not much in the way of compromise… apart from the price, with it starting at $1299.
It comes in silver, gold and space gray, all of which look really neat (space gray really is classy) and man… this thing is SO LIGHT.
These ports will all be replaced by USB type-C. From left to right: micro-USB type-B, USB type-A, USB type-B, and mini-USB type-B. [
