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Light. Years ahead.

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Originally released April 10, 2015 and last refreshed April 19, 2016, the all-new MacBook ($1,299 and up from the Apple Store) is the thinnest and lightest Mac laptop ever made. It’s also the first MacBook to be offered in four color options: classic silver, space gray, gold and rose gold.

Currently offered only with a 12″ screen, it represents the future of Apple laptops. Following a refresh in April 2016, it now includes a 2304×1440 (226ppi) Retina display, 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage, coupled with ultra-low-power Intel Core M processors. The base model includes a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M chip with an Intel HD Graphics 515 GPU; and upgraded models offer to 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 or 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz.

With a redesigned chassis that’s only slightly wider than the keyboard, the new MacBook’s 0.14″–0.52″ thickness was achieved in part by dropping all external connectivity ports save for a 3.5mm headphone port and a new reversible USB-C port, which can be used for power, data connectivity, and video output. Most of the MacBook’s connectivity is handled wirelessly with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4 support. It promises 9-10 hours of battery life depending on how the computer is being used.

A redesigned Force Touch trackpad now can sense multiple levels of pressure rather than just one, using four pressure sensors and a haptic feedback pad to replicate the clickiness of a traditional trackpad. Additionally, the keyboard has been completely redesigned to retain the expected clicks, precision, and travel of conventional keys, while cutting their depth and width to fit the chassis. An ultra-thin top lid has only enough depth for a 640×480 FaceTime camera, a compromise for the smaller size.

Just like the first-generation MacBook Air, the new MacBook is aimed at users whose computing needs don’t demand incredible horsepower, yet benefit from a slim, light chassis with a really nice screen. Though you’ll do better in raw dollar terms and power by buying a comparably priced 13″ Retina MacBook Pro, you’ll have nearly twice the weight to carry around (2.03 pounds versus 3.48 pounds) and a larger footprint to manage. The choice of which is best for your needs will be highly personal.

Current Lineup:

  • MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)

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How to reset your MacBook or Mac desktop before selling or giving it away

How to reset MacBooks

If you’re ready to sell, trade in, or give away your Mac or wipe it for another reason, there are different steps to the process depending on what Mac you have and what version of macOS you’re on. Notably, recent macOS releases include a handy modern erase option like iOS. Read on for how to reset MacBooks and Mac desktops.

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12-inch MacBook could return as a budget model, suggests leaker

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There has been speculation of late of Apple considering the launch of a “low cost” MacBook of some kind, and a leaker today suggests that it could take the form of a 12-inch MacBook – as well a 13-inch one specifically geared to the education market.

There have been similar suggestions from other sources, though all have been vague, and all of the sources have rather variable records …

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How to clean your MacBook screen: WHOOSH, tips, more

clean MacBook screen

If you’re a heavy MacBook user, chances are your screen quickly gets covered in finger prints, grease, and other debris. Luckily, this is a pretty easy problem to solve to help keep your MacBook screen looking as good as the day you unboxed it. Head below for the details on how to clean your MacBook screen, with some bonus tips on cleaning the keyboard as well.

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Where is the Mac mini of MacBooks?

iPad pricing | iPad 10 shown

Apple’s new M2 Mac mini is a good value for a desktop computer.

$500 gives students and educators access to Apple’s best consumer processor performance and a desktop operating system. That’s vastly more affordable than $1300 iMac even after you consider the cost of a mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

But it’s not 1995 anymore. Students use laptops, not desktops. Apple hasn’t had its M2 Mac mini moment with MacBooks, and I think the iPad is the reason.

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MacBook owners can now claim payout in class action lawsuit over Butterfly Keyboard issues

MacBook owners can now claim payout in class action lawsuit over Butterfly Keyboard issues

Back in 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in San Jose, California, regarding the Butterfly Keyboard in MacBook models introduced between 2015 and 2019. The lawsuit was settled in November after a judge approved a proposal by Apple to pay owners of affected MacBook models, and now those customers are being contacted to claim their payout.

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Butterfly keyboard lawsuit resolved after judge approves payout of $50-$395 to MacBook owners

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The butterfly keyboard lawsuit has been resolved after a judge approved Apple’s proposed payouts to owners of MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models with the faulty keyboard design.

Owners whose machines required repair are set to receive compensation that ranges from $50 to $395, depending on the extent of the work needed. However, the payouts will be made only to those who purchased their MacBooks in US states covered by the class action suit …

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MacBook design changes enable Vietnamese production for the first time; Apple Watch too

MacBook design changes | M2 MacBook Air teardown

MacBook design changes have made it practical for the machines to be assembled in Vietnam for the first time. So far, only iPads and AirPods have been made in the country.

The move marks the continuation of Apple’s gradual effort to reduce its dependance on China as a manufacturing center …

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Comment: A new 12-inch MacBook couldn’t fit Apple’s current Mac lineup – and I’m glad it doesn’t

12-inch MacBook

Three years ago, Apple discontinued the 12-inch MacBook. The fanless, light Mac got a lot of attention at the time, but as the years went by, people seemed to forget how bad of an option this computer was. Despite some rumors saying Apple could revive this Mac, here’s why I don’t think it will happen since the company already has the perfect alternative.

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12-inch MacBook vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Which would you buy?

12-inch MacBook vs 15-inch MacBook Air

Apple is reportedly set to expand its MacBook lineup with a pair of new screen sizes as soon as next year. According to Bloomberg, Apple could release a new 15-inch MacBook Air and 12-inch MacBook in 2023, representing two new additions to the MacBook lineup.

Now that these rumors are out in the world, what do you think? Would you buy either of these machines?

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New MacBook Air imminent? Current inventory only M1 Mac with delayed shipping

While we’re almost to WWDC 2022, customers are still facing long shipping estimates for their Apple devices. Supply chain issues have been plaguing Apple for months and will continue throughout the summer. Currently, the M1 MacBook Air is the only M1 Mac with delayed shipping. Most of the M1 MacBook Pro and M1 iMac models will ship this week.

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Is Apple really working on a foldable MacBook display? And if so, why?

Foldable MacBook/iPad display

Two credible sources have suggested that Apple is working on a foldable MacBook display, and that this might unfold to see the largest screen ever created for a portable Apple device – around 20 inches.

We’ve this morning seen one possible take on what such a product might look like, but is Apple really working on something like this? …

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First OLED MacBook delayed, says report; no sign yet of microLED

First OLED MacBook delayed, says report

The first OLED MacBook screen has been delayed, claims a supply chain report. It says that Apple was originally planning to bring the display tech to MacBooks in 2025, a year after the rumored introduction in iPads.

However, the more complicated display tech needed in a laptop is causing problems, says the report, as Apple struggles to contain costs …

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Here are all the best MacBook trade in values following new MacBook Pro launch

The new MacBooks are here, and that means it’s time to trade in your old, clunky, slow computer! While we’re always keeping you in the loop on the best MacBook trade in deals in our roundups every month, here’s what we’re finding for trade in values for Macs all the way from older MacBook Air models to the new-ish 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro…

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