Apple has just released a new MacBook. It is the lightest and thinnest MacBook Apple has ever made. The laptop looks a lot like an iPad. It even feels like an iPad when you hold it.
Design and Build
The new MacBook weighs only 2 pounds (about 0.92 kilogram). It is very easy to carry. The thickest part of the laptop is just 13.1 millimetres. That is about the thickness of a thick notebook.
The laptop comes in three colours: silver, gold and space gray. These are the same colours that the iPad uses. The box that the MacBook comes in also looks like an iPad box.
Because the laptop is so thin, Apple had to change the way the keyboard works. The new keyboard has shorter key travel. This means the keys do not have to be pressed as far down. Shorter travel helps keep the laptop thin.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The new keyboard feels different at first. The keys are shorter and you have to press a little harder. After a few days, the feel becomes normal. The keyboard still feels solid and does not wobble.
Apple also added a new Force Touch trackpad. Older MacBooks had a trackpad that moved when you pressed it. The new trackpad does not move. Instead, it uses sensors to feel how hard you press.
There are two sensors. One tells the computer that you pressed the trackpad. The other measures how much pressure you used. This lets you do things like fast‑forward a video by pressing harder.
Apple added a tiny haptic motor inside the trackpad. It makes a tiny click feel even though the surface does not move. This keeps the click feeling natural.
Display and Performance
The screen is 12 inches diagonal. It is a high‑resolution Retina display. The screen is brighter and more colorful than the older MacBook Air screen.
Colors look vivid. For example, the fish in the movie “Finding Nemo” look very sharp on this screen.
Even though the laptop is thin, it still has a full‑size keyboard and a powerful processor. The fan‑less design means the laptop runs quietly.
Ports, Power and Battery
The new MacBook has only one port. It is a USB‑C port. You can use this port to charge the laptop, connect accessories, or attach an external display.
Most other devices still use the older USB‑A port. To connect those devices you will need an adapter. Apple sells a $19 USB‑C to USB‑A adapter. There is also a $79 dongle that adds USB‑A, HDMI and an SD‑card slot.
The power cable that comes with the laptop is short. Some users may want a longer cable or an extension.
The battery lasts between 8 and 11 hours on a single charge. This is good for a day of work or school. Apple saved power by using a display that lets more light through each pixel and by making the internal board compact.
The battery life is not as long as the 13‑inch MacBook Air, but it is enough for most daily tasks.
How the New MacBook Compares to Other Models
Recent reviews from sites like Wirecutter, CNET and Mashable compare the new MacBook with the MacBook Air, the MacBook Neo and the MacBook Pro. Those articles say the new MacBook is the lightest and thinnest, but the Air still has the longest battery life. The Pro has a brighter screen and more ports.
If you need a very light laptop for travel, the new MacBook is a good choice. If you need many ports or the longest battery, the Air might be better. If you need the most power for video editing, the Pro could be the right pick.
FAQ
Is the new MacBook good for school work?
Yes. It is light, quiet and has a bright screen. It can run most school apps and web browsers without problems.
Do I need to buy extra adapters?
Most likely. The laptop only has a USB‑C port. If you have older USB devices, you will need a $19 adapter or a $79 multi‑port dongle.
How long does the battery last?
The battery can last from eight to eleven hours depending on what you do. Light web browsing will be closer to eleven hours.
Can I use the new MacBook for gaming?
The laptop can run casual games, but it is not designed for heavy gaming. For serious gaming, a MacBook Pro or a Windows laptop with a dedicated graphics card is better.
Conclusion
The Apple new MacBook is a very thin, very light laptop. It costs $1,299 (about Rs 99,900) and comes in silver, gold or space gray. It has a 12‑inch Retina display, a new short‑travel keyboard, a Force Touch trackpad and up to eleven hours of battery life.
If you want a laptop that is easy to carry and you do not need many ports, this MacBook is a strong option. If you need longer battery life or many ports, you may want to look at the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro.