Since I made my first Mac purchase about eight or nine years ago, I have always owned a MacBook Pro. I owned 2010 and 2012 models. On this most recent purchase, however, I was going back and forth between buying the base model 12" MacBook and the base model MacBook Pro 13" model as their entry price are the same and they have different things to offer. I was very tempted to purchase the MacBook 12" when I first saw it in store; I loved the size and loved the keyboard; however, I was concerned when I initially saw the specs that came along with the base model. As I considered my options, there was a flash sale hosted by Best Buy that I could not resist. The current (2017) MacBook's price was significantly decreased and, to save even more money, I found an open box, certified like new, deal on the same date. I figured that this was the perfect time to make up my mind and made the purchase. The computer arrived two days later. I immediately put the computer through its paces and tested its competence in completing the tasks I know I will put it through in the years to come (as I typically keep my Mac purchases a number of years before updating again). I was able to have the computer set up completely in 10-15 minutes. I did typical web searching and the computer handled this without lagging, even with multiple tabs. I simultaneously had multiple apps open at the same time, as I am a huge multitasker. The 8 GB memory makes this computer handle the multitasking with ease. I was able to have Calendar, App Store, Word, Messenger, Notes, Safari, and Photos running without any stuttering. Next, I downloaded iMovie and edited and exported a 4k video within the app . I understand that Macs and Mac software are optimized to work well together, but I was still quite surprised to see exactly how well this MacBook handled editing and exporting video This MacBook didn't only handle the editing with ease, but it actually seemed to export more quickly than my 2012 MacBoo Pro model did, which had a 2.9 i7 processor. The keyboard is definitely different from any keyboard I have used. I fell in love with it when I first played with it in store on a display model. I do not mind the shallow key travel as the clickiness of the keyboard makes typing on the machine a satisfying machine. I enjoy all MacBook keyboards, but I have already found out that I make fewer errors while typing on this MacBook's keyboard. I have always loved MacBook's trackpads and this one is my favorite. Clicking the trackpad actually feels like a real click. The trackpad seems to be quicker and more responsive than the trackpads I have had on my other MacBook Pro models and the size has increased for a more fluid experience. In sum, this MacBook initially won me over by its small, sleek, well-put together appearance, but kept me loving it once I experienced its surprising power, its beautiful screen, accurate and pleasing keyboard, and the quick and easy to use track pad. So far, this MacBook is everything I dreamed it would be (beautiful screen, extremely portable, fun to type on, and capable of handling every day tasks) and then some (editing video with ease using iMovie and beautiful performance with multitasking). I would definitely recommend this computer to anyone looking for a small and light computer that is also very capable. I do not do heavy movie editing, so a heavy user, or even a user not using software optimized for a Mac, would likely want to buy a Pro model MacBook to handle more intensive needs. However, for what I do, this computer is handling everything I need quite beautifully and I keep finding things to love about it when I feared I would feel the opposite.

This is not the fastest or most powerful laptop you can buy, not by far. If that's what you want and you want a Mac, a 15" MacBook Pro is more your style. It's also not the cheapest laptop you can buy, and not even the cheapest Mac laptop. If that's what you want, look at the MacBook Air. So who is the 12" MacBook for? - You travel regularly or often work on the go. The 12" fits on an airplane tray table, even in coach, and the battery life is excellent when you're not near a power outlet. - You commute on foot, bike, or public transportation and carry your laptop on your back or shoulder. It's ridiculously lightweight and won't cause strain. It's only slightly bigger and heavier than the normal size iPad. - You have typical computing needs: web, email, social media, typical documents and spreadsheets, light photo and video editing (meaning that you view and edit photos and videos for yourself and your friends/family; you're not editing the next Hollywood blockbuster). For the tasks that 95% of people use a computer for, this laptop is perfectly capable. - You care about style. I lost count of the number of compliments I've received about this computer. - Your budget affords an upgrade over the MacBook Air but you don't have the money and/or the computing need for a MacBook Pro. - You don't use a lot of external accessories. There is only one port (other than headphones) and it is USB-C. It's the same port that is used for charging, so if you work plugged in at a desk and need to also plug in an accessory or two, you're going to be swapping cords or you will need to buy a USB-C dock. If you still use USB-A (the old style of USB that's been around for 20+ years) accessories like thumb drives, you'll want to at least get an inexpensive USB-C to USB-A adapter. With pretty much everything going wireless and using the cloud for file access, I personally don't have a need to plug in anything but the power cord. If you do, the one port might be the achilles heel of this laptop.

I was going back and forth with this and the macbook pro. I was convinced that i wanted the pro more and was gonna spend the extra 200 for a 256gb but i couldnt pass on this deal! i've always been a windows user but got an iphone. i gotta say I LOVE THEIR OS. I game a lot and I have a separate desktop for that. definitely this laptop is not for gaming. you can game probably at very low graphics but ports are an issue. it doesn't bother me since I bought this laptop for working at home to work by the window if i wanted toxD this meets my needs. It's fast and just has that premium feel. the key board is great i can type on this for hours.i actually just made a review so i could have a reason to type lol. love the portability, love the track pad, i feel like this is their best feature xD i'm having fun with all the short cuts. the retina screen is awesome to watch movies or videos. super fast boot the only annoying thing i encountered was when i dowloaded their recent os update it took around 10 mins. i'm so used to it being fast but apple did say they are gonna take longer so i don't think its the laptop's fault. overall this is worth for me as long as the one port doesn't bother you guys or the troll 480 p webcam (air has a better one at 720p). if you want it, buy it but for sure there are cheaper options out there but this is just built so good!! try it in store. the chassis the screen just in love with it!!! it took me a while to decide. maybe a month. but i went in stores to check the feel of laptops i wanted and watched video comparisons.. ultimately chose this mac. (macbook pro, macbook, dell xps)

When I began shopping, I was looking to upgrade my 2012 13" MacBook Pro when I started to need something a bit lighter to carry. The 13" MacBook Pro wasn't a huge computer, but I did find myself simply needing a lighter load. I went to BestBuy and saw this computer and was immediately drawn to the size of the machine. I also enjoyed typing on the newer style, butterfly keyboard and was impressed with the Retina display. I did pay attention to the specifications closely, though, as the entry level MacBook Pro was the same price and was a more powerful machine. I knew that I did not need a powerhouse computer, but I also, on occasion, do some video and photo editing and desired to spend the money wisely on a computer that could handle these needs. I liked the 12" body of this machine compared to that of the 13" of the Pro. I also was happier with the 256 GB hard drive capacity offered at the entry level price with the MacBook compared to the entry level Pro model only offering 128 GB. I went home without a computer to read/watch reviews and consider more heavily my options. I try to keep my computers a number of years and did not want to make a mistake in my purchase choice. Then, the email came and the MacBook was on a flash sale AND on top of that, I was able to find an open box certified model at an even heavier discount. I made the purchase of the 12" MacBook and have been so pleased. The computer does not have a fan, but does not overhead. It multitasks very well and can handle my light video editing with ease (the only drawback being export times). I have had this computer for the better part of a year, now, and have zero complaints. I am very happy to have made this purchase.

To start off I would like to say that I love apple products so choosing an Apple Computer for college was a no brainer. I bought my MacBook with the sole purpose of using it for school so I wouldn't really be able to speak about any specific details that are internal. However, I will say that performance wise it is amazing. It rapidly loads web pages without a hiccup. If you are a college kid, this is the computer for you! The Retina display is absolutely beautiful. When I was deciding between getting a MacBook, MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro, the Retina display was what ultimately convinced me to get the MacBook. It's so crisp and breathtaking. Another deciding factor for me was the weight. Typically laptops are quite heavy but not the MacBook. It's so light and convenient. Sometimes, I just throw it into my backpack and throughout the day, I don't even realize that I'm carrying it around. One thing to note is that the keys on the keyboard are FLAT. I'm not sure if they seem weird to me because throughout my high school years all I used were desktop keyboards but eventually I got used to the keys. However, the lighting setting for the keys makes up for it. As a college kid studying into the night having the ability to adjust the light on the keys is convenient. Something else to note is the one USB-C port. Thankfully, I have not had the need of all the addition ports but it frustrates me to know that if I even do need it I will have to buy an adaptor for it. An adaptor that, may I add, is not cheap. To finish, I am really happy with the product I paid for. It was expensive but it met my expectations of being fast, clear and light.

If you have not held the new MacBook in hand, it is almost impossible to think how a computer can be so light and so thin. In some ways, it almost seems like an iPad with a clamshell keyboard attached to it. To make space for the small form factor, many 'normal' features had to be removed: no CD drive, no USB ports (save for the USB-C charging port) and no HDMI port. This computer was truly designed to be ultra portable and is not peripheral feature heavy. While I was looking for a computer that is easy to tote around, this could be a reason to consider a different model for some users. Since I was switching from a MacBook Pro, I found that the keys (like the new Magic keyboard) are more shallow and take some getting used to. This makes for a small learning curve, but overall it is a non-issue. The loss of some factors of convenience (no USB drive, etc) are more than balanced with the impossibly thin design of the new MacBook. It almost seems ridiculous when you look at other larger laptops after using this computer. Keep in mind, if you don't already have one you will need a bluetooth mouse, etc to get the job done. More than just a cosmetic choice for the MacBook is the aluminum shell. I opted for the gold finish, which looks stunning. Since the laptop is so light and thin, the aluminum makes it feel like the construction is sturdy and not flimsy. Overall I am very happy with the computer. I would urge that anyone considering the device thinks long and hard about the need to use peripherals and if they can live without USB/ HDMI ports and a DVD drive natively built in to their laptop.

MacBooks are pricey which is why I had been putting off my desire to have one for so long, but I'm so glad I finally took the plunge. This computer is perfect for everything I use it for--word documents, internet browsing, even GarageBand. Sure, it doesn't have the same power as a MacBook Pro, but it gets the job done and it's super quick and light, which I love. I've never been one to tote my laptop around with me, but this computer is so slim and light that I might just have to start. I love it way more than the Surface Pro 3 I used to have. The biggest draw for me is the ability to link all of my Apple devices through iCloud and access all of my files from any device, and the fact that Apple computers don't need any additional antivirus software. This computer is also VERY quiet, which I appreciate. A big peeve with previous laptops was the volume of the fan. The new MacBooks are fanless and I didn't realize how big that was for me until I could use my computer without having to listen to it work. I've seen some others say that the MacBook gets warm, but I haven't run into that issue so far. The only turn off for me at first was the USB-C port, since everything else I have to plug in is the traditional USB, but I sucked it up and purchased the Apple adapter for it. Wish it just came with the computer as it's kind of a necessity until more of the world moves into USB-C, but it works just fine so I won't complain. I love, love, love this computer. It's designed beautifully and works flawlessly, and I see myself having it for a very long time.

I owned the original 2015 MacBook and it was a good little computer, but frequently stuttered and got bogged down a lot. Even just browsing the web it was not a smooth experience and would get hot while using. This new model is substantially better than the 2015 version. Programs open fast, web browsing is great, battery life is great and the revised keyboard is fantastic to type on. I don't know exactly what Apple changed with the keyboard but this is more like typing on a MacBook Pro now and not quite like the flat original keys of the 2015 MacBook. I have not done any video conversion yet so I have no opinion on the processing speed. I debated between this and the new MacBook Pro for the same price; since Apple cut the base Pro to 128GB, the 12" MacBook is now the better deal in my opinion.