First Impressions: MacBook

After Christmas, I wanted to get a new computer. My personal computer is a MacBook Pro 15 from 2011. Great computer. It’s still the last portable computer Apple made that has user serviceable parts, like the optical drive, random access memory, storage. It’s still a fantastic machine. It’s my primary computer.

I needed a computer that is portable. The MacBook Pro I have is 2.0 kg / 4.5 lbs. I am sure it was portable for its time, but since then, the portable computer landscape has changed.

At the same time, I know Apple will update the MacBook. According to the MacRumors.com Buying Guide, the MacBook was well past its average update cycle

One thing I couldn’t stand: buying a brand new computer at the end of its lifecycle. When the new one comes out, I know I will have MacBook envy.

Instead of getting a new MacBook, I got a used one from ebay. This way, I got a computer at a price I can justify for six months when the new one comes out.

Thanks soonersoft

I got my MacBook 2017 from ebay seller, soonersoft. I looked at other sellers, but this seller was the most upfront with MacBook details. The biggest reason why I chose soonersoft: they listed the battery cycles, which is a small detail but important detail. If they goto such detail, the rest of their listing must be accurate.

After I ordered, soonersoft shipped the MacBook very quickly and the it came in protective packaging. If you are looking to buy a high quality check out soonersoft first!

With the MacBook, the weight, keyboard, and screen has made a big impression.

Weight

This computer is light, like when Apple says: “Light years ahead”, they really mean it.

The MacBook weighs 0.9 kg / 2.0 kg.

I researched alternatives, such as the new MacBook Air (2018), Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Dell XPS 13, and System 76’s Galapo 13. Each one weighed around 1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs. Which seems to be the average weight for this system.

Now, 300 g / 0.9 lbs may not sound like much, but imagine carrying three McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. Each one may not be much, but combined they add up!

Weight was one of the primary factors in choosing the MacBook over the alternatives.

I wanted a computer that I can carry on my commute, which involves sitting on a train and walking. When I walk, I feel the computer the most and every gram / ounce matters!

When I walk with the MacBook, I barely notice the weight of the bag when my computer is in it. The lightness has really relieved the tension I had in my neck and shoulders. Compared to my work MacBook Pro 15, the MacBook feels like a feather.

Keyboard

I am a bit of a keyboard junkie. I love my Happy Hacking Pro keyboard. I was hesitant about the new switches Apple used in their new portable computers. From the whole dust issue to just the feel.

At the store, I tried out a typing test and found my typing speed did not vary that much between the old MacBook switches, which I liked, and the new switches. So there is one thing I quantified that did not matter.

As for the dust issue, A friend in Tokyo told me that he just uses a silicon keyboard cover to prevent any dust from getting in. face palm Why didn’t I think of that?!

So, one of the first things I got for my MacBook: a silicon keyboard cover. Before, I really never understood why people got the silicon keyboard cover. With the dust issue, I see the practicality of this.

After typing on the MacBook for a week, I am kind of impressed with the typing satisfaction. I have high expectations for a keyboard, but there is a totally different feel to the keys that just feels good, but in a different way than what I expect from a keyboard.

Screen

After being on the MacBook Pro 15 - 2011 for so long, I never realized how much I miss the Retina display.

My work computer is a MacBook Pro 15 Retina and I never realized I got used to the display resolution.

When I borrowed my wife’s MacBook Air - non-Retina, I immediately noticed the graininess of the display.

With the MacBook, I felt something cleaned my eyes and everything on screen looked sharp.

Conclusion

My initial impressions of the MacBook are great. In the weight department, I have never felt a lighter computer. For typing, the keyboard delivers a satisfaction I never thought of. The screen is a sight for sore eyes. (Pun intended)

If you are in the market for a new MacBook, I would recommend checking out ebay seller soonersoft. They have great inventory, accurate listings, and great service.