I have been planning on getting a new computer to replace my 2011 MacBook Air since last year, but I knew the new MacBook would be released this year so I took a raincheck on my graduation present. As much as I loved my Air (and Pro before that) they were both having serious battery issues and problems running my Adobe software, so it was time to let go. Now I gotta say– when they released the new MacBook, I was nervous about a lot of things: it’s tiny size (I’m used to 13 inch laptops), new keyboard/trackpad technology, the gold being tacky, and the infamous single USB-C port. Rather than bothering you with all the tech specs (that Apple can surely provide you), I’m going to go into depth about the hesitations I have, and my conclusions after a month of use.

That being said, I am completely in love with my new tiny gold computer (with one port). Here are the conclusions I’ve come to about my main concerns from the beginning:

One port. I do get frustrated that I cannot yet use any of my external hardware, but I mainly use it for recreational use since my internship provides a separate work computer this summer. Instead of purchasing the $80 adaptor provided by Apple, I am waiting for the Hub+ by Nonda to be sent out after their KickStarter campaign. Rather than just USB-C, USB, and HDMI, it has quite the variety of ports (as well as being a portable battery, and a stylish aluminum look). I will post an update after receiving the hub and using it with my MacBook, hopefully it ties me over for port usage during the school year. Without a hub it’s hard to tell if having one port will be manageable in the future– I’m sure I’ll run into problems like forgetting my hub for a presentation or class, but we’ll have to see if it can be done. Rating: F

Size. 12 inches is small. Like really small. And that’s coming from someone who has used a 13″ laptop for the past 5 years. When I got the box, I was shocked– how could a computer fit in that?? Opening the box, I was even more shocked. The computer is practically weightless. It’s sturdy, but feels so delicate from the size. That being said, the keyboard is the same size as the 13″ MacBook keyboards I’m used to, and the screen is only a fraction smaller, because the borders have been reduced to use space more effectively. This is the perfect size for travel or back-and-forth carrying to school. If you sit at a desk all day and have your laptop plugged in like a desktop, there’s really no benefit vs. something like a Pro Retina. Rating: A- (for my use)

Butterfly Keys. Love them, hate them, if you look online you will come to no definite conclusion. Personally, I love it. At first it was quite hard to get used to– typos galore. They don’t press down like your normal keyboard, so it feels like you miss every other letter. But all-in-all, I actually love the shallow depth of the keys and the way they feel (and even sound) as you type. They seem a little more delicate than the classic keyboard, and even the old Mac keyboards (which are pretty delicate themselves). I’d recommend trying it out in-stores before making the purchase if you love a good click to your keys, but I have come to enjoy it. Rating: A+

Force Touch Trackpad. Rumor has it, the trackpad doesn’t even move when you click– it just vibrates to stimulate the feeling instead. I wouldn’t have known after a month of use. You can change the intensity of the “click” feeling in the settings, so it’s fairly easy to get used to. You can click evenly from anywhere on the trackpad, but that’s the only huge difference I notice. Honestly, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t be okay with the new trackpad as I personally see no downsides. Rating: A

Color. I had a dilemma when picking the color of my laptop. Gold, I wrote off as tacky and decided I would never purchase it (oops). Space grey I thought was beautiful, but a little masculine for my taste. I have always, and still, absolutely love the silver aluminum of Macs, but I couldn’t bring myself to make this new purchase and get the same old color as every other Mac in existence. In the end, I went back and forth a lot between thinking gold was tacky, or the perfect girly change of pace. In the end I decided to get over my initial impression and give it a shot– time to be different and let my new little MacBook shine. As it turns out, I love the gold. I get compliments on it everywhere I go. I do like the look of the outside more than the inside (the contrast between black and gold is a little harsh for my taste), but it has grown on me and I’m quite happy with my choice. Rating: B+

Those were my biggest concerns in deciding on the gold MacBook, but overall I think it was a great decision (hopefully this is more convincing when I have an adapter and can actually use the computer full-time).

Now just to give a shoutout to something I love about the laptop, let’s talk about the retina display. I have never had a laptop with a retina display screen before (although I now use one for work, too). It is absolutely amazing. I never thought it would make a big difference, but it’s honestly so hard to use my old computer when I need my USB. I feel as if I can see every single pixel on my 2011 MacBook Air– that’s how you know you’re spoiled. I feel embarrassed admitting how much I cringe using a non-retina computer screen now, but hey, that’s just how the cookie crumbles…

Bottom line: I do think it takes a certain kind of person to love this laptop. It’s not for the gamers, desktop users, or screen-lovers, but if you carry around your computer a lot, and use it primarily for simple tasks, the MacBook is perfect (and beautiful). 

P.S.

I really dislike that the Apple on the back of the computer is now shiny rather than lit up by the screen. Ugh. I guess it looks pretty, but I miss my illuminated Apple