The MacBook 12in M7 is the latest addition to Apple’s line of laptops, released in April 2016. It boasts a sleek and compact design, with impressive performance and an array of features that make it stand out from its competitors. The M7 model comes with an Intel Core M7 processor, hence the name, and promises faster performance and improved battery life.
But, like any new product on the market, the MacBook 12in M7 has received mixed reviews and opinions from experts and users alike. In this comprehensive roundup, we will delve into all aspects of this laptop and provide you with a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the MacBook 12in M7.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, Apple has always been known for its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. The MacBook 12in M7 is no exception, as it exudes elegance and simplicity with its lightweight and slim frame.
Sleek and Lightweight Design
The MacBook 12in M7 weighs only 2 lbs and measures just 0.52 inches at its thickest point, making it one of the lightest and slimmest laptops on the market. This makes it incredibly easy to carry around and perfect for those who are always on the go.
The laptop also features a sleek and minimalistic design, with a unibody aluminum construction that gives it a premium look and feel. The edges are smoothly rounded, and the keyboard is almost flush with the body, giving it a seamless appearance.
Retina Display
The MacBook 12in M7 comes with a stunning 12-inch Retina display, boasting a resolution of 2304×1440 pixels. This results in sharp and vibrant visuals, making it a delight to watch movies or videos on this laptop. The display also features an LED backlight, producing deeper blacks and brighter whites for a more dynamic viewing experience.
The retina display is also equipped with Apple’s True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen according to the ambient lighting. This means that you will always have the most accurate colors, whether you’re in a bright room or a dimly lit one.
Build Quality
As expected from Apple, the build quality of the MacBook 12in M7 is top-notch. The unibody aluminum construction not only adds to the sleek design but also makes the laptop incredibly durable. It can withstand day-to-day wear and tear without any signs of bending or warping.
Moreover, the keyboard and trackpad are also well-built, providing a comfortable typing and navigating experience. The keys are backlit, making it easy to use in low-light conditions, and the trackpad uses Force Touch technology, giving you precise control over your movements.
Display and Screen Quality
Apart from the Retina display, the MacBook 12in M7 has some other features that contribute to its impressive display and screen quality.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
With a maximum brightness of 400 nits, the MacBook 12in M7’s display is bright enough to be used outdoors without any issues. The color accuracy is also commendable, with a wide color gamut that covers 100% of the sRGB color space. This results in vivid and true-to-life colors, making it perfect for tasks such as photo and video editing.
Anti-Glare Coating
One unique feature of the MacBook 12in M7 is its anti-glare coating on the display. This minimizes reflections and reduces eye strain, making it easier to work for longer periods without feeling fatigued. However, some users have reported that the anti-glare coating can make the screen look slightly grainy in certain lighting conditions.
Performance and Processor Capabilities
The MacBook 12in M7 comes with an Intel Core M7 processor, clocked at 1.3GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz. This is a significant improvement from the previous models, and it promises faster performance and better battery life.
Multitasking and Everyday Tasks
With its powerful processor, the MacBook 12in M7 can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and media streaming with ease. It can also handle light multitasking without any lag or slowdowns, making it perfect for students and professionals who need to switch between different applications frequently.
Photo and Video Editing
One of the biggest selling points of the MacBook 12in M7 is its ability to handle photo and video editing. With its Retina display and powerful processor, the laptop can run demanding software such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro smoothly and efficiently.
Gaming
Although the MacBook 12in M7 is not designed specifically for gaming, it can handle some casual games with ease. However, you may experience some lag or frame drops if you try to play more graphically intense games.
Battery Life and Efficiency
One of the most significant upgrades in the MacBook 12in M7 is its improved battery life. According to Apple, the laptop can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, which is impressive for a compact and lightweight device.
Battery Testing Results
In a real-world test, the MacBook 12in M7 lasted around 8-9 hours with moderate use, including web browsing, video streaming, and document editing. This is still an impressive feat, considering the size of the laptop and the power-hungry Retina display.
Moreover, the laptop also comes with a USB-C port, which can be used to charge the device while also connecting other devices. This adds to the convenience and portability of the MacBook 12in M7.
Power Efficiency
The Intel Core M7 processor is designed to be efficient, using less power while still providing adequate performance. This adds to the overall battery life of the laptop, making it perfect for those who need to work on the go without worrying about finding a power outlet.
Portability and Usability
One of the biggest draws of the MacBook 12in M7 is its portability. It’s incredibly lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry around in a backpack or even in hand. But does this affect its usability?
Keyboard and Trackpad
As mentioned earlier, the keyboard and trackpad of the MacBook 12in M7 are well-built and provide a comfortable typing and navigating experience. However, some users have expressed concerns about the shallow keys and the lack of travel, which may take some getting used to.
Fanless Design
Thanks to its fanless design, the MacBook 12in M7 runs silently, making it perfect for use in quiet environments such as classrooms or libraries. The lack of a fan also means that there are fewer moving parts, resulting in less noise and potentially longer durability.
Limited Connectivity
One downside of the MacBook 12in M7 is its limited connectivity options. It only comes with a single USB-C port, which serves multiple purposes such as charging, data transfer, and connecting external devices. While this adds to the minimalistic design, it may be inconvenient for those who need to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Software and User Experience
The MacBook 12in M7 comes with macOS Sierra, which is Apple’s latest operating system, known for its intuitive interface and user-friendly features.
Integration with Other Apple Devices
One advantage of using a MacBook is its seamless integration with other Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads. With features such as Handoff and AirDrop, you can easily transfer files and continue tasks on different devices without any hassle.
Siri Integration
The MacBook 12in M7 also comes with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, built-in. This allows for hands-free control of your laptop, making it easier to perform tasks such as setting reminders, searching the web, or opening applications.
App Store and Software Availability
One downside of using a MacBook is its limited availability of software compared to other operating systems such as Windows. However, the App Store on macOS has been steadily growing, and you can find most popular applications and software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
Connectivity and Ports
As mentioned earlier, the MacBook 12in M7 only comes with a single USB-C port, which serves multiple purposes. But, what about other connectivity options?
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The MacBook 12in M7 comes with the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for fast and reliable connections. The laptop is equipped with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which is up to three times faster than the previous standard, providing seamless internet browsing and streaming.
USB-C Adapters
Since the MacBook 12in M7 only comes with a single USB-C port, you may need to purchase adapters to connect other devices such as external hard drives or HDMI cables. These adapters are available from Apple and third-party manufacturers, but they come at an additional cost.
Audio and Speakers
The MacBook 12in M7 comes with stereo speakers that produce clear and loud sound. Despite their small size, the speakers are surprisingly powerful, making them perfect for watching movies or listening to music.
Headphone Jack
One downside of the MacBook 12in M7 is the lack of a headphone jack. This means that you will need to use an adapter if you want to connect wired headphones, which can be inconvenient for some users.
Price and Value for Money
The MacBook 12in M7 comes with a starting price of $1,299, making it one of the most expensive laptops in its category. However, with its sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive battery life, many would argue that it’s worth the investment.
Comparison with Other Models
Compared to the previous models, the MacBook 12in M7 offers significant improvements in terms of performance and battery life. The M7 processor is faster and more efficient than the M5 and M3 models, and the Retina display provides a better viewing experience than the non-Retina versions.
However, if you don’t need the latest features and are on a budget, you may want to consider purchasing an older model or looking at other brands for a more affordable option.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the MacBook 12in M7:
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Stunning Retina display
- Powerful performance
- Improved battery life
- Silent operation
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices
- Minimalistic and user-friendly software
Cons:
- Limited connectivity options
- Shallow keyboard keys
- Lack of a headphone jack
- Expensive compared to other laptops in its category
Expert Reviews and Opinions
Now that we’ve delved into all aspects of the MacBook 12in M7, let’s see what experts and reviewers have to say about this laptop.
CNET
CNET gave the MacBook 12in M7 a rating of 8.2 out of 10, praising its compact design and improved battery life. They also stated that it’s a great choice for those who prioritize portability and style over power and features.
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag gave the MacBook 12in M7 a rating of 4 out of 5, commending its fast performance and excellent display. They also stated that it’s a perfect laptop for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a lightweight and powerful device.
The Verge
The Verge gave the MacBook 12in M7 a rating of 7.5 out of 10, mentioning its impressive battery life and sleek design. They also noted that it may not be suitable for power users or gamers, and the lack of ports may be a deal-breaker for some.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Apart from expert reviews, user reviews and testimonials also play a significant role in understanding a product’s strengths and weaknesses. Here are some user reviews of the MacBook 12in M7:
- “I’ve been using the MacBook 12in M7 for a few months now, and I must say, I’m impressed. It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to use, and the battery life is fantastic.” – John, 25
- “I love the sleek and minimalistic design of the MacBook 12in M7, but the lack of ports can be quite inconvenient at times. Other than that, it’s a great laptop!” – Sarah, 30
- “As a student, I needed a lightweight and efficient laptop for my studies, and the MacBook 12in M7 has been perfect for me. The Retina display and powerful processor make it great for both work and entertainment.” – Emily, 21
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the MacBook 12in M7 is a high-quality and powerful laptop that excels in portability and style. Its lightweight design, impressive display, and fast performance make it ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a compact and efficient device.
However, its limited connectivity options and high price tag may be a drawback for some. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal needs and preferences, but the MacBook 12in M7 is definitely worth considering for those who value quality and convenience.
