Apple’s line-up has been updated: The MacBook 12 omits non-essential features and focuses on highest portability. Fan, many interfaces, a mechanical touchpad, a long key travel: You don’t need that.
For the original German review, see here.
Apple has relatively quietly refreshed its MacBook 12 series. While the basic principles remained unchanged compared to the predecessor from 2015 ( see review) , the notebook hardware was brought up-to-date with an Intel Skylake processor and fast NVMe SSD. A slightly bigger battery ( 41.1 vs. 40 Wh) and a new color called rose gold make the refresh complete.
The price of the MacBook 12 remains on the level of the predecessor. A configuration with Intel m3 CPU and 256 GB SSD for 1449 Euros ( ~$1659) makes the start. The variant with Core m5 and 512 GB SSD costs 1799 Euros ( ~$2060) , while the high-end model with Intel Core m7 processor is priced at about 1949 Euros ( ~$2231) .
Direct comparable competitors are not available in the Windows world. With the ZenBook UX305CA ( see review) , Asus offers a 13-inch subnotebook, which is also especially slim and passively cooled. In addition, its display resolution of 3200x1800 pixels is even finer. Its street price of about 1200 Euros ( ~$1374, m7-6Y75 and 512 GB SSD) lets the comparable high-end model of the MacBook 12 appear hopelessly overpriced. However, the UX305CA is also heavier than the MacBook 12 by as much as 300 grams.
If you want to save money but still not do without the elegance from Apple, Tim Cook recommends the MacBook Air 13 ( see review) , which is available from 1099 Euros ( ~$1258) . However, it is not that up-to-date in terms of display and hardware and uses an active fan.
The Spectre 13 ( we reported) recently introduced by HP might also be interesting as it competes as the thinnest laptop in the world ( 10.4 mm) . However, it uses Intel Core I processors and is far better than the MacBook in connectivity with three USB Type C ports. The Spectre is supposed to be available from June for an entry level price of about 1499 Euros ( ~$1716) .