Apple MacBook 2016 Review: The Good, The Bad, The Expensive

Apple stuff is expensive. Spec for spec, Apple devices typically cost more than their Windows and Android counterparts. The tradeoff is that Apple stuff is typically well-designed and well-engineered. It’s built to last.

We can state emphatically that the 2016 Apple MacBook is expensive, well-designed, and well-engineered. And despite testing it for only a few weeks, there’s little question it will serve users longer than a cheaper alternative.

But what about that high price, coupled with the compromises inherent in an ultra-thin device? Does that combo undermine what would otherwise be an appealing product?

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I would actually not care about the high pricetag if it weren't for one glaring mistake in this machine, and that's the lack of another USB-C port. I mean, come on, I would like the option to at least charge my computer while using something else. This is a mistake on such a basic level that I have a hard time understanding how a company such as Apple, which has been focused on perfecting their stuff, could let this one slip through its cracks

 

I would not say an Apple notebook is durable in the way a business class notebook will be.

 

I think it is unfair to criticize the lack of touchscreen. I've been working with numerous Windows 8.1 and 10 touchscreen laptops, and the touchscreen is not a plus. The critical issue is that it adds weight (touchscreen versions of common laptops always have a higher weight spec). Further, a touchscreen imposes a more shiny screen, and possibly adds slight thickness. And for what - the ability to reach out and touch the screen ... things you can do 'virtually' through the touchpad/trackpad with much better ergonomics.

And as someone who works a lot with others, the touchscreen is a negative, when people reach out and point to the screen, they inadvertently trigger some touch action!

But perhaps most of all, until they build proper touch interaction into the OS, what would Apple be achieving by putting 'touch' into the hardware?

 

In addition, touchscreens also suck more power than a comparable non-touchscreen. Since one of the big draws of Apple laptops is the long battery life when running OSX, this would fly directly int he face of Apple's goals.