MacBook 2016 Review: Apple's Thinnest Laptop Improves In Some Aspects, But Keeps The Same Problems [VIDEO]
The 2015 MacBook divided users as much as the MacBook Air back in 2008. Featuring a waif-thin, fully metal chassis and a single USB-C port, the device was beloved by many and critiqued by some. With the recent release of the 2016 edition of the MacBook, Apple has managed to make the hyper-thin notebook even more powerful, while keeping most of its previous quirks.
Looking at the 2016 and 2015 edition MacBooks side by side, one would be a bit challenged in discerning one from the other. This is because frame-wise, the two devices actually look exactly the same. The only difference with the 2016 version is, just like the firm's iPhone 6S, the 2016 MacBook comes in a very pink Rose Gold color.
Screen-wise, the 2016 MacBook is a lot like its predecessor as well, featuring a 12.1-inch 1280x800 Retina display. Though the resolution per se is not as ridiculous as its rivals, the 2016 MacBook's screen is arguably still one of the best panels in its class.
As much as the device does not seem like much of an improvement over its predecessor externally, the 2016 MacBook truly shines with its upgraded internals. Now featuring an Intel M Chip of the Skylake family, the 2016 MacBook boasts a pretty significant boost in power over the 2015 model. Even with the entry level 1.1GHz Dual-Core Core M5 processor, the device outperforms its predecessor by a pretty significant margin.
Another area where the 2016 MacBook beats its predecessor is its graphics chip, with the new device now equipped with Intel's updated 515 Graphics chip. Even the device's flash storage has been upgraded, with the 2016 MacBook's drives being considerably faster than last year's model.
Despite the several improvements within the device itself, however, it is hard to deny the fact that much of the issues users had with the 2015 MacBook are still present in the latest model. For one, the controversial single USB-C 3.0 port is still there, debunking rumors that Apple would be giving users an extra USB-C port on the 2016 model.
Also, the device's keyboard, which uses the firm's trademark butterfly-hinged keys, still offer very little travel. Though the large, glass, force touch-enabled trackpad is a pleasure to use, the 2016 MacBook's keyboard still takes a lot of getting used to.
Lastly, the 480p webcam, which generated quite a lot of criticism last year, remains the same. For a notebook with a base model that starts at $1,299, it is quite understandable why numerous users are underwhelmed.
Nevertheless, regardless of its limitations and drawbacks, the 2016 MacBook still remains as arguably Apple's most beautiful notebook to date. Unfortunately, with regards to the 2016 MacBook, such beauty comes at a price.
