Although the screens and chassis on the 2017 and 2016 Macbook models are the same, Apple upgraded the memory on the 2017 Macbook, doubling the storage capacity, and introduced the 7th generation Intel processor (Kaby Lake). Below is a comparison of the 2017 and 2016 Macbooks, highlighting the significant changes in the 2017 Macbook.
While the new iMac and iMac Pro received a lot of attention at WWDC, the new 2017 MacBooks also have a few important updates you should be aware of.
This is also the first 12-inch MacBook Retina with an Intel Core i5 processor . And that's a new feature on the 2017 MacBook compared to the 2016 MacBook. Let's dive into the comparison of the 2017 MacBook and the 2016 MacBook below to better understand the improvements Apple has brought to this version.
Design differences between the 2017 and 2016 Macbooks.
If you've been using a MacBook for the past two years, you probably won't find the 2017 MacBook model unfamiliar. This is the third time Apple has reused the ultra-slim MacBook design since its initial launch and introduction in 2015.
Ultra-Slim may not be the thinnest or lightest laptop in the world, as that title is held by many other Ultrabooks, but it is still a convenient and portable laptop.
There aren't many differences when comparing the 2017 MacBook and the 2016 MacBook in terms of design. Just like its predecessor, the 2017 MacBook weighs 2.03 pounds (920g) and its thickest point is 0.52 inches (1.31cm) .
Screens of the 2017 Macbook and the 2016 Macbook
The 12-inch Retina display remains unchanged. The screen resolution is 2,304 x 1,440, significantly higher than the Full HD, 1080p displays we typically see, even on 13-inch laptops.
Hardware specifications of the 2017 and 2016 Macbooks
The 2017 MacBook introduced the 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake processor.
Although the 2016 Macbook models came with Intel Core m3 , m5 , and m7 processor options , the 2017 Macbook models offer different CPU choices: Intel Core m3, and then progressing to Core i5 or Core i7 processors.
The following chips will be a bigger step forward. However, Apple notes that processor speeds start at 1.2GHz on the Core m3, jumping to 100MHz on the Core i5 and Core i7 options.
This means that these Core i5 and i7 chips are the Core i5-Y and i7-Y CPUs launched with the Kaby Lake generation, successfully integrating previous Intel Core m components while retaining many features similar to earlier versions.
Apple also claims to have integrated SSDs (solid-state storage) that are twice as fast, although only benchmarks can prove that promise.
Finally, the maximum storage capacity was doubled from 8GB to 16GB.
Price difference between Macbook 2017 and Macbook 2016
The price of the 2017 MacBook remains unchanged from last year, with the MacBook equipped with an Intel Core m3 processor priced at $1,299 .
Compared to the similarly priced new 13-inch MacBook Pro, you get double the storage (though running at a slower frequency) and a less power-hungry processor.
The high-end Intel Core i5 configuration costs $1,599 and comes with a 512GB SSD.
Upgrading to an Intel Core i7 processor will cost around $1709 (the starting price of the Core i5 plus an additional $150).
Should I buy a 2017 Macbook or a 2016 Macbook?
If you're wondering whether to buy a 2015, 2016, or 2017 Macbook, the 2016 models only feature lower-end processors, increased memory capacity (and memory speed), and double the storage capacity.
While it may no longer be the lightest or thinnest laptop, it's hard to resist Apple's superb display resolution. If you're still using a 2015 model, now is a good time to upgrade. And if you're planning on buying a MacBook, now is the best time to choose Apple laptops, as the comparison between the 2017 and 2016 MacBooks above shows many significant improvements.
In addition, if you are undecided between the MacBook Pro 2016 and the Surface Book i7, as both have advantages and features necessary for users, refer to the comparison of the MacBook 2016 and Surface Book i7 on Taimienphi to make the best choice for yourself.
Alongside the launch of the 2017 Macbook, iOS 11, the latest version of the iOS operating system, was also introduced to iPhone and iPad users worldwide. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of iOS 11 compared to iOS 10? Let's take a look at this comparison of iOS 11 and iOS 10 to decide whether or not to update your device to iOS 11.
Using a MacBook, you can connect two monitors to make studying and working more convenient. Taimienphi has already introduced the detailed instructions on how to connect two monitors on a MacBook ; if you're interested, please check it out.
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