MacBook 8,1 (12-Inch, Early 2015) – Full Information

The MacBook 8,1 (12-Inch, Early 2015) computer was introduced in April 2015. Though similar to MacBook Air, this model is lighter and thinner. This model offers a high-resolution Retina Display, higher memory and storage, redesigned keyboard, TouchPad. It has only two ports: a headphone jack and a USB 3.1 Type-C port which the user can use for data transfer, charging and video output.

Apple 12″ MacBook Review [Video]

Video uploaded by MobileTechReview on April 15, 2015.

MacBook 8.1 (12-Inch, Early 2015)

In the Apple’s MacBook product line, the MacBook sits below the MacBook Pro in terms of specifications. Besides, the processor and graphic performance are inferior to the MacBook Air. On the other hand, the MacBook 8,1 (12-Inch, Early 2015) is lighter and thinner than the smallest models from the MacBook Air series. It is equipped with just one USB-C port for connectivity and a headphone jack. Like the MacBook Air, this device runs OS X rather than the iPad’s iOS.

The MacBook (12-inch, 1.1GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015) features a 14-nm 1.1 GHz Intel Core M processor (M-5Y31) with two independent processor cores on a single chip, a 4 MB level 3 cache, an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5300 graphics processor that shares system memory, 8 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (that cannot be upgraded), and 256 GB of onboard PCIe-based flash storage (that also cannot be upgraded). These elements are housed in a wafer thin (0.14-0.52 inch), 2.03 pound, aluminum case. It also packs a 480p FaceTime webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard with a thin “butterfly mechanism” keyboard design, a clever haptic-capable “Force Touch” trackpad, and a 12-inch0 TFT LED-backlit active-matrix “Retina” display (2304 x 1440 native resolution at 226 ppi). Apple boasts that the notebook additionally uses a new “tiered” battery design to maximize space inside the chassis and delivers 9-10 hours of runtime depending on use.

The MacBook (12-inch, 1.2GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015)features a 14-nm 1.2 GHz Intel Core M processor (M-5Y51) with two independent processor cores on a single chip. It has 512 GB of onboard PCIe-based flash storage, that cannot be upgraded). The other specifications are the same that in all three MacBook 8,1 Retina versions.

The MacBook (12-inch, 1.3GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015) is a configure-to-order (CTO) configuration of either the MacBook (12-inch, 1.1GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015) or MacBook (12-inch, 1.2GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015). Other than processor, this model is identical to its lower-end brethren.

Release Date

• Introduced on April 10, 2015.

Specifications

• Processors: Intel Core M processors (Skylake architecture) .1.1 GHz (M-5Y31), dual-core Intel Core M “Broadwell” processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.4 GHz) with 4 MB L3 cache1. 1.2 GHz (M-5Y51) dual-core Intel Core M “Broadwell” processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.6 GHz) with 4 MB L3 cache. Configurable 1.3 GHz (M-5Y71) dual-core Intel Core M “Broadwell” processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz) with 4 MB L3 cache.
• Memory: 8 GB 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM.
• Flash storage: 256 GB or 512 GB NVMe/PCIe 2.0 x4, 5.0 GT/s.
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5300 with LPDDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory.
• Earliest possible operating system: OS X 10.10.2 “Yosemite”. Latest possible operating system macOS 10.12.1 “Sierra”.
• Display: LED-backlit widescreen glossy, Retina Display 12 inches Retina, 2304 × 1440 (16:10), 226 ppi. Millions of colors, supported scaled resolutions: 1440 × 900, 1280 × 800, 1024 × 640.
• Video Camera: iSight, 480p.
• Battery: 39.7 watt-hour lithium-polymer terraced battery. Up to 9 hours for Internet browsing or up to 10 hours of iTunes movie playback.
• WiFi: Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 & 5 GHz, up to 1.3 Gbit/s). Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0.
• Peripheral connections: USB 3.1 generation 1 over USB Type-C, up to 5 Gbit/s (for power, converts to USB Type-A, and video out via separate adapter).
• Audio: Headphone audio jack (supports iPhone headset with remote and microphone).
• Video out: USB-C DisplayPort 1.2 alternate mode (maximum resolution 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz AirPlay (using AppleTV).
• Power: 29 Watt USB 3.1 Type-C power adapter, 39.7 Wh battery 29 Watt USB 3.1 Type-C power adapter, 41.4 Wh battery.
• Average Weight: 2.03 pounds.
• Dimensions: 11.04 inch wide × 7.74 inch deep × 0.14 inch to 0.52 inch high.
• Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold.

Apple Model Numbers, Discontinuation, Price

Apple Model Number:

• A1534 (EMC 2746)

Apple Part Numbers:

• MF855LL/A – 1.1 GHz in Silver color
• MK4M2LL/A – 1.1 GHz in Gold color
• MJY32LL/A – 1.1 GHz in Space Grey color
• MF865LL/A – 1.2 GHz in Silver color
• MJY42LL/A – 1,2 GHz in Gold color
• MK4N2LL/A – 1.2 GHz in Space Grey color
• BTO/CTO – 1.3 GHz

Discontinuation: April 19, 2016.

Initial Prices:

• $1299 – 1.1 GHz
• $1599 – 1.2 GHz
• $1549 – 1.3 GHz, 256 GB
• $1749 – 1.3 GHz, 512 GB

Features

• Retina Display MacBook 8,1 (April 2015) was the first to introduce the Force Touch trackpad, allowing for pressure sensitivity, and replicating a click with haptic feedback.
• The trackpad was later brought to the MacBook Pro line, and the Magic Trackpad. Apple uses similar technology the Apple Watch and new iPhone models. Apple had to remove all previously existing ports to achieve the thinness, except the headphone jack. A USB Type-C port was placed instead.
• The USB-C port allows charging, output and input of data, video and audio. Adapters can be used to offer backward compatibility. Thunderbolt devices cannot function, however, since there is no adapter available for that function. Unlike other USB connectors, USB Type-C is reversible.

Models

MacBook (12-inch, 1.3GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015)

MacBook (12-inch, 1.2GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015)

MacBook (12-inch, 1.1GHz Intel Core M, Early 2015)

Miscellanea

• Apple designed this MacBook with thinness in mind. Although it shares its name with the earlier MacBook models, the MacBook 8,1 Retina is radically different than its predecessors.
• In MacBook 8,1 Retina the aluminum enclosure is 13.1 mm at its thickest point at the end of the computer next to the place where it pivots.
• Intel Core M processors (Skylake architecture) require no fans or heat pipe, allowing the logic board to be much smaller than the one of the MacBook Air. However, storage upgradeability is no longer possible, and the MacBook still features a full-sized keyboard and trackpad.
• The Retina MacBook 8,1 battery was redesigned to a custom shape to fill the available space in the smaller enclosure. The battery was improved in the 2016 refresh. For a new battery Apple claimed to provide ten hours for Internet browsing, and eleven hours for iTunes movie playback.
• As to ecology and environment issues, the MacBook does not include any beryllium, BFRs, or PVCs in its construction.
• The computer’s display is made of arsenic-free glass and contains no mercury.
• The device is made of recyclable materials such as aluminum and glass, meets Energy Star 6.1 standards, and is rated EPEAT Gold.
• Many reviewers have criticized the Retina MacBook 8,1 (April 2015) for its keyboard being less comfortable than that on the MacBook Air. However, compared to previous models, the individual keys have a larger surface area.
• Apple replaced the scissor-like mechanism with a butterfly mechanism, making the keyboard thinner overall. Apple also claims that individual keys are more stable.
• The keyboard’s backlight no longer consists of a row of LEDs and a light guide panel, but instead uses a single LED for each key.
• The letters on the new Macbook’s keyboard are set in San Francisco fonts, whereas previous MacBooks used VAG Rounded.
• The headphone jack supports headphones with integrated microphone. It is located on the right side of the MacBook 8,1 and is located right next to two openings that house the microphone for handsfree talk.
• Shortly after the MacBook’s introduction in April, 2015, various companies began announcing cables and adapters for the USB Type-C port.
• The lack of various popular ports has been the source of one of the main criticisms, the lack of USB type-A ports was particularly mentioned, as the situation limits data transfer and overall convenience without the use of an adapter.
• The inclusion of the low-power, but slower Intel Core M processor was also criticized by many users.

Links

• MacBook8,1 Quick Start
• MacBook Manuals: Memory Replacement Instructions, Hard Drive Replacement Instructions, Battery Replacement Instructions & more
• MacBook Firmware Updates
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