The MacBook 2020 is an iteration of Apple’s line of laptops, boasting a sleek and modern design, improved hardware, and upgraded features. It comes with macOS Big Sur, Apple’s latest operating system. The operating system is optimized to take advantage of the M1 chip, providing a smooth and seamless user experience. The MacBook 2020 also supports Apple’s Continuity features, allowing users to seamlessly switch between their Apple devices and transfer files and data between them.
In terms of security, the MacBook 2020 features a Touch ID sensor, located on the top-right corner of the keyboard. The sensor provides biometric authentication and allows users to quickly and securely unlock their laptop and make purchases with Apple Pay.
One of the significant advantages of the MacBook 2020 is its compatibility with a vast array of applications. While macOS has a smaller selection of apps compared to Windows, the M1 chip’s compatibility with iPhone and iPad apps provides access to a broader range of software. Additionally, the MacBook 2020 can also run Windows using virtualization software or Apple’s Boot Camp, providing users with even more flexibility.
In this review, we will explore the key aspects of the MacBook 2020 and assess whether it lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
Distinguishing Features in MacBook 2020
Design:
The design of the MacBook 2020 is a continuation of Apple’s minimalistic and sleek approach to laptop design. The laptop is available in two colors, space gray and silver, and is crafted from a single piece of aluminum. The laptop measures 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches and weighs only 2.8 pounds, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. The keyboard features the updated scissor mechanism, which provides a comfortable typing experience, and the Force Touch trackpad is large and responsive, making it easy to navigate the system.
Performance:
The MacBook 2020 comes equipped with Apple’s latest M1 chip, which provides improved performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations. The M1 chip integrates the CPU, GPU, and memory onto a single chip, resulting in faster and more efficient processing. The laptop can handle heavy-duty tasks such as video editing and music production with ease and features a battery life of up to 10-12 hours, depending on usage.
Display:
The MacBook 2020 features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The display is bright and vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and contrast. The laptop also features True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions, providing a more natural viewing experience.
Connectivity:
The MacBook 2020 features two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, which support charging, data transfer, and video output. The laptop also has a headphone jack, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired headphones. However, the lack of other ports, such as USB-A and SD card slots, may be a drawback for some users.
MacBook 2020 Versions – Pro and Air
The MacBook 2020 came in two versions:
- MacBook Air (2020): This model features a 13.3-inch Retina display, 8th generation Intel Core processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of SSD storage. It also comes with the Magic Keyboard, which has a redesigned scissor mechanism and a Touch ID sensor for secure authentication.
- MacBook Pro (2020): This model also features a 13.3-inch Retina display but comes with the latest 10th generation Intel Core processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 4TB of SSD storage. It also comes with the Magic Keyboard and a Touch Bar that provides context-sensitive controls and shortcuts.
Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (2020) come with the latest macOS Catalina (now upgradable to macOS Big Sur) and are powered by Apple’s M1 chip, providing excellent performance and power efficiency. They also come with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and are available in two colors, space gray and silver.
Differences between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are both excellent laptops, but there are several key differences between them. Here are some of the main differences:
- Performance: The MacBook Pro (2020) is generally more powerful than the MacBook Air (2020) due to its use of 10th generation Intel Core processors. However, both models now come with the M1 chip, which provides excellent performance and power efficiency.
- Graphics: The MacBook Pro (2020) features more powerful integrated graphics compared to the MacBook Air (2020). This makes it better suited for tasks that require more graphical power, such as video editing and 3D modeling.
- Display: Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro feature Retina displays, but the MacBook Pro (2020) has a slightly brighter and more color-accurate display.
- Touch Bar: The MacBook Pro (2020) features a Touch Bar, a small OLED strip located above the keyboard that provides context-sensitive controls and shortcuts. The MacBook Air (2020) does not have a Touch Bar.
- Ports: The MacBook Pro (2020) features four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, while the MacBook Air (2020) features only two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports. Additionally, the MacBook Pro (2020) features a headphone jack, while the MacBook Air (2020) does not.
- Price: The MacBook Air (2020) is generally more affordable than the MacBook Pro (2020). However, the price difference varies depending on the configuration and specifications of each model.
Advantages of MacBook 2020 – Features People Love the Most
- Excellent Performance: The MacBook 2020 is powered by the M1 chip, which provides excellent performance and power efficiency. The M1 chip integrates the CPU, GPU, and other components on a single chip, which results in faster performance, improved battery life, and smoother multitasking.
- Retina Display: The MacBook 2020 features a high-quality Retina display that delivers crisp and clear visuals with excellent color accuracy. The display is bright and sharp, making it ideal for watching videos, editing photos, or working on graphic design projects.
- Magic Keyboard: The MacBook 2020 comes with the Magic Keyboard, which features a redesigned scissor mechanism that provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The keyboard is also backlit, which makes it easier to type in low light conditions.
- Touch ID: The MacBook 2020 features a Touch ID sensor that provides secure authentication using fingerprints. This makes it easy to unlock the laptop and access your files and data without having to remember a password.
- Thunderbolt 3/USB-C Ports: The MacBook 2020 comes with two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports that provide fast data transfer speeds and support for external displays, power delivery, and more. This makes it easy to connect to other devices and peripherals.
- macOS: The MacBook 2020 comes with macOS, which is a powerful and intuitive operating system that offers a range of features and tools to help users be more productive and creative. macOS also integrates well with other Apple devices and services.
- Battery Life: The MacBook 2020 provides excellent battery life, which can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. This makes it ideal for users who need to work or study on the go without having to worry about running out of battery.
Disadvantage of MacBook 2020 – What our readers are complaining about
While the MacBook 2020 offers several advantages, it also has some disadvantages that users should consider before making a purchase:
- Limited Ports: The MacBook 2020 only has two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, which means that users may need to purchase additional adapters or docks to connect to other peripherals, such as external hard drives, USB devices, or displays.
- No Upgradable Storage: The MacBook 2020’s storage is not user-upgradable, which means that users need to choose the right storage configuration at the time of purchase. This may limit the future flexibility of the device as the user’s storage needs evolve over time.
- No SD Card Slot: The MacBook 2020 does not come with an SD card slot, which may be a disadvantage for users who need to transfer data from cameras or other devices that use SD cards.
- Price: The MacBook 2020 is relatively expensive compared to other laptops in its class, which may be a disadvantage for users who are looking for a more affordable option.
- Limited RAM: The MacBook 2020 has a maximum of 16GB of RAM, which may be a disadvantage for users who need more memory for intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering.
- Limited Gaming Performance: While the MacBook 2020 can handle casual gaming, it is not designed for high-end gaming performance. This may be a disadvantage for users who want to play the latest games at high settings.
MacBook 2020 vs. MacBook 2019: What’s the Difference?
The MacBook 2020 and MacBook 2019 share many similarities in terms of design, display, and port selection. However, the MacBook 2020 features an updated keyboard with a scissor-switch mechanism, which is more reliable than the butterfly-switch keyboard of the MacBook 2019. The MacBook 2020 also offers faster performance and better graphics capabilities, thanks to its 10th-generation Intel processors and Intel Iris Plus Graphics. In addition, the MacBook 2020 comes with more storage as standard, with a minimum of 256GB compared to the MacBook 2019’s 128GB. Overall, while the MacBook 2019 is still a solid laptop, the MacBook 2020 offers several improvements that make it a better choice for most users.
MacBook 2020 vs. MacBook Air M1: Which One Should You Buy?
The MacBook 2020 and MacBook Air M1 are two popular laptops from Apple, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The MacBook 2020 offers faster performance and better graphics capabilities than the MacBook Air M1, thanks to its 10th-generation Intel processors and Intel Iris Plus Graphics. However, the MacBook Air M1 has better battery life, thanks to its new Apple M1 chip, which is more power-efficient than Intel processors. The MacBook Air M1 also features a more modern design, with slimmer bezels and a fanless cooling system. Overall, users who prioritize performance and graphics should go for the MacBook 2020, while those who prioritize battery life and design should choose the MacBook Air M1.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most out of Your MacBook 2020
If you own a MacBook 2020, there are several ways to optimize its performance and improve your productivity. For example, you can use keyboard shortcuts to save time, customize the trackpad settings to your liking, and enable dark mode to reduce eye strain. You can also use the Touch Bar to access frequently-used functions, such as volume control and screen brightness. In addition, you can use macOS features like Siri, Mission Control, and Split View to multitask more efficiently. Finally, you can use third-party apps like CleanMyMac X and Magnet to clean up your system and manage windows more easily.
Top Accessories for Your MacBook 2020
If you want to get the most out of your MacBook 2020, there are several accessories that can help. For example, a high-quality case can protect your laptop from scratches and dents, while an external hard drive can provide additional storage for your files. A USB-C hub can expand your laptop’s connectivity options, allowing you to connect to more peripherals and displays. A screen protector can keep your display looking new, while a portable charger can ensure that you never run out of battery power on the go. Finally, a pair of wireless headphones can provide high-quality audio for music, movies, and video calls.
MacBook 2020 Security Guide: Protecting Your Data and Privacy
Your MacBook 2020 contains sensitive information and personal data, so it’s important to take steps to protect it from cyber threats. One of the most important things you can do is enable two-factor authentication, which requires a second factor, such as a code or biometric data, in addition to your password to access your accounts. You can also use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy from prying eyes. Additionally, you should enable the built-in firewall on your MacBook 2020 to block unauthorized access to your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions about MacBook 20220 – FAQS
- What are the specs of the MacBook 2020? The MacBook 2020 comes with a 10th-generation Intel Core processor, up to 16GB of RAM, up to 2TB of storage, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics. It also features a 13.3-inch Retina display, a Magic Keyboard with a scissor mechanism, and Touch ID.
- Does the MacBook 2020 have a headphone jack? No, the MacBook 2020 does not have a headphone jack. Instead, it features two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports that can be used to connect headphones with a compatible adapter or to use wireless headphones.
- Can the RAM on the MacBook 2020 be upgraded? No, the RAM on the MacBook 2020 cannot be upgraded after purchase. However, you can choose to upgrade the RAM at the time of purchase to either 8GB or 16GB.
- Does the MacBook 2020 support external displays? Yes, the MacBook 2020 supports external displays with resolutions up to 6K. You can connect up to one external display using the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
- How long is the battery life on the MacBook 2020? The MacBook 2020 has a battery life of up to 12 hours of web browsing and up to 11 hours of video playback.
- Does the MacBook 2020 come with a warranty? Yes, the MacBook 2020 comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. You can also choose to purchase AppleCare+ for additional coverage.
- Can I use Windows on the MacBook 2020? Yes, you can use Windows on the MacBook 2020 using Boot Camp, which allows you to install and run Windows on a separate partition of your hard drive.
- Is the MacBook 2020 good for gaming? While the MacBook 2020 is capable of running some games, it is not designed as a gaming laptop. The Intel Iris Plus Graphics may not provide the best gaming performance, and the MacBook 2020 may not have the necessary cooling system to handle extended gaming sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MacBook 2020 is a powerful and portable laptop that comes with a range of impressive features. Its 10th-generation Intel Core processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage make it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing and graphic design. The Magic Keyboard with a scissor mechanism and Touch ID are also great features that enhance the overall user experience. However, its lack of upgradeable RAM and limited number of ports may be a disadvantage for some users. Overall, the MacBook 2020 is a solid choice for anyone in need of a high-performing and reliable laptop.