I Bought The Cheapest MacBook on Amazon! 

That was the first Apple laptop that had the butterfly keyboard. I wanted to like it, went to the store to buy one and walked away empty handed. Now, imagine that same case with an M1 in it. That might clear the fence to be worth buying.

My friend who is a project manager LOVES his 2016 version. Takes it everywhere, it is SO portable. His has 16gb ram and 512 ssd and it genuinely flies along for all MS office applications, which is what he uses it for.

I bought one of these 12 inch MacBooks when it came out, and used it for school for a couple of years, and I actually really liked it, is as able to do pretty much everything I wanted out of a school only laptop (take notes, browse the web, review pdfs…) my favourites of the laptop were basically that it was completely silent, extremely portable (to the point where this laptop fits perfectly inside those little pockets binders have on the inside of the cover) and the battery easily lasted me like 2 days of note taking. Unlike a lot of people I didn’t expect this laptop to fly or edit videos, play games, or run physics calculations, because it was never the point of the laptop, it was just a sleek and silent notebook replacement and it worked great for that. As for the keyboard I know a lot of people prefer some key travel when they type which is why this keyboard design got a lot of hate, however personally I could care less about the key travel and everything from the mechanical keyboard from my desktop to typing on glass feels fine to me, sure the tactile feeling of the mechanical keys feels nice however it’s nowhere near the top on my priority list nor does my typing improve or decline depending on the keyboard type (but that’s just me I guess)

When you yanked open the lit, my heart stopped for a second, those things need to be open with care to prevent breaking the ribbon cable. You sir, just got lucky this time. :)

I have the 12 in 2017 in rose gold. All I did was order a matte keyboard cover and it feels good, bought an 8in1 port thing, and bought a nice BT mouse. Overall after these simple additions it’s a really great laptop! Btw the charger slays as a charger for newer iPhones. It charges my phone really well so I never bought a 20W from apple or 3rd party. Overall great value as I bought it open box from bestbuy for $850 in 2017

I really hope they make another one of these someday with an M chip, I mostly use my MBA docked so the screen size is often irrelevant and I’d rather have a smaller size that’s more portable than a bigger and heavier computer

I have the 2017 12’ MacBook which I brought brand new from Apple in 2018. It have Core i7 with 512GB storage and 16GB Ram. It’s silver and perfect condition and such a fantastic laptop. So glad I got one before they stopped selling it.👍

i have mobility issues in my fingers so the butterfly keyboard on my 13” MBP from 2018 works perfect for me. It used to suffer from sticky keys but after a good clean she was good as new!

Great video as usual, just let me say, the keyboard is a pure matter of preferences, i had a 2017 pro 13, i loved the butterfly on it, i was not writing man, i was flying. Now that i got an m2, i really like the travel of keys but i missed the buttery for a week.. It's just habits...

It's a great second computer. I have the 2016 m5 model synchronized to my other PCs and Macs with Resilio-Sync (I need to have just a handful of synchronized folders, mainly scanned documents and development work), and I bring it with me everywhere I go. It's very convenient if you want to work on the go, and to have all your important documents with you. It's much more convenient than an iPad (try coding on an iPad), and I have actually done real work on an iOS app for several years with this computer. I also owned a 15 inch Macbook Pro, but I would find myself working on the 12 inch most of the time, because of its incredible portability. Now that I also have an M1 Macbook Air, I prefer working on the Air, but the 12 inch 2016 Macbook always follows me when I leave the house. BTW I'm on the 7th year of using it, and everything still works perfectly, including the keyboard. OK, not the battery. It had 75% capacity, and I replaced it yesterday. Now that I have replaced it, the Macbook is almost like new.

i love mine. at its size and weight, there really isn't anything else that can do what it does. The only thing it's really missing is another usb-c and Apple Silicon power. Hope it gets a revival in the near future

Even the 13” MacBook Pros from this era had dual core CPUs. This was peak Intel complacency era.

Im a tech that repairs MacBooks daily... It's actually all my business handles. The 12 inch is absolutely notorious for CPU failures which often results in total data loss as the SSD is soldered on the board. Keep frequent backups if you use it!

I had one of those (the first iteration) from new. leaving aside the issues you had because it was a knackered unit... it *was* gutless and underpowered, the single usb-c and weak graphics that couldn't even do 4K@60 were a brake on any thoughts of docking it at home. and yes, the butterfly keyboard. I loved it. I was even OK with the keyboard (maybe I was lucky; it never went wrong for me, but I remember noticing that even though the travel was far too short, by some alchemy I had fewer typing errors using it than on many ostensibly better ones). but I loved it because it was just so light and slim it was a laptop you'd take with you when you didn't even know you were going to use it. even when you thought you probably weren't, but you'd drop it in just in case anyway, because it's just so light. way lighter than an iPad in a magic keyboard case, for instance. and way lighter than a MacBook Air. and anyway, it wasn't so gutless I couldn't do my usual work on it, java development. ok, you want to be more coding and less compiling but still... so I really want apple to make a new one. even though I already have a m1pro Macbook Pro, I probably wouldn't be able to resist that. again... because that MBP is a slab, frankly. I don't always bother to take it with me, unless I'm sure I'm going to need it. and sometimes I get that wrong.

I scored on a 2015 MacBook Pro 15” 16gb ram. It’s still got the good keyboard and ports on it. The screen and speakers are great and although the newer stuff is better this thing will totally hold me over til I can afford one of the newest models.

Ive had that Macbook for years and its no problem. It served me well with basic wordprocessing and surfing the net. The size alone makes it a buy as its lighter and smaller than anything around. easy to take on trips and easy to take to coffee shops.

That noise from opening the lid for the first time 😢

I love your videos and i alleays find them helpful you allways have an option for everyone, thank you so much.

Me watching this on my 12" Macbook (2015) 👀... hate the butterfly keyboard and the battery life, but love the size and portability of it.

My 2018 Macbook Pro 15 has the butterfly keyboard and I personally love it. Honestly, the i7 and Radeon pro GPU are more than enough for my workload and I don't plan on upgrading any time soon. Gotta love how long Macbooks last!

i bought a 2015 macbook 12 in 2017 on ebay for a fairly cheap price and i got it because i got tired of having to carry my really heavy acer laptop for coding and work, it really got me through my engineering degree. the battery life was insane and i could go for a few days without having to charge it. though, the funniest experience i had was the macbook lagging because i added a few animations in power point, and ever since i updated the software back in 2019, the battery life decreased and now, it shows the battery needs to be serviced which sucks cause it's hard to fix it cause it's discontinued. but overall, i'm super happy about it and absolutely love the form factor. they really NEED to put this macbook back but with the M2 chip!

I've had a 12 inch macbook since 2016 and it's my favorite form factor. Its basically a chromebook at this point but being aware of it shortcomings I'm fine with it that being said if they made a new one tomorrow is be first in line 😁 I don't think MacOS Ventura will work on it

I get how weary it can be buying from resellers... I recently bought my 2018 13 inch MacBook Pro from a reseller on Walmart's website. When I received the MacBook, nothing was really terrible about it, it had some keys that were stuck which was a real bummer, however after about a month of use, those keys unstuck themselves and now work as intended. There was only a few minor scuffs, the charging cable looks horrendous, the charger itself was an off-brand charger, after I bought a genuine charger and cable from apple, it works amazingly to this day, and im so glad I bought it! I just needed something that could handle editing 4k video without too much trouble (which it does almost perfectly) and just something that I could comfortably use as a daily computer. I actually really enjoy the typing experience as well!

Your videos are brilliant mate!

Thanks for experimenting for me Gary. Now I know what I’m not doing anytime soon.

This was one of my favorite laptops. I personally loved the butterfly keyboard. I've since upgraded numerous times and currently have the new M2 Air, but my wife still uses her m7 based 12" MacBook everyday and won't let me get her a new one.

boy this mac studio is fast

Like many commenters, I LOVE the MB 12! I had Apple put a new battery in it a couple of years ago. Again, like SO many others, I’m praying that Apple makes a new one with Apple silicon. There are rumors to that effect and I hope they aren’t just wishful thinking. Fingers crossed that it gets an M3 with 3nm tech. The butterfly keyboard takes getting used to. It doesn’t bother me anymore and you can type on it very well. The keys are huge and you can hit them anywhere so I actually think they had a good idea but dust apparently go in the way…I’ve never had an issue…but I take very good care of my devices - my MB 12 looks like brand new without a single blemish or flaw of any kind.

I got the 2015 model for $200 and replaced the keyboard for $30 now the computer works like a charm and its my secondary computer.

I would love to see a MacBook 12" with 12Z or M1 into it

I bought a MacBook Air 11" off of Amazon for $210 and it's phenomenal for my On The Go Administration work! Was in brand new condition. So it's safe to say you had a bad experience! And possibly purchased from a less than great seller, because my experience has been phenomenal And my laptop is a bit older (2015) meets all of my needs for my video editing jobs as well!

I skipped over those series... so glad. I did spend $160 to replace my 2014 MBP 15" with Nvidia GPU card (no long supported I believe in Mac OS). The 15" MBP battery swap is insanely hard.. 13" MBA is simple and fast.. keep that in mind if shopping for used MBP/MBA 13"/15". I'm glad I got my 2014 MBP 15" repaired (battery was swelling and disabled the trackpad and was looking like a football on edge. Now it's a great fast older laptop to drag around with new battery and decent older screen. the 11" MBA I nearly purchased, but decided to fix my 2015.. and who knows, maybe some day get one just because.. but yes.. you are better off and getting a M1 MBA. :)

I dont get why people whine about the keyboard. It is the best keyboard for me, small travel gives fantastic feeling

I don't understand that butterfly keyboard hate. It was the best type of keys that apple laptops ever had, I really miss the butterfly using now my mba m1.

I almost bout one of these but setled for an 11" MBA from 2014. Its not a speed demon at all... its tiny and light.. and I can go around online; watch videos etc.. but even with a new battery... it drains so quickly! Because to do much of anything its just running at full tilt.

I have the 2017 base model and it’s good for school and simpler tasks but not things like video editing. The keyboard is not the best and can break easily if your trying to remove keys for cleaning and the battery life is alright as well I get 4-7 hours. The deign however is still one of the best Apple has ever made and it fits in a backpack like a slim notebook. The display is really good too since it’s a 1440p on only a 12” display. The 2017 model will also be getting Ventura as well. Although it does have a little lag on Monterey. I think Apple should put a M1 in a mini laptop like this again but as of now the M1 iPad Pro 11” has that spot, but if Apple were to remake the 12” MacBook it would complete the 11” 12” 13” 14” lineup of MacBooks they have going.

I brought this few months ago and its all good however i have a few complains. Keys will not stick to the keyboard, one fell off. The gunk around the screen sticked to the sides of the lower part. Overheat easily even if im just using edge . But its from 2016, so i think i shouldn’t complain. Overall it is useable and i loved the design and form factor. I might sell it after some time, but for now i will stick to it.

I have the 2015 12" MacBook. I got it used from a friend for a 100 bucks. It's excellent for the money i spent. Perfect for watching RU-vid Premium. I bring it with me everywhere. I replaced the battery. I use it for watching movies/tv shows and listening to Apple Music. It feels like a new machine everytime I use it. I even use it to digitize old VHS tapes and 8mm camcorder tapes as well as edit. The screen is beautiful. It comes in handy when I don't wanna lug my 2017 5K iMac back and forth places.

I know I may ve the only crazy person in the world, but I loved the 12" MacBook while I had it. And yes, I did have issues with the keyboard a couple of times, when dirt got under the keys and would not allow me to type properly, however, I even liked the clacking noise the keys would make when typing fast. I have an M2 MacBook Air now and it's much bigger than the 12" model used to be. I sometimes whish MacBook would give some love to those who like a truly small laptop that will test the boundaries of how small you can go.

I use the 2017 12 macbook and I love it!

I used a base model 2016 MacBook 12" from 2018 until I got an M1 MacBook Air in March this year. I even edited 4K footage on it (don't ask me how, because now it can barely play a 1440p RU-vid video without having problems). I used to love the keyboard until I used the new one, and now I hate the old keyboard lol. And my 12" MacBook's USB-C port also didn't have any resistance, so that's normal

I had that MacBook and the keyboard failed twice. Replaced under apple but still. Way to go. Had to resell it after the second repair.

Hi, my name is Henry , I’m a student in Ghana and I really love your videos. You inspire me to study hard and make it. Watching your videos encourages me to work hard and afford a laptop. It turns out, I’ll not be able to get one. Keep making us happy 😊.

When these came out I wanted one. Just didn’t have the power for me but like the form factor. Maybe you can put in the m1 logic board in there? I had to work on my sons 2017 MacBook Pro butterfly keyboard and forgot how bad they are. Don’t think I could go back…

You should plug it in for benchmarks, that particular intel processor was not fast anyway, but it would run better

That big icons on the bottom bar :DDD but small text

imagine if apple released an m1 lite or an m2 lite and put them into the same chassis of the 12 inch, with a better keyboard. honestly, as a student with a computer for more heavier tasks, i would be fine for a 6 or 4 core version of the m1. hell, it proved that the regular m1 doesn't even need to be cooled with fans, so even the regular m1 would be okay in this chassis.

I know technology changes fast when it comes to computers. I'd like to see a video of what someone should get if they are starting from scratch with a 2k budget. Possibly 1 for video editing and without video editing. But needing everything

I'm interested in what the battery cycles are. Most of the bench marks don't mean much on an older machine!

I still have my 2016 m7 version. Only starting to show its age. I’ve able to use Lightroom and QGIS on it without too much stress. It’s starting to slow and I’m starting to look at upgrading to a MBP 14”

I am so glad you purchased this. I have been thinking of buying that exact one for my son for college to go along with his mac-mini. I will just bite the bullet and get the m1 mb-air. So Gary, how is the keyboard?

I agree with you. I would love a form factor like this but the butterfly keyboard is awful.

You should have bought the 2017 model. That one has the improved keyboard.

I really liked the butterfly keyboard it was awesome for me.

Can you make an accessories video for the 12inch MacBook?

What do you do with your old MacBooks? I wanted to downgrade to the m2 macbook air from my 16in m1 pro macbook pro, but I don’t want to lose a lot of money by selling it low.

I replaced the battery and upgraded the memory on my early 2015 MBP 13”, and the thing works great. I am bummed about MAC-OS Ventura not being supported for it.

I love how his email notifications are in the 5 digits😂

I found a MacBook Air 2020 early renia on a pawnshop for less then 400$ with noting wrong and it had been the best thing ever

The 2017 version supports 4K at 60 Hz. This is the best generation to get, as the I7 (highest end) could turbo up to 3.6 GHz, and with 16 GB of RAM, it's still surprisingly usable, even five years after its prime. Just goes to show the longevity of well-made hardware. Apple has given me IBM-like reliability and unparalleled ease of use. No longer do I have to pay an additional cost to have equal access to my computer, (JAWS for Windows at $1095.00 and upgrades every two years at $329, not including the PC). I get hardware upgrades along with the subscription. Patiently waiting and watching, for when Apple releases a 12-inch MacBook with dual USB C / Thunderbolt 4 ports, one on each side, both Touch and FaceID with CenterStage, Apple Silicon, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB storage and I'll be happily adding that to my cart! May opt for more storage or RAM if they offer it, because I want to get the absolute best bang for my buck, but want to get the best I can reasonably afford.

I have had 3 of these 12", my wife had une and I gave her an M1 Pro 13", she swore she was ok with the 12", now she won't let the M1 go.

I have this with the m7, great for travel and light use. Keyboard has always been awful. I guess it’s getting close to time to upgrade if they are selling that cheap refurbished.

The problems with the heat with the 2016 12 inch MacBook are gone with the M1 chip and M2.

watching on my 2015 macbook🥺🥺

I got mine for $140 on ebay 2017 (last year) and I love it! Perfect for me , Im a teacher, I need it light and long lasting battery.

I tried a butterfly keyboard on a Mac in a Best Buy at the time. It was so lifeless, feedback-less, I wanted to BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF IT just to get some kind of feeling from typing. It’s one thing that keeps me using my mid 10 pro and a mini and not getting a newer Mac.

Hey, Long time follower this side. Just wanted to ask u, I’m a high school student and will probably keep my laptop for say 3-4 years and have three choices: 1) MacBook Air M1 16GB Ram(1149$) 2) MacBook Pro M2 base model(1154$) 3) MacBook Air M1 base model(1199$)

Damn that box is overkill

That ERA was the iPhone based MacBook due to it's logic board.

Wish it was possible to hack an M1 logic board into these. It was so far ahead of its time and intel just couldn’t cut it

Unfortunate that you hate the keyboard. Actually loved it. I think Greg McFadden mentioned he also liked it in a video. Was thinking you were going to show abs or something as you attempted to wipe off FaceTime camera.

I was able to get a 2016 m7 for like $250. wasn't too bad, but def chip was slow and one port that was beat up.

Do you think m1 air still a good buy for video editing useing iMovie and mobile to film ore would you go for m2 and do you think pro would be way to much power

When you buy a brand new mac from amazon (NOT USED) does it come brand new in a box and everything? Just like you buy it from apple store? Because im thinking of purchasing one from amazon because its cheaper. But im scared :)

The 30hz limit was probably because you were using a 4K display (could've also been a limit on the USB-C dock you were using too). If it was a 1080p display like most folks are probably using, I would assume it would do 60hz just fine. I can't imagine people buying "the cheapest Macbook possible" are using 4K displays.

I am very familiar with the concept of "wasteful waffling".

Even my HP desktop from 12 years ago has a more powerful Prosser then that lol

i bought the 2015 macbook 12 for £120 about a month ago, runs great!

There is nothing great about the MacBook 12". One USB-C port, slowest processor, reminds me of the first gen MacBook Air. It's discontinued by Apple because it wasn't good.

The best laptop Apple has ever made, for casual users (eg 90% of people). So portable and amazingly designed.

love the shirt😂

I literally just purchased a 12” for the first time too! I got it from a seller on eBay who had it listed as a 2016, but when I received it, system info says it’s the 2015. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s is a Frankenstein of a 2015 logic board and 2016 top-case. Mine was 240 and in clean condition

i´ve been using this laptop (MacBook 12") for about 7 months and i think is a good one (and i can´t afford a better one hahaha) im a music producer and with Logic pro it works really good

You and past self went as far as wearing the same shirt. Love it bahahaha

That MacBook is cursed, EVERYTHING CAN AND WILL FAIL

Can you post the Amazon link of the product? thanks

8:47 I think it's only outputting up to 30hz bc of the dock you're using. I had that same usb dock for my iPad, and it said in the manual that the hdmi would only do 30hz at 4k resolution.

Looking at these today, they seem to have skyrocketed in price (In Europe at least) Early 2016 Apple MacBook with 1.1GHz Intel Core m3 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD for $549

I love how you’re shocked about the keyboard as if it were ages ago…. Apple stopped making them in 2019 lol

I am a new real estate photographer and videographer looking for an affordable laptop or pc that can handle 4k editing. Can you recommend any? Thanks

What's the mic he uses right at the beginning ?

I thought about buying one of theses just for traveling and carrying round the house. Then I remember it has that god-awful keyboard. 😅

i dont know i was more of a fan of the butterfly keys than the new ones

I ran Xcode on that thing. Only bad apple decision I’ve ever regretted.

They need to remake this with the M1. That would be the ultimate MacBook.

Is it repaired ? How to check the seal ?

that's one of the best Macbook Apple has ever done. We need this in M2 NOW

Is that the Jerryrig knife?

This MacBook looking nice

I always thought people were being babies about the butterfly keys, thinking “how bad could they be?” but then I tried somebody else’s macbook. Good god, it is terrible, how on earth did anyone ever think it was okay