When the MacBook went on sale a few minutes ago Apple was quoting three to four weeks’ delivery and the special order models with faster processors were available with no extra wait time. In the UK store, the top over-the-counter configuration with 1.2GHz processor and 512GB SSD costs £1,299 but it is possible to specify the 1.3GHz Core M with turbo boost to 2.9GHz for only £120 more. I suspect most buyers interested in speed will go for this option in order to eke out as much performance as possible from what is generally agreed is a pretty tardy computer. The base 1.1GHz MacBook with 256GB SSD can also be upgraded to the 1.3GHz processor but at an additional cost of £200.
At between £1,249 and £1,419, these MacBooks are priced at the top end of the scale. As I pointed out last week, you get far more computing power from a specced-out 2015 13in MacBook Pro for £1,729. Even the base MacBook Pro will outperform the MacBook. This is a first-generation product, just like the original MacBook Air. In a very short time the performance will be improved and the price reduced. Early adopters will have the pleasure of owning the future. Those who wait a few more months will reap the benefits.