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> 720p FaceTime HD camera > 8GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory I know cost usually isn't the top priority for people buying Apple products, but both of these startin

> 720p FaceTime HD camera > 8GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory I know cost usually isn't the top priority for people buying Apple products, but both of these starting specs seem pretty disappointing considering the price and for 2020. Perhaps someone realized keeping the cam resolution down is an effective method of capping FaceTime call costs. I will say, I am happy to see the transition to LPDDR4.

terramex 7y ago
When Macbook Pro 16 premiered last year (using 720p camera too), I've read comment here on HN, saying that nobody produces higher resolution sensors that can fit into such a slim form factor (as notebook cover is slimmer than even thinnest smartphones). Their competition like Dell XPS 13 2020 also seems to still use 720p camera.
- pfranz 7y ago
  > nobody produces higher resolution sensors that can fit into such a slim form factor That seems like a very flimsy excuse. These seem to be the exact same cameras they've been shipping since 2011 and nobody would excuse them for using 2011 era cameras in their phones (I remember being disappointed in the quality back in 2011). Apple has added bigger and multiple camera bumps to their phones to accommodate space. That seems like it would work even better in a laptop since it doesn't have to lay flat on a table. > Dell XPS 13 2020 also seems to still use 720p camera It's not the resolution, the quality and low-light performance hasn't changed in Mac laptops at all. I don't think the XPS is a great comparison since they've had the camera below the screen for years (I think they moved it in 2020). Having the camera positioned so low you literally see fingers on the keyboard and get a very unflattering angle. So in my search it was eliminated very early. I'm guessing it's just not a high priority for most purchasers even as remote working increases. The Dell XPS 13 reviews barely mention the camera and I couldn't easily find a sample from the camera. I've been working remotely, so it has been a huge priority for me. I've also been FaceTiming and find using a laptop is easier than holding a phone.
  - ksec 7y ago
    >These seem to be the exact same cameras they've been shipping since 2011 As explained in your previous comment, the sensor in post 2018 model are different due to thinner Display Lid / Panel.
insta_anon 7y ago
Totally with you on the 720p camera.. here a comment that was posted when the new 16 inch MB Pro was announced concerning the same topic: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21524522 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21524522
AgloeDreams 7y ago
Agree on the first item, They need to throw iPhone front facing cameras in these. Second item isn't bad for the base cheapest model.

terramex 7y ago

When Macbook Pro 16 premiered last year (using 720p camera too), I've read comment here on HN, saying that nobody produces higher resolution sensors that can fit into such a slim form factor (as notebook cover is slimmer than even thinnest smartphones). Their competition like Dell XPS 13 2020 also seems to still use 720p camera.

pfranz 7y ago
> nobody produces higher resolution sensors that can fit into such a slim form factor That seems like a very flimsy excuse. These seem to be the exact same cameras they've been shipping since 2011 and nobody would excuse them for using 2011 era cameras in their phones (I remember being disappointed in the quality back in 2011). Apple has added bigger and multiple camera bumps to their phones to accommodate space. That seems like it would work even better in a laptop since it doesn't have to lay flat on a table. > Dell XPS 13 2020 also seems to still use 720p camera It's not the resolution, the quality and low-light performance hasn't changed in Mac laptops at all. I don't think the XPS is a great comparison since they've had the camera below the screen for years (I think they moved it in 2020). Having the camera positioned so low you literally see fingers on the keyboard and get a very unflattering angle. So in my search it was eliminated very early. I'm guessing it's just not a high priority for most purchasers even as remote working increases. The Dell XPS 13 reviews barely mention the camera and I couldn't easily find a sample from the camera. I've been working remotely, so it has been a huge priority for me. I've also been FaceTiming and find using a laptop is easier than holding a phone.
- ksec 7y ago
  >These seem to be the exact same cameras they've been shipping since 2011 As explained in your previous comment, the sensor in post 2018 model are different due to thinner Display Lid / Panel.

insta_anon 7y ago

Totally with you on the 720p camera.. here a comment that was posted when the new 16 inch MB Pro was announced concerning the same topic: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21524522 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21524522

AgloeDreams 7y ago

Agree on the first item, They need to throw iPhone front facing cameras in these. Second item isn't bad for the base cheapest model.