Core Viewpoint - The era of small-screen laptops is officially over with Apple's discontinuation of the 11-inch MacBook Air, marking a shift towards more efficient devices like tablets and foldable screens [1][16]. Group 1: Discontinuation of Small-Screen Laptops - Apple has officially classified the 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2015) as obsolete, ceasing technical support and after-sales service [1]. - The decline of small-screen laptops began with the introduction of the new iPad Pro in 2018, which effectively ended the small-screen laptop era [1]. Group 2: Historical Context of Small-Screen Laptops - The market for laptops with screens smaller than 13 inches was once vibrant, with brands like VAIO leading the charge with ultra-portable models [2]. - Other manufacturers, including ASUS and Acer, also contributed to the popularity of small laptops, which became ubiquitous in various public spaces [4]. Group 3: Limitations of Small-Screen Laptops - Small-screen laptops face inherent design limitations that hinder performance and thermal management, leading to reduced CPU and GPU capabilities [5]. - The compact design compromises user experience, particularly in keyboard usability and touchpad functionality, making long typing sessions uncomfortable [7]. - Battery life remains a significant drawback, with small-screen laptops unable to match the all-day battery performance of tablets [7]. Group 4: Rise of Tablets as Competitors - The introduction of the iPad in 2010 marked a turning point, as it effectively replaced many use cases for small-screen laptops by offering better portability, battery life, and user experience [8][10]. - The app ecosystem for tablets has outperformed traditional PC applications, further driving users away from small-screen laptops [10]. Group 5: Evolution of Consumer Preferences - The trend towards smaller, more portable devices reflects a long-standing consumer desire for convenience and efficiency in personal computing [13]. - The emergence of foldable screens represents the next step in this evolution, continuing the pursuit of compact devices that retain core functionalities [15]. Group 6: Conclusion on Market Trends - The discontinuation of the 11-inch MacBook Air signifies a recognition that small-screen laptops were never the future but rather a transitional phase [16]. - The market's focus is shifting towards devices that offer better usability in smaller formats, such as tablets and foldable phones, rather than merely smaller laptops [16][17].