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Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

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Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#51

Post by dhruvkar »

rodwyer wrote: post #11

I got sick of it myself and switched to a Lenovo X1 Carbon. Comparison here: http://blog.richard.do/index.php/2018/05/2018-macbook-pro-vs...

Did the same (MBP --> X1 Carbon) running Lubuntu 16.04.

Few minor irritations - super sensitive touchpad, multi-monitor setup isn't seamless (but works), FN (touch) keys don't all work. Volume keys don't work, but brightness keys do.

All in all, happy with it far. Had to get used to a more keyboard-based workflow rather than touchpad-based -- switching to apps & desktops, moving windows, copy-paste, etc. all now using keyboard.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#52

Post by volkk »

madengr wrote: post #41
solomatov wrote: post #17

Even if they have, they are known for super strict security rules, so it won't be disclosed. I saw a link to their patent application where they patented a way to protect the current keyboard design from dust and crumbs. Personally, I got tired of their disregard for software developers issues with hardware, and now my working machine in the new XPS 13 from Dell. I am happy with it.

As an EE, I despise using laptops, rather want real engineering workstations. So what is it with software developers and laptops? The portability? Or rather people just being used to a laptop since they are ubiquitous in college. Even plugged into monitors, laptop keyboards just plain suck. I have an XPS-13, and it's handy for field use with GNU Radio, but can't fathom doing anything productive on it.

personally, i like to work from random areas and not be confined to a desk per se.

> I have an XPS-13, and it's handy for field use with an SDR, but can't fathom doing anything productive on it.

im just a lowly developer working on the backend of sites running rails. im pretty sure i can code on a toaster if need be. probably highly depends on what kind of architecture youre coding on. i'd wager that game developers need beefy machines.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#54

Post by microdrum »

When I invoke 1Password with ⌘\, I have to press the \ key reallllly hard. I have to get my hand up on one finger, and use the mass of the hand on just one finger, from a ninety-degree angle, to get that \. That's because a little piece of dust got into my keyboard.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#55

Post by s_kilk »

madengr wrote: post #41
solomatov wrote: post #17

Even if they have, they are known for super strict security rules, so it won't be disclosed. I saw a link to their patent application where they patented a way to protect the current keyboard design from dust and crumbs. Personally, I got tired of their disregard for software developers issues with hardware, and now my working machine in the new XPS 13 from Dell. I am happy with it.

As an EE, I despise using laptops, rather want real engineering workstations. So what is it with software developers and laptops? The portability? Or rather people just being used to a laptop since they are ubiquitous in college. Even plugged into monitors, laptop keyboards just plain suck. I have an XPS-13, and it's handy for field use with GNU Radio, but can't fathom doing anything productive on it.

> So what is it with software developers and laptops? The portability?

Yes, the portability, that bit is non-negotiable. Plus, when I'm seated at a desk I can always plug in a good mechanical keyboard and external monitor.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#56

Post by mrgordon »

amarka wrote: post #15
tonyedgecombe wrote: post #7

My guess is the touch bar along with haptic feedback is going to replace the whole keyboard.

My guess is that your joking, if not then you must be one of the few touchbar fans ("there are dozen's of us...dozens!").

It is useful in some apps although I wouldn't have gone out of my way to pay extra for it. Having Touch ID on a corporate laptop with strict requirements to change passwords often is amazing though.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#58

Post by qop »

happimess wrote: post #48
rodwyer wrote: post #11

I got sick of it myself and switched to a Lenovo X1 Carbon. Comparison here: http://blog.richard.do/index.php/2018/05/2018-macbook-pro-vs...

Thanks for the concise review. Off-topic question, though: > but due to the ports issue (which Apple are taking the piss with) What does "taking the piss with" mean in this context?

Not taking seriously, fucking around, joking about, assuming a less than professional attitude about, etc

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#59

Post by kinsomo »

gressquel wrote: post #30

let me piggy-back, is Apple going to have proper HDMI ports in future? Im going surface book the moment my current macbook stops working.

> let me piggy-back, is Apple going to have proper HDMI ports in future? Im going surface book the moment my current macbook stops working.

Unlikely. That would require a 180 degree change of direction. Apple has decided that fewer ports in kind and number is what they're going to do, and I don't really see them responding to external feedback (and basically admitting to a mistake). They're too insular. Case in point: there have been loads complaints for half a decade about the current Mac Pro, and all we've seen so far is a souped up iMac and vague promises.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?

#60

Post by vorpalhex »

madengr wrote: post #41
solomatov wrote: post #17

Even if they have, they are known for super strict security rules, so it won't be disclosed. I saw a link to their patent application where they patented a way to protect the current keyboard design from dust and crumbs. Personally, I got tired of their disregard for software developers issues with hardware, and now my working machine in the new XPS 13 from Dell. I am happy with it.

As an EE, I despise using laptops, rather want real engineering workstations. So what is it with software developers and laptops? The portability? Or rather people just being used to a laptop since they are ubiquitous in college. Even plugged into monitors, laptop keyboards just plain suck. I have an XPS-13, and it's handy for field use with GNU Radio, but can't fathom doing anything productive on it.

> what is it with software developers and laptops?

I've had to do emergency patches while sitting in a car on a cross-state roadtrip. I've had to ssh in to verify issues in national parks. Sometimes I just like sitting in a coffee shop or a park when I'm writing mindless code.

I run an older macbook, with some semi-heavy docker containers for dev work. It's fine enough for most of my work.

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