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...
How does Dell XPS compare to Lenovo?
Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
61–70 of 117 posts
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#62Even 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.
At my company we have laptops because the company wants people to secure them when they're not at their desk, by taking them with them. Home, meetings, you name it.
Almost nobody uses their laptop keyboard, however, unless they're using the laptop away from their desk. We all have 2-3 monitors and external keyboards & mice.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#63Even 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.
For me, it's the portability. I can work from my desk, a coffee shop, a park, or the floor of my living room, which is where I am right now. Working remotely is never an issue because I have everything I need with me.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#64Earlier quoted context omitted.
ah ok thanks Out of curiosity, what other laptop would you have moved to? Another apple laptop or something different altogether?
I was thinking of either the Lenovo X1 Carbon, or the Dell XPS 13. They seem robust, lightweight and run Linux.
I've been using an XPS 13 (9350) with Arch Linux for a while, and been very happy with it. Good battery life, and good performance.
Only goofy issue is that sometimes on AC power the CPU gets stuck at the lowest frequency, but unplugging for a moment fixes it.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#65I 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?
In British English this would mean "playing a joke", essentially.
If I tried to convince you that London is actually located on Mars, or that Brexit is a good idea, I'd be taking the piss.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#66Earlier quoted context omitted.
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.
People who work in businesses frequently need to take their computer along to meetings, or for pair programming, or if they're going to work remotely.
I guess I'm in a totally different work environment, as I've never had an internal meeting with a laptop present.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#67Do you remember when Apple laptops had the best keyboards in the business? I miss those days.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#68When 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.
This is pretty much what happened to me, except after a few keypresses, the key broke and never recovered. Apple Store fixed it, though.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#69Earlier quoted context omitted.
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.
At my company we have laptops because the company wants people to secure them when they're not at their desk, by taking them with them. Home, meetings, you name it. Almost nobody uses their laptop keyboard, however, unless they're using the laptop away from their desk. We all have 2-3 monitors and external keyboards & mice.
Same here. The entire engineering division uses laptops on docks with multiple monitors and the works.
Re: Ask HN: Does anyone know if Apple plans to address the MacBook keyboard issue?
#70Earlier quoted context omitted.
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.
People who work in businesses frequently need to take their computer along to meetings, or for pair programming, or if they're going to work remotely.
I believe developers should have a powerful workstation and a small laptop which is able to remote into the workstation.
Pair programming can be done through Slack or Skype (highlight the screen when you want to pinpoint something - it's easier than pointing to the monitor)
Although this setup doesn't solve the remote work issue as remote control protocols can be pretty slow or plainly unusable with a slow internet connection.