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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?

#71

Post by twblalock »

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.

Plug it in to a keyboard and mouse as well as a monitor when you are at your desk and the problem is solved.

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

#72

Post by devilirium »

madengr wrote: post #66
marrone12 wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

My previous workplace had meetings like that. On my current project we just gather around on Skype from our workstation if we need to collaborate digitally.

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

#73

Post by DanHulton »

samatman wrote: post #50

I broke my own rule and bought a first iteration of new technology from Apple. I'm conflicted. I actually enjoy the feel of the new keys, with the notable exception of the stunningly user-hostile arrow keys. But I'm a bit of a slob, and I've gotten key stick a couple times. I have to baby this thing and I'm used to smashing the keys clean off and having it keep working. Literally, my 2010 era MBP was missing two keys…

I'm absolutely with you on this. (Well, I haven't gotten any keys stuck, but I'm with you on the rest.)

It's a great keyboard, or it would be if it didn't have the crazy failure rate, terrible repairability, and awful arrow keys.

So it's actually, just... kinda... fine.

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

#74

Post by madengr »

rootusrootus wrote: post #62
madengr wrote: post #41

Earlier 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.

Opposite here. My employers considers them liabilities, and it's pulling teeth to get one.

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

#75

Post by heycato »

lkurusa wrote: post #4
plg wrote: post #3

Earlier 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 have a 2015 XPS 13 Developer Edition (9343) that I still use and love. Also have a 4K XPS 15 (9560) that is dual booting Ubuntu 18.04 and Win10... 18.04 has some quirks during install - and an issue with shutdown out of the box, but https://github.com/stockmind/dell-xps-9560-ubuntu-respin resolved all of that. In my opinion - you can't go wrong with an XPS. The new 13 looks pretty sweet too.

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

#76

Post by dharmab »

gergi wrote: post #29

Seems like the post should provide some context. What exactly is the issue?

Like other users said, even a small piece of dust can cause keys to fail. The keyboard is not user-servicable and can only be repaired by taking the laptop apart (ungluing the case).

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

#77

Post by cpr »

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.

What's wrong with a USB-C to HDMI cable? You've gotta have a cable anyway, and it works great!

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

#78

Post by jacquesc »

notadoc wrote: post #43
slouch wrote: post #32

I bought a 2015 refurb instead of a new macbook because of the keyboard issues. It'll get me over this issue and into 2020, I believe.

That is what my entire office did too, holding out hope the next generation has a reliable keyboard and no touch bar

Same at our office. mid 2015 model 15" is the standard issue for developers. A few people go the latest model and all have regretted it.

Seems like Apple can't walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. iPhone and Watches is all they care about and they don't put any thought into Macs anymore.

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

#80

Post by civilitty »

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.

I think it boils down to UI navigation. With a window manager, terminal, and an editor/IDE I don't really need to use the mouse to work effectively as a programmer. Once my muscle memory adapts to the keyboard layout, I'm set. However, navigating a 2D schematic/PCB/drawing or a 3D part with a touchpad is a nightmare and most software doesn't support the touch screen mechanics that I need to effectively replace navigation with a physical mouse. Even with a 3dconnexion portable 3D mouse, there's just too much clicking and precise movement involved in a UI like Altium or Solidworks to be usable.

That and I've never seen a portable laptop that can handle a Solidworks multi-hundred part assembly or a 20 layer Altium PCB, except for massive 17" workstations that are ostensibly laptops.

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