2018 MacBook Pro Review

I'm a developer and prosumer who types by touch. I have operational macros triggered by FN keys and somewhat miss the hard FN keys on my 2017 MacBook Pro.

I've set the System Preferences so pressing the fn key causes the Touch Bar to show soft FN keys. I use the soft ESC key frequently and without problem; aiming for the left corner of the Touch Bar almost always works and very rarely transforms into something other than ESC (In fact, I can't remember under what conditions it turns into something other than ESC, though I'm sure it does.)

So, one would think that as a touch typist who uses hard FN keys to trigger operational macros, the Touch Bar would be somewhat of an annoyance but for me it's really not.

The Touch Bar changes and reveals and/or offers functionality that isn't offered by any other means.

For example, I frequently Screen Share (VNC) to my home machine that has multiple displays. When doing so, the Touch Bar has buttons to allow me switch between display 1, display 2, or both displays. I've tried and could not figure a reliable way to trigger this functionality with macros or the keyboard, despite having extensive AppleScript knowledge and being very familiar with Keyboard Maestro. The Touch Bar made Screen Sharing much easier to use in a remote context.

Another example, I use Apple's Mail app and for years have used Adam Tow's super useful MsgFiler. When Apple Mail is frontmost, the Touch Bar features a "Move to $Mailbox" button that seems to learn where I file similar messages, and in my observation it is almost always correct.

I also prefer the Touch Bar sliders that reveal when adjusting my screen brightness and the volume controls.

So the Touch Bar does offer a few features which I find useful despite my being a touch typist. I somewhat miss the hard FN keys, but for me losing them is not a deal breaker because I can coerce the Touch Bar to display function keys by pressing the fn key.

So, I'm pretty neutral with regard to the Touch Bar but the keyboard is a different story.

I LOVE the shallow-press keyboard. I generally type with the pads of my fingers rather than the tips, and the shallow key press feels more solid and graceful to me. I've not yet experienced the non-functioning key problem that many others have reported and am somewhat concerned about losing my laptop for a week due to keyboard failure.

EDIT: Fixed three minor grammar problems.

Why don't you just solder on your own cable? I don't see the problem.

Interestingly enough, I get this same feeling of being constrained while being tethered to a desk. I love the ability to move to the kitchen, or the couch, or outside. I've tried using external monitors before and I'm so used to virtual desktops that I often forget they're even there. To each their own, I guess.

I develop iPad apps on a 13" laptop, and it's not actually too bad. You scale your iPad simulator down so that it fits on the screen and stick it another space if necessary.

It would be completely silly to look at sales numbers like that. There are far too many factors.

Now, if they sold two high-end MBP models, one with and one without the touchbar, then that would be a valid comparison. But they don't do that.