Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro • Hacker News Board

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#21

Post by lostgame » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:32 PM UTC

I find the Touch Bar to be incredibly dim and low-resolution compared to the monitor or display of my iPhone.

It doesn't relay a lot of practical use. The removal of basic features like MagSafe and the little power LED's is maddening. The removal of the classic white glowing Apple on the back is practically an announcement that they're not even the same company any more.

I do iOS development for a living, and I'm rocking a 2018 15" MBP, and I'm very disappointed if this is the future of Apple.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#22

Post by lostlogin » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:33 PM UTC

danso wrote: post #3

> When Apple first launched MagSafe, the company loudly proclaimed they did so because customers kept breaking the connectors that plugged into the laptop. You know, like what’s in the current MacBook. I have a new MBP and I don't miss the MagSafe, to be honest. Mostly because I have the USB-C power cable connect through a USB-C hub -- what I lose in the usability of MagSafe, is mostly made up in flexibility. And wit…

The hatred of strain protectors is the issue here - MagSafe with strain protectors would make me happy. Bare wires, cellotape and dubious safety is what the clean design has actually achieved.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#23

Post by jjtheblunt » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:33 PM UTC

noncoml wrote: post #11

danso wrote: post #3

> When Apple first launched MagSafe, the company loudly proclaimed they did so because customers kept breaking the connectors that plugged into the laptop. You know, like what’s in the current MacBook. I have a new MBP and I don't miss the MagSafe, to be honest. Mostly because I have the USB-C power cable connect through a USB-C hub -- what I lose in the usability of MagSafe, is mostly made up in flexibility. And wit…

Same here. Actually I like the fact that I can now plug it in to power from either sides. I do miss the Escape key though..

control [ is the escape character, if useful...I use it in vi that way all the time.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#24

Post by dpkrjb » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:34 PM UTC

hprotagonist wrote: post #13

I still have a 2010 MBP. Maxed out the ram, dropped in a standard 2.5" SSD, and it's doing fine.

You need to worry about the battery degrading at this point and what the costs to repair it would look like

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#25

Post by vbezhenar » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:35 PM UTC

akerl_ wrote: post #9

I was originally on board for comments like "If a person buys a MacBook Pro and iPhone, that person cannot connect their iPhone to their new MacBook Pro without buying an adapter or cable." But I can't remember a time I've plugged my current iPhone into a computer, ever. I had the original iPhone, where I had to plug it in constantly to manage music, sync contacts, and update the OS, but it hasn't been like that in m…

How do you reinstall OS or make non-iCloud backup without computer?

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#26

Post by throwaway20148 » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:35 PM UTC

strict9 wrote: post #7

Like the author of this article I tried to like it, and just couldn't do it. I use non-touchbar MBP at work, but now only use an iMac at home. Thought I'd miss the portability of a laptop but a year later I haven't missed it at all. A small but noticable benefit is no longer having an internal debate on whether or not to bring the laptop traveling, since I can't. Being on vacation without a computer (iPhone aside) is…

This is exactly what I plan to do! After the new year I’m going to buy a new iMac and a full keyboard and a used MacBook Air with the intention of using then as my non work computing environment for as long as I can, hopefully 5-10 years. And maybe by them computing will be in such a different place I never have to worry about a touchbar or shitty MacBook Pro keyboard again.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#27

Post by rcthompson » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:37 PM UTC

danso wrote: post #3

> When Apple first launched MagSafe, the company loudly proclaimed they did so because customers kept breaking the connectors that plugged into the laptop. You know, like what’s in the current MacBook. I have a new MBP and I don't miss the MagSafe, to be honest. Mostly because I have the USB-C power cable connect through a USB-C hub -- what I lose in the usability of MagSafe, is mostly made up in flexibility. And wit…

I don't see how Magsafe and USB-C are mutually exclusive. Also, if Apple wanted to, they could have given their Magsafe adapters pluggable cords, so you don't have to buy a new adapter when the cord frays.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#28

Post by jtbayly » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:37 PM UTC

AimForTheBushes wrote: post #14

Not a returning feature but what about a Macbook that updates with the lid closed? Or is that asinine?

In answer to your question, that would be asinine. That's one of the few things Apple has (almost) consistently gotten right on their laptops—close the lid, it goes to sleep. Period. I can't describe how frustrating it is to use computers that think they are smarter than you (or are just unable to work properly) and stay on when you close them.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#29

Post by lostlogin » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:38 PM UTC

lemcoe9 wrote: post #12

Just a point worth mentioning: if the MacBook Pro is actually "marketed to professionals," then the removal of the SD card slot makes a lot of sense. No "professional" is using an SD card; they are using Compact Flash, CFast, XQD, 2.5" SSD, or a proprietary interface.

I disagree. The pro models are nearly entirely owned by enthusiasts and power users in my totally-representative sample. These people like options and are happy to pay for them.

Re: Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#30

Post by wtallis » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:38 PM UTC

vbezhenar wrote: post #25

akerl_ wrote: post #9

I was originally on board for comments like "If a person buys a MacBook Pro and iPhone, that person cannot connect their iPhone to their new MacBook Pro without buying an adapter or cable." But I can't remember a time I've plugged my current iPhone into a computer, ever. I had the original iPhone, where I had to plug it in constantly to manage music, sync contacts, and update the OS, but it hasn't been like that in m…

How do you reinstall OS or make non-iCloud backup without computer?

Is reinstalling the OS on an iPhone really a thing? I can't imagine that any significant number of people do that. Non-iCloud backups are probably more common but still extremely rare, as are any backup solutions that require more than a few minutes to set up and permanently automate.