Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro

#1

Post by kostaddin » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 2:02 PM UTC

Basic features that will hopefully return to the MacBook Pro
techcrunch.com

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

#2

Post by java-man » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 2:13 PM UTC

Good luck getting those in the next MBP. Once a company exceeds a certain size, the normal rules of designing a product for the users stop applying.

Mag safe, headphone jack, multiple USB ports, escape key - why were they removed? Who made these decisions?

I might add a lack of dedicated PgUp/PgDn/Home/End keys on larger laptops. There's plenty of space, but no, we are going to use the same keyboard for all of them (makes sense from a supply perspective!)

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

#3

Post by danso » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 2:25 PM UTC

> 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 with Apple using the USB-C standard, I can buy any USB-C cable I want, including ones much cheaper and more durable than the Apple-branded cords. I have 3 MagSafe adapters from previous MBPs and they are all worn out at where the wire connects to the adapter block, with no cheap way to replace them.

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

#4

Post by java-man » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 2:56 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…

Let's see how the USB-C female connector fares after the same amount of use. Something tells me it'll be busted long before the cable part wears out.

All Apple cables seem to have a weakness where the cable joins to the connector. A short PVC tube is no match for a gradually tapered part found on some Ethernet cables. And the fact that the user usually just yanks the cable instead of pulling on a tiny connector part...

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

#5

Post by nsxwolf » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:03 PM UTC

java-man wrote: post #2

Good luck getting those in the next MBP. Once a company exceeds a certain size, the normal rules of designing a product for the users stop applying. Mag safe, headphone jack, multiple USB ports, escape key - why were they removed? Who made these decisions? I might add a lack of dedicated PgUp/PgDn/Home/End keys on larger laptops. There's plenty of space, but no, we are going to use the same keyboard for all of them (…

We've still got the headphone jack.

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

#6

Post by TAForObvReasons » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:06 PM UTC

> The power cable was magnetic. Instead of sticking into the laptop, it connected to the side of it. If someone tripped over the cable, the cable would harmlessly disconnect from the laptop.

Worth pointing out that there are third-party MagSafe-esque wrappers for USB-C like https://www.snapnator.com/

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

#7

Post by strict9 » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:06 PM UTC

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 the way it should have always been.

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

#8

Post by akerl_ » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:07 PM UTC

Worth noting for folks who don't use Siri that the TouchBar contents are customizable. I was in the same boat as the author, accidentally activating Siri non-stop, and then I figured out I could just remove that button.

System Preferences -> Keyboard -> "Customize Control Strip" button

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

#9

Post by akerl_ » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:10 PM UTC

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 my experience for a while.

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

#10

Post by draw_down » Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 5:10 PM UTC

I wouldn't mind having the power indicator lights back, I guess... but I'd rather just not have to worry about the battery at all.