See this is why I'm different. Don't care if my laptop is big and ugly or how thin it is. Just want a laptop with a big matt screen that runs Mac OS X.
I know I'm not along in this. Once again Apple is not filling the need of its pro users.
They shouldn't have killed off the non-Retina 15" MacBook Pro until they were prepared to lower the Retina model to the same price point. Now it is impossible to get into a 15" MacBook Pro for less than nearly $2,000. That may not seem much to the Silicon Valley dwellers who set the prices for Apple, but for a working stiff who wants to remain an Apple customer and needs a 15" laptop for work, it is a deal breaker.
Now it is impossible to get into a 15" MacBook Pro for less than nearly $2,000. That may not seem much to the Silicon Valley dwellers who set the prices for Apple, but for a working stiff who wants to remain an Apple customer and needs a 15" laptop for work, it is a deal breaker.
A portable 17 inch monitor? Well, that's one way to skin a cat. It might not be the prettiest or become popular since it's one more thing to lug around turning a portable laptop into some luggable solution. Yeah, I'm sure they'll sell some, but I don't see this as a big seller.
A portable 17 inch monitor? Well, that's one way to skin a cat. It might not be the prettiest or become popular since it's one more thing to lug around turning a portable laptop into some luggable solution. Yeah, I'm sure they'll sell some, but I don't see this as a big seller.
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
I'm not saying there no need for it, but it's a smaller subset of laptop users that will buy a portable 17inch monitor to lug around, that's all.
The problem is that when Apple makes a product, they have to look at the R&D costs, costs to mfg, market, support, etc. and then the potential market. If they run their numbers internally and it comes up to be a losing proposition that will give them reason to make or not make something.
Personally, I think they should make a 17inch laptop because there are people that use them, but I don't know what the numbers look like from a perspective of it being worthwhile or not.
Remember, the 17ich screen with Retina resolution is, or at least has been VERY expensive and that might be one of the factors that led them to decide to not make them at this time, but things change. Apple never said they will never make a 17inch laptop ever again, I just think that between current market conditions and cost to mfg might not have been conducive of making the product. But keep submitting your request to Apple Feedback to let them know.
I didn't investigate this portable 17inch monitor, but what were they selling it for and what was the resolution? Was it just standard resolution for a 17inch monitor or would it be considered a Retina class display?
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
I do remember reading an article around the time when the 15inch Retina MBP came out and they discussed that a 17 screen was just too expensive, so instead of keeping the 17inch, which wasn't selling that well, I think it was a combination, but look at what is happening with screen sizes on smartphone and tablets.
Markets shift. I remember when people wanted smaller cell phones, now the trend is changing where people want bigger smartphones. Same thing with tablets. There are rumors about a bigger iPad.
I think it boils down to cost, weight, size, battery life, and ultimately if the market is big enough. But I would say that there is always a possibility that Apple might reintroduce a 17inch laptop in the future, just right now they don't.
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
I don't want to be a Dick about it, but they had how many backers? 759? Do you honestly think that's a big enough market? Obviously it's enough to bring in the money they were looking for, but ultimately, they are going to need a LOT more than 759 people buying these things to become profitable. They are going to need hundreds of thousands of people, YEARLY. the margins on that thing is slimmer than a toothpick.
The problem is that if you want to run Mac OSX you have to buy from Apple. So unless Apple starts licensing their OS it is up to them to sell products that meet the needs of all their users, not just the ones buying the most equipment.
If Apple is unwilling to make a sell equipment for their smaller markets then they need to license their OS to places that are willing to meet the needs of smaller markets.
I don't want to be a Dick about it, but they had how many backers? 759? Do you honestly think that's a big enough market? Obviously it's enough to bring in the money they were looking for, but ultimately, they are going to need a LOT more than 759 people buying these things to become profitable. They are going to need hundreds of thousands of people, YEARLY. the margins on that thing is slimmer than a toothpick.
They got 759 folks to spend $100+ on a bare 17" panel, an exposed circuit board and a stand. No case. Completely DIY.
It's surely niche but there is demand just like there is for external battery kits that require you to chop up your magsafe cable. Hyperjuice made a good amount of money chopping up magsafe bricks and selling moderately overpriced external battery packs. But they usually looked good so what the heck.
/shrug
I bet 99.9% of MBP owners have never considered an external battery pack. That still leaves a lot of road warriors picking up $400 external battery packs.
As a former road warrior with a 17" MBP the damn thing was too big most of the time. Too big to fit into hotel safes. Too big to comfortably use when riding coach. Too big to lug around. If I could of had a 13" dual core i7 MBA and a 17" monitor that fit in my backpack that weighted less than an iPad I'd have gone that route in a heartbeat. 13" is cramped as hell but so is coach these days (we didn't get to fly domestic business class).
I'm not saying there no need for it, but it's a smaller subset of laptop users that will buy a portable 17inch monitor to lug around, that's all.
...
Personally, I think they should make a 17inch laptop because there are people that use them, but I don't know what the numbers look like from a perspective of it being worthwhile or not.
Is there a reason you responded in three separate posts?
Anyway, I doubt Apple will make a 17" MBP again. Especially given how anemic the 15" MBP lineup is in terms of BTO options.
I also think that many use cases that involve wanting a 17" MBP is better solved with a 13" MBP + 17" mobile monitor even without a battery for the monitor.
As a former road warrior with a 17" MBP the damn thing was too big most of the time. Too big to fit into hotel safes. Too big to comfortably use when riding coach. Too big to lug around. If I could of had a 13" dual core i7 MBA and a 17" monitor that fit in my backpack that weighted less than an iPad I'd have gone that route in a heartbeat. 13" is cramped as hell but so is coach these days (we didn't get to fly domestic business class).
Not sure what you used yours for but I bet it isn't for going over two page spreads with clients or editing in Final Cut or other design type work.
Designers need big screens. I can barely work on a 17" screen and work on a 30" screen at the office with all my palettes on the 17" screen of my Mackbook.
An example is tomorrow I'm driving over to a client to go over the brochure that I'm doing for them. My 17" screen is barely big enough to display the layout and not have everything be too small to be practical.
No, not at all. It’s up to them to make whatever they want and you can deal with it or buy something else from someone else.
If they want to provide a complete solution then they need to meet the hardware requirements of all their users. Otherwise people will be forced to switch to Windows. Saw it happen if the nineties and Apple just about went out of business.
Is there a reason you responded in three separate posts?
Anyway, I doubt Apple will make a 17" MBP again. Especially given how anemic the 15" MBP lineup is in terms of BTO options.
I also think that many use cases that involve wanting a 17" MBP is better solved with a 13" MBP + 17" mobile monitor even without a battery for the monitor.
I've been in the computer industry since the late 70's. One thing I know for sure is the market changes and what works today is different than it will a few years from now when it comes to screen sizes.
When PC's (Apple I) first came out people were using 9 inch screens, then it went to 12, then 13, then 15, then 17, then 19, etc. etc. When portables (luggables and laptops) first came out, it was 9 inch (Compaq, Kaypro, Osborne) then the screen sizes again edged upwards.
Sure the 13 and 15 inch seem to be the most popular, but the 11's are popular on the Airs. But I think it's POSSIBLE that Apple will reintroduce a 17inch at some point in time and it might be when they can make them thin, light, powerful, long battery life, retina display and be able to sell it for a certain price point where people will buy them in decent quantities.
Your analyzing whether Apple will make a 17inch MBP again based on the 15inch BTO options? WHAT? That has NOTHING to do with it.
The bottom line is Apple will bring out a product if they can meet all of the requirements they feel are needed (weight, size, price, etc.etc.) and there is a big enough market for it. I doubt they will make one within a year, but after that, I am not going to speculate that they won't or will. All I know is that the market shifts.
The problem is that if you want to run Mac OSX you have to buy from Apple. So unless Apple starts licensing their OS it is up to them to sell products that meet the needs of all their users, not just the ones buying the most equipment.
If Apple is unwilling to make a sell equipment for their smaller markets then they need to license their OS to places that are willing to meet the needs of smaller markets.
(Apple) "Computer says no."
Apple has no responsibility to make niche products that are more than likely not profitable. It has no responsibility to make products for all users - that is simply uneconomical.
I love my 17" MBP, perhaps there will be one once more when retina panels at that size are more affordable, however I am more than accepting of the fact that I'll have to slightly alter my own expectations and work practices in order to be able to get the OS, user experience and workmanship that I want in a personal computer.
Comments
Why not just buy a USB extension cable?
Enjoy your boat.
See this is why I'm different. Don't care if my laptop is big and ugly or how thin it is. Just want a laptop with a big matt screen that runs Mac OS X.
I know I'm not along in this. Once again Apple is not filling the need of its pro users.
Once again Apple is not filling the need of its pro users.
Well, we know that’s not true, so why would you say it?
Same price as before October 2008.
I'm in the publishing industry, and need to open 3 pages or more under 3 different apps simultaneously, on the go.
I can't do that with 15".
17" mobile monitor. Only prototype stage but they got Kickstarter funded.
http://www.able-hd.com
17" mobile monitor. Only prototype stage but they got Kickstarter funded.
http://www.able-hd.com
A portable 17 inch monitor? Well, that's one way to skin a cat. It might not be the prettiest or become popular since it's one more thing to lug around turning a portable laptop into some luggable solution. Yeah, I'm sure they'll sell some, but I don't see this as a big seller.
A portable 17 inch monitor? Well, that's one way to skin a cat. It might not be the prettiest or become popular since it's one more thing to lug around turning a portable laptop into some luggable solution. Yeah, I'm sure they'll sell some, but I don't see this as a big seller.
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
I'm not saying there no need for it, but it's a smaller subset of laptop users that will buy a portable 17inch monitor to lug around, that's all.
The problem is that when Apple makes a product, they have to look at the R&D costs, costs to mfg, market, support, etc. and then the potential market. If they run their numbers internally and it comes up to be a losing proposition that will give them reason to make or not make something.
Personally, I think they should make a 17inch laptop because there are people that use them, but I don't know what the numbers look like from a perspective of it being worthwhile or not.
Remember, the 17ich screen with Retina resolution is, or at least has been VERY expensive and that might be one of the factors that led them to decide to not make them at this time, but things change. Apple never said they will never make a 17inch laptop ever again, I just think that between current market conditions and cost to mfg might not have been conducive of making the product. But keep submitting your request to Apple Feedback to let them know.
I didn't investigate this portable 17inch monitor, but what were they selling it for and what was the resolution? Was it just standard resolution for a 17inch monitor or would it be considered a Retina class display?
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
I do remember reading an article around the time when the 15inch Retina MBP came out and they discussed that a 17 screen was just too expensive, so instead of keeping the 17inch, which wasn't selling that well, I think it was a combination, but look at what is happening with screen sizes on smartphone and tablets.
Markets shift. I remember when people wanted smaller cell phones, now the trend is changing where people want bigger smartphones. Same thing with tablets. There are rumors about a bigger iPad.
I think it boils down to cost, weight, size, battery life, and ultimately if the market is big enough. But I would say that there is always a possibility that Apple might reintroduce a 17inch laptop in the future, just right now they don't.
An 11" or 13" MBA for use on the plane and a 17" monitor (or two), keyboard and mouse for the hotel room is a pretty decent setup if the thing stays lighter than an iPad.
For a two-week long gig back in my contractor days I once shipped a monitor keyboard and mouse to my hotel room. In my last trip I stuffed a monitor in a big pelican case and checked it in.
I don't want to be a Dick about it, but they had how many backers? 759? Do you honestly think that's a big enough market? Obviously it's enough to bring in the money they were looking for, but ultimately, they are going to need a LOT more than 759 people buying these things to become profitable. They are going to need hundreds of thousands of people, YEARLY. the margins on that thing is slimmer than a toothpick.
The problem is that if you want to run Mac OSX you have to buy from Apple. So unless Apple starts licensing their OS it is up to them to sell products that meet the needs of all their users, not just the ones buying the most equipment.
If Apple is unwilling to make a sell equipment for their smaller markets then they need to license their OS to places that are willing to meet the needs of smaller markets.
No, not at all. It’s up to them to make whatever they want and you can deal with it or buy something else from someone else.
I don't want to be a Dick about it, but they had how many backers? 759? Do you honestly think that's a big enough market? Obviously it's enough to bring in the money they were looking for, but ultimately, they are going to need a LOT more than 759 people buying these things to become profitable. They are going to need hundreds of thousands of people, YEARLY. the margins on that thing is slimmer than a toothpick.
They got 759 folks to spend $100+ on a bare 17" panel, an exposed circuit board and a stand. No case. Completely DIY.
It's surely niche but there is demand just like there is for external battery kits that require you to chop up your magsafe cable. Hyperjuice made a good amount of money chopping up magsafe bricks and selling moderately overpriced external battery packs. But they usually looked good so what the heck.
/shrug
I bet 99.9% of MBP owners have never considered an external battery pack. That still leaves a lot of road warriors picking up $400 external battery packs.
As a former road warrior with a 17" MBP the damn thing was too big most of the time. Too big to fit into hotel safes. Too big to comfortably use when riding coach. Too big to lug around. If I could of had a 13" dual core i7 MBA and a 17" monitor that fit in my backpack that weighted less than an iPad I'd have gone that route in a heartbeat. 13" is cramped as hell but so is coach these days (we didn't get to fly domestic business class).
I'm not saying there no need for it, but it's a smaller subset of laptop users that will buy a portable 17inch monitor to lug around, that's all.
...
Personally, I think they should make a 17inch laptop because there are people that use them, but I don't know what the numbers look like from a perspective of it being worthwhile or not.
Is there a reason you responded in three separate posts?
Anyway, I doubt Apple will make a 17" MBP again. Especially given how anemic the 15" MBP lineup is in terms of BTO options.
I also think that many use cases that involve wanting a 17" MBP is better solved with a 13" MBP + 17" mobile monitor even without a battery for the monitor.
As a former road warrior with a 17" MBP the damn thing was too big most of the time. Too big to fit into hotel safes. Too big to comfortably use when riding coach. Too big to lug around. If I could of had a 13" dual core i7 MBA and a 17" monitor that fit in my backpack that weighted less than an iPad I'd have gone that route in a heartbeat. 13" is cramped as hell but so is coach these days (we didn't get to fly domestic business class).
Not sure what you used yours for but I bet it isn't for going over two page spreads with clients or editing in Final Cut or other design type work.
Designers need big screens. I can barely work on a 17" screen and work on a 30" screen at the office with all my palettes on the 17" screen of my Mackbook.
An example is tomorrow I'm driving over to a client to go over the brochure that I'm doing for them. My 17" screen is barely big enough to display the layout and not have everything be too small to be practical.
No, not at all. It’s up to them to make whatever they want and you can deal with it or buy something else from someone else.
If they want to provide a complete solution then they need to meet the hardware requirements of all their users. Otherwise people will be forced to switch to Windows. Saw it happen if the nineties and Apple just about went out of business.
Is there a reason you responded in three separate posts?
Anyway, I doubt Apple will make a 17" MBP again. Especially given how anemic the 15" MBP lineup is in terms of BTO options.
I also think that many use cases that involve wanting a 17" MBP is better solved with a 13" MBP + 17" mobile monitor even without a battery for the monitor.
I've been in the computer industry since the late 70's. One thing I know for sure is the market changes and what works today is different than it will a few years from now when it comes to screen sizes.
When PC's (Apple I) first came out people were using 9 inch screens, then it went to 12, then 13, then 15, then 17, then 19, etc. etc. When portables (luggables and laptops) first came out, it was 9 inch (Compaq, Kaypro, Osborne) then the screen sizes again edged upwards.
Sure the 13 and 15 inch seem to be the most popular, but the 11's are popular on the Airs. But I think it's POSSIBLE that Apple will reintroduce a 17inch at some point in time and it might be when they can make them thin, light, powerful, long battery life, retina display and be able to sell it for a certain price point where people will buy them in decent quantities.
Your analyzing whether Apple will make a 17inch MBP again based on the 15inch BTO options? WHAT? That has NOTHING to do with it.
The bottom line is Apple will bring out a product if they can meet all of the requirements they feel are needed (weight, size, price, etc.etc.) and there is a big enough market for it. I doubt they will make one within a year, but after that, I am not going to speculate that they won't or will. All I know is that the market shifts.
The problem is that if you want to run Mac OSX you have to buy from Apple. So unless Apple starts licensing their OS it is up to them to sell products that meet the needs of all their users, not just the ones buying the most equipment.
If Apple is unwilling to make a sell equipment for their smaller markets then they need to license their OS to places that are willing to meet the needs of smaller markets.
(Apple) "Computer says no."
Apple has no responsibility to make niche products that are more than likely not profitable. It has no responsibility to make products for all users - that is simply uneconomical.
I love my 17" MBP, perhaps there will be one once more when retina panels at that size are more affordable, however I am more than accepting of the fact that I'll have to slightly alter my own expectations and work practices in order to be able to get the OS, user experience and workmanship that I want in a personal computer.