I wish Apple would return to a smaller product line again, 2 pro machines 2 standard machines for lighter work. Do we really need a Macbook and a Macbook Air?
I still want a more powerful Mac desktop that doesn't cost $3000 BEFORE buying a display, keyboard, and mouse. The MacMini is too crippled by it's diminutive size and laptop components. The iMac also has a laptop GPU that is incapable of driving modern games - especially at the iMac's 5K resolution. Even when you reduce the resolution to QHD (2560x1440) the experience is still awful. Finally, I don't like the idea of integrating an expensive display with a computer, that when broken or obsolete, requires the purchase of an expensive new display.
My solution has been to own two computers - a Windows Desktop and Mac Laptop. I would LOVE to own a Mac Desktop someday, but the current Mac Pro is far too expensive for the benefits it provides - I'd rather just use WIndows 10 on my DIY-PC. I can't understand why Apple is so reluctant to make this machine for it's user base. It truly is an indication that perhaps...just perhaps...Apple really doesn't give a shit about the Mac.
Well, there are calendar year quarters and business year quarters. 4th quarter doesn't say which of these two.
Apple should finally ditch the iMac concept, a 5K screen is as good as we'll ever need it in a decade, but a computer is easily upgraded four or five times in that time frame unless Apple artificially cripples progress in an effort to pursue a chromebook-like strategy of forcing customers into the cloud and subscription model.
Best would be a range of MacMinis ranging from today's low-end models all the way back to the MiniServer configurations of the past, and a display where the mini can optionally class click onto the back with a connector edge, so it becomes an integrated computer.
This gives a clean iMac like setup for those who want it, more configuration options, stand alone headless mini servers, or the minis could be used with 3rd party gear like now when used with a connector dock.
This would cover everything covered now with iMac, macMini, CinemaDisplay, plus what was covered with earlier, higher-end MacMinis, in a considerably more streamlined number of products along with a few BTO options.
Meh. I am not yet sold on the USB-C, and I truly like MagSafe.
I decided I would play it safe, and ordered the 15MBP, 2.5/16/1TB (to replace my current 4.5-year old 15MBP; such a fabulous workhorse, near-perfect except for the fact that it's 500GB). Will arrive soon!
Could make quite a lot of sense if the new "touchbar" has ramifications for app developers, if they wish to take advantage of the functionality of it (assuming it's more than mere Fcn keys).
Agreed.
I see OS X being opened up to developers to make custom touchbar functions. I would think OS X would have a default touchbar for any legacy software, or new software where the developer doesn't create any custom functions.
I so hope they will not announce anything Macbook realated at WWDC and do it properly. There's nothing to put inside new MB-s right now. Skylake is half-assed product and mobile Polaris is also nowhere to be seen right now. Kaby Lake and Polaris and we would have some sweet machines done right. Skylake with 28 nm graphics is just soooo bad. I can't even understand, why did they refresh Macbook right now? There was no point besides one hour battery life. Performance gain is lousy, at best. With Kaby Lake Apple could have integrated Thunderbolt controller and better graphics, right now it is just ... nothing. And if they refresh it again in Q4, people will go nuts. If they don't, Macbook will look outdated and without Thunderbolt in six months. Macbook could have waited for Kaby Lake as well, so it would properly fit into other Macbooks lineup. Given the bad state with IBM PowerPC updates nowadays, umm... Intel Core updates, they are clearly off-track, waiting is the only thing for Apple to do. I really hope, there will be no new lousy Macbook Pro-s and that Apple will announce proper updates this fall, when proper hardware is available.
The Skylake chips that Apple would most likely use in their MBP line were just released, and Kabylake will probably follow the same pattern, so those would not be available this fall. Additionally, some Kabylake processors may not have integrated TB3; the Alpine Ridge controller will still be needed.
Polaris is ready for use, and Apple will pay AMD to get it first. And the 15" MBP is still on Haswell.
Most of the Skylake bugs are sleep state related; Apple can either program to ignore those or they've already got OS X ready to handle it.
Thats assuming this report is correct which I highly doubt.
I'd put more stock in Ming-Chi Kuo and Sept/Oct release. Reason, Intel has a new revision of Skylake (fixes) called Kaby Lake due to be released any day now. Since a 4th quarter release would allow them to use Kaby Lake CPU's instead, 4th quarter makes more sense, it takes Intel time to ramp up manufacturing on the chips.
As stated previously, the Kaby Lake chips that Apple would most likely use in the MBP line won't be released until next year, if they hold to the same pattern as they have for Sky Lake chips.
I wish Apple would return to a smaller product line again, 2 pro machines 2 standard machines for lighter work. Do we really need a Macbook and a Macbook Air?
I still want a more powerful Mac desktop that doesn't cost $3000 BEFORE buying a display, keyboard, and mouse. The MacMini is too crippled by it's diminutive size and laptop components. The iMac also has a laptop GPU that is incapable of driving modern games - especially at the iMac's 5K resolution. Even when you reduce the resolution to QHD (2560x1440) the experience is still awful. Finally, I don't like the idea of integrating an expensive display with a computer, that when broken or obsolete, requires the purchase of an expensive new display.
My solution has been to own two computers - a Windows Desktop and Mac Laptop. I would LOVE to own a Mac Desktop someday, but the current Mac Pro is far too expensive for the benefits it provides - I'd rather just use WIndows 10 on my DIY-PC. I can't understand why Apple is so reluctant to make this machine for it's user base. It truly is an indication that perhaps...just perhaps...Apple really doesn't give a shit about the Mac.
No: Apple doesn't give a shit about gamers. Stop complaining about the price of the Pro since you're not the intended audience. Every gamer I know or read posts from does exactly what you're doing.
... the report claimed that the redesigned notebook will feature USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, ditching legacy USB-A connectors, as well as Thunderbolt 2 ...
Is Monster Cable selling $100 1-meter USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 cables yet? It's what they do.
It really doesn't make sense they wouldn't use WWDC for a new design. It's only been in recent years they haven't announced new hardware at the event. Heck, the original Retina MacBook Pro was announced there in 2012.
If they don't do it then, they'd have to wait until September and do it at the iPhone event.
That is true, but there is more software and services to focus on than ever before. If you look away from the past it makes sense that Apple has a software only event. Hardware is generally more consumer oriented news whereas this is a developer event. I am not saying it won't happen - there is no fixed set of rules that apply here, but it would make sense to me to keep the hw separate form the sw.
Of course there will be a new MacBook Air at any moment, I just bought my wife one. No regrets though, does everything she needs and it's quite useful for us having all the 'usual' ports. ...
I just bought a 13" MacBook Air. I'm very happy with it and will not be disappointed regardless of what is released, as this is a sweet computer. The 8 GB RAM was a necessary update and the battery life is great. Serving the purpose for which it was bought very nicely.
Good for you. Every time I pick it up I can't help laughing, it's soooo light!
I wish Apple would return to a smaller product line again, 2 pro machines 2 standard machines for lighter work. Do we really need a Macbook and a Macbook Air?
Actually we do! I suspect MBA will be reengineer end for a lower cost due to its lack of competitiveness. Apple needs entry level machines and at this point MBA is the right platform for that market. rMB simply is not in the class and it is doubtful it ever will be due to Intel's pricing structure.
Besides why is Apples line up so important to you? Isn't it good enough that you get reasonable selection of machines.
- there were still 2 Thunderbolt ports even with USB3 charging (no I don't want to carry a dock with me) - It could take 32GB of RAM - If would have up to 2TB of internal storage.
Apple (IMHO) has to raise the bar quite a lot here. 16GB/1TB is what I got on my 2012 15in MBP. My storage is currently 96% used. Most of it is related to Photos and Videos. I will be spending this evening archivng a lot of stuff off onto 2 TB drives just to give me space to carry on shooting on this trip. Yesterday's pictures came in at a shade under 26GB of storage.
If they don't raise the bar then I feel that power users like me will just keep their money and buy a new lens or two. The Nikon 500mm F4 is looking very attractive at the moment.
No: Apple doesn't give a shit about gamers. Stop complaining about the price of the Pro since you're not the intended audience. Every gamer I know or read posts from does exactly what you're doing.
Even Game creators are complaining that the Mac lags too far behind Windows in Graphic technology. Blizzard, once an avid Mac game developer didn't even bother bringing Overwatch to the Mac because of the technology lag. People love games, and at this point Apple is holding back the Mac. With Apple's billions there is no reason for them NOT to pursue this market, and failing to do so gives Microsoft more opportunities to create a version of Windows that could decimate Mac sales. Fortunately for Apple, that hasn't happened yet. But Microsoft might someday succeed in making a better desktop, laptop, and tablet OS than Apple. And when that day comes, i will case the Mac aside and embrace Windows. Apple had their chance...and blew it.
Apple – if you're listening – please just fix the keyboard issue of leaving permanent marks on the display. That's all I ask out of an expensive pro machine. And please don't come with the weak excuse of people carrying their laptop in a bag. That's kind of the point. You had the problem already solved back in the MBP 17" days (I miss them), so you can do it. I don't care about a new touch bar or touch log-in, I just want a keyboard that doesn't touch the screen.
I'm looking forward to the new MBP. There's no way I won't be disappointed, now that my hopes are high I bought the 2012 MBP Retina. It's still great. But over the years 4K, RAW video editing and other high demand stuff has grown on me. So there's a much higher demand for processing power and graphics hardware accelleration now. I hope the new MBP will be really powerful. But I'm afraid that they'll be going for an underpowered fan-free design that's "good enough". I appreciate that too, but as an animation/ video professional I require processing power. I hope they'll nail it..
Apple – if you're listening – please just fix the keyboard issue of leaving permanent marks on the display. That's all I ask out of an expensive pro machine. And please don't come with the weak excuse of people carrying their laptop in a bag. That's kind of the point. You had the problem already solved back in the MBP 17" days (I miss them), so you can do it. I don't care about a new touch bar or touch log-in, I just want a keyboard that doesn't touch the screen.
It has always been the case, hasn't it? The new flat 12" MacBook design might have solved this? But I think it comes at a cost. Since the keys are so flat, and the space between the keys is so narrow, it often happens that my fingers are sliding slightly out of allignment, to the neighbouring key.. There's no real sense of where the middle of the key is. I'm sure I can learn though. I've only tried the new keyboard occasionally (girlfriend has one). I guess the bigger the screen, the more prone it is to leave markes, because it might be flexed slightly while carrying it.
I don't think we'll see Skylake processors in a MBP. Why?
In a few months Intel will ship Kabylake with a new chipset that supports USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 through the USB-C interface. Why is that important?
Apple will be able to ship computers with a universal port that does everything from communicating with professional peripherals to charging the battery. Absolutely everything will be done through a USB-C connector.
The only question for Apple will be how many such ports to ship with. The MacBook seems destined to stick with just one while the MBP will likely have two on each side. Hopefully the iMac will have more than 4, but knowing Apple I'll be stuck buying hubs again to get all my stuff connected.
Same here. Been skipping upgrading based on what the updates have turned out to be but I really need to move my #1 down to my #2 and get a current #1. All I want is great performance, I really don't get much of a charge out of trackpad features or a touch bar. These are things I feel frankly that Apple used to do great and now do mostly as hardware candy, with mediocre implementation. Thinner? Doesn't do me any good. What an annoying goal to continually reach for. Why not leave that to another line? Let the Airs be ultra thin and stop squeezing every millimeter of space out of the MBP. It reached diminishing returns long ago.
Also, I'm one of those sad souls who had such a bad week with El Capitan that I'm back on 10.10.5 and fortunately haven't taken 10.6.8 off my #2 because that's the best system for 75% of what I do. A new MBP is going to be El Capitan and it's a concession I'll make unenthusiastically.
OS X 10.11.6 beta is running flawlessly so far on my 2010 MBP i7, a 2016 MBA, a 2013 Mac mini and new Mac Pro 6 core. I don't think my Mac SE HDFD would fair too well though
I used to have a 2010 i5 MBP with 8GB of RAM. Moving from Mavericks to Yosemite caused a dramatic slowdown across the board. I turned off transparency and any other eye candy I could find and it still took a ridiculous amount of time for the Edit or View menu to appear when clicked on. It felt like going back to the early 1990s when I could type an entire sentence before Word 6.0 finished displaying the first word on the screen.
So I have stuck with 10.9.5 despite problems with my FireWire 800 drives. I really should have stuck with Mountain Lion.
Likewise I should have kept 10.6.8 on the kids' minis. Mavericks slowed them to such a crawl that I've been forced to allow a Windows PC into the house for the first time.
I'm glad other people are happy with Yosemite and El Capitan, but I'm scared they'll make more of my family's Macs obsolete and we simply don't have the money to replace them with new ones.
Thats assuming this report is correct which I highly doubt.
I'd put more stock in Ming-Chi Kuo and Sept/Oct release. Reason, Intel has a new revision of Skylake (fixes) called Kaby Lake due to be released any day now. Since a 4th quarter release would allow them to use Kaby Lake CPU's instead, 4th quarter makes more sense, it takes Intel time to ramp up manufacturing on the chips.
As stated previously, the Kaby Lake chips that Apple would most likely use in the MBP line won't be released until next year, if they hold to the same pattern as they have for Sky Lake chips.
Well that sucks. I was expecting (as I posted) MBP Kaby lake processors by October.
Intel really seems to have gotten their priorities mixed up. Those who demand the absolute highest performance tend to be early adopters, but Intel makes them wait 6-12 months for high end processors. Sometimes the next generation of low/mid-range stuff is out before the previous generation of high end parts become available.
I think that strategy is going to bite Intel in the butt. Apple is going to get tired of waiting and instead port macOS to ARM and put their A-series processors into Macs. Compatibility with iOS will soon be more important to most users than compatibility with Windows and the A-series is making up ground in the performance arena at an incredible rate. The A9 is definitely not ready for Pro use, but the A11 or 12 might. At that point the newest processor will go into the Pro machines while down-clocked or previous generation chips power lower priced models. The good stuff will come out first to satisfy the early adopters willing to pay the big bucks.
Of course I could be wrong. Apple still demands top dollar for a "Pro" desktop that ships with a 2012-era CPU and flawed GPUs of similar vintage. It's as if the only reason they still make Macs is to sell computers at a big markup to iOS developers.
Comments
My solution has been to own two computers - a Windows Desktop and Mac Laptop. I would LOVE to own a Mac Desktop someday, but the current Mac Pro is far too expensive for the benefits it provides - I'd rather just use WIndows 10 on my DIY-PC. I can't understand why Apple is so reluctant to make this machine for it's user base. It truly is an indication that perhaps...just perhaps...Apple really doesn't give a shit about the Mac.
Apple should finally ditch the iMac concept, a 5K screen is as good as we'll ever need it in a decade, but a computer is easily upgraded four or five times in that time frame unless Apple artificially cripples progress in an effort to pursue a chromebook-like strategy of forcing customers into the cloud and subscription model.
Best would be a range of MacMinis ranging from today's low-end models all the way back to the MiniServer configurations of the past, and a display where the mini can optionally class click onto the back with a connector edge, so it becomes an integrated computer.
This gives a clean iMac like setup for those who want it, more configuration options, stand alone headless mini servers, or the minis could be used with 3rd party gear like now when used with a connector dock.
This would cover everything covered now with iMac, macMini, CinemaDisplay, plus what was covered with earlier, higher-end MacMinis, in a considerably more streamlined number of products along with a few BTO options.
I decided I would play it safe, and ordered the 15MBP, 2.5/16/1TB (to replace my current 4.5-year old 15MBP; such a fabulous workhorse, near-perfect except for the fact that it's 500GB). Will arrive soon!
I see OS X being opened up to developers to make custom touchbar functions. I would think OS X would have a default touchbar for any legacy software, or new software where the developer doesn't create any custom functions.
It's what they do.
Besides why is Apples line up so important to you? Isn't it good enough that you get reasonable selection of machines.
- there were still 2 Thunderbolt ports even with USB3 charging (no I don't want to carry a dock with me)
- It could take 32GB of RAM
- If would have up to 2TB of internal storage.
Apple (IMHO) has to raise the bar quite a lot here. 16GB/1TB is what I got on my 2012 15in MBP.
My storage is currently 96% used. Most of it is related to Photos and Videos.
I will be spending this evening archivng a lot of stuff off onto 2 TB drives just to give me space to carry on shooting on this trip.
Yesterday's pictures came in at a shade under 26GB of storage.
If they don't raise the bar then I feel that power users like me will just keep their money and buy a new lens or two. The Nikon 500mm F4 is looking very attractive at the moment.
USB 3.1 Type-C (reversible) Generation 2?
I bought the 2012 MBP Retina. It's still great. But over the years 4K, RAW video editing and other high demand stuff has grown on me. So there's a much higher demand for processing power and graphics hardware accelleration now. I hope the new MBP will be really powerful. But I'm afraid that they'll be going for an underpowered fan-free design that's "good enough". I appreciate that too, but as an animation/ video professional I require processing power. I hope they'll nail it..
I guess the bigger the screen, the more prone it is to leave markes, because it might be flexed slightly while carrying it.
In a few months Intel will ship Kabylake with a new chipset that supports USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 through the USB-C interface. Why is that important?
Apple will be able to ship computers with a universal port that does everything from communicating with professional peripherals to charging the battery. Absolutely everything will be done through a USB-C connector.
The only question for Apple will be how many such ports to ship with. The MacBook seems destined to stick with just one while the MBP will likely have two on each side. Hopefully the iMac will have more than 4, but knowing Apple I'll be stuck buying hubs again to get all my stuff connected.
I used to have a 2010 i5 MBP with 8GB of RAM. Moving from Mavericks to Yosemite caused a dramatic slowdown across the board. I turned off transparency and any other eye candy I could find and it still took a ridiculous amount of time for the Edit or View menu to appear when clicked on. It felt like going back to the early 1990s when I could type an entire sentence before Word 6.0 finished displaying the first word on the screen.
So I have stuck with 10.9.5 despite problems with my FireWire 800 drives. I really should have stuck with Mountain Lion.
Likewise I should have kept 10.6.8 on the kids' minis. Mavericks slowed them to such a crawl that I've been forced to allow a Windows PC into the house for the first time.
I'm glad other people are happy with Yosemite and El Capitan, but I'm scared they'll make more of my family's Macs obsolete and we simply don't have the money to replace them with new ones.
Intel really seems to have gotten their priorities mixed up. Those who demand the absolute highest performance tend to be early adopters, but Intel makes them wait 6-12 months for high end processors. Sometimes the next generation of low/mid-range stuff is out before the previous generation of high end parts become available.
I think that strategy is going to bite Intel in the butt. Apple is going to get tired of waiting and instead port macOS to ARM and put their A-series processors into Macs. Compatibility with iOS will soon be more important to most users than compatibility with Windows and the A-series is making up ground in the performance arena at an incredible rate. The A9 is definitely not ready for Pro use, but the A11 or 12 might. At that point the newest processor will go into the Pro machines while down-clocked or previous generation chips power lower priced models. The good stuff will come out first to satisfy the early adopters willing to pay the big bucks.
Of course I could be wrong. Apple still demands top dollar for a "Pro" desktop that ships with a 2012-era CPU and flawed GPUs of similar vintage. It's as if the only reason they still make Macs is to sell computers at a big markup to iOS developers.