I agree Apple will sell millions of these laptops.
It just would have been nice to know that Apple's committment to computer engineering was still there for the rank and file consumer.
Hell I don't mind spending a premium to get the stuff I want but many are drawn the the Macbook for the smaller screen and hence improved (opinion) portability.
Deliver a Macbook Pro with the extras and a 13.3 screen and I'm singing a different tune. It's not my fault that Steve feels that a narrow lineup is beneficial.
Steve Jobs is the best thing to ever happen to Apple the company was nearly bankrupt until he came back, and now Apple makes some of the best computers you can buy. Also, if you really need firewire so bad go buy an adapter and if your gonna switch to PC have fun but we don't need to hear about it because we can't do anything to fix it.
Ok, man, sorry , ask Steve to adopt you, so you can say papa to him!! But you forgot something. When Mr. Steve Jobs left apple in 1985 it was a 600Mio $ company. Mr Sculley made it to an 8 Billion $ company. It's true, Apple had problems with his last CEO, but Jobs left a small company and came back in a big company. And don't forget, a CEO is nothing without a good team behind. I think absolutly, that Apple could also made good business without Steve. And one big business rule is: The customer is the king!!!!
How many really truly need FW? By the time you get done maybe 50 people might actually be concerned about this. That pales in comparison to the millions of MBs Apple sells.
It would clarify the debate if Mac user groups would poll their officers and memberships on this issue (and on the matte screen). The poll should have several questions, the most important of which would be whether the respondent has Firewire peripherals he relies on, and how invested he is in them. If a dozen groups do this polling, we'll have a better handle on the percentage of the user base that is impacted negatively.
Ok, man, sorry , ask Steve to adopt you, so you can say papa to him!! But you forgot something. When Mr. Steve Jobs left apple in 1985 it was a 600Mio $ company. Mr Sculley made it to an 8 Billion $ company. It's true, Apple had problems with his last CEO, but Jobs left a small company and came back in a big company. And don't forget, a CEO is nothing without a good team behind. I think absolutly, that Apple could also made good business without Steve. And one big business rule is: The customer is the king!!!!
I understand what your saying I have worked at Apple since college and everything is approved by Steve (and rejected a lot) but the company has had nothing but success since he has gotten back. If you look back people have complained about things that are way more important than if the new MacBook has firewire or not so why is this such a big deal.
It would clarify the debate if Mac user groups would poll their officers and memberships on this issue (and on the matte screen). The poll should have several questions, the most important of which would be whether the respondent has Firewire peripherals he relies on, and how invested he is in them. If a dozen groups do this polling, we'll have a better handle on the percentage of the user base that is impacted negatively.
The types of people who join Mac user groups are the same type of people who post on these forums. They do not reflect average computer users.
In other news, Wired's November issue, p. 122, considers the MacBook Pro 15" a "Test Best" product, giving it a score of 9 out of 10. (The iPod Touch gets 8; the iPhone gets 7.) Here's the review:
Quote:
Mac haters, get ready to seethe. The MacBook Pro 15-inch isn't just the best Mac around, it's one hell of a PC. Even when running a nonnative OS (Windows, that is), this Mac made a mockery of its competitors in gaming tests and lapped its rivals in battery life. Of course, there's also OS X and Apple's included suite of applications, which are top-notch. Thoughtful additions like gesture-based trackpad shortcuts and the trip-resistant magnetic power connector only sweeten the deal. WIRED Astounding gaming performance--even trumped a $4,800 Alienware gaming machine. Unrivaled battery life of three hours of DVD playback at max screen brightness. Performs just as well as a PC as it does as a Mac. TIRED Just two USB ports and none of the fancy stuff like HDMI, eSATA, Blu-ray drive, or even a lousy SD slot. Expensive. $2499.
The machine's positive elements are excellent and reflect SJ's greatness. It would never have been created or approved by a committee. But its omissions reflect his tragically hip minimalism.
I understand what your saying I have worked at Apple since college and everything is approved by Steve (and rejected a lot) but the company has had nothing but success since he has gotten back. If you look back people have complained about things that are way more important than if the new MacBook has firewire or not so why is this such a big deal.
what things would those be?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Knight
The machine's positive elements are excellent and reflect SJ's greatness. It would never have been created or approved by a committee. But its omissions reflect his tragically hip minimalism.
The types of people who join Mac user groups are the same type of people who post on these forums.
That is a testable proposition: Poll user groups and find out how many participate in forums like this. I doubt that many do--or if they do, it is rarely in an Apple-strategy-kibitzing forum like this one, but more likely in one dealing with down-to-earth personal questions of getting a piece of software to work, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FuturePastNow
They do not reflect average computer users.
That's a testable proposition too, and probably one for which there is already some sort of rough answer available. (I.e., probably surveys have been made to compare average users to user-group members.) It's likely that user-group members are heavier users of their equipment and own more software and peripherals. Even so, useful information can be obtained, despite their differences. For instance, user-group members who do audio-visual work could be asked how many use Firewire, and how many consider it important. I think that percentage won't be too far from the percentage of non-member audio-visual users who consider it important.
Lighting a candle will illuminate things, even if we can't get an exact picture. Anyway, it'll be better than just pulling numbers out of thin air, like "1%."
It states, "a conflation is an amalgamation of two different expressions. In most cases, the combination results in a new expression that makes little sense literally, but clearly expresses an idea because it references well-known idioms. All conflations fit into one of two major categories: Congruent Conflations & Incongruent Conflations."
Here's an example of the latter:
“The devil's in the pudding.”
Here are a couple of examples of the latter that I created that now adorn its site:
Ok, man, sorry , ask Steve to adopt you, so you can say papa to him!! But you forgot something. When Mr. Steve Jobs left apple in 1985 it was a 600Mio $ company. Mr Sculley made it to an 8 Billion $ company. It's true, Apple had problems with his last CEO, but Jobs left a small company and came back in a big company. And don't forget, a CEO is nothing without a good team behind. I think absolutly, that Apple could also made good business without Steve. And one big business rule is: The customer is the king!!!!
Yes, in most instances the customer is right. However, we are dealing with technical issues here that may be able to be overcome with a simple $30 cable adapter. Firewire 400 is the USB 1 of that style connector. Firewire is only used in a certain type of device, much like any type of input/output port. Now, Apple has already gone to Firewire 800 and that is predominately used in the higher end devices for a small group of users. The MacBook was designed for entry level needs and the typical entry level user don't absolutely need a FIrewire 400 port in this product if they can still use a USB2 to FIrewire 400 cable adapter and still be able to use their existing Firewire 400 device. I still have yet to hear anyone say that this absolutely does not work with a specific product. Now, in terms of Steve Jobs and Apple. He had to leave Apple in order to get a different perspective and through Next ups and downs, he came back with some pretty cool ideas and brought in the talent to put it all together and he has a very good job getting Apple back. Is he perfect? No. But for what the task was at hand to systematically take Apple from a ruined company to a star on Wall Street and increase sales to the point that he has, he has done an excellent job. We have a much better OS than before, we have much better hardware than before, and we have some pretty cool applications and a much better purchasing experience through the on-line and physical Apple stores than before. Apple is always learning from the mistakes and is learning better than Microsoft or Dell, etc. This argument over a Firewire 400 port in an entry level laptop is kind of foolish in the big scheme of things since they physically have no room to put the connector and have everything else they put in this little laptop.
For everyday users that don't have the money, it is a great product, for the Pro minded users that need more ports, etc., etc., go for the MacBook Pro 15inch or 17 inch or maybe wait until the production of the replacement 17 inch model comes out. Any time a new product comes out there is always a small group of people that will bitch and complain and sometimes it is warranted and sometimes not. I feel, personally, that leaving the FIrewire port out of the entry level product is not that big of deal. It doesn't bother me at all and I am a customer. It is impossible to please everyone all of the time. so let's move on to something more important.
The removal of firewire is a DOWNGRADE no matter how much Jobs tries to spin it. I use firewire all the time with my GTech drive. USB is a fricken slug.
It's amazing that I was about to sell my 06 macbook to a friend and get a new macbook but I had to back out and explain to him that the newest macbook was less functional than mine.
And shut up about telling me or others to buy a macbook pro. I'll buy a macbook pro the day they come in a 13" size. 15" is too big.
The removal of firewire is a DOWNGRADE no matter how much Jobs tries to spin it. I use firewire all the time with my GTech drive. USB is a fricken slug.
It's amazing that I was about to sell my 06 macbook to a friend and get a new macbook but I had to back out and explain to him that the newest macbook was less functional than mine.
And shut up about telling me or others to buy a macbook pro. I'll buy a macbook pro the day they come in a 13" size. 15" is too big.
Exactly my situation, too. Promised my friend to sell her my MPB and now have to tell her I can't because the new machines are a glossy non-connective block of metal.
One more thing: This thread painfully shows that majority rule can be the worst kind of dictatorship. Why do you USB freaks even waste your time here to justify Apple's decisions? I mean you're happy with the new machines so please shut up an go back to your USB-friendly hobbies and don't try to majority-rule us. We have to complain because we lost something - and you complain about us, and THAT's arrogant, ignorant and not acceptable. Sorry.
Even better, a refurbished Macbook Pro for $1350, just $50 more than the new low end Macbook, with larger screen, 2 Firewire ports (400 and 800) and ExpressCard slot.
Extremely tempting....
Another thought, there are still a lot of new previous generation, not just refurbished, Macbook Pros for sale. For example the the 2.5GHz model that was a little over $2300 a little over a week ago is now $1799.95. And some dealers also have a $150 Mfrs rebate too. That equals $1649.95 for a machine that was a little over $2300 about 7-10 days ago. Look at MacConnection's website. I'm not happy that they didn't have 2 firewire ports(could be one FW400 and one FW800 or two FW800) on the new MBP because I use both ports at once. That's why I did exactly what I mentioned above. So I got what I wanted and needed and also saved me close to $700 too! In any case, with what Apple's to their Mac lineup, that might be the last Mac I buy.
The removal of firewire is a DOWNGRADE no matter how much Jobs tries to spin it. I use firewire all the time with my GTech drive. USB is a fricken slug.
It's amazing that I was about to sell my 06 macbook to a friend and get a new macbook but I had to back out and explain to him that the newest macbook was less functional than mine.
And shut up about telling me or others to buy a macbook pro. I'll buy a macbook pro the day they come in a 13" size. 15" is too big.
Totally.
Seems strange to make budget (Express) versions of pro apps (Logic and Final Cut Pro) that require a Pro machine to get full funtionality from - i.e FireWire interfaces and HDcams.
....many audio/video students are on a tight budget (like most of us!), so they strike a balance between a cheaper MacBook and decent camera/audio interface (both FW)...
....many audio/video students are on a tight budget (like most of us!), so they strike a balance between a cheaper MacBook and decent camera/audio interface (both FW)...
Especially as the new Mabooks aren't really small budget computers. The technical quite similarly equipped 999$ plastic Macbook shows how much we pay for design and how much for the interior parts...
The pricing of the Macbook Air very well shows the costs of the one-block production method.
You know what? I would pay 2000 bucks right away - for a 13 inch MBP with a matte display and FW. It's not a micacle to assemble such a machine.
The VAIO Z can be configured with BD recording for $2799. It's the model I'm considering since Apple doesn't want my money anymore. That said, the Z is more akin to a Macbook Pro (two graphics cards, full expansion) and a high res 1600x900 screen. It is nearly a full pound lighter than the MacBook thanks to carbon fiber construction. The most direct competition for the MacBook is the VAIO SR.
Don't forget to upgrade hard drive, processor and OS. That will drive the price to $3,049.99.
Then add VIdeo Software ($209); AntiVirus Software ($49.95/year)
Then there is the Graphic cards, Multi-Touch trackpad, iLife, all the Leopard software (including Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, iChat, Address Book, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) and Bootcamp, Bootcamp, Bootcamp.
And when it comes to service and support, I'll take Apple's anytime.
As for the VAIO SR, upgrade to get anywhere near the Macbook starts at $1849 and then add $500 for Blu-Ray.
Your correct most new ones have a USB interface however I, like many other here, do not. Having two videocameras with firewire and a couple of hard drives leaves me out in the cold. (something very easily avoidable). lets face it a laptop of this price that only provides you with USB interface and only two of them is frankly ridiculous nowadays.I RECENTLY BOUGHT an "Acer Aspire One" as a present, thats a 299 euro machine and that comes with 2 card reader 3 USB ports 1 Ethernet port 1 VGA out and a kensington lock all for 299 euros.
If Apple had provided some other type of connection possibility then OK but 2 USB ports is laughable. No Firewire no Expansion slot no USB3 no Sd card reader, nothing that could justify removing that firewire port.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TenoBell
All one needs to do is look at the current consumer video cameras. Most new cameras offer a USB port along with FireWire and some are beginning to offer USB only.
That is how we know most PC users don't use FireWire. Their would be little use in the camera manufacturer spending money for the extra USB license if it wasn't needed.
Comments
It just would have been nice to know that Apple's committment to computer engineering was still there for the rank and file consumer.
Hell I don't mind spending a premium to get the stuff I want but many are drawn the the Macbook for the smaller screen and hence improved (opinion) portability.
Deliver a Macbook Pro with the extras and a 13.3 screen and I'm singing a different tune. It's not my fault that Steve feels that a narrow lineup is beneficial.
Sometimes it works ..sometimes it doesn't.
Steve Jobs is the best thing to ever happen to Apple the company was nearly bankrupt until he came back, and now Apple makes some of the best computers you can buy. Also, if you really need firewire so bad go buy an adapter and if your gonna switch to PC have fun but we don't need to hear about it because we can't do anything to fix it.
Ok, man, sorry , ask Steve to adopt you, so you can say papa to him!! But you forgot something. When Mr. Steve Jobs left apple in 1985 it was a 600Mio $ company. Mr Sculley made it to an 8 Billion $ company. It's true, Apple had problems with his last CEO, but Jobs left a small company and came back in a big company. And don't forget, a CEO is nothing without a good team behind. I think absolutly, that Apple could also made good business without Steve. And one big business rule is: The customer is the king!!!!
How many really truly need FW? By the time you get done maybe 50 people might actually be concerned about this. That pales in comparison to the millions of MBs Apple sells.
It would clarify the debate if Mac user groups would poll their officers and memberships on this issue (and on the matte screen). The poll should have several questions, the most important of which would be whether the respondent has Firewire peripherals he relies on, and how invested he is in them. If a dozen groups do this polling, we'll have a better handle on the percentage of the user base that is impacted negatively.
Ok, man, sorry , ask Steve to adopt you, so you can say papa to him!! But you forgot something. When Mr. Steve Jobs left apple in 1985 it was a 600Mio $ company. Mr Sculley made it to an 8 Billion $ company. It's true, Apple had problems with his last CEO, but Jobs left a small company and came back in a big company. And don't forget, a CEO is nothing without a good team behind. I think absolutly, that Apple could also made good business without Steve. And one big business rule is: The customer is the king!!!!
I understand what your saying I have worked at Apple since college and everything is approved by Steve (and rejected a lot) but the company has had nothing but success since he has gotten back. If you look back people have complained about things that are way more important than if the new MacBook has firewire or not so why is this such a big deal.
It would clarify the debate if Mac user groups would poll their officers and memberships on this issue (and on the matte screen). The poll should have several questions, the most important of which would be whether the respondent has Firewire peripherals he relies on, and how invested he is in them. If a dozen groups do this polling, we'll have a better handle on the percentage of the user base that is impacted negatively.
The types of people who join Mac user groups are the same type of people who post on these forums. They do not reflect average computer users.
Mac haters, get ready to seethe. The MacBook Pro 15-inch isn't just the best Mac around, it's one hell of a PC. Even when running a nonnative OS (Windows, that is), this Mac made a mockery of its competitors in gaming tests and lapped its rivals in battery life. Of course, there's also OS X and Apple's included suite of applications, which are top-notch. Thoughtful additions like gesture-based trackpad shortcuts and the trip-resistant magnetic power connector only sweeten the deal. WIRED Astounding gaming performance--even trumped a $4,800 Alienware gaming machine. Unrivaled battery life of three hours of DVD playback at max screen brightness. Performs just as well as a PC as it does as a Mac. TIRED Just two USB ports and none of the fancy stuff like HDMI, eSATA, Blu-ray drive, or even a lousy SD slot. Expensive. $2499.
The machine's positive elements are excellent and reflect SJ's greatness. It would never have been created or approved by a committee. But its omissions reflect his tragically hip minimalism.
I understand what your saying I have worked at Apple since college and everything is approved by Steve (and rejected a lot) but the company has had nothing but success since he has gotten back. If you look back people have complained about things that are way more important than if the new MacBook has firewire or not so why is this such a big deal.
what things would those be?
The machine's positive elements are excellent and reflect SJ's greatness. It would never have been created or approved by a committee. But its omissions reflect his tragically hip minimalism.
poetic
The types of people who join Mac user groups are the same type of people who post on these forums.
That is a testable proposition: Poll user groups and find out how many participate in forums like this. I doubt that many do--or if they do, it is rarely in an Apple-strategy-kibitzing forum like this one, but more likely in one dealing with down-to-earth personal questions of getting a piece of software to work, etc.
They do not reflect average computer users.
That's a testable proposition too, and probably one for which there is already some sort of rough answer available. (I.e., probably surveys have been made to compare average users to user-group members.) It's likely that user-group members are heavier users of their equipment and own more software and peripherals. Even so, useful information can be obtained, despite their differences. For instance, user-group members who do audio-visual work could be asked how many use Firewire, and how many consider it important. I think that percentage won't be too far from the percentage of non-member audio-visual users who consider it important.
Lighting a candle will illuminate things, even if we can't get an exact picture. Anyway, it'll be better than just pulling numbers out of thin air, like "1%."
poetic
I'm glad you liked it. It's called a "conflation," and there's actually a web site devoted to them here:
http://www.conflations.com/pages/intro.html
It states, "a conflation is an amalgamation of two different expressions. In most cases, the combination results in a new expression that makes little sense literally, but clearly expresses an idea because it references well-known idioms. All conflations fit into one of two major categories: Congruent Conflations & Incongruent Conflations."
Here's an example of the latter:
“The devil's in the pudding.”
Here are a couple of examples of the latter that I created that now adorn its site:
"Let the heavens fall where they may."
“Out of the frying pan and into the soup.”
Ok, man, sorry , ask Steve to adopt you, so you can say papa to him!! But you forgot something. When Mr. Steve Jobs left apple in 1985 it was a 600Mio $ company. Mr Sculley made it to an 8 Billion $ company. It's true, Apple had problems with his last CEO, but Jobs left a small company and came back in a big company. And don't forget, a CEO is nothing without a good team behind. I think absolutly, that Apple could also made good business without Steve. And one big business rule is: The customer is the king!!!!
Yes, in most instances the customer is right. However, we are dealing with technical issues here that may be able to be overcome with a simple $30 cable adapter. Firewire 400 is the USB 1 of that style connector. Firewire is only used in a certain type of device, much like any type of input/output port. Now, Apple has already gone to Firewire 800 and that is predominately used in the higher end devices for a small group of users. The MacBook was designed for entry level needs and the typical entry level user don't absolutely need a FIrewire 400 port in this product if they can still use a USB2 to FIrewire 400 cable adapter and still be able to use their existing Firewire 400 device. I still have yet to hear anyone say that this absolutely does not work with a specific product. Now, in terms of Steve Jobs and Apple. He had to leave Apple in order to get a different perspective and through Next ups and downs, he came back with some pretty cool ideas and brought in the talent to put it all together and he has a very good job getting Apple back. Is he perfect? No. But for what the task was at hand to systematically take Apple from a ruined company to a star on Wall Street and increase sales to the point that he has, he has done an excellent job. We have a much better OS than before, we have much better hardware than before, and we have some pretty cool applications and a much better purchasing experience through the on-line and physical Apple stores than before. Apple is always learning from the mistakes and is learning better than Microsoft or Dell, etc. This argument over a Firewire 400 port in an entry level laptop is kind of foolish in the big scheme of things since they physically have no room to put the connector and have everything else they put in this little laptop.
For everyday users that don't have the money, it is a great product, for the Pro minded users that need more ports, etc., etc., go for the MacBook Pro 15inch or 17 inch or maybe wait until the production of the replacement 17 inch model comes out. Any time a new product comes out there is always a small group of people that will bitch and complain and sometimes it is warranted and sometimes not. I feel, personally, that leaving the FIrewire port out of the entry level product is not that big of deal. It doesn't bother me at all and I am a customer. It is impossible to please everyone all of the time. so let's move on to something more important.
Read my sig.
...
It's amazing that I was about to sell my 06 macbook to a friend and get a new macbook but I had to back out and explain to him that the newest macbook was less functional than mine.
And shut up about telling me or others to buy a macbook pro. I'll buy a macbook pro the day they come in a 13" size. 15" is too big.
The removal of firewire is a DOWNGRADE no matter how much Jobs tries to spin it. I use firewire all the time with my GTech drive. USB is a fricken slug.
It's amazing that I was about to sell my 06 macbook to a friend and get a new macbook but I had to back out and explain to him that the newest macbook was less functional than mine.
And shut up about telling me or others to buy a macbook pro. I'll buy a macbook pro the day they come in a 13" size. 15" is too big.
Exactly my situation, too. Promised my friend to sell her my MPB and now have to tell her I can't because the new machines are a glossy non-connective block of metal.
One more thing: This thread painfully shows that majority rule can be the worst kind of dictatorship. Why do you USB freaks even waste your time here to justify Apple's decisions? I mean you're happy with the new machines so please shut up an go back to your USB-friendly hobbies and don't try to majority-rule us. We have to complain because we lost something - and you complain about us, and THAT's arrogant, ignorant and not acceptable. Sorry.
Even better, a refurbished Macbook Pro for $1350, just $50 more than the new low end Macbook, with larger screen, 2 Firewire ports (400 and 800) and ExpressCard slot.
Extremely tempting....
Another thought, there are still a lot of new previous generation, not just refurbished, Macbook Pros for sale. For example the the 2.5GHz model that was a little over $2300 a little over a week ago is now $1799.95. And some dealers also have a $150 Mfrs rebate too. That equals $1649.95 for a machine that was a little over $2300 about 7-10 days ago. Look at MacConnection's website. I'm not happy that they didn't have 2 firewire ports(could be one FW400 and one FW800 or two FW800) on the new MBP because I use both ports at once. That's why I did exactly what I mentioned above. So I got what I wanted and needed and also saved me close to $700 too! In any case, with what Apple's to their Mac lineup, that might be the last Mac I buy.
The removal of firewire is a DOWNGRADE no matter how much Jobs tries to spin it. I use firewire all the time with my GTech drive. USB is a fricken slug.
It's amazing that I was about to sell my 06 macbook to a friend and get a new macbook but I had to back out and explain to him that the newest macbook was less functional than mine.
And shut up about telling me or others to buy a macbook pro. I'll buy a macbook pro the day they come in a 13" size. 15" is too big.
Totally.
Seems strange to make budget (Express) versions of pro apps (Logic and Final Cut Pro) that require a Pro machine to get full funtionality from - i.e FireWire interfaces and HDcams.
....many audio/video students are on a tight budget (like most of us!), so they strike a balance between a cheaper MacBook and decent camera/audio interface (both FW)...
Totally.
....many audio/video students are on a tight budget (like most of us!), so they strike a balance between a cheaper MacBook and decent camera/audio interface (both FW)...
Especially as the new Mabooks aren't really small budget computers. The technical quite similarly equipped 999$ plastic Macbook shows how much we pay for design and how much for the interior parts...
The pricing of the Macbook Air very well shows the costs of the one-block production method.
You know what? I would pay 2000 bucks right away - for a 13 inch MBP with a matte display and FW. It's not a micacle to assemble such a machine.
The VAIO Z can be configured with BD recording for $2799. It's the model I'm considering since Apple doesn't want my money anymore. That said, the Z is more akin to a Macbook Pro (two graphics cards, full expansion) and a high res 1600x900 screen. It is nearly a full pound lighter than the MacBook thanks to carbon fiber construction. The most direct competition for the MacBook is the VAIO SR.
Don't forget to upgrade hard drive, processor and OS. That will drive the price to $3,049.99.
Then add VIdeo Software ($209); AntiVirus Software ($49.95/year)
Then there is the Graphic cards, Multi-Touch trackpad, iLife, all the Leopard software (including Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, iChat, Address Book, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) and Bootcamp, Bootcamp, Bootcamp.
And when it comes to service and support, I'll take Apple's anytime.
As for the VAIO SR, upgrade to get anywhere near the Macbook starts at $1849 and then add $500 for Blu-Ray.
Me, a Macbook Pro. But that is your choice.
If Apple had provided some other type of connection possibility then OK but 2 USB ports is laughable. No Firewire no Expansion slot no USB3 no Sd card reader, nothing that could justify removing that firewire port.
All one needs to do is look at the current consumer video cameras. Most new cameras offer a USB port along with FireWire and some are beginning to offer USB only.
That is how we know most PC users don't use FireWire. Their would be little use in the camera manufacturer spending money for the extra USB license if it wasn't needed.
lets face it a laptop of this price that only provides you with USB interface and only two of them is frankly ridiculous nowadays.
Here's a challenge. Provide with specs and supported with links a comparable laptop. Dare you!
Here's a challenge. Provide with specs and supported with links a comparable laptop. Dare you!
That may be hard.
But if I provide links to machines with better specs for less, will that count?