Embracing a wireless future: What it's like to use Apple's 12" MacBook as your main computer

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  • Reply 81 of 222
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member
    hubel wrote: »
    Who uses a camera anymore? Why not take the pictures with your phone?

    If you understood the technical side of photography you would see how foolish that question is.
  • Reply 82 of 222
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MrEdofCourse View Post

     

     

    Do you really think that a USB-C port weighs anywhere close to a quarter of a pound? 

     

    Hint: they weigh far less than the adapters.




    Except there's no physical room on the casing, which means it would have been larger, and the battery would have been reshaped because of the extra space lost. Larger = heavier.

  • Reply 83 of 222
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MagMan1979 View Post

     

    If you can't move that past that point, then I wouldn't bother continuing this any further, as everyone here would become blue in the face giving you factual, logical reasons for why you're wrong, only to have you sit and pout going "But this isn't good for me, so it's not good for anyone".


     

    You're missing the point that I never said anything like that.  In fact, I said just the opposite.  I said that I would even recommend the new MacBook to anyone who doesn't have the need for additional ports. My point is that many people are excluded from this product because they have needs beyond it.  It's not that this product isn't good for you, have at it. It's a fantastic product for anyone who's needs are met by it.  The frustration is in the fact that Apple didn't make a more inclusive product that was at the same level with everything that's in the new MacBook, i.e., that the MacBook Air still has the heavy bezel 11" non-retina display, lack of USB-C, lesser trackpad and keyboard. 

  • Reply 84 of 222
    elijahgelijahg Posts: 2,753member
    magman1979 wrote: »

    No, actually he hit it spot on, and you just danced around it. There will never be a single product that is perfect for every usage, every demographic, every task, without making compromises of one kind or another. To expect such is pure arrogance, and SN's comment was completely accurate.

    Obviously there won't be, but there's a difference between specific, unusual needs (ExpressCard slot for example, or perhaps Blu-Ray) and what the general populace needs: a "standard" USB port and more than one of them. Without these essentials the target market for this MacBook seems extremely small. There really is no excuse for having just one USB-C port, which is pretty ridiculous since there are a multitude of devices that charge from USB. Juggling between using the USB device and charging the MacBook is pretty crazy. People are excusing this by saying you should get adapters - but if you need a bagful of adapters to use the machine then what's the point in it being so light and thin in the first place? You still have to cart around the adapters!

    Except there's no physical room on the casing, which means it would have been larger, and the battery would have been reshaped because of the extra space lost. Larger = heavier.

    Wait what? What about the whole left and right sides of the machine, no room there for another USB-C port then?
  • Reply 85 of 222
    robogoborobogobo Posts: 378member
    The Macbook is for people who want an iPad with a keyboard running OS X. At least that's why I'm buying one. I plan on never plugging anything into it except the power cable, just like I do on my iPad.
  • Reply 86 of 222
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member
    The mental gymnastics reviewers like this are having to go through simply so they can criticise the new MacBook is just incredible. An SD card, seriously? That's the criticism??
    It is a legitimate need. SD card are very common these days.
    We get it, you don't like it, but we also think *you* just don't get it, and for the rest of us that do, despite what those of you in the wrong target market keep wrongly saying by using the wrong criteria to judge this machine, it is actually and truly quite a magnificent device.

    You have read far to much applying a negative filter. I saw this as a glowing report on the device. If the article gives people a reason to pause and thing about their need for ports it will have done its job. The reality is many people do leverage the ports in their laptops. It is all about enabling people to make informed decisions.
  • Reply 87 of 222
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by TheWhiteFalcon View Post

     

    Except there's no physical room on the casing, which means it would have been larger, and the battery would have been reshaped because of the extra space lost. Larger = heavier.


     

    The battery could've remained the same size.  There would've been more space if either the battery was reduced a millimeter or the case was increased a millimeter.  The USB controller on the board itself already supports multiple ports.  An alternative would've been to swap out the audio port with a second USB-C port.  And yes I know some people would've complained about that as well, but in the surveying that I've done, more people would've preferred to use Bluetooth headphones rather than give up a USB port.

  • Reply 88 of 222
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Elijahg View Post

    Wait what? What about the whole left and right sides of the machine, no room there for another USB-C port then?

     

    The machine is tapered. There isn't room for a second one on the left, and the right is occupied by the 3.5mm jack, which is far more important for the average user of this machine.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by MrEdofCourse View Post

     

     

    The battery could've remained the same size.  There would've been more space if either the battery was reduced a millimeter or the case was increased a millimeter.  The USB controller on the board itself already supports multiple ports.  An alternative would've been to swap out the audio port with a second USB-C port.  And yes I know some people would've complained about that as well, but in the surveying that I've done, more people would've preferred to use Bluetooth headphones rather than give up a USB port.




    Nope, more people (including me) would have complained for the loss of the 3.5mm jack. And you aren't taking into account the taper of the machine. There is no physical room.

     

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by robogobo View Post



    The Macbook is for people who want an iPad with a keyboard running OS X. At least that's why I'm buying one. I plan on never plugging anything into it except the power cable, just like I do on my iPad.



    This makes too much sense to be here. <img class=" src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" />

  • Reply 89 of 222
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by wizard69 View Post

    It is a legitimate need. SD card are very common these days.

    Not really. You realize Apple probably has an idea of how much the ports are used, right? I'm sure they can track replacement data from Apple Stores, among other things. My guess is they ran the numbers and realized it wasn't that much of an issue. Lets not forget Apple didn't even start putting them on the darn things until LONG after the PeeCee folks did.

  • Reply 90 of 222
    maccherrymaccherry Posts: 924member
    What a stupid a** review.
    The guy is writing for the sake of just putting something on web.
    When apple went hard drive-less this same type of write up was done. That was a few years ago. guess what? Ain't nobody died because the HD is gone. We down load all out stuff.
    I saw and used the new macbook at the new Apple store on Miami Beach. Awesome!
    Just know what you need and buy accordingly. That's what I was taught.
  • Reply 91 of 222
    kamiltonkamilton Posts: 282member
    Simple! Stand where the puck will be in 2 years. Look down at the ice. See the new MacBook! Time will take care of power and connectivity. Superb form factor and execution. Completely useable for about 70% of Mac customers. Really no debate! Home run!

    Now, Apple, put the same amount of effort into your content creation apps and tighten up the value. Please!
  • Reply 92 of 222
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member
    tekm wrote: »
    I really have a hard time buying the whining about the Type-C port. This is bound to happen when changes are made. There isn't even enough room for a type A port on the new Macbook, and it would have ruined the appearance and slowed the adoption of Type-C. When you're dropping 1300-1800 on this rig, what is another $20 from Apple or $10 from Belkin for a simple adapter to keep in your bag? I didn't even think twice about it when I was adding to cart and threw the adapter in. Big deal?!
    It is the number of ports that is the issue. That and Apple not breaking out any ports at the power adapter which would have addressed many needs.
    How many more articles are you going to write complaining about not being able to get pictures off a digital camera? My phone takes better pictures than most digital cameras, and the pictures automatically appear on the Mac via photostream. Every other mid range digital camera Ive seen with minor exception also has wifi capability. Or, you simply need the adapter which, as previously stated, is a no brainer.
    This is a bit deceptive, if you know what you are doing a digital camera, with decent controls and a suitable lens system can far out do any camera phone. Granted you need to know what you are doing but trying to use a camera phone to get publication quality images is a bit of a stretch.
    One could make the argument that Apple should have provided the adapter, but that further slows the progress down... and there will be a whole lot of people that actually won't need it. Stop by an Apple store or online, or hit Amazon... the adapters on Amazon are as low as $7 and change.
    Adapters do nothing to hold up progress, if any thing a smart selection of Adpaters can actually help with the acceptance of new technology. The problem with Adpaters is that you will only be plugging one into this machine. A lesser issue is that Adpaters suck power from your machine.
    My rMacbook is arriving either tomorrow or Tuesday with the 1.3 processor en towe. I already have a custom made Waterfield designed bag for it with Type-A to Type-C adapter in the front pocket waiting for it.

    Good for you! I went with a 13" MBP instead. Ports and performance where the two biggest factors here in choosing the retina machine. Frankly I would have liked even more performance but this will have to do for now.

    When it comes time to replace my iPad I might give this laptop some consideration. It really depends upon the direction they take iPad in the next couple of years.
  • Reply 93 of 222
    xixoxixo Posts: 450member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Rob Bonner View Post

     

    How you hook this to your external monitor?  


     

    Apple TV?

  • Reply 94 of 222
    tmaytmay Posts: 6,311member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MrEdofCourse View Post

     

     

    The battery could've remained the same size.  There would've been more space if either the battery was reduced a millimeter or the case was increased a millimeter.  The USB controller on the board itself already supports multiple ports.  An alternative would've been to swap out the audio port with a second USB-C port.  And yes I know some people would've complained about that as well, but in the surveying that I've done, more people would've preferred to use Bluetooth headphones rather than give up a USB port.


    Your survey is irrelevant. There isn't going to be another USB port. That ship has sailed. This is a new product.

     

    robogobo is absolutely on the mark. This is for people that want an iPad with a keyboard and OS X, and wireless connections.

     

    Your best hope is that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro benefit from Intel's processor roadmap.

  • Reply 95 of 222
    tekmtekm Posts: 14member
    robogobo wrote: »
    The Macbook is for people who want an iPad with a keyboard running OS X. At least that's why I'm buying one. I plan on never plugging anything into it except the power cable, just like I do on my iPad.

    Nailed it. Precisely what I just did. I tried and failed to drop down to an iPad for ultra portability. Just sold my iPad air2 for hundred less than I bought it for last fall (gotta love apple resale). New MacBook arrives tomorrow.
  • Reply 96 of 222
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member
    idrey wrote: »
    Sounds like the writer needs to updates it camera to one of the many cameras that use Bluetooth or just use his freaking iPhone. I have a saying: "GIVE ME SOLUTIONS NOT PROBLEMS"

    The problem I see here is the stark evidence of the trash culture clashing with people more conservative with their funds. Generally most people, at least in the past, considered the purchase of a decent camera as a long term investment. To put it simply buying a new camera every two years would be considered wasteful and an unreasonable production of trash.

    Sadly in today's culture of cell phone upgrades every couple of years, there is no social stigma against wasting money and generating trash. So we see a string of responses here about tossing the current camera to update to a "modern" camera. This clearly is a manifestation of a liberal trash generating culture.
  • Reply 97 of 222
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by wizard69 View Post





    The problem I see here is the stark evidence of the trash culture clashing with people more conservative with their funds. Generally most people, at least in the past, considered the purchase of a decent camera as a long term investment. To put it simply buying a new camera every two years would be considered wasteful and an unreasonable production of trash.



    Sadly in today's culture of cell phone upgrades every couple of years, there is no social stigma against wasting money and generating trash. So we see a string of responses here about tossing the current camera to update to a "modern" camera. This clearly is a manifestation of a liberal trash generating culture.



    Who says the old phone gets thrown out? Oftentimes its resold to someone else, passed down to another family member, or used for something else. I've been meaning to buy another iPhone 4 or even a 4S to use as an iPod for a while now; I only traded in my 4 because Verizon gave me $200 for it, which meant getting the 64GB 6 cost $99 up front.

  • Reply 98 of 222
    boeyc15boeyc15 Posts: 986member
    magman1979 wrote: »
    ..... and how the lack of more than one port do not make it a failure to the masses, nor is it putting Apple in the position that it's no longer catering to their customers....

    I think you are assuming facts that are not in evidence. There is no sales data that this device is a great seller to the 'masses'.... Yet. however, many many people have commented on this forum and others that only one port seems very limited, and for those many people this is a deal breaker. Most commenters response was, add a port and I'm in! In other words, one port limited the potential sales. Now maybe you 'know' Apples target audience and their use case, future plans, and Apples reason to restrict the ports and for what purpose. But for these commenters, for today, they bemoan the lack of a second port, they know their use own case, and for a device this expensive, in their view, Apple restricted potential sales. I understand that in reality, they can use adapters etc; but can you at least appreciate thier perspective?
  • Reply 99 of 222
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member

    But you call Neil's griping and moaning and desperate bashing of the MacBook Retina a "great article"?
    Reps ones like this highlight a significant ignorance on the part of many in these forums, weather that or people can't read for content. The article did not bash the machine at all, it was actually a fairly positive review. It did point out really issues with the lack of ports which limits the machines Appeal to many.
    Really? What makes it a "great article"? Is it because the article agrees with your biases?

    It is a great article because it reflected his experiences using the machine. It wasn't a piece of fluff written by someone pretending to be a bleeding edge user. Rather It is valid commentary from a real user

    I really don't know what is the matter with people here, you take a good review that is honest and trash both the messenger and the message because it apparently ruffles a few feathers. Is that really rational?
  • Reply 100 of 222
    tmaytmay Posts: 6,311member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by boeyc15 View Post





    I think you are assuming facts that are not in evidence. There is no sales data that this device is a great seller to the 'masses'.... Yet. however, many many people have commented on this forum and others that only one port seems very limited, and for those many people this is a deal breaker. Most commenters response was, add a port and I'm in! In other words, one port limited the potential sales. Now maybe you 'know' Apples target audience and their use case, future plans, and Apples reason to restrict the ports and for what purpose. But for these commenters, for today, they bemoan the lack of a second port, they know their use own case, and for a device this expensive, in their view, Apple restricted potential sales. I understand that in reality, they can use adapters etc; but can you at least appreciate thier perspective?

    People on this forum do not represent the predominant buyers of Apple products.

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