markovich

So, more $ for less functionality.

My 2013 MBPr has 16 GB RAM, 500GB SSD , MagSafe, plenty of USB ports ( USB 3), SD slot, 2 Thunderbolt ports ( rarely used) and HDMI.
 Its a complete self contained system with no need to lug around stupid dongles. I recently also bought my son a refurbed 2015 version as its the last model to not be crippled by only Apple's mindless use of ONLY USB C.

macxpress said:

entropys said:

macxpress said:

markovich said:

So, more $ for less functionality.

My 2013 MBPr has 16 GB RAM, 500GB SSD , MagSafe, plenty of USB ports ( USB 3), SD slot, 2 Thunderbolt ports ( rarely used) and HDMI.
 Its a complete self contained system with no need to lug around stupid dongles. I recently also bought my son a refurbed 2015 version as its the last model to not be crippled by only Apple's mindless use of ONLY USB C.

Oh boy here we go with the dongle BS. You don't need a dongle, just a different cable 99.9% of the time. Honestly with Thunderbolt/USB-C, its more versatile than any other MacBook Pro because you can connect nearly ANYTHING to it with the correct cable (NOT A DONGLE). 

So I guess Apple is just supposed to sit there and continuously support older technology. If you want continuous support of old technology then go buy an HP Sphincter. 

If this was really an issue, the laptop wouldn't be as successful as it is today. 

Then you have to carry the cables instead of a dongle. You can’t just rock up to somewhere and expect to be able to just grab the correct cable lying around. Especially in say, a school situation.

Um we have the older (and apparently better) MacBook Pro's and we've never used the USB ports or really any port on them and we've been using Macs for 10yrs! I see this as a non-issue. Who the hell buys a laptop, and then needs to constantly connect things to it when being remote? You buy a laptop to be portable...to be wireless in most cases, not to be constantly tethered. Its not like you didn't need to carry around a mini-display port to VGA/DVI/HDMI adapter for video, or a thunderbolt to ethernet adapter with the older (and apparently better) models. 

This is a non-issue and again I'll reiterate, if it this was as big of an issue as people make it out to be, Apple wouldn't be selling these in the numbers they do. 

Yes you do actually in many work environments. Im an IT contractor and I frequently have to connect to customer older projectors, and sometimes a ethernet connection to be inside production networks. I work in customer environments and have to adapt to them. My kit includes a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter and a VGA adapter for those older projectors. Many newer ones are wireless, but many require the projector vendor's app to be installed for access. All newer ones tho have an HDMI port those so THATS my connection. 
While my clients MAY have a public wifi, they also limit access to core systems from the public wifi ( rightly so!). Not everything is wireless, nor should it be. Thunderbolt accessories are expensive and not as ubiquitous as needed to be market friendly. Ive always enjoyed the MagSafe power connector as it also has been a lifesaver a few times.

My kids use USB jump drives all the time for school and are required to have them by our schools. I also shoot photography for the local HS marching band and use the SD slot out in the field all the time with my Nikon DSLR. Yes it has a wifi/BT option to transfer files, however, Nikon's implementation is slow, unreliable and a huge battery drain on the camera so its a no. I'm thankful for that SD slot as its saved my arse on a few occasions, and the fact I didnt need to carry around some adapter.  So, while YOU may have rarely used the extra ports that does not mean other don't as well. 

No one is asking Apple to support outdated technology, just current technology until such time the market changes appreciably. I bought the first Gen iMac and never missed a floppy drive, and enjoyed the new USB technology. I honestly think Apple moved before the market did and could easily continue one model with the multiple USB and SD ports without compromising updated designs. 

Oh and Ive been using Macs since my first one, a new SE/30 in 1990 right out of college.. Ive had Powerbooks, Quadras, PowerMacs, iMacs, Mac Pros, so your 10 year experience doesn't really care much weight.