WestCoaster

sog35 said:

you need to realize Apple is a mass market company.

They sell to MASSIVE MARKETS not niche markets like in the past.

The Macbook Pro is designed for a large chunk of the laptop population. You probably are not part of this segment. Seems like you are in the small niche power user segment. sorry.

I realize that Apple became successful, and avoided becoming defunct because of the professional market—the same market (myself included) that continued to support them when Steve Jobs returned to Apple, and they were worth $9 a share. I feel that they should maintain this relationship and provide a true "professional" line, in that it is serviceable, upgradable and offers appropriate connectivity; the same things any other professional/trades person expects from the equipment they need to run a business.

I liken it to the camera industry that is flooded with consumer cameras, yet continue to offer a "professional" line of cameras to a considerably, if not massively smaller niche power user segment. They can differentiate between consumer, prosumer and professional markets. I feel Apple, of all companies, can service their "pro" market just as adequately.

It seems you fail to realize the frustration stems from equipment being called "Pro", when in fact it falls short of being so. Sorry.

I have been using Macs professionally for twenty years—and like many, feel the divide between Apple and its professional users has become intolerable. Specially given the price point Apple is asking for these new models. 

I have been embarrassingly close to being a "fan boy" for Apple... and I want nothing more than continue what has been a great relationship. But, for me personally, I just don't know if that is possible any more. That really upsets me to even say, but that goes to show the connection people have had with Apple. It has been/is, a relationship, unlike the Win-box ilk.

People end marriages for a lot less! Watch out, Apple (tongue in cheek).

I need another coffee...

I'm just spitballing here, but I fail to see why Apple, or anyone else for that matter should have to shoulder the responsibility of whether a person's phone is being used for nefarious or legal activities.

It seems to me that Apple should be able to provide their phone with all the security and functions they envision for their customers. The end user should then be required to purchase "an app for that" or enable those security features themselves. If a government does not allow secure devices in their respective country, you have the choice to not enter those countries or not use that device in that country. 

That way it is out of the hands of any company to have to be everything to all people, which is impossible not to mention unreasonable to expect. More importantly, it shifts the matter of an individuals right to privacy into the hands of those that it effects--the people. That way, we will need to use our voices to "say no", and to use our votes to choose who respects our rights as citizens of that government.

I strongly feel that we need to stop looking to Apple, or anyone else to fight such an individual and important fight.