maccad

I hardly ever used the function keys. Yes, the biggest thing I use the Touch Bar for is volume and braightness, but I do use it for other tasks in various programs. The strength of Touch Bar is that it changes to fit the app that's running, much like the virtual key strip at the bottom of an iPad Pro. I don't understand the complaints about the Esc key. You can even tap the Touch Bar at the end, to the left of the Esc key, and it will trigger Esc. Dead simple. The MacBook Pro keyboard is one of the best I've ever used. After almost a year of use, I haven't had any problems with the keys. I would hate to have to go back to my previous MacBook Pros. In addition to my MBP, I have an iMac and an iPad Pro. I also have a Surface Book and Surface Studio, mostly out of curiosity. Windows still sucks, but the the Surface devices have convinced me that Apple needs to merge macOS and iOS. I'm tired of crippled iOS versions of apps on my iPad. Apple also needs to put touch screens on all devices. "People don't want that. That's not how they use their computers." I look at my MBP sitting beside my iPad with its Smart Keyboard. They're both laptops. A touch screen is so wrong for the MBP, but it's great for the iPad. Really Apple? Really? Functionally, the Surface line, especially the Studio, is eating Apple's lunch. But, like I said, Windows sucks. I hope Apple takes a few clues from Redmond. No matter how good you are--and Apple is good--you can still learn from others.

How about the new Apple store in University Village in Seattle that opened June 30? It replaced the old 2003 store right behind it. iJustine did YouTube videos of them escorting the last cutomer out of the old store the night before and the opening of the new store the next morning. It's directly across from a Microsoft store.

"the company's general encouragement of consumption" Apple is now guilty of making great products that people want. Should they show some social responsibility and start making shoddy products no one wants? Maybe it's annual upgrade cycles, something that every other company does. To say that a company is at fault for making good products that people want and thus is guilty of encouraging consumption is ridiculous. Apple makes very good tools that enable people to create and make the world a better place. Their record for not using toxic materials, for recycling, and for renewable energy is unmatched. But they are fabulously successful and that, unfortunately, makes them a target. The U.S and the rest of the world could solve this problem with sensible tax systems. The Fair Tax is one very good solution.

brif said:

I fully agree. Touch on vertical surfaces doesn't work. I know, I tried using iPad Pro with a keyboard - something Apple claims can replace a computer... *facepalm*

To each his own. I use my 12.9-inch iPad Pro as my computer when I'm out, and I love it. I use an Apple Smart Keyboard Cover and the touch screen, and it feels natural and comfortable. Love the split screen. When I'm home, I love using my 27-inch iMac. The iPad becomes an auxiliary computer. Nice setup. No, I wouldn't want the iMac to be a touch screen...unless it could lay flat, and then it would make sense.

Great article Daniel. I enjoyed your analysis, and as always, I learned a few things.