Apple Debuts New 8-Core MacBook Pro With Updated Keyboard

[citysnaps]

I guess I have to wait another year, sigh. This company is so disappointing these days.

What do you really expect to happen in a year regarding a new Apple laptop?

People will still be whining about the keyboard even though it will likely be just fine.

People will still be moaning about "throttling" even though it may not. And with that complaining the GPU isn't "pro" level.

People will engage in the typical juvenile burns about it being "too thin."

There will be moans about "dongles." Because after all, who wants to spend $3K for a laptop and then have to open their wallets to spend $20 for a couple of modern cables?

Are you really expecting a thicker laptop with USB ports, an SD card, a keyboard with more travel, and MagSafe?

And of course it will cost way too much and have the typical 5% speed bump due to Intel's glacial improvements.

If you are so disappointed with Apple, why not just go with a different manufacturer and enjoy a thicker and heavier laptop computer festooned with ancient I/O?

 

[Darth Tulhu]

SO disappointed again.

I've been waiting patiently for Apple to get its head out and redesign that STUPID keyboard, but noooo.

"This time it'll work. We SWEAR it!! That'll be five thousand dollars. Will that be cash or Apple Card?"

Eight years. EIGHT. YEARS. WAITING.

My 2011 17" is dying, (discrete graphics card went nips up) but I'll repair it a thousand times before I buy any garbage current Apple laptop.

I need to shut down and pack up my 2012 15" cMBP so I can have a usable Mac laptop for the next 2 to 5 years.

And NOTHING on the Windows side is "there" yet. Getting better, sure, but not there yet.

Sigh.

But that's okay, I can wait. I'm a Tool fan, after all.

At least a bit of my patience will pay off this August when they FINALLY releases their followup to 10,000 Days!!!

 

[R.P.G]

really? That's not so horrible, really. Methinks you are being over judgmental.

whats not horrible?

Thermals? lot of articles and videos on it.
Upgrading in short term ? Macbooks used to run for 5-6 years. i know people who are using 2012 and 2013 apple laptops. its just a comparison. these are expensive machines after all.

Its not my personal opinion to be judgmental, these are common assumptions from internet.
[doublepost=1558493568][/doublepost]

Thanks for the feedback. The 13" doesn't have the i9 option. My choice is between the i5 and i7. Either way, I guess you're saying until they are tested, I won't really know which runs hotter. It seems the i7 must run hotter, but I don't want to assume anything.

if you havent seen Dave@D video on thermals, watch it. but again, better wait for some benchmark reviews. Just saying.

 

[albebaubles]

whats not horrible?

Thermals? lot of articles and videos on it.
Upgrading in short term ? Macbooks used to run for 5-6 years. i know people who are using 2012 and 2013 apple laptops. its just a comparison. these are expensive machines after all.

Its not my personal opinion to be judgmental, these are common assumptions from internet.
[doublepost=1558493568][/doublepost]
if you havent seen Dave@D video on thermals, watch it. but again, better wait for some benchmark reviews. Just saying.

my trashcan complains about SOLID STATE DRIVE heat daily. just saying. some of us need decent computers to make a living. Spending under $4k to upgrade to the latest from a 6 year old computer isn't a stain.

And for the record, it never feels like the right time for me to buy. My next will be the ARM based MBP, even if it comes out at WWDC. Developers need modern machines.

Like a mechanic buying the latest tools.

 

[rols]

I am laughing because I have yet to see one person on here who has actually experienced a problem themselves. Just a bunch of people with old machines trying to justify why they shouldn't buy a new one.

I'm a person on here who's had keyboard problems. That's on a 2016 15" which I bought just about as soon as they were released. It was in for repair after about 6 months because the space bar was getting very intermittent. After that it worked fairly well until about 9 months ago when three keys started acting up, 'T' was almost dead, period and spacebar would double very often. Double spaces were especially frustrating as many apps turn them into period + space, so you had to go back twice. Compressed air didn't help and intermittent turned into almost constant so I took it in to Apple, the keyboard repair policy was already in-place by then, and after a quick typing test which showed the problem they took it for a complete top case replacement free of charge, I had it back 3-4 days later and Apple couldn't have been more helpful nor apologetic. It's been working fine since, if it breaks again, I'll take it back again.
I don't baby the machine, but neither do I take it outside in a sandstorm or eat potato chips over it. This was the very first iteration of the butterfly keyboard so probably more prone to issues than the recent ones.

 

[groove-agent]

I've been holding off on a new MBP due to the keyboard issues. Last year I bought a refurbed 2015 to replace my tired, but beloved 2012.

I wouldn't buy the 2019 until we know there aren't any issues with it. Let the foolish and those with lots of disposable income test it for us, particularly the keyboard.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

What do you really expect to happen in a year regarding a new Apple laptop?

People will still be whining about the keyboard even though it will likely be just fine.

People will still be moaning about "throttling" even though it may not. And with that complaining the GPU isn't "pro" level.

People will engage in the typical juvenile burns about it being "too thin."

There will be moans about "dongles." Because after all, who wants to spend $3K for a laptop and then have to open their wallets to spend $20 for a couple of modern cables?

Are you really expecting a thicker laptop with USB ports, an SD card, a keyboard with more travel, and MagSafe?

And of course it will cost way too much and have the typical 5% speed bump due to Intel's glacial improvements.

If you are so disappointed with Apple, why not just go with a different manufacturer and enjoy a thicker and heavier laptop computer festooned with ancient I/O?

I'm with you with everything except the "whining" about the keyboard. It is the primary method of interaction with a computer.

Apple has redesigned that thing FOUR times. They've implemented several repair programs. Every major tech publication has published stories basically saying that the keyboards su... I mean... are an acquired taste.

But you know what? You're right.

We should all just ignore all that and just go with your opinion on it.

It'll be fine.

I promise!!

https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-lied-to-me-about-the-macbook-air-and-now-we-have-a-problem/

 

[winterwolf]

What do you really expect to happen in a year regarding a new

There will be moans about "dongles." Because after all, who wants to spend $3K for a laptop and then have to open their wallets to spend $20 for a couple of modern cables?

That's exactly the point though. You already spend $3,0000+ and they're gauging you for cables on top of it. They're trying to milk you dry. There's no value there. There's no Apple innovation. There's nothing. Most of these cables are trivial and cost next to nothing to produce yet they're priced 10-15x their cost.

I have no problem paying for actual innovation and quality but I do have a problem with a company pricing banal components exorbitantly purely because their users are locked in and they have a brand name (they're not even making the cables themselves). It's just them calculating how much they can get away with before people get too fed up. That's not a recipe for a happy customer. It's the principle, not the money.

 

[richinaus]

Must say I am a little disappointed but not surprised.

It is the GPU that needs the upgrade not the CPU.

I am tempted to buy a pc at half the price.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Top of the line 13" MacBook Pro for $CA2,649.00 only comes with 8GB ram. What a ****ing joke for the price.

Wait are you F’ing serious?! Apple dropped 16GB as an option for 8GB?!

 

[Martyimac]

What do you really expect to happen in a year regarding a new Apple laptop?

People will still be whining about the keyboard even though it will likely be just fine. Maybe, maybe not.

People will still be moaning about "throttling" even though it may not. And with that complaining the GPU isn't "pro" level. Because history continues to repeat itself RE the macbooks

People will engage in the typical juvenile burns about it being "too thin." Minor issue, except it leads to the "throttling and non pro GPU's because of lack of cooling capability.

There will be moans about "dongles." Because after all, who wants to spend $3K for a laptop and then have to open their wallets to spend $20 for a couple of modern cables? Exactly right. /S

Are you really expecting a thicker laptop with USB ports, an SD card, a keyboard with more travel, and MagSafe? yep

And of course it will cost way too much and have the typical 5% speed bump due to Intel's glacial improvements. That's a given.

If you are so disappointed with Apple, why not just go with a different manufacturer and enjoy a thicker and heavier laptop computer festooned with ancient I/O? Already happening. IF I need to by another laptop, it won't be an 

Back in 2015 was my last MBP purchase. I have since given it to my granddaughter because her family wants her to have a Mac laptop and as far as I am concerned, the 2015 models were still pretty good, so I gifted her mine because I don't feel the 2016+ models are worth what  is asking. While some may admire your standing up for a company you believe in so deeply, there are MANY others who have seen the light and are realizing that Sir Jony Ive has taken the Macbooks/Pro down a dangerous path that may be a path to nowhere.
The problem, as I see it, is that it no longer "just works". Kinda sad actually.

 

[applesed]

So if I buy a nTB 13 inch MacBook Pro and the keyboard needs to be replaced, do I get this new keyboard?

 

[duervo]

"Substantially reduce" keyboard problems? Not "eliminate" keyboard problems?

From a legal standpoint, Apple would be pretty stupid to use the word “eliminate”.

 

[R.P.G]

my trashcan complains about SOLID STATE DRIVE heat daily. just saying. some of us need decent computers to make a living. Spending under $4k to upgrade to the latest from a 6 year old computer isn't a stain.

And for the record, it never feels like the right time for me to buy. My next will be the ARM based MBP, even if it comes out at WWDC. Developers need modern machines.

Like a mechanic buying the latest tools.

i was talking about the other guys 2016 13 inch MBP. its horrible to upgrade this 2016 machine after all spending quite a big chunk.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Completely agree. It started years back and actually pushed me away from macOS. I’m not even sure what I would want in a traditional OS today, but iOS has completely met my needs. I’m comfortable as is today with my iPad Pro, but mouse support would be a really nice addition to using certain apps. Macs will remain for a small group of Pro’s, but I think the iPad has so much more potential than we sometimes realize.

I'm truly interested in this new paradigm of Apple users that feel that iOS is superior to laptops, mainly because I honestly don't understand it.

Laptops are (in my opinion, of course) far more flexible than iPads in most scenarios, due to the integrated keyboard and multitouch trackpads (Apple RULES here). They're so thin and light now (a 1lb difference is negligible IMHO), they can connect to everything, the IO is flexible as heck, and integrate into existing infrastructures easier. They have, in many cases, more horsepower, run full vs mobile apps, and in my mind offer a better bang-for-the-buck overall.

Why add a keyboard and mouse to the iPad? If you're going to have but ONE machine, "just get a Mac", I say.

But like I said, I'm truly interested in hearing "non-drawing" use cases where an iOS device is superior without trying to turn it into a laptop.

One scenario I can think of is when one of my kids said they typed a paper on their (albeit Android) phone, because they can thumb-type faster than they can type regulary (and they aren't touch-typists). However, when it's time to get any other school project done, they head straight for the iMac or one of the MBPs I own, and ignore the 3 iPads in the house.
[doublepost=1558496291][/doublepost]

This! Years ago, when most long time Apple customers expected and got high quality hardware, software, and service from the company, "trolling" consisted primarily of so-called "Apple haters", who often had never been Apple customers. This was mostly during the days of Apple's ascension on the return of Jobs in the mid-90s, when Microsoft fans would often express derision about Apple on Apple forums just to stir the pot. This was also around the period of the "I'm a PC; I'm a Mac" commercials, before iOS devices became a priority and Mac development was of primary importance to the company. The last several years have engendered more derision from long time Apple customers, particularly those disappointed in Apple's neglect of the Mac line overall. I can see myself perhaps partially coming back into the fold if, say, they'd release an MBP with the pre-2016 keyboard design, a form factor sufficient for adequate cooling and proper cable routing, socketed parts which could be upgraded, more ports so dongles aren't needed when travelling, and stellar service and support when issues crop up (which used to be rare). I participate in this forum as I'm still (so far) interested in the directions Apple is taking, having been a customer for decades. Even though I've lost faith in many of their current product lines, I still find myself interested in other issues such as iTunes copyright problems, security concerns, and how political shifts (tariffs, factory conditions, etc.) affect the company in pricing and the like. And even if I don't like Apple's design choices of late, I'd like to at least see them offer adequate support for customers with issues. This forum, along with personal experiences, help me keep track of this stuff.

I need to check my privacy settings, because you were able to articulate EXACTLY how I feel about Apple today.

Hopefully, you won't be able to see my browser history before I clear it!

 

[citysnaps]

That's exactly the point though. You already spend $3,0000+ and they're gauging you for cables on top of it. They're trying to milk you dry. There's no value there. There's no Apple innovation. There's nothing. Most of these cables are trivial and cost next to nothing to produce yet they're priced 10-15x their cost.

I have no problem paying for actual innovation and quality but I do have a problem with a company pricing banal components exorbitantly purely because their users are locked in and they have a brand name (they're not even making the cables themselves). It's just them calculating how much they can get away with before people get too fed up. That's not a recipe for a happy customer. It's the principle, not the money.

Well... After spending $3K for a laptop, and after that refuse to spend $8 for a USB cable, then you should probably buy a laptop from another manufacturer who includes a USB cable in the box for you.

When I bought my 2017 MBP the first thing I did was purchase two USB cables. I guess I could have whined about needing "dongles," and how Apple is gouging and ripping me off.

But why would I want to publicly embarrass myself like that?

I have around 2+ years on my MBP and find it a joy to use every single day. Modern and fast I/O, lightweight, compact, excellent battery life, a great display. Great to travel with. And an outstanding keyboard that lets me type faster and more accurately.

 

[lec0rsaire]

This is 2nd gen Coffee Lake. I suspect there could be another refresh in the fall. Ice Lake will be the real upgrade but these CPUs are definitely better than what they were selling just yesterday. Hopefully the octa-core i9 delivers solid performance gains. If anyone just bought a MBP less than 2 weeks ago, return it ASAP.

 

[tehStickMan]

1. They release new gen4 keyboard, essentially admitting fault (again) without directly admitting fault.

2. 2019 models are on the repair program.

3. Thermal issues not addressed.

4. Still using T2 chip, which is behind audio issues plaguing ALL 2018 (and now 2019) MBP models. We're on page 57 on a thread here. No fix, no admission of fault, no ETA.

5. An upgrade bump 1.5 months out from the yearly refresh date doesn't look like good news for an actual fixed redesign in 2019. Looks like I'm stuck on 2012 ancient hardware for another year or more.

 

[citysnaps]

1. They release new gen4 keyboard, essentially admitting fault (again) without directly admitting fault.

2. 2019 models are on the repair program.

3. Thermal issues not addressed.

4. Still using T2 chip, which is behind audio issues plaguing ALL 2018 (and now 2019) MBP models. We're on page 57 on a thread here. No fix, no admission of fault, no ETA.

5. An upgrade bump 1.5 months out from the yearly refresh date doesn't look like good news for an actual fixed redesign in 2019. Looks like I'm stuck on 2012 ancient hardware for another year or more.

Curious... What sort of laptop do you really expect Apple will release next year? Or the year after? Or five years from now. Perhaps a larger, thicker, and heavier laptop? Maybe an SD card slot? A keyboard with greater travel? Revert to USB-A ports? MagSafe?

 

[PickUrPoison]

Wait are you F’ing serious?! Apple dropped 16GB as an option for 8GB?!

16GB base is for the 15”; the 13” has been 8GB base since 2014. So the available configs are 8 or 16GB for the 13”, 16 or 32GB for the 15”.

 

[R.P.G]

Curious... What sort of laptop do you really expect Apple will release next year? Or the year after? Or five years from now. Perhaps a larger, thicker, and heavier laptop? Maybe an SD card slot? A keyboard with greater travel? Revert to USB-A ports? MagSafe?

or may be just reliable one..with reliable keyboard. keyboard issues have higher priority than dongle mess and touch bar gimmick. people made peace with later two.

who would announce a repair program for a brand new machine? (2019 machines are in repair program) lol...

 

[winterwolf]

Well... After spending $3K for a laptop, and after that refuse to spend $8 for a USB cable, then you should probably buy a laptop from another manufacturer who includes a USB cable in the box for you.

When I bought my 2017 MBP the first thing I did was purchase two USB cables. I guess I could have whined about needing "dongles," and how Apple is gouging and ripping me off.

But why would I want to publicly embarrass myself like that?

I have around 2+ years on my MBP and find it a joy to use every single day. Modern and fast I/O, lightweight, compact, excellent battery life, a great display. Great to travel with. And an outstanding keyboard that lets me type faster and more accurately.

No one's complaining about USB cables...

 

[Val-kyrie]

Exactly. You have never had a problem personally so you should probably stick to things you have experience with.

Knowledge extends beyond personal experience.
Knowledge includes the testimony of others.

Your world must be very small.

 

[PickUrPoison]

No one's complaining about USB cables...

What’s your point? You wanted OP to have said USB-C or Thunderbolt 3?

There have been thousands of complaints about the USB ports on the 2016-2019 MBP, because some people wanted USB-A whereas Apple provided USB-C—which forced people to buy new cables.

Some say Apple should provide cables in the MBP box, but which one(s)? There are many different cables available, depending on what peripherals the users wants to connect. Plus, most docks come with the appropriate cable, so some customers need no additional cables at all.

 

[smirking]

If earlier 2016/2017/2018 MBP keyboards need repairs, will they be repaired with this new material?
EDIT: Found my answer on the Verge:

I found the same answer by reading the article that was in this thread.
[doublepost=1558500210][/doublepost]

Sometimes I hate Apple for this. I JUST bought a Macbook 3 weeks ago!

Enjoy your Macbook. If it's suiting you well, I doubt you'd really notice any difference with anything new coming down the pike anyway. Life's too short to grieve over a 3 to 5% Geekbench score increase.