Apple Debuts New 8-Core MacBook Pro With Updated Keyboard

[Zdigital2015]

What is differences between 2.3 and 2.4 quad core other than .01

$200 of your money going to Apple. The 2.4GHz is a K-Series CPU, which means it can be overclocked, which is a horrible idea in that chassis anyways. Save your money and stick to the 2.3GHz. There will not be any meaningful performance difference in the day to day, if that is your concern. Spend the extra $200 on more storage, DRAM, the Vega upgrade or Apple Care+.

Source: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/compare.html?productIds=192987,192990

 

[ignatius345]

You have never even owned one. So you can hardly speak from experience. Right???

"I myself hate typing on the butterfly keyboard enough to avoid it in the first place, but even if I didn't, I wouldn't spend money on one these things."

Oh but I have. I owned and got rid of a Retina MacBook a couple years ago and went back to my MacBook Air. I even gave myself a couple months to "get used to it" -- which I sort of did, but it was also still an awful typing experience and I'm far from the only person who thinks this.

Any keyboard with a design this divisive, that that turns off a signficant percentage of its users is a design fail, period. The only real opinions anyone had about the last generation of Mac laptop keyboard was that they were markedly better than their predecessors -- which they absolutely were. The keyboard on the iBook and the Powerbooks before that were quite mushy and flimsy (which know because I owned and used those extensively as well) and when the MacBook launched the keyboard was rock solid and stayed incredibly reliable over time. That design was so good Apple used it for a solid decade or more, no extended warranty program required -- and pretty much every single manufacturer of laptops copied that design for themselves.

And none of this is even touching on the failure issues that have been significant enough to warrant at least two revisions of this god-awful design and an extended service program that must be costing Apple millions of dollars.

So great, you have a butterfly keyboard and you like it and it hasn't broken (yet), good for you! But a lot of users have a very different experience.

 

[mudflap]

Primary method of moving data off larger cameras is still wired or with removable media due to the actual size of these files.

Not to mention that not all camera equipment is equiped with WiFi or even the latest,greatest. You have to understand, Cameras aren't things people replace as fast as their computers. They have large investments into glass and other associated equipment. Replacing a camera just to go from Wireless N to AC for an extra 300mbps of transfer is going to be a meaningless and costly (thousands of dollars worth of equipment potentially) just for it taking 9 hours to transfer your camera instead of 13hours.

For example, RED Cameras at 4k RAW are about 5.3GB per minute.
A single 12mega pixel RAW image (3840x5760) is about 30MB each. 1,000 photos is about 30GBytes of data to transfer.

Wireless is a great add-on if you can have it for the odd usage. But it's not a complete replacement for high data throughput as of it's current G/N/AC iterations.

Thanks for the explanation. I forget that some cameras cost as much as cars and photogs hold onto them longer than we hold onto our gear.

 

[kstotlani]

Such a premium for a computer without an SD slot! There were no updates for months and then the Pro gets 3 updates in less than a year. I'd love one but I think I will wait for a model without a Touch Bar.

How long will the wait be? I thought the next iteration will remove it reducing the cost but ...

 

[MacBH928]

boycott until they fire Cook or produce reliable computers, no one wants to pay $2000 for a laptop the suffers input issues...it renders it useless and the only reason they are keeping it is their arrogance.

 

[jeyf]

Oh but I have... Also, as it turns out, Apple actually has stores all around the country where one can try out said keyboards.

MBP keyboard failures don't happen right away. For sure in just a little time the keyboard, combined with a junk spell check app the Pro becomes an issue if not a hazard if your typing on a critical document.

I would hold off purchasing or buy a early 2016 MBP.
do what you want, your money

 

[Zdigital2015]

Just as an FYI, Intel shows a "block" diagram of the new 9th Generation Core i H-Series and it shows something I have not seen on prior H-Series CPUs, which is the presence of "Embedded Display Port 1.4". I will go back to the intro for the 8th Gen H-Series and see if there is a similar diagram, but I am betting that there is not.

I point this out as many are hoping that any 6K Cinema Display Apple is rumored to be releasing with the 2019 Mac Pro might also be compatible with their MacBook Pro. Given that Titan Ridge is necessary for Display Port 1.4 in the 2018 MacBook Pro, the caveat being the the UHD Graphics 630 is still Display Port 1.2, this might be helpful to those wondering which MacBook Pro to buy, a discounted 2018 or a new 2019. I can find no further information in the Intel Ark referencing the embedded DisplayPort 1.4 piece, so until I find deep dive info on the Developer Site or a tech publication explains the benefit, its all conjecture. So, if you have time and inclination, Google it. If not, I don't think you can go wrong with getting the 2019 MacBook Pro, however, any previous versions of the MacBook Pro (2016, 2017, 2018) are probably going to be excluded from Apple's Pro display. I am not sure if the 2018 Mac mini or the 2018 MacBook Air will be able to hook up to it either, built-in GPU rumors not withstanding.

Source: https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...ore/9th-gen-core-mobile-processors-brief.html

EDIT: I found the block diagram for the 8th Generation and it appears to include Embedded Display Port 1.4 as well.

Source: https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...sors-and-chipsets/coffee-lake-h/overview.html

 

[applesed]

I’m bummed they are not releasing updated non-Touchbar macs anymore, I guess the people that want a tactile function row are perceived a small minority?

 

[TheHangMan]

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?

Oh God, it's amazing how people can be just fanboys of a brand. Most complains are not about MagSafe, SD Card and USB Ports. USB-C is great. It's about thermals and longevity.

But if you think paying US$ 4.000,00 for a laptop that can't manage the specs it has and needs four keyboard updates is great-amazing-so cool-brilliant, there isnt really a way to discuss with this blind worship.

You can justify everything all has changed in the MBP. TouchBar, I hate it but I get the idea. USB-C, maybe it was too early, but now it's just fine. New keyboard, if it wasn't problematic, it would be just a matter of taste. Some would like some would hate. Larger trackpad, beautiful. 4mm thinner, why? 200g lighter. With all the dongles you need, the weight is the same. If you want paper thing laptop, get a macbook air. Macbook Pro is about performance.

 

[Jimmy James]

We need mass for thermal management. Their emphasis on slim is at odds with their apparent emphasis on minimizing fan activity.

 

[Spectrum]

"Some current MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar and 15-inch customers that bring in their keyboards for repair will actually have their keyboards replaced with ones that have these new materials, Apple says. That will only happen for MacBooks that have the third-generation butterfly keyboard today: the 2018 models of the MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air."

So basically, if an earlier MBP has this problem, it will still be replaced with the older keyboard design that may fail anyway

Yes - this absolutely sucks. What good is having a keyboard replacement programme - to rectify a design defect - that only lasts for 4 years? Are there some EU rulings that extend this beyond the 4 year period perhaps?

 

[MrGuder]

The question is will the new keyboard be quieter?

 

[scoobs69]

We need mass for thermal management. Their emphasis on slim is at odds with their apparent emphasis on minimizing fan activity.

Just set the 2019 MBP on a block of ice when you're working. Thermal throttling problem solved...

...Until the ice melts...

 

[citysnaps]

Oh God, it's amazing how people can be just fanboys of a brand. Most complains are not about MagSafe, SD Card and USB Ports. USB-C is great. It's about thermals and longevity.

But if you think paying US$ 4.000,00 for a laptop that can't manage the specs it has and needs four keyboard updates is great-amazing-so cool-brilliant, there isnt really a way to discuss with this blind worship.

You can justify everything all has changed in the MBP. TouchBar, I hate it but I get the idea. USB-C, maybe it was too early, but now it's just fine. New keyboard, if it wasn't problematic, it would be just a matter of taste. Some would like some would hate. Larger trackpad, beautiful. 4mm thinner, why? 200g lighter. With all the dongles you need, the weight is the same. If you want paper thing laptop, get a macbook air. Macbook Pro is about performance.

Fanboy? Nope, nice try - though using that phrase speaks volumes about yourself. If I was unhappy (features, performance, usability, etc) with Apple products I'd drop them in a minute.

If you're unhappy with Apple products you might consider doing the same thing. It does take courage, though. Whining on a forum, while making you feel good with that tiny blip of power, is a waste of time.

I've had at least 20 Apple products (probably more) over the last few decades. The only issues (and required repairs) I've had were with both of my cheese grater MacPros. But that was when Apple was lead under a different CEO.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

No, its not about believing in a company... Rather it's about owning, and using everyday, outstanding Apple products that delight 100% every time I use them. There's no way I'd ever go back to larger, thicker and heavier laptops with 20 year old I/O.

I admire and am a little jealous of your enthusiasm.

I would LOVE to be in your situation, where the CURRENT MacBook Pro does everything I need it to do, wherever I may take it, without it ever impacting my daily workflow, and without it severely impacting my finances.

And that it'd do it all while putting a smile on my face.

Sadly for me, this used to be true, but is no longer the case.

Only my ancient 2011/2012 MBP hardware does all that for me, even before it's fully powered up (that lovely chime).

I think the day is coming though.

The day where I can afford to clean hardware house (backup drives, thumb drives, monitors, and all associated cables), have USB-C everything, faster-than-Ethernet WiFi, a keyboard I at least don't mind, being able to live without my computer for a day or two if when something anything goes wrong, and that having a portable with 2TB of storage minimum will not cost the same as a jet ski (or that I won't care if it does).

I'd need around $15K-$20K to burn (in order to replace everything I got), today at least. Who knows what'll be 3-5yrs from now.

But again, I'm jealous!

 

[chilly willy]

macOS has lost its shine for me. The whole idea of a traditional laptop feels very dated at this point. I’m looking forward to the transition to Apple’s own ARM chips and some interesting new form factors. At that point, I’m hoping they tighten the OS up, or just use iOS instead.

I hear you. For lots of things, I no longer need/ want laptop. But for some things like creating documents, I just want a laptop. Tried with iPad with external keyboard, but just could not make switch, at least not yet.

I’m very interested to see how this new design does as to cooling once folks get a crack at it. My 2014 can sound like a 747 taking off with certain programs I use, as well
as minimal video editing and light gaming I do ( not talking FPS or such, rather turn based). But, in fairness I do have a 5 year old MBP.....and I’m not a Pro user as that term would be defined by most.

 

[TheHangMan]

Fanboy? Nope, nice try - though using that phrase speaks volumes about yourself. If I was unhappy (features, performance, usability, etc) with Apple products I'd drop them in a minute.

If you're unhappy with Apple products you might consider doing the same thing. It does take courage, though. Whining on a forum, while making you feel good with that tiny blip of power, is a waste of time.

I've had at least 20 Apple products (probably more) over the last few decades. The only issues (and required repairs) I've had were with both of my cheese grater MacPros. But that was when Apple was lead under a different CEO.

No, it does not take courage. If I could just dump my 2012 MBP and buy a ThinkPad P1, a Dell XPS 15, etc etc I would. But, first, there is no warranty for them where I live. Apple still has a "kind of" warranty. I can't spend US$3k with no warranty.

Also I'm not the only one unhappy. Leaving the apple eco system is not an option for some people and lost of them keep buying for a handful of reasons that do not include "ultimate happiness with Apple". Companies that have X or Y system implemented can't jut "drop them in a minute".

Denying there is need for improvement in some areas is just blind worship, again. Dell XPS 15 is user upgradable, etc, etc but Dell sucks in so many levels with many things. And even though there are a lot of great things in their laptops, you can complain as much as you want about Dell. Same for Lenovo ThinkPads, Razer, Huawei (rip).

Every product has flaws. Some more, some less. And user feedback is an important process for improvement. I don't care if they read this forums or not, if everyone just kept quiet they would give even less **** that they already do.

 

[persuasiveghost]

I think I will break with convention here and praise this machine. While I abhor this damn keyboard, lack of ports, and the touchbar - this, imo, is the best premium non-gaming laptop out there by leaps & bounds still. While it does in fact get pretty darn hot on my 6 core, I do not notice it in a work setting and Im pretty sure they've considered this after the last fiasco. It's great that Apple is starting to at least rollout updates like this almost yearly as they back up their claim to support the Mac still. 8 core i9, 32 gb of ddr4, and that gpu? just amazing (price aside).

 

[Wags]

I’m bummed they are not releasing updated non-Touchbar macs anymore, I guess the people that want a tactile function row are perceived a small minority?

If they updated or added to the 15 then pretty sure those would outsell the Touch Bar.

 

[psingh01]

Whining on a forum, while making you feel good with that tiny blip of power, is a waste of time.

Feedback is not a waste of time. Whining on this forum or other forums or directly to Apple has changed things in the past. It is why Apple is bothering to replace the keyboards now as part of the warranty with very fast turnaround time when at first they did not even acknowledge it was a problem.

 

[aknabi]

Fanboy? Nope, nice try - though using that phrase speaks volumes about yourself. If I was unhappy (features, performance, usability, etc) with Apple products I'd drop them in a minute.

If you're unhappy with Apple products you might consider doing the same thing. It does take courage, though. Whining on a forum, while making you feel good with that tiny blip of power, is a waste of time.

I've had at least 20 Apple products (probably more) over the last few decades. The only issues (and required repairs) I've had were with both of my cheese grater MacPros. But that was when Apple was lead under a different CEO.

Well that is the epitome of a Fanboy reply

 

[iLloyd]

I have only one thing to say. I'm typing this on a mid-2012 MacBook Pro. Everything works perfectly, still, including the keyboard, which has never given me a hint of trouble. I'll buy a new MacBook Pro when the awful butterfly keyboard is retired. Why is Apple so f**king stubborn? It's a character flaw to continue insisting you're right when all the evidence shows otherwise.

Even though I have to restart my mid-2012 once or twice daily to deal with the spontaneous shutdown issue, I refuse to upgrade until Apple releases a genuine pro version of their "pro" laptop.

 

[ph001bi]

Is apple serious no re design no faster graphics just a cpu update, shame on apple give us something new like a new design

Seriosuly, the design was introduced in late 2016. It's only 30 months old. I much rather see regular updates to GPU, Processors, RAM, keyboards than a design update which will probably be flawed in its first generation anyway.

 

[logics8]

Its too bad,

Specs wise its a worthy upgrade to my 2012, price wise tells me I should keep waiting.

Not worth having to rebuy everything.

Just got a new faster SSD in there and it is pumping fast.

Except the fact that I need a new logic board…

 

[jml1982]

How long will the wait be? I thought the next iteration will remove it reducing the cost but ...

Same here, I'm not upgrading until they bring back the function keys, and it can be in addition to the touchbar, but I want them.

Also, please give us more than 4 usbc ports, this defeats the purpose or a compact machine, now I have to carry dongles around...