Apple Drops Prices on USB-C Adapters

[flipperfeet]

These MacBook Pros should come with these adapters as well as a USB-C to iPhone cable. I hate to say it, but Steve Jobs would not have let Jonathan Ive get away with releasing products that disrupt/dismantle the interconnectivity of the Apple Ecosystem. His MO was to leave some legacy connectivity in place while introducing a new standard, he also hated kludgey solutions, four dongles (they still have to release an ethernet dongle) needed to integrate the "flagship" product into a professional ecosystem is an embarrassment.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

USB-C outputs HDMI natively. Look for new TVs and media equipment to come with USB-C ports in the near future, dropping HDMI completely eventually.

Most people don't use Ethernet on their MacBooks. If they did Apple would have never removed it. But I also expect to see Ethernet natively output from USB-C such that most corporate offices update all of their hard wired Ethernet connections with USB-C cables.

While it's a problem for some now, it won't be in a few years -- at least no worse than the laptop user who still has to plug into VGA regularly.

USB-C doesn't support the latest HDMI spec so this won't happen.

 

[ph001bi]

Since you think you are so edgy, tell us all how many of different Samsungs products outside the Note 7 have had the issue?

I'd love to respond but there is not enough space in the post to list all the exploding Samsung products. Note 7, washing machines, Fridges, Samsung J5, Samsung S7, etc etc...

 

[Duane Martin]

USB-C doesn't support the latest HDMI spec so this won't happen.

Absolutely true that the current USB-C ALT Mode support is only for HDMI 1.4 which means you can use a cable that does HDMI out from USB-C without an adaptor but only at the HDMI 1.4 spec. However, the good news is that Thunderbolt 3 does support the HDMI 2.0 spec which is great, but Intel has limited it's support of Display Port on Thunderbolt to 1.2.

Technology is complicated.

 

[cocoua]

So tired of buying adapters and don't have one at hand when really need... hope USB-C is here to last at least 4 years. that would be a record

 

[kyykesko]

Still waiting for a real keyboard to be added as a CTO option. Then I may consider. Not going to ruin my life with the on-screen keyboard lookalike.

 

[Mac 128]

USB-C doesn't support the latest HDMI spec so this won't happen.

This is a temporary limitation at best. TVs will continue to come with HDMI ports for those that need it, and like the HDMI port, the USB-C port will be firmware upgradable. But it's all moving toward one port for everything. It might not be USB-C in the end, but right now it looks like a good candidate.

 

[MrMac2015]

No one wants to say it now?

Steve Jobs would have kept prices and said this is the cost of moving forward.

SJ WOULD NEVER HAD ALLOWED THIS TO BE A PRO MODEL AND WOULD NEVER HAVE ALLOWED A MACBOOK THAT CANT BE CONNECTED TO THE LATEST IPHONE
[doublepost=1478560730][/doublepost]

At these prices, EVERY one of these adapters should be in the box.

Or built in?

 

[Cavepainter]

...But I also don't think Apple should have included a mere $9 3.5mm adapter with the iPhone 7 either as it only encourages behavior that Apple doesn't want. And they don't want you plugging your iPhone into your Mac either, which is exactly why I haven't for almost 2 years -- actually not so much because Apple doesn't want me to, but because they made it so much more convenient for me not to. And frankly, I'd rather not use a port on my Mac to charge my iPhone.

Really?

You're paying this company $2000+ of your hard-earned money and you are more concerned about what Apple "wants" than what you need?

Who cares what Apple "wants"? But- hey, as many are quick to point out- "Apple is absolutely rich- They don't need to listen to their customers anymore." This sounds alot like General Motors, Chrysler and Ford circa mid 1970's........ right before Japanese companies like Honda and Toyota decided to listen to what customers REALLY wanted and a new market took off.

This is the kind of stuff that pisses many of us longtime Apple customers off. I suppose this is what "Courage" is. The audacity to actually ignore what customers want- and dictate what they will get, and how it will function. (and raise the price while they're at it.)

You don't need to plug in your Iphone.
You don't need to upgrade memory in the future.
You don't need a standard headphone jack.
You don't need legacy ports.
You don't need your old keyboard that you really liked.
You don't need SD card ports- or CF card ports either.
You don't need Blu-Ray. (Whats that? never heard of it)
You don't need HDMI.
You don't need audio in port.
You don't need built-in flexibility anymore.
You don't need a Superdrive anymore.
You don't need more memory.
You don't need to upgrade the processor in the future.
You don't need magsafe anymore.
You don't need price reductions on older computers.
You don't need dongles to be included in the box.
You don't need to upgrade the hard drive in the future.

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! That does take Courage.

Smart companies actually listen to their customers.

You've got it all backwards.

 

[emailnotebox]

And where's your statistics to support that?

How many MBP users buying a new MBP this year use an iPhone? If 99% then maybe you have a point. And of those who do, how many actually plug their iPhone into it? I do use an iPhone and haven't plugged mine into my MBP for at least two years.

It makes no sense to ship a cable with a product that most of the users don't need. But I also don't think Apple should have included a mere $9 3.5mm adapter with the iPhone 7 either as it only encourages behavior that Apple doesn't want. And they don't want you plugging your iPhone into your Mac either, which is exactly why I haven't for almost 2 years -- actually not so much because Apple doesn't want me to, but because they made it so much more convenient for me not to. And frankly, I'd rather not use a port on my Mac to charge my iPhone.

wow... so much concerns for its own shepherd... such a brainwashed isheep

 

[MrMac2015]

I think the problem here is that they actually changed to the lightning port to early and now that everything else is using USB-C they don't want another backlash from iPhone customers (who are a much larger base of people) by switching the connector again.

They pissed them off anyway when they removed the headphone jack. Should have taken the plunge and used USB c and include a pair of USB c headphones and then at least their own products are compatible. Also the iPhone comes with a charger and cable so the transition is easier. This way you have lighting headphones that only a iOs can use and USB c that only macs can use. They should have also included wireless charging but that's another moan for a diff thread

 

[PracticalMac]

Another planned obsolescence hitting you smack on the face, and then emptying your wallet just to be able to use your current devices, including Apple stuff.

MS did that same thing, and was was ridiculed for it.

 

[BR3W]

Does anyone else feel like it's complete bull crap that that Apple embraces USB-C on macs, but still forces lightning port on the phones when the standard for all new phones is in fact, USB-C.

No, because the lightening cable is better, hardier, and smaller.
I do think it's weird they didn't simply use lightening ports on their other devices instead of USB-C, though.

 

[bubblefree]

USB-C outputs HDMI natively. Look for new TVs and media equipment to come with USB-C ports in the near future, dropping HDMI completely eventually.

Most people don't use Ethernet on their MacBooks. If they did Apple would have never removed it. But I also expect to see Ethernet natively output from USB-C such that most corporate offices update all of their hard wired Ethernet connections with USB-C cables.

While it's a problem for some now, it won't be in a few years -- at least no worse than the laptop user who still has to plug into VGA regularly.

Err... so in my work today I used my Ethernet attached Mac display, plugged into one presentation using HDMI and another using VGA and also copied some photos over to my MB Pro using a USB thumb drive. This need isn't going away anytime soon! Connectivity into commonly used ports is a big deal for me when working and no my office isn't going to be updating their Ethernet connections with USB C Cables. In fact my office has no visibility to USB as a "current" standard. I am sure when it becomes more prevalent they will support it in the future but in corporate IT circles they have to support a myriad of standards and as much as Apple would like to force the USB C issue it just isn't going to happen any time soon. Their all in approach to USB C is a major miscalculation and is an arrogant approach to dealing with customers real world needs.

 

[hiddenmarkov]

You don't need to plug in your Iphone.
You don't need to upgrade memory in the future.
You don't need a standard headphone jack.
You don't need legacy ports.
You don't need your old keyboard that you really liked.
You don't need SD card ports- or CF card ports either.
You don't need Blu-Ray. (Whats that? never heard of it)
You don't need HDMI.
You don't need audio in port.
You don't need built-in flexibility anymore.
You don't need a Superdrive anymore.
You don't need more memory.
You don't need to upgrade the processor in the future.
You don't need magsafe anymore.
You don't need price reductions on older computers.
You don't need dongles to be included in the box.
You don't need to upgrade the hard drive in the future.

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! That does take Courage.

Smart companies actually listen to their customers.

You've got it all backwards.

I actually wouldn't mind the removals if you know...we got something in the trade off.

2011 to 2012 saw price increase for no optical drive and smaller body. Less equipment, less metal to the case....where was the less price.

My other idea to save estalking would have been to keep the 2011 body and use that space from the optical removal to good use. memory, better video or internal 2nd SDD my usual ideas.

Sort of like how I modified cars long ago. Out went the bulky clunky stock crap in the engine bay, in went the new sexy aftermarket stuff better designed and usually smaller (manifolds an headers like this...they are space killers, aftermarket corrects that). look at all the space what ever shall I do with it? Larger turbo, wastegate....take away, put something back but better. See HP go up up up. Way it should be sometimes


The HDMI I don't see why tbh. Its the most ubiquitous connector really. conference room with a basic modern tv for presentation....it will have this. lets have you forget the adapter (crap happens) or it just breaks in some way. Its not like an IT shop, if there even, will have this adapter for the save.

USB C....yeah, not real popular. My shop supports a video broadcast section and graphics artists (they use macs even) section even plus lots of general use office puters (about 1400 clients all together). Firewire, lightning, tb, legacy usb...cables we gots. for camera cable stuff (micro usb and such) yeah we can find some. Hell we even have coax, fiber (various types), Ethernet, e-sata, SCSI. I am sure in box in supply somewhere I can find some token ring crap even. USB-C....nope.

Not really sure what pack apple was leading here the tl;dr.

 

[calaverasgrande]

I cant reconcile 'flying off the shelves' with '30% price cut on accessories'.

 

[laudern]

No, because the lightening cable is better, hardier, and smaller.
I do think it's weird they didn't simply use lightening ports on their other devices instead of USB-C, though.

Wow if the lightening cable is hardier than a usb cable, then we are screwed. The durability of the iPhone lightening cables is absolutely patheti.

 

[Cavepainter]

I actually wouldn't mind the removals if you know...we got something in the trade off.

2011 to 2012 saw price increase for no optical drive and smaller body. Less equipment, less metal to the case....where was the less price.

My other idea to save estalking would have been to keep the 2011 body and use that space from the optical removal to good use. memory, better video or internal 2nd SDD my usual ideas.

Sort of like how I modified cars long ago. Out went the bulky clunky stock crap in the engine bay, in went the new sexy aftermarket stuff better designed and usually smaller (manifolds an headers like this...they are space killers, aftermarket corrects that). look at all the space what ever shall I do with it? Larger turbo, wastegate....take away, put something back but better. See HP go up up up. Way it should be sometimes


The HDMI I don't see why tbh. Its the most ubiquitous connector really. conference room with a basic modern tv for presentation....it will have this. lets have you forget the adapter (crap happens) or it just breaks in some way. Its not like an IT shop, if there even, will have this adapter for the save.

USB C....yeah, not real popular. My shop supports a video broadcast section and graphics artists (they use macs even) section even plus lots of general use office puters (about 1400 clients all together). Firewire, lightning, tb, legacy usb...cables we gots. for camera cable stuff (micro usb and such) yeah we can find some. Hell we even have coax, fiber (various types), Ethernet, e-sata, SCSI. I am sure in box in supply somewhere I can find some token ring crap even. USB-C....nope.

Not really sure what pack apple was leading here the tl;dr.

I'm a car fanatic myself so to continue the comparisons- to me its like buying a new car and the dealer would actually charge you significantly MORE for a 'radio delete' or 'AC delete' option (which has been known to happen).

 

[BR3W]

Wow if the lightening cable is hardier than a usb cable, then we are screwed. The durability of the iPhone lightening cables is absolutely patheti.

Obviously the wear your *cable* is experiencing doesn't have anything to do with my comment. Longevity of the actual cable sheathing of a given adapter is going to be dependent on the manufacturer and end-user abuse.

The ports themselves are at issue. Lightning plugs and receptacles are much more durable than USB-C's. The wear also occurs on the cable (replaceable) for lightning versus the plug (in the device) for USB-C.

I very much doubt you've ever encountered a wear issue on your lightning cable's plug (the portion that connects to your device, not the white plastic cable sheathing).

 

[Crzyrio]

SJ WOULD NEVER HAD ALLOWED THIS TO BE A PRO MODEL AND WOULD NEVER HAVE ALLOWED A MACBOOK THAT CANT BE CONNECTED TO THE LATEST IPHONE
[doublepost=1478560730][/doublepost]

Or built in?

Really?

You're paying this company $2000+ of your hard-earned money and you are more concerned about what Apple "wants" than what you need?

Who cares what Apple "wants"? But- hey, as many are quick to point out- "Apple is absolutely rich- They don't need to listen to their customers anymore." This sounds alot like General Motors, Chrysler and Ford circa mid 1970's........ right before Japanese companies like Honda and Toyota decided to listen to what customers REALLY wanted and a new market took off.

This is the kind of stuff that pisses many of us longtime Apple customers off. I suppose this is what "Courage" is. The audacity to actually ignore what customers want- and dictate what they will get, and how it will function. (and raise the price while they're at it.)

You don't need to plug in your Iphone.
You don't need to upgrade memory in the future.
You don't need a standard headphone jack.
You don't need legacy ports.
You don't need your old keyboard that you really liked.
You don't need SD card ports- or CF card ports either.
You don't need Blu-Ray. (Whats that? never heard of it)
You don't need HDMI.
You don't need audio in port.
You don't need built-in flexibility anymore.
You don't need a Superdrive anymore.
You don't need more memory.
You don't need to upgrade the processor in the future.
You don't need magsafe anymore.
You don't need price reductions on older computers.
You don't need dongles to be included in the box.
You don't need to upgrade the hard drive in the future.

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! That does take Courage.

Smart companies actually listen to their customers.

You've got it all backwards.

Someone paying $2000 for this MacBook is getting what he wants. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything.

I personally really like the new Macbooks, if you don't there are a number of other options.


Apple is the richest company in the world and got there by not fully listening to customers.

I use WiFi to Sync my iPhone
I have never felt the need to upgrade my 16GB of ram
I use bluetooth to play music
I haven't used a USB port, SD Card or any physical storage device in a long time
I mirror my screen to the Apple TV or direct play my content from my NAS
Who even upgrades processors in laptops

Ill give you magsafe but thats about it.


With Todays technology, One could easily live with a MacBook with no ports.

 

[symphara]

Someone paying $2000 for this MacBook is getting what he wants. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything.

I personally really like the new Macbooks, if you don't there are a number of other options.


Apple is the richest company in the world and got there by not fully listening to customers.

I use WiFi to Sync my iPhone
I have never felt the need to upgrade my 16GB of ram
I use bluetooth to play music
I haven't used a USB port, SD Card or any physical storage device in a long time
I mirror my screen to the Apple TV or direct play my content from my NAS
Who even upgrades processors in laptops

Ill give you magsafe but thats about it.


With Todays technology, One could easily live with a MacBook with no ports.

I think you're missing the point. None of those things you list there count for professional use much. People genuinely need more ports than Apple has made, to get on with their work.

Personally I think the new laptop is fine for software development (unless you need lots of VMs in which case it's not fine), but I wouldn't buy it for photography/video/sound/writing/etc.

In this end, this is no "Pro" laptop. It lies with the name. It's just a nice, very expensive, fashionable consumer laptop.

 

[Abazigal]

Someone paying $2000 for this MacBook is getting what he wants. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything.

I personally really like the new Macbooks, if you don't there are a number of other options.


Apple is the richest company in the world and got there by not fully listening to customers.

I use WiFi to Sync my iPhone
I have never felt the need to upgrade my 16GB of ram
I use bluetooth to play music
I haven't used a USB port, SD Card or any physical storage device in a long time
I mirror my screen to the Apple TV or direct play my content from my NAS
Who even upgrades processors in laptops

Ill give you magsafe but thats about it.


With Todays technology, One could easily live with a MacBook with no ports.

This.

I was prepared to live with one port on a MacBook and any more is a luxury in my book.

 

[Crzyrio]

I think you're missing the point. None of those things you list there count for professional use much. People genuinely need more ports than Apple has made, to get on with their work.

Personally I think the new laptop is fine for software development (unless you need lots of VMs in which case it's not fine), but I wouldn't buy it for photography/video/sound/writing/etc.

In this end, this is no "Pro" laptop. It lies with the name. It's just a nice, very expensive, fashionable consumer laptop.

photography/video/sound would all benefit from the insane ssd speeds and anyone working on photography & Sound would likely invest on a thunderbolt HD so they can benefit from the speeds when they work on giant files.


SUre the average consumer is going to have a hard time working with photography because there is no SD card but rarely do 'Pros' use a SD Slot.


Not to mention, most 'Pros' their workplace set up for their liking. SO now instead of connecting their Monitor, Cameras, External HD via different cables they only have to connect/disconnect one on the go

 

[symphara]

photography/video/sound would all benefit from the insane ssd speeds and anyone working on photography & Sound would likely invest on a thunderbolt HD so they can benefit from the speeds when they work on giant files.


SUre the average consumer is going to have a hard time working with photography because there is no SD card but rarely do 'Pros' use a SD Slot.


Not to mention, most 'Pros' their workplace set up for their liking. SO now instead of connecting their Monitor, Cameras, External HD via different cables they only have to connect/disconnect one on the go

I think that what you say applies more to a desktop, not a laptop. A laptop that requires a lot of dongles, adapters and external hardware is not that useful. This is the major complaint about this laptop. And clearly, there are lots of testimonials on these forums about people who do use the various ports and have various work-related use-cases that are not well covered by the new laptop.

Portability means taking it to lots of places and environments, and this situation is not well served by a laptop with only USB-C ports. Of course that in a stationary workplace situation one can invest in specialised hardware to make it work, but that's not the point of a laptop.

 

[Abazigal]

I think that what you say applies more to a desktop, not a laptop. A laptop that requires a lot of dongles, adapters and external hardware is not that useful. This is the major complaint about this laptop. And clearly, there are lots of testimonials on these forums about people who do use the various ports and have various work-related use-cases that are not well covered by the new laptop.

Portability means taking it to lots of places and environments, and this situation is not well served by a laptop with only USB-C ports. Of course that in a stationary workplace situation one can invest in specialised hardware to make it work, but that's not the point of a laptop.

On the flip side, I can also argue that portability means a thin and light device since I will actually be bringing it around with me. And that's achieved primarily by stripping away everything which can be considered as non-essential in a portable device.

You know your working environment best and the various situations and constraints you will likely face, and the onus is really on you as the user to plan around these issues, and tweak your environment to play to the strengths of your devices and downplay their drawbacks.

For example, I currently own a MacBook Air. At most, I just need a VGA adaptor (which I can keep handily in my shirt pocket) if I think will need to present from my laptop. Otherwise, I find I don't really need to plug anything in. Same with my iPad, because my classroom has an Apple TV.