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I supposed it's no different than removable SSD with exception of upgradability. If it needs repair, just like the removable SSD versions, you're either going to give them your login info or you're not. Better have frequent backups and tell them to format it if they need to repair it. Only a fool would give the repair shop access to their data.
 
The same as any other logic board component failure.
The SSD isn't a logic board component. And it has a much shorter expected lifespan than anything on the logic board.

Anyway, it should theoretically last longer than you'd want to own the laptop, but stuff happens, and it sucks to have one more thing soldered in that can fail.
 
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Will Apple certified repair centers have this? Bet it is just a LocalTalk to USB-C dongle.
Yes they will. Its a bit different than local talk. but the adapter is able to power on the ssd only component

What about the data? If you're using FileVault (full-disk encryption), do you have to provide your password? How do they give you back the data? Whats the protocol?

No data without password, thats how it works when you log on anyway. Don't provide the password, don't get your data I guess.


What if I have sensitive data that I need to do the backup myself and destroy the data in the drive before I send it for repairing?

Back up your data using time machine or any of the readily available services, no excuse not too. erase the drive and restore upon return?


You can have the data, but without your password you can't decrypt it.
No data without password.

You are a genius. Nobody else has ever thought of that. Have a cigar.

First, even if you have a backup, its still a hell of a lot more convenient if your repaired laptop, or an extracted SSD, comes back with all of its data and config intact up to the second it failed. Rebuilding from a backup can take time.

Second, its a laptop that people use on the road - you could still do hours of work between regular backups.

Third, there's the issue of people working with secure data who want to physically remove data from the machine before sending it for repair or disposal (they may even be obliged to do it by nonsensical one-size-fits-all regulations, so don't waste too much logic on refuting that one).

Fourth, if you're serious about backups you know that one backup is no backup at all. Having a soldered-in SSD that is guaranteed to die with the machine reduces the redundancy and may mean you need another tier of backup.

Finally - only two weeks ago I was spending time extracting files from a HD removed from a non-techie colleague's dead Mac. I'd made sure when the machine was purchased that they had an external HD set up with Time Machine etc. but, you can lead a horse to water etc... Some people making purchasing decisions about the new Macs will be dealing with other users & firing people who don't back up properly isn't always an option.

Plan your back ups or data options when traveling, have multiple back ups, use iCloud Drive to store stuff on the go, etc. soldered or not, never rely on the internal drive to be available and have back ups not a novel concept just plan ahead. like don't go on a. trip with one set of car keys so if you lose the pair or lock yourself out, you can get in.


I bought the original version of the MacBook Air, and the SSD fried within 2 weeks because the cooling system was not designed properly for running it hard (fixed on Rev 2). It also was soldered on, and when I took it back to Apple for repair they asked me to sign a form that said that I would not hold them accountable for anything that happened to the data on the hard drive, and that they could outsource the repair. I was pretty upset about this arrangement because they were basically saying that if anyone got hold of data on the SSD (like my password safe), I could not hold Apple accountable. As a compromise, I got a MacBook Pro replacement with a removable hard drive that I replaced with a kick ass removable SSD. Terrible design, but great customer service, but only because I fully understood what was going on and was nicely assertive. This new MBP has several issues, of which this is one.

first edition MacBook Air had a removable SSD not soldered on. it was not until 2011 editions I believe they had on board SSDs.
 
And this crap is the reason I don't use macs. Love iOS but Mac OS. Meh.
I've loved iOS since the beginning, but it's becoming too glitchy for me to live with. It gets buggier every update, especially the Music app. I'd have already switched to Android and lived with the crappy interface if it weren't so insecure and untrustworthy (due to Google).
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I supposed it's no different than removable SSD with exception of upgradability. If it needs repair, just like the removable SSD versions, you're either going to give them your login info or you're not. Better have frequent backups and tell them to format it if they need to repair it. Only a fool would give the repair shop access to their data.
It's different because you'd normally be able to replace it yourself instead of sending it in.
[doublepost=1480099765][/doublepost]Wait, can you not make a bootable flash drive, boot from that, and recover the data? There's also Target Disk Mode. What's different about this data recovery tool?
 
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Well if they did, most people probably would not pay the Apple Tax and by Macs. Apple did have the Mac Clones before, and that did not work out well for them.

I think that Apple designs the nicest looking hardware, but I personally do not buy their Macs for that reason. I buy their Macs to use the Mac's OS. The beautiful design is just a wonderful bonus.

Based off of everything happening at Apple over the past few years, I have worries about the future of Macs. I have been looking into Hackintosh and will probably go that route. I am not ready to make the jump to Windows, but a Hackintosh might be just what I am looking for. Also, keep in mind that I have been buying Macs since the mid 90's.
I am in the same boat. Been an Apple customer since late 90's. I Enjoy the OS and was enthusiastic about the hardware. Then along came the "new" Apple hardware designs where form over function led to essentially a disposable, underpowered, overpriced, fragmented, unfit for purpose product line... and I am fairly certain I will not purchase another Mac in the future. I will be building a hackintosh as my next computer.
 
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I hate to play devil's advocate here, since I too think the SSD integration on the motherboard sucks, but...

How many of these devices are actually failing these days? We have a LOT of Apple users at work, with work-purchased Macbooks, and outside of physical abuse to the machine, have seen practically *no* motherboard, memory, or SSD failures. In fact, the component that has most often failed for our users is a mechanical hard drive! Reliability is WAY up on these systems in my experience.

It may be that component reliability has reached a point where integrating the components saves more money than the money spent on having to replace the entire board instead of the part that failed.

It does suck more when something DOES fail, but how many failures are we seeing? I don't even bother to get AppleCare on Macbooks because they're so damn reliable.
 
What if I have sensitive data that I need to do the backup myself and destroy the data in the drive before I send it for repairing?

Have backups and use FileVault. Then the data is essentially unrecoverable on the drive and you can send in for repair. Restore your backup when you receive the repaired laptop.

I'd still prefer a removable drive but I gave that up with the rMB a couple years ago.
 
Any word on how much this will cost if you are out of warranty?
Or if you are moving to some other system? Like Windows or a Mac Pro which doesn't have USB-C?

Well if your logic board goes you now need to pay for a perfectly good EXPENSIVE SSD so factor that in and also how WASTEFUL apple the company that sell everyone on recycling are.
http://www.apple.com/uk/recycling/
and hold on a minute they really push their "greenness" yet will bin a perfect SSD due to a defective Logic board, no wonder Schiller is looking downwards in embarrassment:

Screen Shot 2016-11-25 at 20.38.31.png


Also at
49mins 50 secs
http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2016/

why doesn't Schiller say the SSD is soldered to the motherboard and NOT upgradable-

Screen Shot 2016-11-25 at 20.52.42.png


I wonder what all the disabled folk at the beginning of the key note would think of all this bearing in mind the touch pad is useless to most disabled folk:http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2016/
1 min 40sec I'm sure with heath care costs most disabled folk would go for entry level 128GB with a view to UPGRADE SSD in the future.
No more for those poor folk, thanks Schiller, NOT.
 
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or you could just back it up periodically...

This!

I don't get the complaints about non removable SSD. This is suppose to be a pro machine... meaning you already know what configuration you need for your line of work. So there is no need to upgrade any parts. Pros do NOT leave their entire files on a laptop. All old files get backed up and removed from their laptop. The only files they keep are the ones for current use and even those are backed up. So if it breaks, they buy another and keep going. It's not like as a pro you won't be writing off the costs in your taxes.
 
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This!

I don't get the complaints about non removable SSD. This is suppose to be a pro machine... meaning you already know what configuration you need for your line of work. So there is no need to upgrade any parts. Pros do NOT leave their entire files on a laptop. All old files get backed up and removed from their laptop. The only files they keep are the ones for current use and even those are backed up. So if it breaks, they buy another and keep going. It's not like as a pro you won't be writing off the costs in your taxes.

A lot of Pros work off site and cant backup for days.
Also a lot of folk go for the Pro but don't have deep pockets so want to upgrade the SSD in 2 or 3 years.
"All old files get backed up and removed from their laptop."
Oh great cant wait for the sleepless nights (our iMac on apple care uk had a 10 day turn around plenty of sleepless nights that was).

"The only files they keep are the ones for current use and even those are backed up."
So as I said at the beginning of post you never work "off site" for three days with no internet? also how do you explain the 60mins TM loss of data?

Also at 1min 40 sec how is the gimmicky bar going to help that unfortunate lady - I'm sure she would want to upgrade SSD as a lot of disabled folk dont have "deep pockets" due to health care costs.
http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2016/
 
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The moral of this story:

Backup your data.
Backup your data.
Backup your data.
yes we do but how about:

• staff off site for days, in areas with no wi-fi or 3 or 4G
• the precious 1 hours worth of TM data on the OK SSD that gets binned with your Logic board?
 
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No... that's not always revelant, that you "already know what configuration you need for your line of work". What often happens is a power user (I prefer that term to "pro" because I think it's more accurate.) buys as much computer as they can afford, with plans to upgrade down the road when the cost to do so drops.

When I bought my Late 2013 Mac Pro workstation, for example? I knew Apple's prices for both additional RAM and SSD storage were crazy high. So I purposely bought the configuration with the minimum amount of RAM and 256GB SSD storage. Almost immediately, I bought a third party 64GB RAM upgrade for hundreds less than Apple wanted, and bought a 512GB SSD upgrade for it about 6 months later, from an eBay merchant. Then I resold the original 256GB SSD to recoup much of the cost of buying the 512GB version.)

This is the problem with calling these systems "Pro" machines. It implies that the only customers for them are people doing work with their machines that generates large amounts of income. In reality? Many power users are folks who are computer enthusiasts, often doing demanding tasks with a machine, but don't necessarily make money with those tasks. They can't just write off the cost on taxes, nor can they always afford the high spec configurations at the time of purchase.

There's nothing really "better" about a computer with the SSD soldered in place. It wasn't taking up much space to begin with in the form Apple had been using. I can't see ANY justification in making this change except trying to ensure people don't go aftermarket to upgrade.

This!

I don't get the complaints about non removable SSD. This is suppose to be a pro machine... meaning you already know what configuration you need for your line of work. So there is no need to upgrade any parts. Pros do NOT leave their entire files on a laptop. All old files get backed up and removed from their laptop. The only files they keep are the ones for current use and even those are backed up. So if it breaks, they buy another and keep going. It's not like as a pro you won't be writing off the costs in your taxes.
 
yes we do but how about:

• staff off site for days, in areas with no wi-fi or 3 or 4G
• the precious 1 hours worth of TM data on the OK SSD that gets binned with your Logic board?

Should be doing the same thing you'd do if it was removable: backup to portable drives.

If the SSD fails (which is more likely than a logic board), you're ****ed without a backup even if the drive was removable. Plan for the worst case scenario.
 
I'm a pro - in that my MBP is the tool I use day in day out to make money.
I am backing up my entire disk every 3 hours to a local Raid 1 NAS.
The NAS in turn is backed up to a cloud service.
Trust me, I'm backed up!

Let's just call it for what it is, penny pinching to save a few bobs on sockets. At the same time making the out of warranty repairs either much more lucrative or financially unfeasible.
I'm going to go with the second one.

I've been paying eye-watering amounts of money for every Mac I've ever bought. But on the flip side they tend to last about 6 years or so. This is obviously really bad for Apple in their current short term thinking minds. In their spreadsheets I should be buying a new computer every 2-3 years and still remain as loyal to the brand. Problem is my loyalty is conditional, just like their warranty terms.

I've long been a die hard fan-boy and I never thought the day would come but I can't see myself buying another Mac.
 
Don't hold your breath on that. If anything Apple does, they are not going to give away a service for free out of warranty ( iPhone 6 touch disease). All i see here is a money making machine for apple. You all have fun with that!!!
I take it you are not an Apple customer? My total cost in repairs so far paid to Apple is £0.
 
I'd wager Apple would do this for free if you were out of warranty

lulz. Unlikely. Data xfer =£€$¥

Bs. I almost guarantee Apple will do it for free.

I almost garuntee they won't. You should have a backup.

A dead SSD should mean a simple replacement of the SSD, not the entire board. Soldering the SSD to the board makes this recovery tool and the "port to nowhere" necessary.

If the SSD is fried how do you propose data is coming off of it? Soldered to a board or not. If that sh*t has failed, your stuff is gone. This tool is a glorified hard drive caddy.
 
yes we do but how about:

• staff off site for days, in areas with no wi-fi or 3 or 4G
• the precious 1 hours worth of TM data on the OK SSD that gets binned with your Logic board?

Carry a drive. Seriously. This is exactly what I used to do when working offsite before the days of cloud backups and ubiquitous broadband. Know your tools and plan accordingly. (Of course, I'm talking to the crowd that seems to think carrying a dongle on their daily commute is some kind of Herculean task so maybe I'm asking too much.)

If the next hour of data is so sensitive you can't afford to lose it AND are in a situation where loss is likely, you have planned poorly.

There is almost no excuse to ever need data recovery these days. Only the most contrived circumstances can't be managed by a backup drive and those circumstances are probably sufficiently niche and rugged that a MacBook Pro is the wrong tool.

Encrypt and backup. It solves basically every potential issue here. If you aren't already doing both of those on a modern mobile computer, no one can save you from your own foolishness.

I cannot even understand all the rage. This is just complaining to complain. (And the complaints are literally related to the fact that a data recovery tool exists. Uhhh... yeah... that sucks. Wish they didn't have one.)
 
If the SSD is fried how do you propose data is coming off of it? Soldered to a board or not. If that sh*t has failed, your stuff is gone. This tool is a glorified hard drive caddy.
You seem to be conflating a concern for data loss with the issue of soldered SSD's. They're related but not the same. A non-soldered fried SSD can be plucked out, replaced and you can keep it moving. A fried soldered SSD requires the replacement of the entire mother board. An unnecessary replacement. And again, it limits the consumer's ability to upgrade the computer over time to extend it's life. This tool may be a glorified hard drive caddy, but it's a tool that should have never been needed.
 
You seem to be conflating a concern for data loss with the issue of soldered SSD's. They're related but not the same. A non-soldered fried SSD can be plucked out, replaced and you can keep it moving. A fried soldered SSD requires the replacement of the entire mother board. An unnecessary replacement. And again, it limits the consumer's ability to upgrade the computer over time to extend it's life. This tool may be a glorified hard drive caddy, but it's a tool that should have never been needed.

Well based on that premise replacing a whole SSD isn't necessary if you can find the part of the SSD that has failed. It's just a question of granularity.

Anyway, my point is it's still a tool that's not needed if people back up their data. Regardless of what part is being replaced. The fact I'm trying to highlight is people shouldn't rely on Apple to get their stuff back for them. Your post just helped me shine a spotlight - I personally don't like that SSD's are soldered on either!
 
The SSD isn't a logic board component. And it has a much shorter expected lifespan than anything on the logic board.

LOL. Other than the dGPU, in Apple's case :)
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Well if your logic board goes you now need to pay for a perfectly good EXPENSIVE SSD so factor that in and also how WASTEFUL apple the company that sell everyone on recycling are.
http://www.apple.com/uk/recycling/
and hold on a minute they really push their "greenness" yet will bin a perfect SSD due to a defective Logic board, no wonder Schiller is looking downwards in embarrassment:

View attachment 674692

Also at
49mins 50 secs
http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2016/

why doesn't Schiller say the SSD is soldered to the motherboard and NOT upgradable-

View attachment 674695

I wonder what all the disabled folk at the beginning of the key note would think of all this bearing in mind the touch pad is useless to most disabled folk:http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2016/
1 min 40sec I sure with heath care costs most disabled folk would go for entry level 128GB with a view to UPGRADE SSD in the future.
No more for those poor folk, thanks Schiller, NOT.

Yes, Apple didn't list ANY components that are soldered. It also didn't list which components use Si3N4. And it didn't reveal the boron doping concentration of the T1 processor. So many things Apple is trying to hide from us.
 
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This is purely speculation but I'd wager Apple would do this for free if you were out of warranty - it's their own fault for soldering down the SSD.

Not sure about your other question, but I imagine they'd have an adapter to plug the tool into a non-USB-C device? Rumour has it they're big on dongles...
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