Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac OS's 6-7% market share is totally going to be the impetus for companies and dev's to utilize this gimmick. Especially with pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures.
Apple's Market Share, according to Gartner / IDC, was about 7.1% in the 2nd quarter this year (see what I did there, I made a statement and included a link to where I got the data). And yet, for some reason, all kinds of companies take the time to write software for the platform. Heck, they were still doing it when Apple's Market Share was 1/3 of where it is now (see, I did it again). Perhaps the relationship between Market Share and the value of a platform is not all that simple?

I have not seen any evidence of "pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures". Time will tell.
 
Last edited:
But don't you know the Magic Bar is 'the future' while Surface Studio is 'the past'.
Well, a year or so from now when most devices are shipping with USB Type C connectors and another generation beyond USB-3.0 (already very dated technology, MBP uses USB 3.1 Gen 2) your statement about the Surface Studio will be considered prescient. I will be sure to credit you.
 
Why keep the existing function row? The only purpose they serve are to control brightness, play music, change volume, etc. Beyond that, it's just taking up keyboard space, so it makes sense to expand the capabilities of the function row.

I don't mean to sound rude but those keys do a lot more for developers, photogs - basically all pros. Each of those keys are shortcuts that enable productivity. The people who are calling this bar a gimmick use their laptops for a lot more than just a web browsing cool machine.
 
I don't mean to sound rude but those keys do a lot more for developers, photogs - basically all pros. Each of those keys are shortcuts that enable productivity. The people who are calling this bar a gimmick use their laptops for a lot more than just a web browsing cool machine.
Well it's a good thing you can keep the function keys on the Touch Bar, isn't it? But imagine for a moment: context sensitive function keys that automatically switch depending on what you are doing and actually offer a graphical representation of the current function? Currently in Avid Media Composer I have 3 different keyboard shortcut set-ups saved because Avid has chosen to allow only a single modifier key (Shift) and I am a FCP keyboard junkie that wants a lot more than that. Though I am doubtful Avid will update their software for the Touch Bar any time soon I can imagine how it would be extremely helpful with my desire not to have to be switching keyboard set-ups.

Did I mention the part where you can set it to show only function keys?
 
Mac OS's 6-7% market share is totally going to be the impetus for companies and dev's to utilize this gimmick. Especially with pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures.


What I am thinking. Don't think many realize many applications on mac os are windows ports. take windows app, throw in cross platform tech and release. If not putting a big budget on it, it could be an overglorifed wine wrapper even.

catch here being it be that cross platform tech that would have to support the touchbar. that's the middleman translating windows and mac os. If middleman doesn't speak touchbar....

Compounded by linux would need to adopt touchbar support. You see...when you run crossplatform tech a shrewd company goes lets go most bang for the buck. We've converted an application that speaks .net 4 to lingo mac os speaks. while here and to make most use of cross platform license....lets have this talk to RH (variants) or debian (variants) at least too.

they aren't going deep end mac rebuilding the tl;dr. fix bugs, same function level-ish (some ported apps have feature variances from windows version) as windows, move on. worst case touchbar would have to take of on windows side imo for cross platform to even care about the effort. While some seem to be all about the loss of f keys in mac os....windows side f keys are much more alive and well. Not sure how that would pan out tbh.

will some do it? maybe. Not seeing a surge though. At least until cross platform technology adopts this into the system.
 
I hope I am wrong but still see the touch bar as a gimmick.These laptop versions may be the best MacBook Pros' to date, but they don't hit my mark as innovative or interesting when looking only at the touch bar. I still value and recommend Macs. I enjoy and benefit from my older MacBook Pro 15" laptop, iPhone 7 and iPad 9.7 Pro. I also have a 2nd gen MacBook. But the touch bar is not a primary reason to buy a new MacBook Pro laptop. It is a transition and marketing hype, nothing more. Keyboard is input; screen is information. Wait and Apple will go 100% on touch as an additional input to Macs. It is coming, just not today regardless of what they say. This is an intermediary that assumes you can't type. That's code for mainstream and maximized profit. Hold off if you can. If you need a Mac today sure. These look to be the best MacBooks to date. But if you can wait, wait. Apple says A but will soon champion B. Count on it. Multiple input means is the future. These are temporary solutions, even if they are the best Macs to date.
 
Oh no! Apple's gone and done something new! The only thing MacRumors readers hate more than when Apple does something new is when Apple doesn't do something new.

Reading these forums since the NEW MacBook Pro was introduced reminds me of one of my favourite comments regarding the "fear of new":


Well, except unlike the guy in the video most haven't even got their hands on the Touch Bar yet.
[doublepost=1479170715][/doublepost]
What I am thinking. Don't think many realize many applications on mac os are windows ports.
Yes, that is an argument I certainly didn't take into consideration because none of the software I use to make my living is a "port from windows". In fact, with Adobe and DaVinci Resolve on board, along with Apple Apps, my only big-work daily hold out would be Avid Media Composer which I am assured is not simply a "port" but it sure feels like it sometimes.

Other than games, which I have yet to figure out how to make a living playing, I am not familiar with software that is merely a port from Windows that I couldn't live without. Maybe you could post a link to one or two? What is this software that is the reason Apple should not develop a new input mechanism?
 
Last edited:
Well it's a good thing you can keep the function keys on the Touch Bar, isn't it? But imagine for a moment: context sensitive function keys that automatically switch depending on what you are doing and actually offer a graphical representation of the current function? Currently in Avid Media Composer I have 3 different keyboard shortcut set-ups saved because Avid has chosen to allow only a single modifier key (Shift) and I am a FCP keyboard junkie that wants a lot more than that. Though I am doubtful Avid will update their software for the Touch Bar any time soon I can imagine how it would be extremely helpful with my desire not to have to be switching keyboard set-ups.

Did I mention the part where you can set it to show only function keys?

I am glad that someone sees the use of these keys. Yes you seemed to have mentioned that I can keep the function keys ;)

It depends on how you type. I don't look up and down while typing but for me to accurately use the touch bar I will have to look down. It will slow me down and I know many others who also feel the same.

Now the real issue is the cost of the machine. I feel the price rise is unjustified when there are old components being used that are much cheaper today. The only difference is this bar. All other upgrades like processor, Bluetooth etc are just a part of the cycle. The only new thing is this bar and it is hard to justify for a lot of people. People would have still complained but if the cost was low more people would have bought it. I held out because of the price rise. I think people will get over the startup chime, the glowing logo etc. The reduction in battery was just not needed. don't want to go on about this again. :(
 
What I am thinking. Don't think many realize many applications on mac os are windows ports. take windows app, throw in cross platform tech and release. If not putting a big budget on it, it could be an overglorifed wine wrapper even.

catch here being it be that cross platform tech that would have to support the touchbar. that's the middleman translating windows and mac os. If middleman doesn't speak touchbar....

Compounded by linux would need to adopt touchbar support. You see...when you run crossplatform tech a shrewd company goes lets go most bang for the buck. We've converted an application that speaks .net 4 to lingo mac os speaks. while here and to make most use of cross platform license....lets have this talk to RH (variants) or debian (variants) at least too.

they aren't going deep end mac rebuilding the tl;dr. fix bugs, same function level-ish (some ported apps have feature variances from windows version) as windows, move on. worst case touchbar would have to take of on windows side imo for cross platform to even care about the effort. While some seem to be all about the loss of f keys in mac os....windows side f keys are much more alive and well. Not sure how that would pan out tbh.

will some do it? maybe. Not seeing a surge though. At least until cross platform technology adopts this into the system.
In addition to your line of thought a lot of pro tools that enter the market are in-house tools that have been further developed to be licensed to other companies. The odds of these applications ever getting touch bar support are laughably low. This is how the conversation will go:

Dev: So I can assign shortcuts to key with modifiers or .... I can go through this stupid api and create graphics as well... Shortcuts mapped to keys are great...thanks.

Dev: So you want me to create a tiny visual timeline for users to scrub through? What? Is their trackpad broken?
 
Last edited:
Apple's Market Share, according to Gartner / IDC, was about 7.1% in the 2nd quarter this year (see what I did there, I made a statement and included a link to where I got the data). And yet, for some reason, all kinds of companies take the time to write software for the platform. Heck, they were still doing it when Apple's Market Share was 1/3 of where it is now (see, I did it again). Perhaps the relationship between Market Share and the value of a platform is not all that simple?

I have not seen any evidence of "pro's leaving Apple for greener pastures". Time will tell.

I have spent time researching windows alternative and nothing comes close but I wouldn't be that arrogant about people not leaving. People are not leaving yet in big numbers because there isn't a good alternative which doesn't mean Apple produced something really groundbreaking. Remember how good Blackberry was for "pros". See what I did there? I didn't provide you any data because I don't need to prove anything to you. This is only a play on your words. Don't mean to be rude:)
[doublepost=1479173524][/doublepost]
I hope I am wrong but still see the touch bar as a gimmick.These laptop versions may be the best MacBook Pros' to date, but they don't hit my mark as innovative or interesting when looking only at the touch bar. I still value and recommend Macs. I enjoy and benefit from my older MacBook Pro 15" laptop, iPhone 7 and iPad 9.7 Pro. I also have a 2nd gen MacBook. But the touch bar is not a primary reason to buy a new MacBook Pro laptop. It is a transition and marketing hype, nothing more. Keyboard is input; screen is information. Wait and Apple will go 100% on touch as an additional input to Macs. It is coming, just not today regardless of what they say. This is an intermediary that assumes you can't type. That's code for mainstream and maximized profit. Hold off if you can. If you need a Mac today sure. These look to be the best MacBooks to date. But if you can wait, wait. Apple says A but will soon champion B. Count on it. Multiple input means is the future. These are temporary solutions, even if they are the best Macs to date.

They said the 3.5 inch phone is the best size but now we have 3 variants all NOT 3.5.
 
Really???:rolleyes: Developers don't want to waste time developing touch bar buttons only available on one device.

Who would have thought that????

Apple get off your lazy arses and provide some unity in your product lines for once. Make a wireless keyboard with this feature, package it along with your forgotten desktops and put it in all of your laptops if you want adoption of this gimmick.
Better yet, provide this functionality in an iPad app that interacts with a desktop or laptop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pcmacgamer
Got my Macbook 15 inch today(full spec). Guys, I have to say, I am really disappointed with this new MacBook. As a graphic/web designer, I've longed for a new MacBook since the MacBook air release and was optimistic, regardless the mix reviews. But unfortunately, I will be returning it tomorrow. I rarely leave comments, but felt like I had to for this one. I'll keep this brief.

Here's why this 15 inch, MacBook pro touch bar will be shipped back to apple. But first, let's start with the pros:

Pros:
  1. Display is ok and vibrant
  2. Very thin
  3. Space grey
  4. Thin bezel
  5. Speakers. Oh man it's loud.
  6. Fast, but ram get's devoured really quick.
  7. Overall, this laptop feels great and premium in the hands.

Cons:
  1. Touchbar is so gimmicky(trackpad can do the same functions at a fraction of the time). After 10 minutes of use, you forget it's there. Also, when looking closer on the Touchbar, it seem that Apple used a low resolution Oled strip. It's blurry. Don't led the pictures fool you. I can't believe apple charged extra for this. I thought I wouldn't mind this new direction, but it's really bad guys.
  2. Gets really hot fast
  3. Keyboard. Wanted to like it, but after 30 minutes of use, I can't stand it. Way too stiff. I think apple nailed the travel/feel on the standalone magic keyboard.
  4. Trackpad is unreasonably huge. I thought I wouldn't mind it at first, but the palm rejection wouldn't work most of the time. It's obtrusive and ruins the typing experience.

As an Apple enthusiastic, I really wanted to like this, even with the lack of ports. But the $3500+ price tag doesn't justify it. I strongly suggest that you get your hands on it at your local apple store to get a feel. It's a beautiful laptop, but that's not the main issue here.
 

Attachments

  • Picture.jpg
    Picture.jpg
    590.5 KB · Views: 405
The Touch Bar should be a $500 option like Corinthian leather on Mercedes. But then again, why not just force it on everyone? (Because no one would buy it if they didn't)
 
Last edited:
I see Apple going back on their word and introducing an iMac in the first half of 2017 with rudimentary touch support and pencil support. The form factor will feature a display similar to the Surface Studio. Phil Schiller will get up on stage and talk about this focusing on specific use cases and how they worked with major software developers like Adobe and Autodesk to deliver compatible products.
 
Got my Macbook 15 inch today(full spec). Guys, I have to say, I am really disappointed with this new MacBook. As a graphic/web designer, I've longed for a new MacBook since the MacBook air release and was optimistic, regardless the mix reviews. But unfortunately, I will be returning it tomorrow. I rarely leave comments, but felt like I had to for this one. I'll keep this brief.

Here's why this 15 inch, MacBook pro touch bar will be shipped back to apple. But first, let's start with the pros:

Pros:
  1. Display is ok and vibrant
  2. Very thin
  3. Space grey
  4. Thin bezel
  5. Speakers. Oh man it's loud.
  6. Fast, but ram get's devoured really quick.
  7. Overall, this laptop feels great and premium in the hands.

Cons:
  1. Touchbar is so gimmicky(trackpad can do the same functions at a fraction of the time). After 10 minutes of use, you forget it's there. Also, when looking closer on the Touchbar, it seem that Apple used a low resolution Oled strip. It's blurry. Don't led the pictures fool you. I can't believe apple charged extra for this. I thought I wouldn't mind this new direction, but it's really bad guys.
  2. Gets really hot fast
  3. Keyboard. Wanted to like it, but after 30 minutes of use, I can't stand it. Way too stiff. I think apple nailed the travel/feel on the standalone magic keyboard.
  4. Trackpad is unreasonably huge. I thought I wouldn't mind it at first, but the palm rejection wouldn't work most of the time. It's obtrusive and ruins the typing experience.

As an Apple enthusiastic, I really wanted to like this, even with the lack of ports. But the $3500+ price tag doesn't justify it. I strongly suggest that you get your hands on it at your local apple store to get a feel. It's a beautiful laptop, but that's not the main issue here.

Thanks for the response.

Why is the trackpad bigger? Purpose? I was wondering about the interference.
If the Touchpad is so great, why isn't it on all of the laptops? (Rhetorical question).

If Apple says touchscreen is so bad, why have a touch bar? Same ol' thing, isn't it?

I see the point completely. Screen for visual, trackpad for input. Now you have a 3rd input/visual item, touchpad, and far complicates situation.
[doublepost=1479186149][/doublepost]
I see Apple going back on their word and introducing an iMac in the first half of 2017 with rudimentary touch support and pencil support. The form factor will feature a display similar to the Surface Studio. Phil Schiller will get up on stage and talk about this focusing on specific use cases and how they worked with major software developers like Adobe and Autodesk to deliver compatible products.
Yes, what about the rest of the line? Sounds like a mess!
 
I wasn't even considering one of these new Pros until I saw that Compressor has been enhanced for it!!!
 
Seeing final cut for $299 breaks my heart, here in Australia it's $499. Even with the conversation it's still $95 more expensive for some reason...
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.