Apple to Release Thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC

[Sporaktu]

I actually do use my Ethernet port almost daily (I work with RFID readers and have to program them using Ethernet) and I am not at all disappointed with the loss of an Ethernet port. Bring on the USB 3 adapters.

In fact, I want all those goodies that are being speculated on. Nix that optical drive, I can get an external for $20 on the rare occasion I would use it. Big SSDs (512GB at least as an option), faster (I'm going to get a ton of hate for this) non-AMD graphics card so I can actually update the drivers in Windows, and 802.11ac wifi!

Retina displays are really cool, but I won't be upset if it doesn't come to pass. What I REALLY want are lots and lots of USB 3 ports! Bring 'em on, 15 - 20 USB ports. I want my laptop to look like a freaking lotus flower!

I kid, of course, but if I had 4-5 USB 3 ports I would happily kiss all these old formats goodbye.

 

[gatortpk]

Why the complaints of no ethernet port?

I don't get it. How often do we use the ethernet port when we use Wifi even for stationary desktop computers? Wifi is still faster than just about any ISP anyway! (If you want to transfer files faster, use the FireWire.)

How many people actually use their laptops connected to a ethernet cable? Also, I'm sure the iMacs and MacMini will still have the ethernet ports even though they may not be used much either.

I actually do use the ethernet port (rarely) to do high speed file transfer to Unibody MacBook that doesn't have FireWire. I also use it for repairing dumb tower PCs without a Wifi card; I use any one of my Macs as a ethernet router (Internet Sharing over Wifi). It's still a rare usage, but that's me, I doubt many other people really use the ethernet port at all!

If you really don't want to use the often built in Wifi with your ISP, or even buy a $40 router, you can always buy a cheap USB to Ethernet adaptor and sit next to your router.

 

[mdgm]

I don't get it. How often do we use the ethernet port when we use Wifi even for stationary desktop computers?

All the desktop computers I manage are connected via ethernet even the ones which have WiFi cards. Ethernet is more reliable and faster for transfers over the network. This frees up WiFi for use by my laptop when away from my desk.

(If you want to transfer files faster, use the FireWire.)

Firewire is only found on Macs and you have to connect it to the Mac you want to use it with or connect it to a Mac and share it over the network. I prefer to manage my storage differently.

How many people actually use their laptops connected to a ethernet cable?

I do when I want to make large file transfers. WiFi is fine for internet browsing but for large file transfers it is way, way too slow. Also some businesses see WiFi as a security risk and hence don't allow it.

If you really don't want to use the often built in Wifi with your ISP, or even buy a $40 router, you can always buy a cheap USB to Ethernet adaptor and sit next to your router.

I do use WiFi. I don't see WiFi and ethernet as either or, I see both as important and necessary functions in a professional laptop. As for USB to ethernet that is a ridiculous option. Gigabit ethernet has been around for years and Apple's USB to ethernet solution is only 100Mbit because USB2 isn't quick enough for a gigabit connection to go over it.

 

[declandio]

I don't get it. How often do we use the ethernet port when we use Wifi even for stationary desktop computers? Wifi is still faster than just about any ISP anyway! (If you want to transfer files faster, use the FireWire.)

How many people actually use their laptops connected to a ethernet cable?

I doubt many other people really use the ethernet port at all!

If you really don't want to use the often built in Wifi with your ISP, or even buy a $40 router, you can always buy a cheap USB to Ethernet adaptor and sit next to your router.

I use an ethernet cable on a mbp every day at work. You can't beat it, wifi doesn't even come close.

 

[pacalis]

Firewire is only found on Macs and you have to connect it to the Mac you want to use it with or connect it to a Mac and share it over the network. I prefer to manage my storage differently.

Many Sony's have firewire too, even though they are starting to phase out. I think this is because of their use with camcorders.

 

[Wingsnbeer]

Finally get rid of the superdrive.

If you want a MB w/o the SuperDrive get a MB Air. I want a MB Pro with SuperDrive. In fact I want the SuperDrive to support Bluray.

Add no the external SuperDrive isn't going to cut it. I don't want to lug around peripherals.

----------

I use an ethernet cable on a mbp every day at work. You can't beat it, wifi doesn't even come close.

Ditto...

 

[gatortpk]

Gigabit ethernet has been around for years and Apple's USB to ethernet solution is only 100Mbit because USB2 isn't quick enough for a gigabit connection to go over it.

True, Gigabit ethernet has been around for over a decade. Even my old PowerBook G4 Titanium from 11 years ago had Gigabit ethernet (even though it couldn't handle those speeds).

It does make sense that USB to ethernet will only be at 100Mbps speeds. But ThunderBolt to Ethernet could do Gigabit Ethernet (even 10 Gigabit Ethernet in theory, but that'd be an expensive adapter).

I like the idea of ThunderBolt to EVERY thing else with an adapter, so Apple can stop putting multiple ports on the smaller MacBooks and concentrate on making them in more desirable shapes (thinner, or more tapered at the edges, etc.).

I just wish that ThunderBolt adapters were less expensive, that was the point in the beginning. (I suppose with wider adoption it will be).

 

[Wingsnbeer]

I don't get it. How often do we use the ethernet port when we use Wifi even for stationary desktop computers? Wifi is still faster than just about any ISP anyway! (If you want to transfer files faster, use the FireWire.)

How many people actually use their laptops connected to a ethernet cable? Also, I'm sure the iMacs and MacMini will still have the ethernet ports even though they may not be used much either.

I actually do use the ethernet port (rarely) to do high speed file transfer to Unibody MacBook that doesn't have FireWire. I also use it for repairing dumb tower PCs without a Wifi card; I use any one of my Macs as a ethernet router (Internet Sharing over Wifi). It's still a rare usage, but that's me, I doubt many other people really use the ethernet port at all!

If you really don't want to use the often built in Wifi with your ISP, or even buy a $40 router, you can always buy a cheap USB to Ethernet adaptor and sit next to your router.

For the average user WiFi is fine. For me though it doesn't cut it. Portable devices are limited by storage. I have a 500 GIG drive in my old MB and that's not nearly enough for what I do. So have I have a 4TB NAS attached to my network. You try transcoding 4GB video files over WiFi and you'll reconsider the usefulness of GigE.

If Apple wanted to impress me they would include 10GigE in the MB Pro.

 

[jxc1996]

Wrong

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

First of all, Android tablets are not in any way tapping into the iPad market... second of all, to think that the most valuable company in the world by market cap will fold in the next 18-24 months is ludacris....

 

[funkybudda]

First of all, Android tablets are not in any way tapping into the iPad market... second of all, to think that the most valuable company in the world by market cap will fold in the next 18-24 months is ludacris....

lol... yep, keep telling yourself that, w/e makes you sleep better at night.

Win 8 tablet will throw even more options into the tablet market, let see what kind of impact that will create...

 

[gatortpk]

For the average user WiFi is fine. For me though it doesn't cut it. Portable devices are limited by storage. I have a 500 GIG drive in my old MB and that's not nearly enough for what I do. So have I have a 4TB NAS attached to my network. You try transcoding 4GB video files over WiFi and you'll reconsider the usefulness of GigE.

If Apple wanted to impress me they would include 10GigE in the MB Pro.

10 Gigabit Ethernet would be cool. After all, ThunderBolt can do that both ways simultaneously.

I have a 2TB and a 3TB Hard drive connected to my FireWire 800 port. I usually get 75-85 MB/s speed. (I strangely got 117 MB/s speed sustained once before, don't know how that's possible, and no it wasn't combined speed with something else).

I don't see how NAS attached over Gigabit Ethernet would be any faster than FireWire 800. Aren't the real world Gigabit Ethernet speeds more like 55-65 MB/s? (around 50% theoretical max?)

 

[BK.]

Are you an Observer to have your time flow so mixed up? They have not "removed" anything because they have yet to announce anything. That will likely happen next week, and repeating the same old speculations from months ago will not influence what the next-gen MBP does or doesn't have.

Again with the time confusion, this time mistaking the future for the present, with the same bogus assumptions. The icing on the metaphorical cake is the misuse of "less", where a ten year old would know to use "fewer".

You're asking me whether I've had my time flow mixed up when you're the one posting in a thread from May 14th? Pretty sure nobody cares about this anymore, I'm afraid.

LOL and your credibility just went under the bus, bye!

repeating the same old speculations from months ago will not influence what the next-gen MBP does or doesn't have.

I haven't repeated anything since my original posts in this thread. You're the one that brought it back up. As far as I knew it was dead and buried.

Perhaps one needs to check the dates before replying with an attitude. Otherwise situations like this may occur, and well, it all gets kind of awkward.

The icing on the cake for me is the irony of someone attempting to climb on their high horse, seemingly unaware that the horse has already bolted.

Pity. Better luck next time.

 

[macman312]

I really doubt that is accurate because they wouldn't ditch the SD card slot, the thunderbolt slot or the ethernet port. The only way of doing that would be to ditch the super drive and put the other ports on the other side.

However the "pro" indicates otherwise. I think the superdrive will be kept or at least had as a no cost option (or very little cost eg $80-100). because of the need for bigger hard drives for people who need more than 128GB and don't want to spend half the cost of the computer for a SSD 500GB hard drive.

With the macbook pro many people use it as a desktop computer which is also portable but has things such as a large hard drive, more ports, a super drive etc.

They wouldn't (or it would be a huge mistake if they did) ditch the superdrive, sd card slot, thunderbolt or ethernet ports. I suppose they MAY ditch firewire800 in favour of thunderbolt.

With the demands of the customer they will not be able to make it as thin as an air but they will make it slightly lighter.

 

[samsandy]

Most people hardly use ethernet ports on their laptops I can't understand why everyone is going mental over losing it. I've had my MacBook for 4 years now it never been plugged into ethernet. Also my 2011 iMac has also never been plugged in and its a desktop. Everyone calm down!!!!

 

[Christian Toren]

Ethernet

So why would we not more easily conclude Apple will simply include some form of adapter cable or plug to allow Ethernet from say USB 3, or a GB WiFi?

 

[laurim]

So why would we not more easily conclude Apple will simply include some form of adapter cable or plug to allow Ethernet from say USB 3, or a GB WiFi?

They would never include that for free when it's not essential for everyone to have. Most people use wireless with a laptop. Laptops are meant to be MOBILE, after all. It would be a specialty adapter for purchase for those people who actually need it.

----------

If you want a MB w/o the SuperDrive get a MB Air.

I suggest you take a couple seconds to go on the Apple website and compare the specs of a 17" MBPro with a 13" Air and rethink this statement.

 

[Titanium81]

First of all, Android tablets are not in any way tapping into the iPad market... second of all, to think that the most valuable company in the world by market cap will fold in the next 18-24 months is ludacris....

EXACTLY, I think it was 11.5 Million iOS devices were sold in 1st Q 2012 vs. 800,000 for all other brands Android, Blackberry... Apple clearly has NO competition.

 

[cmChimera]

I'm sorry, what was your point again?

If anything, I hope that this demonstrates how asinine both arguments are; the fact of the matter is that most of the people on here wanting a machine without an optical drive and Ethernet, don't really have a use for any other MacBook Pro feature other than the larger screen sizes. For those that do have uses for such a hybrid of the two lines as they currently stand today, they are in the minority; which doesn't make their wants and/or needs invalid, just unlikely to be served by Apple. Stupid really, they should have more options.

You said this. It was wrong. People Macbook Pro's for a variety of reasons, and there are plenty of differences between the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro even if the ODD and ethernet port are removed.

 

[p4madeus]

This will doom the company. The thinner laptops are worthless overpriced netbooks. Why pay so much money when you can have the same functionality with a $150 netbook?

Already android phones and tablets are driving Apple out of the market, and once they lose the PC market, the company will probably fold up by 2013-14 at the latest.

Yes because a $150 netbook with a dual core Atom processor and a low rez 10" screen is somehow comparable to a MacBook with a quad i7 and a 17" retina screen? You're delusional... by your logic your car is an overpriced bicycle.

 

[p4madeus]

Because MOST people don't need it inside their computer and if you are truly "PRO" you can buy the adapter. An adapter does not take that much space on your bag and if you really want to have every type of port you should just buy a 17". My guess is that most PROs that use a hard connection use it at the same office so you can just leave the adapter in your office, no extra 'weight'. All this is doing is GAINING, NO LOSS. Smaller form factor & weight and an adapter for whoever needs to use hard connections.

This. Chances are 95% of the time you would actually use hard wired ethernet is in the same location, i.e. your office/workstation/whatever. You attach the adapter to your ethernet cable that's already there and forget about it. Nothing changes, except now you have a lighter laptop to carry around. In the odd case you need to use ethernet somewhere else, bring it with. If you do use ethernet on the go often, chances are you already carry and ethernet cable with you, because there's no guarantee one will be supplied for you anywhere you go... once again just attach the dongle to the ethernet cable in your laptop bag and forget it exists.

Same applies to the ODD... get a cheap external and leave it at your office/workstation/whatever. You don't need the $80 Apple branded one. Shop around, they're all more or less the same. When you need it, plug it in. Now you don't have to carry it around when you don't need it.

 

[T-R-S]

by are people going to be disappointed at the annoucements next week. Apple's SOP for years and years is small baby step upgrades.

 

[Paradoxally]

lol... yep, keep telling yourself that, w/e makes you sleep better at night.

Win 8 tablet will throw even more options into the tablet market, let see what kind of impact that will create...

It's true, Android tablets have got NOTHING on the iPad market. They are intended for a cheaper market. When you get to the iPad's price range, most people opt for Apple's tablet.

Windows 8? Please. Windows 8 is a mess, both for desktop computers and I don't see them gaining any market share because even Android is better than that and has more functionality.

 

[mdgm]

Most people hardly use ethernet ports on their laptops I can't understand why everyone is going mental over losing it. I've had my MacBook for 4 years now it never been plugged into ethernet. Also my 2011 iMac has also never been plugged in and its a desktop. Everyone calm down!!!!

Just because you don't use a feature it doesn't mean that other people don't. Every Mac I've owned I've used with ethernet at the very least from time to time. For reliability, performance and (for some) security it's the best option. You may not mind losing it, but for me it's something I use every day. I'd like to keep the optical drive too but that's not something I use quite as often. What I really would've liked to see Apple do is keep the same form factor upgrade to Blu-Ray optical drives (never going to happen because Apple believes we should all buy stuff from their iTunes Store), upgrade to Retina Display, Ivy Bridge, USB3 etc. The current design is fine and there's no need to change it. Personally I reckon Apple should keep the Air and Pro lines differentiated and if people want a thin laptop they should buy an Air.

I manage multiple iMacs and all are connected to networks via ethernet despite them all having WiFi cards.

 

[subvoice]

So, to recap, people are upset because a port that a niche market might want to use is being dropped to make a portable device more portable. A port that, thanks to WiFi, is not longer needed. And, for those who have to have it, can get an adapter for about $25 bucks.


...and the issue is what, again?

the issue is that in certain companies, due to security issues, you have to connect by ethernet cable. I work in such a company where we all like apple computers, hate adapters and wish apple would take us seriously. which they of course do not as the mass market is much more interesting for them (big bucks). apple does not need the corporate dollar.... at least not now.... they will of coarse appeal to businesses again when the consumer market goes belly-up for them.... and that will be too late. well, anyways, this is not a niche market by far my friend!

 

[Yebubbleman]

You said this. It was wrong. People Macbook Pro's for a variety of reasons, and there are plenty of differences between the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro even if the ODD and ethernet port are removed.

Please reread the passage you keep quoting. I say that most people not wanting/needing the optical drive and the ethernet also don't need the the other things that differentiate the MacBook Pro from the MacBook Air. I don't mean to make any assumption as to the worth of said things; to me they're priceless and why I will never be a MacBook Air customer. But for Joe Consumer, if you can sacrifice the optical drive and the ethernet port, odds are pretty good that you can also sacrifice a large disk capacity offered by a traditional hard drive, the discrete GPU offered by the 15" and 17" Pros, the FireWire 800 port, the matte screen options of the 15" and 17", and the ExpressCard slot (and third USB port) of the 17". I fail to see what about this you disagree with or where you pull your data from? I work with Apple customers every day and mind you a bulk of them don't even know that this forum even exists.

----------

I don't get it. How often do we use the ethernet port when we use Wifi even for stationary desktop computers? Wifi is still faster than just about any ISP anyway! (If you want to transfer files faster, use the FireWire.)

How many people actually use their laptops connected to a ethernet cable? Also, I'm sure the iMacs and MacMini will still have the ethernet ports even though they may not be used much either.

I actually do use the ethernet port (rarely) to do high speed file transfer to Unibody MacBook that doesn't have FireWire. I also use it for repairing dumb tower PCs without a Wifi card; I use any one of my Macs as a ethernet router (Internet Sharing over Wifi). It's still a rare usage, but that's me, I doubt many other people really use the ethernet port at all!

If you really don't want to use the often built in Wifi with your ISP, or even buy a $40 router, you can always buy a cheap USB to Ethernet adaptor and sit next to your router.

The connection via ethernet is worlds more stable, reliable, and just plain faster than your best bet on WiFi. Also, tons more convenient than a FireWire to FireWire transfer in which machines need to be (Macs and) rebooting into FireWire Target Disk Mode. It's also the industry standard for network connectivity and is used predominantly to perform most network-based IT tasks.