Are Mac users in a transitional stage?

[hajime]

Hello, now is October and there is no official words about the release of new MBP. Don't know if new products will be release by October 31 or we still have to wait.

Given that Mac OS is getting more and more like iOS and a lack of new MacBook Pro, I am concerned that Apple will kill the Mac line and replace it with more powerful version of iPad PRO. I think they said that the GPU in iPad PRO is as powerful as the laptops. Before Apple makes this happen in perhaps 2-3 years time, do we have to keep waiting for minor upgrades in this transitional stage? Perhaps I just get a Surface Pro 4 or 5 and come back to Mac few years later?

I am more interested in better performance, longer battery life and lighter laptop than one with a LCD panel above the keyboard.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Apple aren't going to kill the Mac line. They're going to bring out the most substantial update yet, paving the path for the next decade. The culmination of Jobs' vision — Apple CPUs, Apple hardware, running an Apple computer OS (mouse & keyboard).

I'm positive they've had this in their horizon when they put their own chip into the iPhone 4. More likely they really started to work on prototypes around the 5/5S.

Of course, I could be biblically wrong. In which case, feel free to quote this to remind me.

 

[rgilvert]

Then I suggest that announcements are made shortly, if October passes...I will leave Apple behind (sadly) as I have been waiting for signicant updates for actually all three platforms, iMac (need GPUs >4Gb), the Mac Pro (simply too old) and my broken MacBook Pro...WHEN WILL THE WAIT BE OVER!!

 

[hajime]

Few days ago, an undergraduate student was sitting next to me. She used a DELL with touch screen. Everything looked fast to me. Yesterday, I saw a girl using a $150 two in one laptop from Best Buy. Performance-wise might be similar but it could be used as a touch screen tablet and a laptop. Also more advance than my MBP.

Here are a few things that keep me from switching to Windows entirely:

1. Easier to backup the system than Windows. Even I have been using Windows on and off for over 20 years, still have not found a good backup software for Windows PC yet.

2. Easy to convert documents to pdf format on the Mac and it is free.

3. Lots of free fonts on Mac system. For example, Helvetica.

4. Good Keynote presentation software

5. Don't know about now but when Apple was under Steve, if the machine could not be fixed after about 5 trials, it was easy to get the latest MBP from Apple under Apple Care. I got my current MBP 2010 17" free from Apple after using one with faulty GPU and battery for three years. It was sent to repair for 5 times. Apple could not fix the problems. They gave me the latest machine as a replacement.

6. I only have the Mac version of Adobe Master Collection CS6

7. Mac do not update the OS itself automatically and reboot. Less frequent updates. I found it very annoying that when my Windows partition was doing long job and it got terminated because Windows automatically updated itself and reboot.

8. Not aware of virus on the Mac

9. Don't need to buy Japanese version of software as I can just set the Mac OS to Japanese and all the software work very well. In Windows, most Japanese software require Japanese OS.

If the above points are fixed in Windows, I would go for Surface Pro 5 when it comes out.

I have been waiting for almost 10 months already. The roadmap for cpu for MBP does not look good. Perhaps better to get a system to focus on work than checking macrumors many times a day.

 

[elf69]

I agree with all your points hajime.

That's what made me ditch windows for apple. Point 1 and 7 are what really made me move.

plus windows 10 is appalling!

I have a 2009 macbook and it works better than alot of windows machine and better than most the aging towers at work which the boss will not upgrade so I take my mac to work and do not use a works tower.
All our work is web based anyway.

I do still have an acer netbook for a few things I cannot get to work with mac software.

Another reason more widows users is cost of units, they are alot cheaper than apple.
Not better but cheaper.

Im an mac convert and work in it repair so see both sides.
We see few apples for repair as less popular and also mac users tend to go to apple for repair not independents.

 

[hajime]

Given the progress, a dual boot surface pro 5 could be desirable.

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/309890-guide-1011-el-capitan-on-the-surface-pro-4/page-8

 

[theluggage]

Given that Mac OS is getting more and more like iOS and a lack of new MacBook Pro, I am concerned that Apple will kill the Mac line and replace it with more powerful version of iPad PRO.

There seem to be firm rumors of new Macbook Pros in the pipeline, photos of new cases etc. - if they haven't materialised by the end of the year, though, I'd start to worry.

Meanwhile, there are rumors of references to ARM in the latest OS X - now, that could be just that some code is shared with iOS & hence a storm in a teacup. However, convertibles like the Surface Pro, with full-blown Windows, are getting popular, so full-blown OS X on an iPad Pro might not be a bad idea. A lot of newer OS X software would simple re-compile, and the likely problems (things like high-end graphics & virtualisation) wouldn't be such a big problem on an iPad Pro, where you could think of it as iOS plus rather than OS X minus.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I think they said that the GPU in iPad PRO is as powerful as the laptops.

Yes, a very low end laptop.

 

[hajime]

Meanwhile, there are rumors of references to ARM in the latest OS X - now, that could be just that some code is shared with iOS & hence a storm in a teacup. However, convertibles like the Surface Pro, with full-blown Windows, are getting popular, so full-blown OS X on an iPad Pro might not be a bad idea. A lot of newer OS X software would simple re-compile, and the likely problems (things like high-end graphics & virtualisation) wouldn't be such a big problem on an iPad Pro, where you could think of it as iOS plus rather than OS X minus.

iPad PRO with pen that can run Mac OS is desirable. Maybe it will take 2-3 years. Too long to wait.
[doublepost=1475432210][/doublepost]

Few days ago, an undergraduate student was sitting next to me. She used a DELL with touch screen. Everything looked fast to me. Yesterday, I saw a girl using a $150 two in one laptop from Best Buy. Performance-wise might be similar but it could be used as a touch screen tablet and a laptop. Also more advance than my MBP.

Here are a few things that keep me from switching to Windows entirely:

1. Easier to backup the system than Windows. Even I have been using Windows on and off for over 20 years, still have not found a good backup software for Windows PC yet.

2. Easy to convert documents to pdf format on the Mac and it is free.

3. Lots of free fonts on Mac system. For example, Helvetica.

4. Good Keynote presentation software

5. Don't know about now but when Apple was under Steve, if the machine could not be fixed after about 5 trials, it was easy to get the latest MBP from Apple under Apple Care. I got my current MBP 2010 17" free from Apple after using one with faulty GPU and battery for three years. It was sent to repair for 5 times. Apple could not fix the problems. They gave me the latest machine as a replacement.

6. I only have the Mac version of Adobe Master Collection CS6

7. Mac do not update the OS itself automatically and reboot. Less frequent updates. I found it very annoying that when my Windows partition was doing long job and it got terminated because Windows automatically updated itself and reboot.

8. Not aware of virus on the Mac

9. Don't need to buy Japanese version of software as I can just set the Mac OS to Japanese and all the software work very well. In Windows, most Japanese software require Japanese OS.

If the above points are fixed in Windows, I would go for Surface Pro 5 when it comes out.

I have been waiting for almost 10 months already. The roadmap for cpu for MBP does not look good. Perhaps better to get a system to focus on work than checking macrumors many times a day.

Another good thing about the Mac is that some smart users have figured out ways to install Windows 7 on newer Mac. If I buy a Windows machine now, I may be stuck with Windows 10. Is it possible to set up dual booth on Windows machines so that I can run Windows 7?

 

[entropi]

"Are Mac users in a transitional stage?"

Yes, the question is to what?

As a hobby musicproducer I can see myself switch to Linux for a desktop audio workstation if Ableton Live becomes available for Linux. Other than that I hope I will still be able to work on a reasonable mac where the tools I want is still available, but I'm tired of the constant change and need to look for software that works.

 

[hajime]

"Are Mac users in a transitional stage?"

Yes, the question is to what?

As a hobby musicproducer I can see myself switch to Linux for a desktop audio workstation if Ableton Live becomes available for Linux. Other than that I hope I will still be able to work on a reasonable mac where the tools I want is still available, but I'm tired of the constant change and need to look for software that works.

Probably to iPad as Apple thinks that it could replace laptop computers.

 

[iKeith]

I converted to an iMac in 2007 and finally need to replace it. I'm not technologically inclined so I rely on sites like this and the kind people who help others.

So, speaking for my situation, I'm in complete agreement with Hajime. I'm definitely in transition but I don't know to what. I loathe Microsoft (yes, loathe) but Apple's greed, ego, and tightfistedness with upgrades and releases, is pushing me back to Microsoft. If that happens, I'll resent Apple for it.

 

[shaunp]

Hello, now is October and there is no official words about the release of new MBP. Don't know if new products will be release by October 31 or we still have to wait.

Given that Mac OS is getting more and more like iOS and a lack of new MacBook Pro, I am concerned that Apple will kill the Mac line and replace it with more powerful version of iPad PRO. I think they said that the GPU in iPad PRO is as powerful as the laptops. Before Apple makes this happen in perhaps 2-3 years time, do we have to keep waiting for minor upgrades in this transitional stage? Perhaps I just get a Surface Pro 4 or 5 and come back to Mac few years later?

I am more interested in better performance, longer battery life and lighter laptop than one with a LCD panel above the keyboard.

I tend to agree with you and think this big delay in new hardware is because Apple is now ready to move over onto their own CPU's as it will be fast enough now for most users. The entire line up might not be on Apple CPU's, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the low-end models going this way. If the sell well enough, the high end models could well be just discontinued as Apple prefers to cater for the masses rather than those of us that need performance and scaleability. They aren't bothered about professionals and enthusiasts any longer.

 

[hajime]

I tend to agree with you and think this big delay in new hardware is because Apple is now ready to move over onto their own CPU's as it will be fast enough now for most users. The entire line up might not be on Apple CPU's, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the low-end models going this way. If the sell well enough, the high end models could well be just discontinued as Apple prefers to cater for the masses rather than those of us that need performance and scaleability. They aren't bothered about professionals and enthusiasts any longer.

How likely will Apple be divided into two companies/brands: One for the masses and the other for the professionals and enthusiasts.

They seem to be obsessed about making things thin. Thin computers means poor GPU performance and shorter battery life.

I still feel that the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 I bought four years ago is still better than the iPad PRO.

 

[shaunp]

How likely will Apple be divided into two companies/brands: One for the masses and the other for the professionals and enthusiasts.

They seem to be obsessed about making things thin. Thin computers means poor GPU performance and shorter battery life.

I still feel that the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 I bought four years ago is still better than the iPad PRO.

They won't be split, they will just quietly ditch the professional market....

 

[keysofanxiety]

still feel that the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 I bought four years ago is still better than the iPad PRO.

My bulbous British bottom it's better. Not a chance.

 

[hajime]

They won't be split, they will just quietly ditch the professional market....

Looking at the development of the Mac PRO over the past few years, I am afraid that you might be right.

 

[shaunp]

Looking at the development of the Mac PRO over the past few years, I am afraid that you might be right.

Indeed. I'm waiting to see what is announced, but if the Mac Pro is dead then I might as well just reformat my nMP and put Windows on it until it no longer meets my needs, then it will be good of eBay. My laptop is now a Windows laptop anyway, and with the 3.5mm jack farce I won't be getting another iPhone. Hello Android. I'll then just as a matter of principal get my family weaned off of Apple kit as their stuff needs replacing. I read these forums because not very long ago Apple had it so right, I just wish they would wake up!

 

[cube]

I already bought a Skylake laptop but I am still using my cMBP.

 

[iWombBanger]

Few days ago, an undergraduate student was sitting next to me. She used a DELL with touch screen. Everything looked fast to me. Yesterday, I saw a girl using a $150 two in one laptop from Best Buy. Performance-wise might be similar but it could be used as a touch screen tablet and a laptop. Also more advance than my MBP.

Here are a few things that keep me from switching to Windows entirely:

1. Easier to backup the system than Windows. Even I have been using Windows on and off for over 20 years, still have not found a good backup software for Windows PC yet.

2. Easy to convert documents to pdf format on the Mac and it is free.

3. Lots of free fonts on Mac system. For example, Helvetica.

4. Good Keynote presentation software

5. Don't know about now but when Apple was under Steve, if the machine could not be fixed after about 5 trials, it was easy to get the latest MBP from Apple under Apple Care. I got my current MBP 2010 17" free from Apple after using one with faulty GPU and battery for three years. It was sent to repair for 5 times. Apple could not fix the problems. They gave me the latest machine as a replacement.

6. I only have the Mac version of Adobe Master Collection CS6

7. Mac do not update the OS itself automatically and reboot. Less frequent updates. I found it very annoying that when my Windows partition was doing long job and it got terminated because Windows automatically updated itself and reboot.

8. Not aware of virus on the Mac

9. Don't need to buy Japanese version of software as I can just set the Mac OS to Japanese and all the software work very well. In Windows, most Japanese software require Japanese OS.

If the above points are fixed in Windows, I would go for Surface Pro 5 when it comes out.

I have been waiting for almost 10 months already. The roadmap for cpu for MBP does not look good. Perhaps better to get a system to focus on work than checking macrumors many times a day.

1) Acronis True Image
2) CutePDF <Free, Just go to file-print and select CutePDF and you end up with a PDF
3) Fonts can be found free everywhere on the internet.
4) PowerPoint or LibreOffice
5) Can't say with that for other OEMs but they do have lemon laws if keep having issues with the machine.
6) You should be able to do a cross grade by calling Adobe
7) Very valid point with Windows 10. Best way to avoid that is to open notepad, type a few characters and minimize it. Sucks as a solution but works.
8) Malware exists for OS X as well as Windows. Just a whole lot less of it for OS X.
9) I think the professional version of Windows 10 can use the Japanese MUI. Not 100% sure.

 

[hajime]

7) Very valid point with Windows 10. Best way to avoid that is to open notepad, type a few characters and minimize it. Sucks as a solution but works.

I have not used Windows 10. This happens to Windows 7 Professional. Anyway, could you please clarify your method? What does opening a notepad and typing a few characters do to minimize reboot?

 

[iWombBanger]

I have not used Windows 10. This happens to Windows 7 Professional. Anyway, could you please clarify your method? What does opening a notepad and typing a few characters do to minimize reboot?

When windows automatically updates and tries to do a reboot, it will not be able to reboot as a document is open that has not been saved. What I do is open notepad, and type a random letters like adfafd and just minimize it. However, since your running Windows 7, just go to the Control Panel, go to Windows Update, and select the notify option instead of the automatic install to also avoid your issue.

 

[jaduff46]

When windows automatically updates and tries to do a reboot, it will not be able to reboot as a document is open that has not been saved. What I do is open notepad, and type a random letters like adfafd and just minimize it. However, since your running Windows 7, just go to the Control Panel, go to Windows Update, and select the notify option instead of the automatic install to also avoid your issue.

Believe there's a setting in Windows Update Manager that allows you to update only when you want to, i.e. not force reboots. Don't need to do the Notepad trick, but nice idea.

Before I retired last year I used to run a lot of financial risk sensitivity stuff overnight (6-8 hours) and this was a problem before I figured it out.

 

[Razzerman]

not very long ago Apple had it so right, I just wish they would wake up!

I'm afraid that wish will very likely go unfulfilled. It will be interesting to see what they do with both the Mac Pro and Mac Mini, but it looks like it will be a parting of ways for me and apple. I can't see them changing the design philsophy of either machine, and even if they do, the way the English quid is going, apple stuff will become even more prohibitive. The only solutions appear to be windows, or build a hack. Rock and a hard place, and all that.

Cheers,

Razzerman

 

[briloronmacrumo]

October new Apple Mac announcements have been typical for the last several years, and given the overdue refresh on most of the models, I'm betting on October announcements for at least the iMac and MacBook/MacBook Pro lines. Other lines such as the Mac Pro are less certain since they have languished longer.