Bit disappointed with new MBP!

[cheddar-caveman]

I was thrilled to be bought the new 15" 2018 MBP for my birthday last September but the joy has been somewhat tempered by the lack of features I've come to love.
For a start I couldn't much with it until I went out to buy an adapter for all my peripherals, USB port but mainly the SD slot!
I am a wildlife photographer and the SD slot was a very important feature for me. I've just been on holiday and forgot to take the bloody adapter with me!
Another annoying missing feature is the charge indicator - now we have to open the lid to see if its charged.
Not your best offering Apple!

 

[zen]

Just wait until the keyboard starts failing...

 

[afir93]

The little charging indicator from the MagSafe cables is one thing I miss a bit aswell. I'm generally really happy with Apple's switch to the USB-C standard as a charging method, but I can't help but wonder if they couldn't have put the little indicator into one end of the USB-C cable too. It's not a big deal, but it's one thing where I'm curious on why that needed to be taken out.

 

[PROFESS0R]

OP, I do not understand your predicament at all. Your post is illogical. One possibility is that you did not understand the features available on your new computer before you purchased it. If you did not understand what you were purchasing, then the problem is yours... why are you disappointed? If you understood the features on your computer before you purchased it... why are you disappointed that you received what you ordered?

Do you see the dilemma? You have framed your post illogically.

In my opinion, it would have been more logical for you to frame this post along the lines of “I really miss the following features”, and then list them. This is most certainly not Apple’s problem. They designed a device and you purchased it. Ultimately, whose fault is it that you purchased a product that is not Apple’s best offering?

This said, like you, I miss the charge indicator. Unlike you, I like the USB slots and have found that a dongle, while inconvenient, works just fine.

Joe

 

[maflynn]

For a start I couldn't much with it until I went out to buy an adapter for all my peripherals, USB port but mainly the SD slot!

I don't want to sound harsh, but the SD card was removed over two years ago, this is really shouldn't come as a surprise. The fact that Apple went all in with the USB-C interface is likewise old news. Yes, 2 1/2 years ago people were complaining about the need for dongles. There's plenty available that include a sd card reader. I recommend getting one of those

My recommendation is do your homework prior to purchasing a product, again I'm not looking to flame you, but your list of gripes is not new and if you did a little research you'd see what the advantages and disadvantages the current MBP has. Based on that, you can then make an educated decision as to whether that laptop is a good fit for your needs.

 

[Mackinjosh]

How do you feel about the Touch Bar? As someone in the market for a new MB, I've been trying out all the various models and can't believe they're sticking with the Touch Bar on the "high end" models. I would have bought a 2018 MBP by now if it didn't have that stupid bar. It actually hinders how I work rather than complement it.

 

[Ploki]

How do you feel about the Touch Bar? As someone in the market for a new MB, I've been trying out all the various models and can't believe they're sticking with the Touch Bar on the "high end" models. I would have bought a 2018 MBP by now if it didn't have that stupid bar. It actually hinders how I work rather than complement it.

you rely on F buttons that much? that's the only way it could hinder it

 

[Mackinjosh]

you rely on F buttons that much? that's the only way it could hinder it

Yes, many people do. Another issue is they charge more for what I believe is an inferior method. I'd prefer to have the buttons, but they're not offering me the option. If they were, I'd own a 2018 MBP right now.

 

[Ploki]

Yes, many people do. Another issue is they charge more for what I believe is an inferior method. I'd prefer to have the buttons, but they're not offering me the option. If they were, I'd own a 2018 MBP right now.

Yeah could've been optional.
You can fix it to "F buttons" but lack of feedback can be problematic.

 

[Camark08]

I got a usb hub on Amazon for 13 bucks and it has 2 USB ports and an SD card slot and mini. It works perfectly.

 

[Plutonius]

I was thrilled to be bought the new 15" 2018 MBP for my birthday last September but the joy has been somewhat tempered by the lack of features I've come to love.
For a start I couldn't much with it until I went out to buy an adapter for all my peripherals, USB port but mainly the SD slot!
I am a wildlife photographer and the SD slot was a very important feature for me. I've just been on holiday and forgot to take the bloody adapter with me!
Another annoying missing feature is the charge indicator - now we have to open the lid to see if its charged.
Not your best offering Apple!

I highly recommend getting a Satechi Pro Hub Adapter. It is very small and has the ports you are missing.

I agree though that something similar should have come from Apple with the MacBook Pro.

 

[Ploki]

I highly recommend getting a Satechi Pro Hub Adapter. It is very small and has the ports you are missing.

I agree though that something similar should have come from Apple with the MacBook Pro.

I really don't like these that "snap-in", prefer them on a cable. seems too dodgy to have something stuck in a macbook like that

 

[Clix Pix]

The reluctance to use and the objection to employing the use of a basic memory card reader (it's not an adapter, it's not a "dongle") really surprises me..... For years serious amateur and professional photographers have been using memory card readers to transfer their image data from memory cards (CF in the beginning, later SD and other formats ) to the computer. On my 15" 2015 I have the SD card slot -- in three years have I ever bothered with it? No. Never needed it. I've always utilized memory card readers which are fast, updated and quite convenient. When I bought my 2018 15" MBP in December I already had Apple's new USB-C SD card reader on hand, as I also use it with my 12" MacBook.

As for other adjustments to the move from an older-generation MBP to the current one, again there is no need to fill up a bag with various "dongles" -- just buy a few cables that have the USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connector on one end and the type of connector you need on the other end for using older external drives or other devices. They're available, they're reasonably priced, and it's really just not a big deal now to pick up what is needed and move on.....

Now, that charge indicator....yeah, I will admit that I do miss seeing that on my 12" MB and my new 15" MBP..... I also miss the glowing apple, too, for that matter.... I've still got the 2015 MBP in the house so can still enjoy those two features there, but yeah, things just aren't the same with the newer devices. I guess that's considered "progress....."

 

[Howard2k]

The reluctance to use and the objection to employing the use of a basic memory card reader (it's not an adapter, it's not a "dongle") really surprises me..... For years serious amateur and professional photographers have been using memory card readers to transfer their image data from memory cards (CF in the beginning, later SD and other formats ) to the computer. On my 15" 2015 I have the SD card slot -- in three years have I ever bothered with it? No. Never needed it. I've always utilized memory card readers which are fast, updated and quite convenient. When I bought my 2018 15" MBP in December I already had Apple's new USB-C SD card reader on hand, as I also use it with my 12" MacBook.

As for other adjustments to the move from an older-generation MBP to the current one, again there is no need to fill up a bag with various "dongles" -- just buy a few cables that have the USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connector on one end and the type of connector you need on the other end for using older external drives or other devices. They're available, they're reasonably priced, and it's really just not a big deal now to pick up what is needed and move on.....

Yeah I’m glad Apple doesn’t try to load up current gen products with older tech. Imagine them trying to squeeze in a floppy drive, CD-ROM, parallel ports... there comes a time. As painful as it can be sometimes.

 

[Clix Pix]

I love my new 2018 MBP and the power this thing has, the speed....it runs circles around my 2015 MBP. If eliminating the glowing apple and the Magsafe with the charging indicator light and the SD card slot is part of the price I have to pay, well, I'm all for it!

 

[Ploki]

Yeah I’m glad Apple doesn’t try to load up current gen products with older tech. Imagine them trying to squeeze in a floppy drive, CD-ROM, parallel ports... there comes a time. As painful as it can be sometimes.

I'm super happy with the offering.
I need SD card reader twice a year.
I need USB when someone comes over with a USB dongle more or less.
I need screen out every now and then.
I use the TB3 drive most of the time i work with logic.

All that unnecessary stuff would just clutter up the macbook with ports. I really like the idea of having 4 super powerful universal ports which you can expand to your taste and liking... Much better than ports you don't need and will never use.
(LAN was such an offender for most laptop users)

 

[jerryk]

Always check the product description before purchasing. The SD slot has been gone from MBP Pros since 2016.

 

[Howard2k]

I'm super happy with the offering.
I need SD card reader twice a year.
I need USB when someone comes over with a USB dongle more or less.
I need screen out every now and then.
I use the TB3 drive most of the time i work with logic.

All that unnecessary stuff would just clutter up the macbook with ports. I really like the idea of having 4 super powerful universal ports which you can expand to your taste and liking... Much better than ports you don't need and will never use.
(LAN was such an offender for most laptop users)

I have all the ports but the only ones I use routinely are power and speakers. And I do have wifi speakers, so that's not always plugged in either.

I do use the HDMI and SD on occasion, but I've had computers without SD and it hasn't been an issue. I've also had computers without HDMI and it hasn't been an issue either. I use it on occasion but not that frequently. Ironically I actually did shell out for a USB/GigE adaptor, but I've only had to use that a couple of times.

It's a case of "so close" for the 2018 for me. Almost great for my needs. Just a bit too expensive for a laptop that appears to have the issues that we read about it. I'm happy for those who have a good working unit.

 

[Plutonius]

I really don't like these that "snap-in", prefer them on a cable. seems too dodgy to have something stuck in a macbook like that

I have one and I love it .

 

[internetrando]

The dongle life is real, but it doesn't really affect your ability to use the machine. Discounting that one piece, it is otherwise a really awesome machine. Sure, the keyboard could be better, but the third gen on these laptops is pretty damn awesome if you ask me. I have no complaints as of yet...

 

[zen]

The way Apple fans will twist to defend their favourite company and their poor hardware never fails to amaze me.

 

[Ploki]

The way Apple fans will twist to defend their favourite company and their poor hardware never fails to amaze me.

I'm not twisting at all. I genuinely believe having four TB3 ports makes the machine more versatile than a bunch of legacy and some soon-to-be-obsolete ports.

The only thing I miss is some implementation of MagSafe.. that thing was great.

 

[rayriceroni00]

Just bought a new top end 15" MBP. I knew to expect the silly 4 ports of usb-c. I'm a fellow photographer, so I just adjusted to a few usb dongles. Using a usb 3.0 stick that reads SD and microsd. No biggie. Two dongles are $10 on Amazon.

I'm not dumping the money on a hub. No need for video or lan.

 

[cheddar-caveman]

OP, I do not understand your predicament at all. Your post is illogical. One possibility is that you did not understand the features available on your new computer before you purchased it. If you did not understand what you were purchasing, then the problem is yours... why are you disappointed? If you understood the features on your computer before you purchased it... why are you disappointed that you received what you ordered?

Do you see the dilemma? You have framed your post illogically.

In my opinion, it would have been more logical for you to frame this post along the lines of “I really miss the following features”, and then list them. This is most certainly not Apple’s problem. They designed a device and you purchased it. Ultimately, whose fault is it that you purchased a product that is not Apple’s best offering?

This said, like you, I miss the charge indicator. Unlike you, I like the USB slots and have found that a dongle, while inconvenient, works just fine.

Joe

As a "PROFESSOR" you should learn to read the question before answering it!!! I didn't buy the MBP, I was bought it for my 80th. birthday - I'll ignore the rest of your rude post!
[doublepost=1547858770][/doublepost]

I don't want to sound harsh, but the SD card was removed over two years ago, this is really shouldn't come as a surprise. The fact that Apple went all in with the USB-C interface is likewise old news. Yes, 2 1/2 years ago people were complaining about the need for dongles. There's plenty available that include a sd card reader. I recommend getting one of those

My recommendation is do your homework prior to purchasing a product, again I'm not looking to flame you, but your list of gripes is not new and if you did a little research you'd see what the advantages and disadvantages the current MBP has. Based on that, you can then make an educated decision as to whether that laptop is a good fit for your needs.

Like the professor, READ THE POST BEFORE RUDELY REPLYING! I didn't buy the bloody thing, it was a birthday present!!!
[doublepost=1547858894][/doublepost]

I got a usb hub on Amazon for 13 bucks and it has 2 USB ports and an SD card slot and mini. It works perfectly.

Yes I also had to buy one but one also has to remember to take it everywhere with you when going on holiday etc. and this I forgot to do!
[doublepost=1547859152][/doublepost]

Always check the product description before purchasing. The SD slot has been gone from MBP Pros since 2016.

Like others, read the OP before replying! I didn't purchase it, it was a birthday present replacing my 2013 MBP!

 

[jerryk]

Like others, read the OP before replying! I didn't purchase it, it was a birthday present replacing my 2013 MBP!

So what if some one gave it to you? You could have said "Thank for the gift, but unfortunately this will not work for me because I need a system with an SD slot." I would be pretty upset with you if I bought you this computer and found out you did not want it, and especially then were going online and bad mouthing the present I got you. And worse, you could fix the issues for $15. After all, I could have spent this money on something else, or someone else.

Sorry to go off on you, but this was present. At least be gracious and honest with the person that gave it to you.