Five Things You Still Can't Do With a MacBook Pro

[SFjohn]

I use these: https://amzn.to/3ysEBHG

Very cool, thanks! Great way to get a 4K UHD signal out of the newer Macs, but how do you get that display port output back into an HDMI 2.1 input for our TVs that don’t have display ports input?

 

[Stehsegler9]

I am surprised there is no mentioned of the crippled USB-C port speeds. Compared to the 2019 MacBook Pro I was getting about 30% less transfer speeds with external USB-C SSD drives (ie none thunderbolt drives). Not a problem when you just transfer small files but when you work with 4k video files while on the road this is a big problem.

 

[Playfoot]

USB-A is a waste of space, as is the SD card slot on a pro laptops; save such low-end connections for the low-end laptops. We need more Thunderbolt ports so we can use dongles as needed for (evolving) pro connectivity to pro laptops.

Simple example: SD is very slow compared to the modern CFExpress or XQD cards in the Nikons I have used since 2016. Dongles are inexpensive and easy to custom-choose to suit different pro workflows.

I heartily agree. The current port configuration, including the return of MagSafe is a step backwards, a loss of versatility.

 

[SFjohn]

I use these: https://amzn.to/3ysEBHG

Very cool, thanks! Great way to get a 4K UHD signal out of the newer Macs, but how do you get that display port output back into an HDMI 2.1 input for our TVs that don’t have display ports input?

 

[Playfoot]

Most people using virtual machines aren't running them locally these days, so this is largely a non-issue. There's a reason we haven't seen the transition to Apple Silicon kill Mac sales.

It might have been a nice-to-have feature, but local x86 virtual machines and Bootcamp weren't deal breakers for the vast majority of users, including most power users.

Well, there is still professional software needed on Windows not yet truly on Mac. For example AutoCad, P6, etc. However, fully admit we are likely in the minority when comparing Mac users.

 

[4jasontv]

You forgot the asterisk after the words "all those things*"
...*as long as you carry around a hub, or several dongles, or just don't give a crap.

Dongles are just longer cables. Once you attach them it’s just called a cable. And hubs are necessary to get the ports away from the MacBook Pro.

 

[di1in]

I would love a brick with an Ethernet port. surprised it's not an upgrade option.

Would it really it benefit from an Ethernet port in the power brick, since the connector going to the macbookpro 14&16 is MagSafe and not usb c.

 

[Mizouse]

I’m eventually going to be picking up an LG C2 42” to use as my main monitor. I would love if an M1 Mac had HDMI 2.1 or even allowing 120hz support via a USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adapter.

From what I’ve read even a USB-C to DP1.4 cable connected to a DP1.4 to HDMI 2.1 adapter will default you to 60hz.

 

[jakey rolling]

Dongles are just longer cables. Once you attach them it’s just called a cable. And hubs are necessary to get the ports away from the MacBook Pro.

Dongles are not "longer cables"; they are short adapters. They are extra pieces to account for and potentially lose when visiting client offices. They are additional potential points of failure in that "longer cable."

 

[Mr Fide]

Is there a technical reason why notebooks don't have onboard cellular data? That would be great.

 

[mannyvel]

Is there a technical reason why notebooks don't have onboard cellular data? That would be great.

Why when you can just hotspot your iPhone?

 

[Hildy]

My MBP is one of the USB-C only versions.., I miss none of these ports. Clean things back up please Apple.

 

[dandeco]

1. I don't use a 120Hz 4K display currently, and I don't know how long it'll be until I do so.
2. I don't have any UHS-III cards, and I'm not sure if I ever will.
3. Yeah, it would've made sense to put Ethernet on the power brick. But I don't mind using my Falwedi USB-C hub or my CalDigit TS3-Plus for Ethernet connectivity.
4. I don't use 5G connectivity yet.
5. Same with Wi-Fi 6E.

 

[dwaite]

I would love a brick with an Ethernet port. surprised it's not an upgrade option.

With USB-C charging cables, the vast majority of people would only see 480mbps speeds. I don't know if newer MagSafe charging has the legacy USB 2 data channel at all - historically, MagSafe had a data channel but just barely enough to exchange charging information.

 

[C-Dubs]

The only thing on that list I agree with is the need for cellular connectivity, especially on the MacBook Air. Decades into this, and "wifi ubiquity" still has not happened, especially free wifi. A MBA that could connect to the internet ANYWHERE, and MacOS software settings to limit what uses it so you don't get charged for overages if you happen to be on a provider that doesn't provide unlimited internet.

 

[radus]

Using a USB-C to Displayport cable my Spectrum ES07D03 shows 144Hz.
But yes the HDMI Port of the Macbook pro is limited zu 60Hz.
Cellular connectivity is not needed because everywhere we find W-Lans and if not the iPhone shares it's 5G.
All in all for me a 4th thunderbolt port would have been more useful.

 

[Pmperry]

You may need an adapter or Thunderbolt Docking Station, but you can do all of these things with the MacBook Pro!

 

[Tech Solidarity]

4K 120Hz on the new MacBook Pro is supported through the Thunderbolt 4 port though, isn't it? (Sorry if I misunderstand something in the article here, no native speaker - sounds to me as if it claims that this also isn't possible)

Yes it is, From my 16" M1 Max I'm using a USB-C to Display Port cable to Drive a ROG STRIX XG43UG at 144 hz.

 

[russell_314]

1. It's not a gaming laptop

2. Yeah IDK if people are using them then maybe it's something they will add.

3. Geez get a dongle or hub if you're one of the 5 people who use it? It doesn't have a DVI or VGA ports either. If it's on Eithernet that means it's on a desk so most likely hooked to a dock with an external monitor.

4. Most laptops don't have cellular. There's this thing called tethering.

5. It doesn't have WiFi 7, 7E, or 8 support either... Are you guys buying new WiFi routers every month? I just got a WiFi 6 router not too long ago. The MacRumors article next year will be complaining about it not having WiFi 7 support because it only supports 6E

It just seems like someone thought let's make a list but this is all you could come up with? A bit stretching IMO

 

[4jasontv]

Dongles are not "longer cables"; they are short adapters. They are extra pieces to account for and potentially lose when visiting client offices. They are additional potential points of failure in that "longer cable."

You mean they are replaceable, so you don't have to toss the whole thing if it stops working. If you buy a dongle for each cable you never need to take them off, so they become 'longer cables'. If you really worry about losing them, buy extra, replace them with USBC to whatever, or use a hub.

The idea that the MBP needs every port variation on the machine is over. It's not just unnecessary it's a waste of channels.

 

[Macintosh TV]

Well, there is still professional software needed on Windows not yet truly on Mac. For example AutoCad, P6, etc. However, fully admit we are likely in the minority when comparing Mac users.

You're talking about a very very very small group of people that have to use that software and also choose to use a Mac. Not even a deal breaker for 0.00001% of buyers. Apple isn't going to hold back and stay on Intel just so a couple people can still run Windows software on their Mac.

And remember, this is Microsoft refusing to license ARM Windows that's causing the issue. A simple solution to the problem exists, and it's simply them allowing people to buy. It exists, they're just choosing not to sell it for use on machines other than those they choose.

 

[Macintosh TV]

You mean they are replaceable, so you don't have to toss the whole thing if it stops working. If you buy a dongle for each cable you never need to take them off, so they become 'longer cables'. If you really worry about losing them, buy extra, replace them with USBC to whatever, or use a hub.

The idea that the MBP needs every port variation on the machine is over. It's not just unnecessary it's a waste of channels.

Completely agree. Most haven't had the need to connect to ethernet in years. Or to have a VGA port. Or a FireWire 800 port.

Cables and dongles are super cheap. I have one for USB-C to various things and they're all less than $20. Oh no, I was an idiot and left it at some random office I was visiting, if only Amazon offered a replacement next-day for a couple dollars. Oh wait, they do.

And how do you leave it behind? You unplug it from your machine..... and don't notice it? Do people frequently leave their power cable behind too? Are people that absent minded? Sorry, but if you do that frequently, that's on you.

ALL CELLPHONES SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE BELT ATTACHMENTS ON A CABLE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED BECAUSE I'M AN IDIOT THAT LEAVES MINE BEHIND. EVERYONE SHOULD SUFFER FOR MY MISTAKES.

 

[ShufromChina]

If connecting thunderbolt port on Mac to dp1.4 port on a 4k 144hz monitor, the monitor can display 4k 144hz no problem. I don't understand why connecting the same thunderbolt port to an HDMI 2.1 port (on the same monitor) via a 48Gbps adapter would not achieve 4k 120hz. It seems like this is the case for M1 Macs though.

 

[Fomalhaut]

The thing, though: If Apple had put an SD Express slot in, it would not have offered any speed boost with currently-in-widespread-use UHS-II cards; they would have been forced back to UHS-I speed. And while CF Express is becoming the pro-grade-card of choice, putting a CF Express slot in would have made it incompatible with any SD cards at all, which would probably inconvenience way more people than the lack of a CF Express slot will.

Basically: You're complaining about not supporting a standard that is currently vaporware, and there are concrete user-benefitting reasons why Apple might have chosen a UHS-II slot over either of the non-vaporware faster options.

^This. The UHS-II SD-card was chosen, not because it is it the best standard, or the one many high-end cameras use, or the emerging standard, or the choice of processional photographers/videographers, but because IT IS THE MOST COMMON.

I've made this point many times on Macrumors and people still don't get it. It is a marketing decision about maximising the number of sales. What is "best" or (that very overused term, "Pro") really doesn't have much to do with it. SD is still the dominant standard, even though it's inferior to CFExpress (except in price at the low end). This will change in time, but that's the reality today.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution. Buy the appropriate USB-C dongle. I have a camera with CFast 2.0 (used in some pro video cameras) - I bought the adapter and have no issues. It would be madness to assume that Apple would cater to my minority requirement. I also have 4 cameras with SD cards, and audio recorder (SD card) and a couple of other devices that use SD cards for removable storage. The SD card slot is *much* more useful as a general tool than a CFExpress Type B would be, even though this is what is now commonly found on the most expensive stills cameras.

 

[Fomalhaut]

All useless. I only need TB4. They should remove HDMI and SD card.

There's your problem. You are only considering your own needs

I use HDMI daily and SD card frequently. It is much more convenient and reliable than using dongles.

Simple solution - just don't use these ports - they're not for you.