Got rid of my rMB

[KPOM]

You definitely got a lemon. I have no issues holding a 5GHz Wi-fi connection, the battery has held up, and the trackpad works fine for me.

Do you find yourself using the dongles on the road or just at the office/home? If the latter, then perhaps once the HydraDock comes out for real (or the OWC version) that might be the type of product for you.

 

[ZipZap]

Yes....they will replace battery and possibly logic board. In for repair now. However, when it is returned a (happy) student is getting it as a gift. Just not the computer for me.

Then I dont understand the point of this thread. You have not gotten rid of it, in fact you admit is a lemon and you're getting it fixed.

 

[whodatrr]

As others have said, every manufacturer will occasionally turn out a lemon. we have two rMBs in the house, and both have been great so far. Still, I do plan to buy Applecare on both, as I tend to do.

On another note, I just dropped off my new 5k iMac at the Apple Store. returning it, because it was also a lemon. Initially fast as Hell, and I loved it, but hardware issues started to pop up. Since it was a BTO, I need to wait a couple weeks for a replacement. So, I dropped this one off and I guess I'll keep an eye out for an open box, or wait to see what next year's refresh brings? My late 2012 is still going strong, so I guess I can be patient.

But still, dealing with hardware issues is a hassle, so I feel you pain. But every manufacturer will occasionally have these issues.

 

[boltjames]

Thanks for your great advice. Much appreciated...

No problem, it's what we're here for. I'll be happy to print out directions to the nearest Apple Store too. Just ask.

BJ

 

[Nychot]

Apple is targeting a typical businessman who can afford the very best form-factor and doesn't need a lot of horsepower.

Pick a VP, an SVP, an EVP, we're Emailing, Browsing, viewing PDF's, building Powerpoint preso's, running an Excel spreadsheet, typing a Word doc, visiting Dropbox for files, using Skype to chat with the kids, running iTunes to binge watch Breaking Bad on a flight, running SlingBox to catch a game. The RMB is perfect for this. We don't game and we don't compile 4K video, we don't need big processors and we don't need the fans and the ports.

The MBP is the pickup truck, is big and heavy and can do everything. The RMB is the weekend convertible, is light and fast and situational for those who can afford it. The MBA is a rusty minivan with a coat of fresh paint in a used car lot.

BJ

why do you think it has to be a guy in an armani suit with mega bucks in his pocket. that's pretty pretentious thinking with terrible vehicle analogies. i'm a published author and journalist and it's perfect for me, except for the crummy trackpad.

 

[boltjames]

why do you think it has to be a guy in an armani suit with mega bucks in his pocket. that's pretty pretentious thinking with terrible vehicle analogies. i'm a published author and journalist and it's perfect for me, except for the crummy trackpad.

It's not pretention, its just that a comparably featured and powered notebook could be had for as little as $700 at Best Buy. The reason this one costs $1,300+ is because of its form-factor and edgy design.

Most who say they don't "get" the MacBook run to the price and the feature-set as examples of its "uselessness". My response is towards them, not those of us who see the value and spend the money.

BJ

 

[Jobsian]

Apple is targeting a typical businessman

Citation needed. To be fair, I don't think Apple would target such a narrow demographic.

Also, "we're emailing..."? Can't help but think...cheeky little humblebrag! I do it too

 

[SteveJUAE]

Good point. Will see how it is after return. Maybe I´ll keep it as my travel companion...

I just popped over to Doha the other day and it's a great companion and compared to those trying to manage on an Ipad in the lounge with them propped up on it's cover, it was a joy to use

 

[lite426]

Citation needed. To be fair, I don't think Apple would target such a narrow demographic.

Also, "we're emailing..."? Can't help but think...cheeky little humblebrag! I do it too

The fact that they call it "MacBook" rather than "MacBook Pro" suggests they target the general laptop consumer.

 

[SteveJUAE]

The fact that they call it "MacBook" rather than "MacBook Pro" suggests they target the general laptop consumer.

Not really

Considering its power/$ price it's clearly aimed for specific user group than can justify it for ultimate lightness form factor or don't care

It's a bit strange when most don't mind lashing out $1000 on a smartphone yet get so cost conscious on a laptop that offers far greater potential and relative value for money screen, storage etc wise

 

[boltjames]

Considering its power/$ price it's clearly aimed for specific user group than can justify it for ultimate lightness form factor or don't care

It's a bit strange when most don't mind lashing out $1000 on a smartphone yet get so cost conscious on a laptop that offers far greater potential and relative value for money screen, storage etc wise

+1

The RMB is not about "value" or "power". It's about portability. Those who complain about processing speed, connectivity, and price just don't understand what the RMB is about. It's not supposed to be a desktop workhorse. Apple makes one of those. This one is the sleek sprinter.

BJ

 

[ahostmadsen]

I have had numerous Apple products, including several MB Airs, iPhones, iMac etc. However the rMB is the worst Apple product I have ever owned.

- Sluggish (1.2 - 512)
- Horrible battery capacity. Often as little as 4 hrs (Cocunut battery shows it is down to 84% capacity after 100 cycles)
- Dongles for everything
- Draining power while in sleep mode
- Track pad not working well
- Does not work with Thunderbolt display
- Drops 5gHZ connection on Airport Extreme

My user experience was reminiscent of a crappy Asus laptop I had years ago. Perhaps I got a lemon...but it was not good...

Bought a MB Pro 13" and happy to drag the extra weight around for something that actually works like a decent notebook.

I agree with two of these: mine also drains power while asleep (~5%/24 hours), and compared to my MBA, the rMB trackpad sometimes misunderstands my gestures (e.g., taking a three finger swipe for a two finger swipe).

But these are only slight irritants, not enough to the less portability of an MB Pro.

 

[Queen6]

Not really

Considering its power/$ price it's clearly aimed for specific user group than can justify it for ultimate lightness form factor or don't care

It's a bit strange when most don't mind lashing out $1000 on a smartphone yet get so cost conscious on a laptop that offers far greater potential and relative value for money screen, storage etc wise

rMB works for me, frequently in the course of business I simply don't need the performance the likes of the rMBP class of Notebook offers. Very much appreciating the portability of the system, which after all is it`s strength & purpose.

Q-6

 

[lite426]

I stand by it being targeted to the general laptop consumer. The general laptop consumer cares more about weight, screen, sleekness and looks than they do about power. This is similarly priced to the rMBP retina. Look how they word their marketing: "Mac in its purest form ever"

 

[lite426]

Not really

Considering its power/$ price it's clearly aimed for specific user group than can justify it for ultimate lightness form factor or don't care

It's a bit strange when most don't mind lashing out $1000 on a smartphone yet get so cost conscious on a laptop that offers far greater potential and relative value for money screen, storage etc wise

It's very debatable that the MacBook offers greater value. I bought a Galaxy S6 demo unit (I use it purely as a personal computer) for £160, the screen on it is higher resolution and much nicer than the MacBook's. "Greater potential" is also debatable, I can't put my MacBook in my pocket, record in 4K video etc.

 

[Jobsian]

I stand by it being targeted to the general laptop consumer. The general laptop consumer cares more about weight, screen, sleekness and looks than they do about power. This is similarly priced to the rMBP retina. Look how they word their marketing: "Mac in its purest form ever"

Yup, also see: Apple phone sales Vs higher powered uglier ones.

 

[dogslobber]

I have had numerous Apple products, including several MB Airs, iPhones, iMac etc. However the rMB is the worst Apple product I have ever owned.

- Sluggish (1.2 - 512)
- Horrible battery capacity. Often as little as 4 hrs (Cocunut battery shows it is down to 84% capacity after 100 cycles)
- Dongles for everything
- Draining power while in sleep mode
- Track pad not working well
- Does not work with Thunderbolt display
- Drops 5gHZ connection on Airport Extreme

My user experience was reminiscent of a crappy Asus laptop I had years ago. Perhaps I got a lemon...but it was not good...

Bought a MB Pro 13" and happy to drag the extra weight around for something that actually works like a decent notebook.

It's a poor laptop. No doubts about that.

 

[dogslobber]

I stand by it being targeted to the general laptop consumer. The general laptop consumer cares more about weight, screen, sleekness and looks than they do about power. This is similarly priced to the rMBP retina. Look how they word their marketing: "Mac in its purest form ever"

It's a Facebook computer. You wouldn't use it for any serious work. An iPad with a built in keyboard is how I've heard it described.

 

[jazz1]

It's a Facebook computer. You wouldn't use it for any serious work. An iPad with a built in keyboard is how I've heard it described.

Wow, I'm surprised how people who have purchased the rMB or don't even own one feel like they have been scammed regarding the capabilities of the rMB. The screen is great, the keyboard is great, the design is ground breaking, but no it isn't a Macbook Pro, or even a Macbook Air regarding ports, or performance. Maybe my expectations were too low? But if potential buyers (not haters) have a good understanding of what they want/need then you buy it or don't buy it. Check it out in person and make an informed decision.

If you need something with more power, more ports then go with the MBP 13" and call it a day.

 

[dogslobber]

Wow, I'm surprised how people who have purchased the rMB or don't even own one feel like they have been scammed regarding the capabilities of the rMB. The screen is great, the keyboard is great, the design is ground breaking, but no it isn't a Macbook Pro, or even a Macbook Air regarding ports, or performance. Maybe my expectations were too low? But if potential buyers (not haters) have a good understanding of what they want/need then you buy it or don't buy it. Check it out in person and make an informed decision.

If you need something with more power, more ports then go with the MBP 13" and call it a day.

I've used it in the Apple shop. It's only got ONE port and nothing else. The design is flawed in that light and to be honest it feels like an underpowered 11" MBA.

 

[whodatrr]

Described by someone who never used it.

It is not something I could live with as a primary system. However, my woman does, and it's fine for her. I have a big beefy desktop that I do most of my work and personal power stuff on. But the rMB is great for being on the road, of relaxing around the house.

Beyond FaceBook and web surfing, it does a pretty kick-ass job with MS office, and that's how many of us pay the bills. I can also do the normal iLife stuff, without breaking a sweat. Does Photoshop OK as well, though I haven't taxed that yet. And that's pretty much what i need it for. If I'm doing anything more intense it'll be on my desktop, where I have a quad core and three 27" displays waiting for me.

This is not a video editing or game machine. But for the way that many of us earn a living (MS Office, mild creative, etc.), it's pretty darn good. People may laugh at the 1.1Ghz rating, but that's base speed, not where the CPU spends most of its working life. These systems are built to spend a lot of their lives running faster than that, not just minor spikes and throttling. Fact of the matter is that these little buggers run MS Office and similar apps as good or better than the MBAs from a couple years ago that many are still using right now. they're not screamers, but not useless slouches either.

It's all about compromises and preference. I recently tried a new 15 rMBP for a bit, for its power and screen. At the end of the day, I was still longing for my desktop with three big displays. What I realized was that, for me, there's not a huge difference in productivity between a 15" screen and a 12" one, as long as they were both retina. For me, they all pretty much suck, because I constantly find myself wishing I was at my workstation. So, might as well make my mobile light and small, while saving the real heavy duty work for when I'm back in the home office.

But no, these are not Facebook machines. I will admit that I suspected that as well, until I started stealing the woman's machine and she told me to get my own.

It's a Facebook computer. You wouldn't use it for any serious work. An iPad with a built in keyboard is how I've heard it described.

 

[dogslobber]

But the rMB is great for being on the road, of relaxing around the house.

Beyond FaceBook and web surfing, it does a pretty kick-ass job with MS office, and that's how many of us pay the bills. I can also do the normal iLife stuff, without breaking a sweat. Does Photoshop as well, though I haven't taxed that yet. And that's pretty much what i need it for.

An iPad does all these things just as well so sounds like we're in agreement.

If I'm doing anything more intense it'll be on my desktop, where I have a quad core and three 27" displays waiting for me.

This is not a video editing or game machine. But for the way that many of us earn a living (MS Office, mild creative, etc.), it's pretty darn good. People may laugh at the 1.1Ghz rating, but that's base speed, not where the CPU spends most of its working life. These systems are built to spend a lot of their lives running faster than that, not just minor spikes and throttling. Fact of the matter is that these little buggers run MS Office and similar apps as good or better than the MBAs from a couple years ago that many are still using right now. they're not screamers, but not useless slouches either.

My last 1.1ghz laptop was a piece of junk I bought way back in 2001, 14 years ago, so no way am I going to use such a toy if I have an iPad already. As to your point about more horsepower, the Apple shop macbook simply sent the fans into overdrive when I put any load on it. It's intolerable to use it like that for anything more than a few seconds due to heat and volume level.

I stand by my original point, this is a Facebook computer and the iPad with a keyboard moniker is apt.

 

[jazz1]

I've used it in the Apple shop. It's only got ONE port and nothing else. The design is flawed in that light and to be honest it feels like an underpowered 11" MBA.

So, you made an informed decision. It still is possible that it might meet some other people's needs (it does mine).

Those that are willing to trade power for other attributes (that are not currently available in the MB Air, or MBP) may just find the rMB is their solution.

When a new Apple laptop gives us power, low weight, multiple ports, and a great screen, then sign me up. The term "flawed" suggests that Apple is holding back on a better solution. Give them time.

 

[whodatrr]

Ummm.... many of us don't have the option of earning a living in iOS. While I can run Office apps which will occasionally allow me to view SOME docs, the formatting is off. It's even worse to try to create docs in there, and distribute them to the company. And then there's the advanced feature (macros, Interactive PPTs, etc.). And then there's VPNs, CIFS, NFS, terminals, File Systems, etc. No way, now how. And really, if you don't get that, it's just a waste of breath to try to explain it. Different worlds I guess, but lots of us are still stuck in a world where we need a real OS, and will be for quite some time.

Enjoy your iPad. No idea why you're in the MacBook area? But your proselytizing iOS over OS X and passing along of heresy that you've heard from people who have never owned a MacBook have been extremely helpful.

An iPad does all these things just as well so sounds like we're in agreement.

My last 1.1ghz laptop was a piece of junk I bought way back in 2001, 14 years ago, so no way am I going to use such a toy if I have an iPad already. As to your point about more horsepower, the Apple shop macbook simply sent the fans into overdrive when I put any load on it. It's intolerable to use it like that for anything more than a few seconds due to heat and volume level.

I stand by my original point, this is a Facebook computer and the iPad with a keyboard moniker is apt.

 

[Acronyc]

An iPad does all these things just as well so sounds like we're in agreement.



My last 1.1ghz laptop was a piece of junk I bought way back in 2001, 14 years ago, so no way am I going to use such a toy if I have an iPad already. As to your point about more horsepower, the Apple shop macbook simply sent the fans into overdrive when I put any load on it. It's intolerable to use it like that for anything more than a few seconds due to heat and volume level.

I stand by my original point, this is a Facebook computer and the iPad with a keyboard moniker is apt.

The MacBook has no fans so I don't know what machine you are talking about. It does get hot sometimes, but in my experience of owning one for almost a month it is dead quiet regardless of the load put on the machine. Because there is no fan.

As for the iPad, not everyone can make do with an iPad for their needs. I tried for years to use my iPad for work with various keyboard covers and pseudo file system apps. It never worked right for me, and I've realized the iPad is a fantastic consumption device but not a great work device (for me), which is what I need in a portable machine.

I completely disagree with you that this is a Facebook computer. I've used one now for about a month and have gotten lots of work done while I travel, mostly in Office, some coding, and photoshop. It's never really given me any problems and thanks to the keyboard, trackpad, and OS X it has been way more useful than my iPad ever was.

Maybe you should use one for a while, outside the Apple shop, before passing judgement. Apple does have a 14 day return policy.