I am Feeling the Burn.

[Stephen.R]

Its a workaround rather than an option.

Huh? OP asked where to get parts after Apple stops selling them first-hand. I gave two examples where to buy new or refurbished parts. How is that a “work around”?

Try that with a 2016+ MBP and a failed keyboard.

You can get that repaired by Apple, likely for free. Why is a third party supplier required here?

But if you prefer, here: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/Ma...uch-Bar-Late-2016-2017-Keyboard/IF123-122?o=1
[doublepost=1558206357][/doublepost]

I bought my current 2012 from a small shop that refurbished it, new battery. SSD drive and upgraded the RAM.

The memory has been soldered since the first retina models in 2012, and is unrelated to the T2. Batteries are still replaceable they’re just more work (ifixit have a complete kit to re-glue the new one in place). They also have complete motherboards with varying sizes of SSD. Once some 2018 model parts start showing up I imagine they’ll also have varying memory configurations too.

 

[09872738]

Huh? OP asked where to get parts after Apple stops selling them first-hand. I gave two examples where to buy new or refurbished parts. How is that a “work around”?


You can get that repaired by Apple, likely for free. Why is a third party supplier required here?

But if you prefer, here: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/Ma...uch-Bar-Late-2016-2017-Keyboard/IF123-122?o=1
[doublepost=1558206357][/doublepost]

1 - Because Apple only replaces 2016/2017 MBP‘s keyboards. Those keyboards are not in any way different, they replace a failed keyboard by one that is prone to fail as well. 2018 models are not included in the program and expiry date is about to come soon.

2 - Great. Now you got a new keyboard (again: same design. Not fixed. And: 150 bucks? Insane!). What now? You can‘t replace them just like that, the keyboards are somehow tied to the upper case and battery. I am quite adept with hardware tinkering; however, I wouldn‘t touch that thing. No ifixit repair guide as well (at least I failed to find one)

 

[Queen6]

1 - Because Apple only replaces 2016/2017 MBP‘s keyboards. Those keyboards are not in any way different, they replace a failed keyboard by one that is prone to fail as well. 2018 models are not included in the program and expiry date is about to come soon.

2 - Great. Now you got a new keyboard (again: same design. Not fixed. And: 150 bucks? Insane!). What now? You can‘t replace them just like that, the keyboards are somehow tied to the upper case and battery. I am quite adept with hardware tinkering; however, I wouldn‘t touch that thing. No ifixit repair guide as well (at least I failed to find one)

Believe the keyboards are riveted in place, so good look with replacing one yourself. 2016/2017 are covered by extended warranty, 2018 owners will be feeling the burn soon enough, when Apple wants $700 to replace one

Q-6

 

[09872738]

Believe the keyboards are riveted in place, so good look with replacing one yourself. 2016/2017 are covered by extended warranty, 2018 owners will be feeling the burn soon enough, when Apple wants $700 to replace one

Q-6

Exactly. And we don't know how long Apple is going to replace 2016/2017 keyboards. Again, since its the same flawed design its just a matter of time till a replace keyboard will again fail. Fast forward to, say, 2020/2021. I doubt Apple will still replace those keyboards by then.
Its just a matter of time; at some point you'll be screwed.

 

[pshufd]

Exactly. And we don't know how long Apple is going to replace 2016/2017 keyboards. Again, since its the same flawed design its just a matter of time till a replace keyboard will again fail. Fast forward to, say, 2020/2021. I doubt Apple will still replace those keyboards by then.
Its just a matter of time; at some point you'll be screwed.

That's certainly the case with 2011 MacBook Pros and bad video cards.

 

[Queen6]

Exactly. And we don't know how long Apple is going to replace 2016/2017 keyboards. Again, since its the same flawed design its just a matter of time till a replace keyboard will again fail. Fast forward to, say, 2020/2021. I doubt Apple will still replace those keyboards by then.
Its just a matter of time; at some point you'll be screwed.

Four years and your "done" I believe, and who is going to fork out $700 to repair a four year old notebook? Problem being Apple is asking over $4K for a reasonable Spec 15" Vetoed the lot, more trouble than they are worth...

Q-6

 

[pshufd]

Four years and your "done" I believe, and who is going to fork out $700 to repair a four year old notebook? Problem being Apple is asking over $4K for a reasonable Spec 15" Vetoed the lot, more trouble than they are worth...

Q-6

Many have come to this conclusion. I suspect that more will in the future or it will be forced on them.

 

[Queen6]

Many have come to this conclusion. I suspect that more will in the future or it will be forced on them.

Undoubtedly so, and then the tempers will fly...

Q-6

 

[09872738]

Undoubtedly so, and then the tempers will fly...

Q-6

Will be interesting to see the sales/revenue numbers in upcoming years/months. Anyone else suspecting these are headed southwards?

 

[Queen6]

Will be interesting to see the sales/revenue numbers in upcoming years/months. Anyone else suspecting these are headed southwards?

For it's category the MBP is an expensive product (consumer notebook). Therefore people might just be a tad ticked off that they are so fickle and expensive to repair, especially given it's exactly the same flawed keyboard. Then again Apple clearly didn't lean anything form the 2011 dGPU fiasco, or maybe it did that it customers will still keep coming back for more of the same over and over...

Certainly illustrates that Apple's QA/QC is amiss and the company is more than happy to pass it's errors onto it's customers, well until a court of law will rule against Apple...

Q-6

 

[pshufd]

Will be interesting to see the sales/revenue numbers in upcoming years/months. Anyone else suspecting these are headed southwards?

Apple doesn't break out the products. So a strong iMac 2019 + Mini 2018 may mask weak MacBook sales.

 

[09872738]

Apple doesn't break out the products. So a strong iMac 2019 + Mini 2018 may mask weak MacBook sales.

I am aware. But that means iMac + Mini sales have to be strong enough to do so in the first place. Anyhow, we'll see. As said, will be interesting...

 

[pshufd]

I am aware. But that means iMac + Mini sales have to be strong enough to do so in the first place. Anyhow, we'll see. As said, will be interesting...

I was impressed by the Mac Mini (so I bought one), the iPad Mini (so I bought one) and the iMac (I didn't buy one because I hate the concept of AIOs though I like Apple's execution). I see a lot of folks here buying an iMac instead of upgrading their MacBook Pros as it provides them with Apple computing and they can live with mobile computing with their old hardware.

I really hope that Apple fixes their problems because I'm leaning towards Windows right now and I'd rather not have to. But I won't wait forever.

 

[09872738]

I was impressed by the Mac Mini (so I bought one), the iPad Mini (so I bought one) and the iMac (I didn't buy one because I hate the concept of AIOs though I like Apple's execution). I see a lot of folks here buying an iMac instead of upgrading their MacBook Pros as it provides them with Apple computing and they can live with mobile computing with their old hardware.

I really hope that Apple fixes their problems because I'm leaning towards Windows right now and I'd rather not have to. But I won't wait forever.

I am in the same boat. However, I won't buy a Mini (had several. The 2012 i7 was particularly great) or any other Apple since I cannot justify Apple's upgrade pricing (and locking/soldering habits), in particular concerning SSDs and RAM.

Just as you I really, really hope they come to their senses

 

[maflynn]

I really hope that Apple fixes their problems because I'm leaning towards Windows right now and I'd rather not have to. But I won't wait forever.

While I understand my use case is not the same as everyone's. The fact of the matter is that there are so many laptops out there that rival the MBP's design language and most high end laptops that compete against the MBP exceed the specs, quality and price of the MBP.

I also have an iMac, but that's been relegated to my kids homework and youtube stuff.

 

[pshufd]

● 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-8750H 6 core processor (2.20GHz, up to 4.10GHz with Turbo Boost Technology, 9MB Cache)
● Windows 10 Home 64
● Windows 10 Home 64 English
● 17.3” UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS anti-glare, 400nits
● 8GB DDR4 2400MHz
● NVIDIA Quadro P600 4GB
● IR&720p HD Camera with Microphone
● Backlit Keyboard with Number Pad - English
● Fingerprint Reader
● Fingerprint
● Hardware dTPM
● Hardware dTPM2.0 Enabled
● 256GB Solid State Drive PCIe-NVMe OPAL2.0 M.2
● 256GB
● 6 cell Li-Polymer 99Wh
● 230W AC Adapter (3pin) - US
● Intel® 9560 vPro 802.11AC (2 x 2) & Bluetooth 5.0
● 17.3" UHD (3840x2160), LED backlight, IPS, Anti-glare, No touch, IR-Camera, Mic, WLAN
● NVIDIA Quadro P600 4GB GDRR5
● Publication-English
● 1 Year Depot or Carry-in

$1,385.

Equivalent MBP is $2,399 except for the RAM as this only has 16 GB but I plan to buy 2 16 GB or 32 GB sticks to put in. Lenovo's uplifts for RAM and SSD are similar to Apple's but they have four slots - 2 are easily accessible and the other two are under they keyboard. I have a spare 1 TB 2.5 inch SSD which I will put in it and may add another NVM SSD as those are quite cheap. Lenovo charges similar to Apple for additional SSD but it's very easy to replace or add SSDs. This model has 2 NVM slots and 1 2.5 SSD/HDD slot.

I also looked at reviews comparing the P72 to a MacBook Pro -similar Lenovo model (I'm assuming similar to MacBook Pros) and the reviewer said that the P72 can handle sustained workloads at high CPU/GPU loads while the thin and light can't. Not surprising as the P72 is 1.15 inches thick and an overall tank. My CPU/GPU workload isn't high - it's more a case of it needs a lot of memory and a high-resolution display. I really like that you can start out with a base configuration and then add as you need more.

The trackpad is a piece of crap. I've been spoiled by MacBook Pro trackpads. I've read that Lenovo makes the best keyboards in the business. I will likely just use an external mouse instead of the trackpad. This thing should be great for trading.

This is basically saying that I think that it will take Apple years to get their act together on MacBook Pros. When I see getting their act together, this means fixing their issues, making their laptops more user-expandible, and enough time so that consumers and reviewers can determine that the problems have been fixed.

 

[Mendota]

Well... for my part, I cannot complain about the non upgradability of Macs as I use Surface devices and they too are a buy what you need up front kind of machine. I can at least say that the Surfaces have a reason for their form factor. They provide a fantastic drawing and painting experience compared to the old time convertibles, which were tanks with Wacom screens on top.

The Surface products are glued together as well, but that is where the resemblance ends, all of my Surface products have been trouble free with excellent screens and keyboards. I don't feel I can trust Apple to provide me with a computer to use for my needs. Instead you now get booby traps that serve their need for profit. I have always had a Mac first because of my work at the Universities, and then later because it was a nice drama free way to enjoy the Linux - Unix experience. Now I think I will be rejoining the "Abandon Ship" thread, as tell my own tale of moving away. Windows has always been my first choice and now there are some great small companies producing dedicated Linux machines at a fraction of Apple's cost.

 

[macjunk(ie)]

I am in the same boat. However, I won't buy a Mini (had several. The 2012 i7 was particularly great) or any other Apple since I cannot justify Apple's upgrade pricing (and locking/soldering habits), in particular concerning SSDs and RAM.

Just as you I really, really hope they come to their senses

I replaced my 2018 MBP with a Mac Mini cause of the keyboard (and to a certain extent: the touch bar). Unfortunately, even this usage is crashing down cause the Mini exhibits significant problems when it comes to using the wifi, bluetooth and HDMI together. Basically, if I am streaming music to a bluetooth speaker, then there is no Wifi. I have managed to get it working now by not using the HDMI port at all but using the USB-C port. This has given rise to another problem where the Mini is not able to wake up the monitor after long hours of sleep. And not to forget, my trackpad keeps losing its connection to the Mini at least 4-5 times a day!

In all, what a horrible experience of being in the Apple ecosystem. Unfortunately, I have tried and tried (and spent quite a fortune) to get a hang of other OSs like Windows and Linux but I just don't enjoy the software experience. So either I need to live with a compromised keyboard and soldered devilry in the MBP, or the too small for its own good Mini or the non-expandable and equally unreliable all-in-one iMac (when it breaks, lugging it around is painful!). Absolutely hate Tim Cook's Apple!

 

[afir93]

1 - Because Apple only replaces 2016/2017 MBP‘s keyboards. Those keyboards are not in any way different, they replace a failed keyboard by one that is prone to fail as well. 2018 models are not included in the program and expiry date is about to come soon.

Not anymore...

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/05/21/2018-macbook-pro-air-keyboard-repair-program/