The problem is improved software upgrades are subjective for each person whereas hardware upgrades are better no matter how you look at it. Laptop companies have been definitely taking hardware out and charging more.
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If Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro with a redesigned keyboard that has more travel and ports BUT
- Thread starter Hieveryone
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With any such subtle change in repetitive muscle movements, some fatigue isn't all that unusual after initial prolonged usage. Such fatigue should not be assumed to represent a design problem, as this can easily happen even if switching to an overall better design.
As Apple has the 14-day return policy, it's a nice opportunity for someone to buy the newer design, use it for ample time where they can adapt to it, and ultimately make the final verdict for themselves without having to worry of financial consequences.
I have a hard time with this and I'll explain why.
I worked in a lot of different jobs, as did my wife. There are PCs, Macs and a variety of sub-system and dedicated work stations and there are MANY different keyboards. Never, not ONCE, have I heard anyone crying about keyboards. So long as they worked, people adapted. Before I went with Mac, I had more than 30 PC systems and every keyboard was a variation and they all worked.
The Apple keyboards are fairly consistent. In fact, my non-techie friends can't even TELL that Apple changed the keyboard!b The small difference in spacing and travel is really very small. Fatigue? Give me a break. I quickly realized I was using less force with the new keyboard, but I had more errors due to tighter spacing. After 48 hours, I was flying on it.
I'm sorry, but I see the folks with REAL keyboard issues are a very small group and most of the complaints come from non owners who didn't try it for long enough or simply decided not to like it. Any time you change something like this, there will usually be a small group to reject it. Those buyers are likely to be lost.
But these new machines are such a delight for the majority that it clearly won't matter in the long run. By next year we'll see performance and other improvements. It's a great time for professionals who need these machines.
R.
Well, I don't track all the companies, but in regard to Apple, the new 15" MBP has an improved screen, better speakers, faster dGPU, faster SSD, doubled UHD external monitor support, more powerful and flexible ports, new Touch ID, new touch bar, they run cooler and more quietly, and battery life has improved for light to medium use, all while making it smaller and lighter. That seems a bargain for $100 more.
I'll agree that many complaints can be because it is different. But with the 14 day period, someone can get first-hand experience to make their own call.
It's funny you mention the less force point. When I had a MacBook try out, I noticed this too, and, because I was pressing harder as I would with the older style keyboard, and I was unconsciously pressing it based on how much travel I had grown accustomed to over a decade, it WAS uncomfortable as the pads of my fingers were slamming down as the keys bottomed out (and at first I was accidentally pressing multiple keys.) But was that the keyboard design? It was more how I was using it. After not too long, I unconsciously began to type in a fashion accounting for the lesser travel and spacing. Then the speed I typed increased.
The point I am getting at is that the while adaptation period may be more awkward for some, after that adapting one could very well wind up liking it more than the previous design (and WPM scores certainly show favorability to the newer style.) If someone likes the 2016 but has reservations about the keyboard, they should absolutely buy it and they will probably love the computer. And even if they don't wind up liking it as much or liking it even more than the current design, they can always return it.
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Assuming you can afford a premium laptop, I agree....you get a LOT for a tiny increase in price. Professionals aren't complaining, but hobbyists/students are. But they have other less expensive machines to choose from that still has the Apple logo. My 13" Touch Bar is only 250 dollars more than my Air and a LOT more computer.
Have a look at the current battery life on my 15" Touch Bar!
And I'm soooo in love with the battery life on the 15". A couple of hours ago I reported 81% and 7:52 remaining on the battery. Then I realized that I has Photoshop open along with my screenwriting software.
After shutting those down, this is where I am at now:
The battery life is great on this machine. Apple knocked it out of the park.
R.
What more ports would you add? I have a lot of USB-C accessories since I came from a 2015 MacBook. I'd rather not go back to the days of having useless ports on my machine that I never use. Instead, I can plug any device into any port. And every day that goes by there are more and more usb-c/TB3 accessories released. Heck, even Nintendo is using USB-C on the Switch and they have been using proprietary chargers for years now.
I've got a USB-C monitor, so one cable at my desk, then I keep my Apple HDMI/USB dongle in my bag. I have a USB-C SD card reader and those together solve all my use-cases. Also a USB-C portable SSD for file storage (Samsung T3.)
I've got a USB-C monitor, so one cable at my desk, then I keep my Apple HDMI/USB dongle in my bag. I have a USB-C SD card reader and those together solve all my use-cases. Also a USB-C portable SSD for file storage (Samsung T3.)
YUP...and with folks who are upset about using older gear, it STILL works with a tiny cheap USB adapter the size of my thumbnail. But also realize that professionals usually don't use ancient tech and the old USB standard is about to go bye-bye.
This is the MacBook PRO and it's not very professional to have a machine littered with outdated ports that make the side of the machine look like Swiss cheese. USB-C is superior and far more versatile. This is the future.
R.
This is the MacBook PRO and it's not very professional to have a machine littered with outdated ports that make the side of the machine look like Swiss cheese. USB-C is superior and far more versatile. This is the future.
R.
Makes sense! I haven't used the new keyboard enough to know myself, but yeah I can see the new muscles in the hands being used getting stronger or something. Good post appreciate your thoughts on this. Makes a lot of sense to me.
I think you are a little over liberal with your usage of "Professional" it maybe some truth in your little niche world but not so for many other professionals
I understand the point you are trying to make but it's such a generalisation with little basis and outwith the majority IMO and detracts from the content
I can't say that i agree with this statement. Actually, professionals are probably the main reason why legacy stuff exists. After all, they invest a lot of time and money into getting and learning these tools and they often want to keep that. I would even say that a "professional" is often the main enemy of progress
