If the touchbar doesn't take off, will it become a liability?

[SamVilde]

I think the only real regret I'll have is if they release a new version with a physical escape key. I anticipate missing the escape key in a big way.

 

[epca12]

I think the only real regret I'll have is if they release a new version with a physical escape key. I anticipate missing the escape key in a big way.

Same here, I think I would have no complaints with it if that happened.

 

[maxfm]

Look at the history for Apple stuff. They release a feature people hate or are reluctant to embrace as it's very different. But Apple stick with it and people eventually adapt.

I think it's fair to say that Apple has a history of putting a greater deal of thought into their new features than the average company, which makes it less likely that they drop a feature, but it still happens pretty frequently.

Some examples of products and features that apple killed, changed or rolled back:

• Puck style mouse
• Dashboard (still accessible but hasn't been developed in years and comes disabled on new macs)
• DVD over CD-R on early iMacs
• G4 cube (discontinued after less than a year)
• apparently the garbage can Mac Pros
• Final Cut Pro X
• iTunes Ping
• MobileMe

I don't think the Touch Bar is a terrible idea. It makes no sense though for pros and would fit far better on the 12" MacBook line, which caters more to casual users. touch interfaces are only useful because they allow you to ditch the keyboard and trackpad. Otherwise, they're just slow and imprecise. Any interface that helps productivity on the touch bar would help even more if it was on the screen, accessible with the quicker and more precise pointer and not obscured by the user's knuckles.

But as a marketing tool to make those who love the simplicity of their iPads and iPhones feel more at home right away or for people who are just never gonna learn keyboard shortcuts or the details of a richer desktop UI, it's probably helpful.

Personally, i would pay extra to NOT have the touch bar just because any time I try to use it, it just slows me down. But know I'm not the typical user.

 

[Appleaker]

I think it's fair to say that Apple has a history of putting a greater deal of thought into their new features than the average company, which makes it less likely that they drop a feature, but it still happens pretty frequently.

Some examples of products and features that apple killed, changed or rolled back:

• Puck style mouse
• Dashboard (still accessible but hasn't been developed in years and comes disabled on new macs)
• DVD over CD-R on early iMacs
• G4 cube (discontinued after less than a year)
• apparently the garbage can Mac Pros
• Final Cut Pro X
• iTunes Ping
• MobileMe

I don't think the Touch Bar is a terrible idea. It makes no sense though for pros and would fit far better on the 12" MacBook line, which caters more to casual users. touch interfaces are only useful because they allow you to ditch the keyboard and trackpad. Otherwise, they're just slow and imprecise. Any interface that helps productivity on the touch bar would help even more if it was on the screen, accessible with the quicker and more precise pointer and not obscured by the user's knuckles.

But as a marketing tool to make those who love the simplicity of their iPads and iPhones feel more at home right away or for people who are just never gonna learn keyboard shortcuts or the details of a richer desktop UI, it's probably helpful.

Personally, i would pay extra to NOT have the touch bar just because any time I try to use it, it just slows me down. But know I'm not the typical user.

Exactly, it is perfect for the 12" MacBook target market. I think it should still be on the MBP but also with a physical escape key or physical buttons. That way, the whole Touch bar can be used by the application. There would be space to do that on the MBP designs.

 

[SamVilde]

Personally, i would pay extra to NOT have the touch bar just because any time I try to use it, it just slows me down. But know I'm not the typical user.

Me too, if I could get the better features (including touch ID) on the laptop without the touch bar. But those features come with the touch bar. I guess it will slow me down for a while. I guess I'll adjust.