So we should all be concerned because a guy on the internet SEEMS to think repairs might be expensive?
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Is anyone else concerned that if Touch Bar breaks it's going to cost a lot to fix?
- Thread starter Hieveryone
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Not particularly. I called Apple, asked about out-of-pocket replacement costs, and then decided not to worry about it again unless I have to cross that bridge & made a purchase. At some point, worrying about each individual detail becomes such a burden that it ruins the enjoyment of using the computer, IMHO.
AppleCare gets us to year 3, and someone not willing to pay money for an out of pocket repair can then sell the three year old machine for a handsome chunk of change, and then go purchase a new one.
Apple's out-of-pocket pricing on the logic board replacement on touch bar models isn't all that high considering that the TB, RAM, and SSD all must be replaced. They are presumably subsidizing it heavily, because the logic board replacement cost they told me is lower than the logic board replacement cost on the previous retina (which did not require SSD replacement and did not have the TB.) So, if you have to replace the logic board out of pocket, it might hurt a little less than you would expect. While I dislike that Apple chose to solder the flash storage to the logic board (as I am not convinced the pros outweighed the cons), I also give them major credit for recognizing that subsidizing the out-of-pocket logic board replacement means a User isn't getting shafted if they have a perfectly good SSD but a dead logic board (which partially addresses one of my major concerns with this change in design.)
That said, I chose the model with the physical function keys, but not because I had concerns about the cost of replacing the touch bar. It sounds like you might enjoy the functionality it provides.
AppleCare gets us to year 3, and someone not willing to pay money for an out of pocket repair can then sell the three year old machine for a handsome chunk of change, and then go purchase a new one.
Apple's out-of-pocket pricing on the logic board replacement on touch bar models isn't all that high considering that the TB, RAM, and SSD all must be replaced. They are presumably subsidizing it heavily, because the logic board replacement cost they told me is lower than the logic board replacement cost on the previous retina (which did not require SSD replacement and did not have the TB.) So, if you have to replace the logic board out of pocket, it might hurt a little less than you would expect. While I dislike that Apple chose to solder the flash storage to the logic board (as I am not convinced the pros outweighed the cons), I also give them major credit for recognizing that subsidizing the out-of-pocket logic board replacement means a User isn't getting shafted if they have a perfectly good SSD but a dead logic board (which partially addresses one of my major concerns with this change in design.)
That said, I chose the model with the physical function keys, but not because I had concerns about the cost of replacing the touch bar. It sounds like you might enjoy the functionality it provides.
My question is HOW would the touch bar benefit me? I like listening to music videos on Youtube all day and night.
From what I understand, Firefox isn't using TB yet?
Shoot. I missed the FF part. I'm not sure about FF support with the TB, even though it can be pretty useful for frequent music/video/media/browsing use with Safari/iTunes.
The touch bar is one of the main reasons why the computer is so costly.
Like all new technology like touch bar and retina display it is really costly when it first comes out.
Give it some time and the price will go down.
I didn't realize this was a Hieveryone thread when I responded, but good point...
Whilst most would agree less moving parts is a good thing this has probably been countered by the reduction of serviceable parts due to the more homogeneous design and poorer/cheaper construction methods (eg gluing) IMO
Strangely you could perceive that AC has become cheaper/better value now although a more mandatory requirement perhaps. I would not be surprised if the cost of AC increased
Early indicators certainly seem to imply that post 3 years the new Mac's may well be less economical to repair but the jury is still out on overall reliability and probably the only given issue would be battery life concerns post 3 years
I'm not so worried about the touchbar hardware breaking but i am worried about it getting glitchy over time, especially if you are running a non-standard config. I've already heard worrying reports of the touchbar software glitching, which is to be expected for this new tool, but it is also a basic input.
I don't want things like the ability to mute my computer or hit esc to get slow and laggy like the rest of my OS if i am running the same install for a long time or using old software. Seems like there is the potential for a bad experience down the line unless Apple's touchbar software is able to work perfectly for years no matter what. Apple is good but maybe not that good.
I don't want things like the ability to mute my computer or hit esc to get slow and laggy like the rest of my OS if i am running the same install for a long time or using old software. Seems like there is the potential for a bad experience down the line unless Apple's touchbar software is able to work perfectly for years no matter what. Apple is good but maybe not that good.
Interesting thought on legacy hardware/software in the future
I would hope that if the standard function keys are always supported it would be ok, but yes in theory if say the latest FCP in 5 years time only supported TB keys then it could be away of Apple forcing upgrades
I found an old MacBook Air (2012) in my office. I found someone who paid 700 $...so, use proper channels for reselling your Apple devices.