Just bought the 2016 MBP 15" and WOW!

[ThisBougieLife]

As much as people on both sides of the hater-fanboy front get annoying, the accusation that those who criticize the laptop are just too poor to afford one needs to stop.

 

[accentaudio]

As much as people on both sides of the hater-fanboy front get annoying, the accusation that those who criticize the laptop are just too poor to afford one needs to stop.

I never said that. Neither did anybody else that I read. Don't make assumptions. No one said anything about anyone being poor. As I said, you could assume that is what that statement meant if you do indeed have envy. Not saying you do, of course.

 

[guy_mac]

I never said that. Neither did anybody else that I read. Don't make assumptions. No one said anything about anyone being poor. As I said, you could assume that is what that statement meant if you do indeed have envy. Not saying you do, of course..

I've used the 13" 16's a bunch of times at the apple store.

I have mixed feelings about the keyboard. It seems very precise but not very comfortable and I can see how the click clack might be annoying in a quiet environment like a library.

The speakers sound decent but they're nothing more than computer speakers. They're louder than the 15 speakers but the sound quality isn't great.

I've tried to check for differences in brightness and color saturation but I don't notice a large difference between the 15 and 16 models.

The 16 is a half pound lighter and a bit smaller but I'm not sure I'd notice the difference carrying it in a backpack.

The single port (assuming adapter use) on the ntb is demoralizing. It just flat out sucks. Even if you get 4 ports, you need dongles for everything.

The reduction in battery life isn't cool with the tb model. We're used to improvements or at least the same battery life in a new model.

The tb is a distraction. I don't like having to look down at a dynamic row of function keys. The multi step process for adjusting screen brightness is iconvenient, time consuming and annoying.

The form factor is great, and I like the reduction in weight and size, but there is a massive list of tradeoffs.

That's not to mention the price increases across the board.

There is a long list of cons.

And that's not even mentioning the endless list of bugs and defect reports.

 

[accentaudio]

I've used the 13" 16's a bunch of times at the apple store.

I have mixed feelings about the keyboard. It seems very precise but not very comfortable and I can see how the click clack might be annoying in a quiet environment like a library.

The speakers sound decent but they're nothing more than computer speakers. They're louder than the 15 speakers but the sound quality isn't great.

I've tried to check for differences in brightness and color saturation but I don't notice a large difference between the 15 and 16 models.

The 16 is a half pound lighter and a bit smaller but I'm not sure I'd notice the difference carrying it in a backpack.

The single port (assuming adapter use) on the ntb is demoralizing. It just flat out sucks. Even if you get 4 ports, you need dongles for everything.

The reduction in battery life isn't cool with the tb model. We're used to improvements or at least the same battery life in a new model.

The tb is a distraction. I don't like having to look down at a dynamic row of function keys. The multi step process for adjusting screen brightness is iconvenient, time consuming and annoying.

The form factor is great, and I like the reduction in weight and size, but there is a massive list of tradeoffs.

That's not to mention the price increases across the board.

There is a long list of cons.

And that's not even mentioning the endless list of bugs and defect reports.

All your opinion. And opinions are like... Well you know the rest. Oh, and there is no "reduction in battery life" despite what you've bought into. Using one at an Apple Store is not owning one.

 

[blairian89]

Illuminati reptilians from the fourth dimension, bro. Freemason jews and nazi's in on it too. Cuz, alex jones infowars said so.

And Russians.

KGB in particular.

Messing with the battery, creating screen glitches. Paying off consumer reports. New World Order is responsible.

And......


....fake news.

Is someone else here a Coast to Coast listener? I mean...I know I am...just saying.

 

[munna78]

The tb is a distraction. I don't like having to look down at a dynamic row of function keys. The multi step process for adjusting screen brightness is iconvenient, time consuming and annoying.

.

it's not multi-step process to adjust sound/brightness. Tap (and don't lift up your finger), then slide your finger left/right. You don't need to tap, and then again tap on the slider to adjust. In fact, i find this new way of doing it much faster. No more of the previous repetitive tap tap tap tap tap.

 

[CaptRB]

I've used the 13" 16's a bunch of times at the apple store.

I have mixed feelings about the keyboard. It seems very precise but not very comfortable and I can see how the click clack might be annoying in a quiet environment like a library.

The speakers sound decent but they're nothing more than computer speakers. They're louder than the 15 speakers but the sound quality isn't great.

I've tried to check for differences in brightness and color saturation but I don't notice a large difference between the 15 and 16 models.

The 16 is a half pound lighter and a bit smaller but I'm not sure I'd notice the difference carrying it in a backpack.

The single port (assuming adapter use) on the ntb is demoralizing. It just flat out sucks. Even if you get 4 ports, you need dongles for everything.

The reduction in battery life isn't cool with the tb model. We're used to improvements or at least the same battery life in a new model.

The tb is a distraction. I don't like having to look down at a dynamic row of function keys. The multi step process for adjusting screen brightness is iconvenient, time consuming and annoying.

The form factor is great, and I like the reduction in weight and size, but there is a massive list of tradeoffs.

That's not to mention the price increases across the board.

There is a long list of cons.

And that's not even mentioning the endless list of bugs and defect reports.

Playing with one in the store does not a test make. I own two and I also own the 2015 15" rMBP, which is a great machine as well. But these new Machines are better and I'll address you point by point:

1) Keyboard is simply superior. You get used to it and I'm not hearing much difference in key sound because I've slowly learned that I require less effort to hit a key. It's a subtle adaptation, but you learn it after a while. If you use it for a week or two and still don't adapt, then your comment would be valid.

2) The speakers have more fidelity. There's more detail and depth to the sound. Yes, they're still laptop speakers, but the difference is not small if you have the machines side-by-side. There's still zero bass, but we knew that going in.

3) The difference in color gamut is not dramatic, but as a photographer I can easily see it. The difference in brightness is VERY obvious and again. I can use the tMBP outside far more easily than I can with the 2015 machine.

4) The weight difference is there. Doesn't matter that much to me, but I'll take the small savings.

5) The USB-C can do everything anyone would ever need. I keep asking: How does an adapter hurt your workflow? Demoralizing? I put a USB adapter on one printer and another on an external drive. I still need the card reader as I do for EVERY Mac I've owned. Should I be demoralized by this? I finally can plug power using an easily replaceable cable (that doesn't cost me 80 bucks!), run off external power backs and even choose which side I want the cable on. Heck, I can even pop in a magsafe adapter if my pet Penguin runs amok. This port stuff is just silly.

6) Battery life will be fine. There are a few bugs for the 15" models to be dealt with. My 13" tMBP is now getting better battery life than my 15" 2015 rMBP and I'm running heavy apps and connected to a 27" monitor 4K@60.

7) Like the keyboard, you have to learn the TB. It's not something that most of us have a measure of yet. So far, so good, but we'll see in the coming months how useful it is.

Better screen
Better keyboard
Better speakers
Faster machine and SSD
Bigger trackpad
Unified port system at last
Lighter

And somehow this is a long list of cons? I own two because of that list and will add the 15" on the next cycle.



R.

 

[guy_mac]

Playing with one in the store does not a test make. I own two and I also own the 2015 15" rMBP, which is a great machine as well. But these new Machines are better and I'll address you point by point:

1) Keyboard is simply superior. You get used to it and I'm not hearing much difference in key sound because I've slowly learned that I require less effort to hit a key. It's a subtle adaptation, but you learn it after a while. If you use it for a week or two and still don't adapt, then your comment would be valid.

I don't doubt I'd be able to adapt. The keyboard is definiteiy noisier and at least for short stretches, less comfortable than the 15.

2) The speakers have more fidelity. There's more detail and depth to the sound. Yes, they're still laptop speakers, but the difference is not small if you have the machines side-by-side. There's still zero bass, but we knew that going in.

They still suck. They're laptop speakers. The distortion is very noticeable. The entire case vibrates at moderate volume. This ridiculous narrative about these being great speakers needs to stop.

3) The difference in color gamut is not dramatic, but as a photographer I can easily see it. The difference in brightness is VERY obvious and again. I can use the tMBP outside far more easily than I can with the 2015 machine.

At max brightness, I don't notice a large difference between the 15 and 16.

4) The weight difference is there. Doesn't matter that much to me, but I'll take the small savings.

I agree that there is a difference and it's likely it'd be difficult to notice in a backpack or bag.

5) The USB-C can do everything anyone would ever need. I keep asking: How does an adapter hurt your workflow? Demoralizing? I put a USB adapter on one printer and another on an external drive. I still need the card reader as I do for EVERY Mac I've owned. Should I be demoralized by this? I finally can plug power using an easily replaceable cable (that doesn't cost me 80 bucks!), run off external power backs and even choose which side I want the cable on. Heck, I can even pop in a magsafe adapter if my pet Penguin runs amok. This port stuff is just silly.

The 15 has two usba ports. I used them to hook up two 7 port hubs.

The 16 ntb only has one useable port.

Playing with one in the store does not a test make. I own two and I also own the 2015 15" rMBP, which is a great machine as well. But these new Machines are better and I'll address you point by point:

1) Keyboard is simply superior. You get used to it and I'm not hearing much difference in key sound because I've slowly learned that I require less effort to hit a key. It's a subtle adaptation, but you learn it after a while. If you use it for a week or two and still don't adapt, then your comment would be valid.

I don't doubt I'd be able to adapt. The keyboard is definiteiy noisier and at least for short stretches, less comfortable than the 15.

2) The speakers have more fidelity. There's more detail and depth to the sound. Yes, they're still laptop speakers, but the difference is not small if you have the machines side-by-side. There's still zero bass, but we knew that going in.

They still suck. They're laptop speakers. The distortion is very noticeable. The entire case vibrates at moderate volume. This ridiculous narrative about these being great speakers needs to stop.

3) The difference in color gamut is not dramatic, but as a photographer I can easily see it. The difference in brightness is VERY obvious and again. I can use the tMBP outside far more easily than I can with the 2015 machine.

At max brightness, I don't notice a large difference between the 15 and 16.

4) The weight difference is there. Doesn't matter that much to me, but I'll take the small savings.

I agree that there is a difference and it's likely it'd be difficult to notice in a backpack or bag.

6) Battery life will be fine. There are a few bugs for the 15" models to be dealt with. My 13" tMBP is now getting better battery life than my 15" 2015 rMBP and I'm running heavy apps and connected to a 27" monitor 4K@60.

"Fine" means less than the 15.

7) Like the keyboard, you have to learn the TB. It's not something that most of us have a measure of yet. So far, so good, but we'll see in the coming months how useful it is.

I care for it less the more I use it, to be honest.

Better screen (probably true, but not immediately noticeable)
Better keyboard (debatable; I find it significantly less comfortable)
Better speakers (they're louder but they're still sucky laptop speakers)
Faster machine and SSD (I agree)
Bigger trackpad (it interferes with typing)
Unified port system at last (dongle/s required)
Lighter (not really noticeable)

Far more expensive.

And somehow this is a long list of cons? I own two because of that list and will add the 15" on the next cycle.

 

[ThisBougieLife]

I've used mine for almost a month now. Here are my thoughts. I'm not a "hater" and I'm not a "troll".

I do not prefer the keyboard to the old model and find I type more accurately and more comfortably on my USB Apple keyboard that I use when I have my MBP hooked up to an external monitor. Coming back to the laptop's keyboard is somewhat of a disappointment sometimes. I am used to it, but I've simply decided that I don't prefer it. I found my hands ached more after typing a lot on it than they did after typing on the USB keyboard. That's just my personal opinion on the keyboard.

And as I mentioned before, I find the giant trackpad gets in the way of my typing and I sometimes accidentally hit it while typing and "tap to click" where I don't want to (and I will not disable tap-to-click because I've been using it since I first had a MacBook years ago). And no, my hands are not big, in fact they're positively dainty, but it still happens to me. It may have something to do with the fact that I usually type very very fast.

I haven't noticed any problems with battery life, especially since I had a 13" MBP before and have nothing to compare it to. I did notice the "time remaining" was inaccurate, but they got rid of that, so no worries, eh? I have had no graphics glitches either.

As for dongles, it's annoying, but I have bought USB-C cables for most of my things. There's really only one high-end USB cable I bought for audiophile purposes that is USB-A and needs a dongle. Everything else I plug right into the USB-C ports. The market needs some time to catch up, but there are USB-C cables out there if you look. They are a more elegant solution than dongles.

Touch bar for the most part is fine, not really a to-die-for asset though, and it does annoy me sometimes (Touch ID is extremely convenient however). For example, I often listen to iTunes while browsing the internet, so if I want to pause a song, I have to expand the touch bar then pause it, so it becomes a two-step process (or I have to leave the browser and go back to iTunes), whereas with the old MBP, the play button was always there. Additionally for adjusting the volume by quarter increments, you now need to expand the function bar and then press shift/option to adjust the volume, so again, two-step process. I realize these commands aren't an issue for some, but they are things I was used to doing on my old MBP that I now must change.

Those are my impressions after about a month of use.

 

[thesaint024]

Touch bar for the most part is fine, not really a to-die-for asset though, and it does annoy me sometimes (Touch ID is extremely convenient however). For example, I often listen to iTunes while browsing the internet, so if I want to pause a song, I have to expand the touch bar then pause it, so it becomes a two-step process (or I have to leave the browser and go back to iTunes), whereas with the old MBP, the play button was always there. Additionally for adjusting the volume by quarter increments, you now need to expand the function bar and then press shift/option to adjust the volume, so again, two-step process. I realize these commands aren't an issue for some, but they are things I was used to doing on my old MBP that I now must change.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're doing, but these interactions shouldn't be that hard. I've customized my tb so I forget what's on there by default. But if you have the play/pause button and the volume button, it's a one step process that is always there regardless of what app you're in. For volume, just hold the volume button and without lifting your finger, slide it left or right.

I have volume, play/pause, brightness, and screen lock on my control strip. These alone have improved my workflow. If there is no further development of the touchbar, it's still a win for me. I have no problem with people wanting physical keys for function if they use them a lot, but if not, these customizable buttons are pretty handy. I am a touch typist, but never was for the function keys. I just didn't use them that much except F2 and F4 in Excel. There is potential to customize this in the future Office version, but we'll see.

 

[cbautis2]

As for dongles, it's annoying, but I have bought USB-C cables for most of my things. There's really only one high-end USB cable I bought for audiophile purposes that is USB-A and needs a dongle. Everything else I plug right into the USB-C ports. The market needs some time to catch up, but there are USB-C cables out there if you look. They are a more elegant solution than dongles.

Those are my impressions after about a month of use.

Your high-end cable will lose its magic/transparency/clarity/bitperfectness etc. since signal has to go through the inferior wiring of the USB-C to USB-A dongle LOL.

 

[ThisBougieLife]

Your high-end cable will lose its magic/transparency/clarity/bitperfectness etc. since signal has to go through the inferior wiring of the USB-C to USB-A dongle LOL.

Well hopefully audioquest will begin making some USB-C cables

 

[guy_mac]

Just ignore the paid apple shills. The battery life on the 2016's is a joke. They're not even subtle shills, either. They just engage in all out attack and name calling. Way to out yourself fellas.

I think the ntb may be the exception but there are tons of people getting shafted with the low battery life on the tb models.

BTW, I've talked to a few apple employees and they told me they are not willing to buy the 16 models.

 

[nnoble]

Not sure why you're trying to pick a fight with OP. I haven't seen any "legitimate criticism" in this thread. You mention several baseless things and "massive" tradeoffs and "endless" bugs and defects. Exaggerate much? You sound exactly like the non-owner who reads a lot of non-issues again. We've heard them all. So you hang out at Apple Stores a lot and play with the 16's? Then you come to the MR forum to bash them? You really have nothing better to do with your time? Move on please.

I agree, it would be good if the detractors with limited or even no experience would stop re-cycling second hand information. Some of it doesn't even make sense. How can you comment about your experience of battery life when you've only used the damn thing in a store. This was / is a good thread for anyone wanting to hear first-hand experience of these new machines. Well done to the thread starter and I hope he and others continue to report the pros and cons from first hand experience.

 

[MarcBou]

Just ignore the paid apple shills. The battery life on the 2016's is a joke. They're not even subtle shills, either. They just engage in all out attack and name calling. Way to out yourself fellas.

I think the ntb may be the exception but there are tons of people getting shafted with the low battery life on the tb models.

BTW, I've talked to a few apple employees and they told me they are not willing to buy the 16 models.

You are funny.

Do you own a 2016 MBP? I mean, to say the battery is a joke I'm sure you own one and have try it for a long period and tested the battery right? I do have one (15") and I'm getting 9-10 hours when web searching and writing on Word. Hope Apple fixes the problem for this people having poor battery, if mine and others are working well I'm sure there'll be a fix.

On the other hand, I don't imagine myself spending hours in forums just whining about a product I don't like and I don't want to buy. Would be such a waste of time.

 

[maflynn]

[MOD NOTE]
Closed for moderator review

The thread has been re-opened. Quite a number of posts have been removed due to various rules violations and/or responding to posts that were deleted.

Please debate the topic, and avoid flaming/insulting members. Everyone has an opinion and is welcome to state it.

 

[BenTrovato]

There are vids showing that the base 15" tMBP will out-render video on those "better" PC's. Anyway, I spent time with a Surface Book and windows 10. Not interested.


R

It's not even a point of contention. There exist cheaper machines with better specs, you can't argue something that exists. Or you can, but that would be really strange. You don't buy a Mac for the specs alone, no other manufacturer comes close to the finish of the new MBP.

 

[dgdosen]

The uneducated buy just wants MORE. They can't quantify it or make much sense when asked about it. Look at the (many) threads of haters where I simply asked, "What does this machine do to effect or impact your workflow?" And there would be no answer because there was NO workflow. They just wanted a machine that was 8 times faster that was 3 times cheaper that had ports for every investment in electronics they ever bought.

I think there are buyers who certainly just don't want "more". As a mac user, I'm not clamoring for 'more' battery life - just the same. More retina display? - I pretty happy with the current one. I don't want 'more' trackpad - just the same. If Apple wants to change that for the better - sure. I don't mind the new trackpad, the new screen, the new keyboard - even USB C. I do mind reduced battery life.

I don't view laptops as an investment. I loved the four other Apple laptops I've bought since 2007, but they're all gathering dust right now. They do enable me to be more successful in my life - and that's where there worth is.

And I'd still love a machine that's 8 time faster and 3 times cheaper.

The touchbar will be adopted usefully my many apps and also accepted.

Apple does miss - iOS News? Beats Music (IMO)? Unified TV app?

I think the touchbar is a miss. I don't like it because it's raises a "walled garden" for apple stuff. I'd rather it be more open and usable similarly on other platforms. Trackpads, mice, touchscreens and fingerprint sensors are all pretty logical - a context sensitive touchbar is not. Not to mention you can only use it on a macbook pro. Who knows when macbook/mac/macpro users will ever be able (or want to) take advantage of it...

 

[kevinkyoo]

Yeah, ok. Glad you got a kick out of it. I bought the second Mac a day later after having spent the day using the first and deciding I loved it. Do you own one?

I don't see myself needing to spend thousands of dollars on a product to know whether I like it or not. Based on the fact that I've owned Apple products for 10+ years, and have some sizeable knowledge on computers/laptops, I think I know whether I will like the product or not based on using in a store and also borrowing it from my relative for a week straight.

I think it is hilarious at this point that there's no such thing as a valid criticism. Either you're with us, or against us.

These posts of trying to justify your purchases are getting really tiring. Yes, you spend thousands of dollars in a span of two days, on products that you're supposed to use for years and years. I at least like to test the waters, read/watch reviews before I make these purchases.

It is pretty obvious from your comments in this thread that you'd like to plug your ears on any sort of criticism, and think that every "feature" (Flaws or not) is purposefully implemented by Apple, rather than it being a flaw to be fixed in the next iteration.

 

[CaptRB]

I'm sorry, but I do question those who OBVIOUSLY tell stories. I have two 13" tMBP and my buddy has four of the 15" tMBP in his studio. No issues and he now says battery life is the same as his 2015 and 2014 models, which I also find....

Oh, and instead of telling stories...

FYI, for whatever reason, battery life continues to improve (currently at 44 cycles).

FYI...I did not get 13:09. I got over 10.

Buh bye!


R.

 

[thesaint024]

I don't see myself needing to spend thousands of dollars on a product to know whether I like it or not. Based on the fact that I've owned Apple products for 10+ years, and have some sizeable knowledge on computers/laptops, I think I know whether I will like the product or not based on using in a store and also borrowing it from my relative for a week straight.

I think it is hilarious at this point that there's no such thing as a valid criticism. Either you're with us, or against us.

These posts of trying to justify your purchases are getting really tiring. Yes, you spend thousands of dollars in a span of two days, on products that you're supposed to use for years and years. I at least like to test the waters, read/watch reviews before I make these purchases.

It is pretty obvious from your comments in this thread that you'd like to plug your ears on any sort of criticism, and think that every "feature" (Flaws or not) is purposefully implemented by Apple, rather than it being a flaw to be fixed in the next iteration.

Are you reading the same thread as me? There was no war going on until unnamed troll started losing his mind. Aside from that, OP is happy with his purchase. He just couldn't align all of the things he had been reading to the machines he just bought. How is that ignoring criticism? He was taking lots of opinions in his "the decision" thread and finally just decided to try it. You might be applying some things you read from other people in other threads. What you're talking about does happen here on MR for sure, but it wasn't with this guy on this thread. He just likes his purchase and frankly is annoyed by all the unwarranted hate. That is all. Why is it so hard to believe that some of us actually like these things without fanboy accusations? I don't try to convince anyone to buy one of these. Everyone's needs are different. Why do you try so hard to make people NOT buy them. That is bizarre.

 

[CaptRB]

Are you reading the same thread as me? There was no war going on until unnamed troll started losing his mind. Aside from that, OP is happy with his purchase. He just couldn't align all of the things he had been reading to the machines he just bought. How is that ignoring criticism? He was taking lots of opinions in his "the decision" thread and finally just decided to try it. You might be applying some things you read from other people in other threads. What you're talking about does happen here on MR for sure, but it wasn't with this guy on this thread. He just likes his purchase and frankly is annoyed by all the unwarranted hate. That is all. Why is it so hard to believe that some of us actually like these things without fanboy accusations? I don't try to convince anyone to buy one of these. Everyone's needs are different. Why do you try so hard to make people NOT buy them. That is bizarre.

Believe me, the haters didn't get anywhere. MR is not shining too brightly right now. The detractors told stories and rarely had real experience. It's all pretty obvious.

Some guy actually said "good photographers" don't do their own post processing! That's the common level of knowledge here, where non-professionals spout ignorance and demand to be respected for it.

Pretty funny for those of us lucky enough to be enjoying these new machines.


R.
[doublepost=1483485817][/doublepost]

I think there are buyers who certainly just don't want "more". As a mac user, I'm not clamoring for 'more' battery life - just the same. More retina display? - I pretty happy with the current one. I don't want 'more' trackpad - just the same. If Apple wants to change that for the better - sure. I don't mind the new trackpad, the new screen, the new keyboard - even USB C. I do mind reduced battery life.

I don't view laptops as an investment. I loved the four other Apple laptops I've bought since 2007, but they're all gathering dust right now. They do enable me to be more successful in my life - and that's where there worth is.

And I'd still love a machine that's 8 time faster and 3 times cheaper.

I think the touchbar is a miss. I don't like it because it's raises a "walled garden" for apple stuff. I'd rather it be more open and usable similarly on other platforms. Trackpads, mice, touchscreens and fingerprint sensors are all pretty logical - a context sensitive touchbar is not. Not to mention you can only use it on a macbook pro. Who knows when macbook/mac/macpro users will ever be able (or want to) take advantage of it...

The touchbar is not a walled garden anymore than touchscreen for windows is. Developers will enable it for Apple and older machines won't take advantage. Pretty obvious stuff.

I use a screenwriting program and the company behind it has plans to use the touchbar in the next version. I have no idea how useful (or not!) it may be, but safe to say we are being premature in drawing a final judgement at this stage. My sense is that it will catch on and be useful and keep fingerprints off my display.

I don't want a faster machine. This is very fast. I'd prefer a nicer keyboard and screen since the processing power has hit a plateau for many. That's what I was given. For my photography this new machine is solid evolution.

And I get the same (or better) battery life vs. my 2015 rMBP.

And I back up what I claim. Most here don't.

R.

 

[doitdada]

Believe me, the haters didn't get anywhere.

Some guy actually said "good photographers" don't do their own post processing! That's the common level of knowledge here, where non-professionals spout ignorance and demand to be respected for it.

The touchbar is not a walled garden anymore than touchscreen for windows is. Developers will enable it for Apple and older machines won't take advantage. Pretty obvious stuff.

Haters will hate?

I think the "walled garden" argument is quite good. How will the Mac Mini, Mac Pro and iMac adapt to the touch bar? Apple released a new keyboard compatible with their desktop line fall 2015, called the magic keyboard and that is currently without a touch bar. Rumours have been circulating regarding updates to the iMac and Mac Pro and a keyboard with a touch bar may be on it's way for the desktop Macs.

Without the touch bar being a part of the entire mac ecosystem, it will be just be a novelty and will never become a necessity.

 

[Codybby1]

I've had my 15" for a week now and agree that it's awesome. Most of the negativity you read around here is extremely exaggerated. The gaming performance actually surprised me, this little machine packs a punch.

 

[CaptRB]

Haters will hate?

I think the "walled garden" argument is quite good. How will the Mac Mini, Mac Pro and iMac adapt to the touch bar? Apple released a new keyboard compatible with their desktop line fall 2015, called the magic keyboard and that is currently without a touch bar. Rumours have been circulating regarding updates to the iMac and Mac Pro and a keyboard with a touch bar may be on it's way for the desktop Macs.

Without the touch bar being a part of the entire mac ecosystem, it will be just be a novelty and will never become a necessity.

The argument is "quite good?"
Seriously?
There are PC's running just fine without touchscreen and older Macs without Touchbar will also be fine. It won't make any difference.
Computers have a short lifespan, 3-5 years max for most. I rarely go more than two before swapping up to better stuff.

It's clear you "want" or "need" there to be an issue, but I'm sorry. The new machines are fine. If an issue comes up, I'll post loud and clear about it, but so far...these are wonderful laptops and I can't wait to add the 15".


R.