Just for the record - single USB-C port

[MyopicPaideia]

I totally agree with you. Despite being able to afford the rMacbook as a secondary machine, i am not willing to pay a ridiculous amount of money for basic adapters. I need HDMI and occasionally VGA for presentations, which means 2x89€ = 200$. With a second port, this issues could at least be reduced, because i could buy a third party adapter and i would still be able to charge the machine with the other port. Besides the lack of proper 4k support, this is really a dealbreaker for me. Also i am not sure, where most people get the confidence that mechanical wear and tear won't be an issue in the future. If the single port for charging/connectivity (without Magsafe) breaks, i would face high repair costs or i could throw away the whole machine.

Yeah, but the second port would not be full USB 3.1 due to the core M chipset, nor support all the versatility of a true USB-C port such as HDMI, mDP, etc. In addition, the logic board would have to be enlarged to accomodate the controller for the second, crippled port, creating possible thermal issues in the chassis and necessitating a smaller battery capacity. This assuming the physical size of the machine were maintained. This has already been covered in this thread and several others.

Skylake core M will make two full 3.1 ports possible, but space and other consequences of having to put in a second controller for the port will remain. Thus I believe that unless Apple finds other places to gain back battery efficiency to maintain the same life or better, such as the display technology, then we won't see a second port in the 12" rMB. A 14" model on the other hand, would probably be much easier to add a second USB-C to, although I still think that that charging would be limited to one of them. If that were to happen, it would be the end of the MBA for sure.

 

[metier]

Finally i see where you coming from with this argument. But even in this hypothetical and probably very rare scenario, where somebody needs to purchase three adapters at once for the rMBP, this isn't a cheaper deal. I still have a functional magsafe port on the rMBP, which i don't have on the rMB if i use the USB/C connection from the multiport adapter for anything else than charging. So this is more like > 39,5$ per connection for the rMB. And for other examples like Ethernet you would have to spend 29$ plus additional 19$ for the USB adapter or 79$ for the multiport adapter (even worse VGA 79$+HDMI 79$). So your combo deal approach doesn't really work. Besides that you have to ignore that the rMBP has more built in connectivity in the beginning. In the end you just have high upfront and sometimes hidden costs for basic adapters on the rMB.

Edit: I updated my previous post to clarify my point.

Why do you need to have your rMB or what ever you have, plugged into power 24x7. Do you use your USB thumb drive every minute your rMB is running?

It wasn't rare for me to need these adapters for the rMBP. But I bought the rMBP knowing the limitations and what I would need to purchase to make it fit into my workflow.

The rMBP cost quite a bit more is quite a bit bigger and heavier. talking about 15" since that is what I have. The rMBP was designed to be a desktop replacement. The rMB was designed to be a light weight portable computer. You have trade offs on either design.

As far as hidden cost, if you bought a rMB not knowing it had 1 USB-C port then the blame is on you for blindly buying it.

So how many ports/connections does the multiport adapter have 3 so $79/3 = $26.33. You can use all 3 of the ports as you see fit, one of them doesn't have to be just for power.

And I did not give ethernet as an example for a need on the rMB, again I was asked what adapters I need for the rMBP and I answered that.

And since there hasn't been any other adapter that has supported (and worked) power pass thru like the apple multiport adapter has, it must be more then just adding a USB-C port to the adapter.

So how much do you think Apple should charge for the multiport adapter?

Update my bad the USB-C is only for power no data so $79/2 = 39.50

 

[Narcaz]

1. To be precise, you did.

2. I joined the discussion. Nobody questions anybody here. We make comments. In this particular case I kindly asked you to clarify your statement.
3. I have already explained why your comparison in this case - in my opinion - does not stand. Narcaz did the same.

Something went wrong with the quotation. This post wasn't from me.

Yeah, but the second port would not be full USB 3.1 due to the core M chipset, nor support all the versatility of a true USB-C port such as HDMI, mDP, etc. In addition, the logic board would have to be enlarged to accomodate the controller for the second, crippled port, creating possible thermal issues in the chassis and necessitating a smaller battery capacity. This assuming the physical size of the machine were maintained. This has already been covered in this thread and several others.

Skylake core M will make two full 3.1 ports possible, but space and other consequences of having to put in a second controller for the port will remain. Thus I believe that unless Apple finds other places to gain back battery efficiency to maintain the same life or better, such as the display technology, then we won't see a second port in the 12" rMB. A 14" model on the other hand, would probably be much easier to add a second USB-C to, although I still think that that charging would be limited to one of them. If that were to happen, it would be the end of the MBA for sure.

I didn't say the second port should to be another USB/C. Magsafe would be fine.

If Apple wants to replace the MBA with the rMB in the future, it should probably appeal to a broader audience. A second USB C might help. And some of your concerns could be solved with Skylake. If Apple can get more connectivity, 4k/60hz and full TB 3 support, they should increase the size and/or weight slightly. In my opinion the current physical size is a bit overrated. I know it has been praised for the thinness and weight, but do an extra 50-80g really matter for most people? Some people act like the current design has been set in stone.

Why do you need to have your rMB or what ever you have, plugged into power 24x7. Do you use your USB thumb drive every minute your rMB is running?

It wasn't rare for me to need these adapters for the rMBP. But I bought the rMBP knowing the limitations and what I would need to purchase to make it fit into my workflow.

The rMBP cost quite a bit more is quite a bit bigger and heavier. The rMBP was designed to be a desktop replacement. The rMB was designed to be a light weight portable computer. You have trade offs on either design.

As far as hidden cost, if you bought a rMB not knowing it had 1 USB-C port then the blame is on you for blindly buying it.

So how many ports/connections does the multiport adapter have 3 so $79/3 = $26.50. You can use all 3 of the ports as you see fit, one of them doesn't have to be just for power.

And I did not give ethernet as an example for a need on the rMB, again I was asked what adapters I need for the rMBP and I answered that.

And since there hasn't been any other adapter that has supported (and worked) power pass thru like the apple multiport adapter has, it must be more then just adding a USB-C port to the adapter.

So how much do you think Apple should charge for the multiport adapter?

I don't know if it's worth to pursue your adapter calculation again. I thought that i have made myself very clear with my last two posts. You think this is somehow a good deal, i don't. Let's agree to disagree.

I also doubt that the rMBP was designed to a desktop replacement, but that would derail this thread. And it doesn't matter, how much i think Apple should charge for the multiport adapter. I don't know their productions costs, their design goals (why one for HDMI and one for VGA?!) or if they want to subsidize a new standard (obviously they don't want to). I can just speak for myself, i am not willing to spend more than 60-70$ on whatever USB A/HDMI/VGA solution they can come up with.

 

[metier]

Something went wrong with the quotation. This post wasn't from me.



I didn't say the second port should to be another USB/C. Magsafe would be fine.

If Apple wants to replace the MBA with the rMB in the future, it should probably appeal to a broader audience. A second USB C might help. And some of your concerns could be solved with Skylake. If Apple can get more connectivity, 4k/60hz and full TB 3 support, they should increase the size and/or weight slightly. In my opinion the current physical size is a bit overrated. I know it has been praised for the thinness and weight, but do an extra 50-80g really matter for most people? Some people act like the current design has been set in stone.



I don't know if it's worth to pursue your adapter calculation again. I thought that i have made myself very clear with my last two posts. You think this is somehow a good deal, i don't. Let's agree to disagree.

I also doubt that the rMBP was designed to a desktop replacement, but that would derail this thread. And it doesn't matter, how much i think Apple should charge for the multiport adapter. I don't know their productions costs, their design goals (why one for HDMI and one for VGA?!) or if they want to subsidize a new standard (obviously they don't want to). I can just speak myself that i am not willing to spend more than 60-70$ on whatever HDMI/VGA they can come up.

Easy enough then the rMB is not for you. Since you would need the $79 adapter.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

@Narcaz: Sorry, m8. Something went wrong. Corrected.

 

[Psyfuzz]

While I dislike the fact it has one USB-C port, you should know before you make the purchase whether this will affect you or not - if you find this is an issue after purchase you've only got yourself to blame really.

 

[boltjames]

What does any of this have to do with adding a second USB-C. If current chipsets limit the extra port then, fine I did not know that and stand corrected. But the new chipset likely won't have that limitation. If there is no impact from the chipset, then by all means Apple should add a second port.

Also, I don't like the fact that the most practical dongle is another $80. This opinion is driven by my belief that the rMB is already overpriced. I would think many would agree but some don't. In my opinion, Apple should have included it with the rMB. What do you think that dongle costs them to make $2 or $5?

After reading the list above you're clearly angry. Some people are going to disagree with you. We all get you like to be right, but all opinions are welcome here.

I'm not angry at all. See, I own the greatest notebook ever created, it's very hard to wipe that perpetual smile off my face.

You made yourself clear. $79 for the world's smallest docking station featuring a new technology is too expensive for you. You an move on to a more important topic now, like why you bought an expensive notebook in the first place if you can't afford the accessories for it.

BJ

 

[Narcaz]

I'm not angry at all. See, I own the greatest notebook ever created, it's very hard to wipe that perpetual smile off my face.

You made yourself clear. $79 for the world's smallest docking station featuring a new technology is too expensive for you. You an move on to a more important topic now, like why you bought an expensive notebook in the first place if you can't afford the accessories for it.

BJ

Are you really interested in discussing this point or do you just want to spread this weird elitism over an over again like a broken record? Even if someone can easily afford something, there is no obligation to blindly buy things with a low perceived value. A high price point doesn't equal good value for everybody. Some people might have a hard time to see enough extra value looking at the competition and Apple's own macbook lineup. On the one hand you have to pay 0$ or 29$ and on the other hand you have to spend 79$ for the same functionality. You can justify and rationalize your purchase with whatever fancy marketing term you want (smallest docking station! Oo) if it makes you happy. But please stop telling everyone this adapter is a bargain and the best thing since sliced bread. This bragging attitude is probably one of the reasons, why people come here and post their rants about the rMB.

 

[metier]

Are you really interested in discussing this point or do you just want to spread this weird elitism over an over again like a broken record? Even if someone can easily afford something, there is no obligation to blindly buy things with low perceived value. A high price point doesn't equal good value for everybody. Some people might have a hard time to see enough extra value looking at the competition and Apple's own macbook lineup. On the one hand you have to pay 0$ or 29$ and on the other hand you have to spend 79$ for the same functionality. You can justify and rationalize your purchase with whatever fancy marketing term you want (smallest docking station! Oo), but please stop telling everyone this adapter is a bargain and the best thing since sliced bread. This bragging attitude is probably one of the reasons, why people come here and post their rants about the rMB.

And it doesn't matter, how much i think Apple should charge for the multiport adapter. I don't know their productions costs, their design goals (why one for HDMI and one for VGA?!) or if they want to subsidize a new standard (obviously they don't want to). I can just speak for myself, i am not willing to spend more than 60-70$ on whatever USB A/HDMI/VGA solution they can come up with.

You don't know how much Apple should charge, just that $79 is to much for you. And since it's to much for you then it's to much for everybody else? Please explain why you think $79 is to much, you throw out this I'm willing to pay 60-70$ where did this magical number range come from?

And the same functionality as what? Your Macbook Air your rMBP?

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I didn't say the second port should to be another USB/C. Magsafe would be fine.

If Apple wants to replace the MBA with the rMB in the future, it should probably appeal to a broader audience. A second USB C might help. And some of your concerns could be solved with Skylake. If Apple can get more connectivity, 4k/60hz and full TB 3 support, they should increase the size and/or weight slightly. In my opinion the current physical size is a bit overrated. I know it has been praised for the thinness and weight, but do an extra 50-80g really matter for most people? Some people act like the current design has been set in stone.

Don't see magsafe as helping at all, you still need an adapter/dongle? A second USB-C would help so you could buy another dongle for the additional port? Seems to defeat the logic of having a second port to avoid having dongles? TB3 support will be via the USB-C port in Skylake, you will have full TB3 4k/60hz support in simultaneous parallel to full USB-C 3.1 gen 2 in a single port. Having a second one actually doesn't help out as illustrated above - just makes you have to unplug an additional cable when you are done and want to disconnect. A single multi-dongle is the most efficient way to deal with ports as flexible and versatile as USB-C and TB-3. Especially with peripherals that need an adapter to plug into anyway, i.e. have no USB-C/TB3 port built in. Since both standards support daisy-chaining, having multiple ports doesn't really make much sense unless there is a bandwidth issue, and with USB 3.1 gen 2 and TB3, there won't be many users at all, especially of rMB's, that will have bandwidth issues on these ports.

Just because you can keep plugged in with MagSafe doesn't eliminate the need for having a dongle/adapter - so I don't get the argument "I can't plug in USB and charge at the same time without a dongle/adapter!" Well - you couldn't anyway?

 

[Narcaz]

You don't know how much Apple should charge, just that $79 is to much for you. And since it's to much for you then it's to much for everybody else? Please explain why you think $79 is to much, you throw out this I'm willing to pay 60-70$ where did this magical number range come from?

No i am not generalizing my needs, you can spend your money happily on whatever you want. But i am arguing against this good deal myth. If have yet to see a compelling reason why paying more for the same functionality is a good thing? Please read the quotation carefully. 79$ for each adapter is too much for me. As i said, in my case this would be 89€ HDMI + 89€ VGA (European price)= 198$. I gave you this 60-70$ number range, because that's my personal limit for basic periphery parts. Your mileage may vary. And i don't want this adapter solution included in the box or for free. I paid 29€ for VGA adapter on for my 15 rMBP (HDMI port included) and i think the double amount should be sufficient for whatever Apple solution. But they don't offer one in that price range, so no rMB for me. And in terms of functionality the current one isn't really a docking solution (how about 2 USB A ports/mini dp/audioport/maybe ethernet?). And when you're on the go, it doesn't matter if you plug the cables into classic Macbook or the multiport adapter.

Don't see magsafe as helping at all, you still need an adapter/dongle? A second USB-C would help so you could buy another dongle for the additional port? Seems to defeat the logic of having a second port to avoid having dongles? TB3 support will be via the USB-C port in Skylake, you will have full TB3 4k/60hz support in simultaneous parallel to full USB-C 3.1 gen 2 in a single port. Having a second one actually doesn't help out as illustrated above - just makes you have to unplug an additional cable when you are done and want to disconnect. A single multi-dongle is the most efficient way to deal with ports as flexible and versatile as USB-C and TB-3. Especially with peripherals that need an adapter to plug into anyway, i.e. have no USB-C/TB3 port built in. Since both standards support daisy-chaining, having multiple ports doesn't really make much sense unless there is a bandwidth issue, and with USB 3.1 gen 2 and TB3, there won't be many users at all, especially of rMB's, that will have bandwidth issues on these ports.

Just because you can keep plugged in with MagSafe doesn't eliminate the need for having a dongle/adapter - so I don't get the argument "I can't plug in USB and charge at the same time without a dongle/adapter!" Well - you couldn't anyway?

I don't mind dongles/adapters. I just don't want to completely rely on those Apple adapters or fully charge the rMB before i use it with a different one. As far as i know, there is no small third party adapter with a charging option. With a second port, i could charge it and use the second with a third party adapter for e.g. mini dp. Same goes for Magsafe, which had a few advantages in this area over USB C (still wondering why Apple didn't make the port/cable on the power plug somehow magnetic). Other OEMs like Dell don't include notebook charging on their USB C port. At least the upcoming XPS 13 with Skylake had a traditional one only for charging. Maybe this is an unfinished prototype. I don't know if the USB C specs allow this.

 

[boltjames]

Are you really interested in discussing this point or do you just want to spread this weird elitism over an over again like a broken record?

A $20 savings on a $1,579 purchase is 1.3%. Anyone that upset by such an insignificant expense can't afford it. That's the point. It's not "elitism". It's simple fact. If you think $79 is too much and $59 would make this fantastic headache go away so you can enjoy Labor Day, you shouldn't buy Apple products. Apple is a premium technology company. It's not for the masses.

Even if someone can easily afford something, there is no obligation to blindly buy things with a low perceived value. You can justify and rationalize your purchase with whatever fancy marketing term you want (smallest docking station! Oo) if it makes you happy. But please stop telling everyone this adapter is a bargain and the best thing since sliced bread. MB.

1. I never said it was a bargain. NOTHING from Apple is a 'bargain'.

2. We ALL rationalize when we buy Apple products because we are paying more for everything. Design costs money. Quality costs money. Edgy technology costs money.

3. Regarding 'perceived value' I refer you to the post from @metier from yesterday: So this adapter has 3 types of connections for $79. Each adapter for for the rMBP is $29 so if I buy 3 adapters for the rMBP I pay $87.

4. How exactly do you know the cost of a USB-C adapter and its related circuitry? You think because its a hole it's functionality and license has a manufacturing cost that's identical to good ol' USB? I can tell you it's not. Apple is among the first to adopt this new standard, components aren't cheaply available in China, the critical mass to make this a new defacto standard with its associated lower economies of scale is still year's away.

BJ

 

[Niarlatop]

So how many ports/connections does the multiport adapter have 3 so $79/3 = $26.33. You can use all 3 of the ports as you see fit, one of them doesn't have to be just for power.

Actually the Digital AV Adapter only offers 2 data ports, HDMI and USB 3.1 (Gen 1).
The included female USB-C port only support charging.
A major drawback of this adaptor when you want to consider it as a future-proof docking station.

 

[metier]

Actually the Digital AV Adapter only offers 2 data ports, HDMI and USB 3.1 (Gen 1).
The included female USB-C port only support charging.
A major drawback of this adaptor when you want to consider it as a future-proof docking station.

Thanks I was under the impression it also supported data, but went back and checked again and you are correct. Thanks for setting this straight. Will edit my posts to indicate this

 

[boltjames]

Thanks I was under the impression it also supported data, but went back and checked again and you are correct. Thanks for setting this straight. Will edit my posts to indicate this

The only USB-C peripherals of note are chargers so it still fulfills its intended purpose nicely, the primary purpose of the $79 docking adapter is to allow a USB hub to connect while charging the notebook, precisely what the typical 2007 in-home user needs, the HDMI or VGA port addresses those who use a monitor.

Never forget that this notebook was designed for wireless connectivity, it isn't an eight-year-old design like the Air. Any and all adapters are created as a crutch for those operating in the past with things like wired mice, wired keyboards, wired internet, external USB drives, monitors, and the like. Apple has a wireless protocol that solves all of these needs like Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Airplay, and the internet can solve drive space and data transfer with the likes of Dropbox or Google Docs.

The RMB isn't "suffering" for the lack of connectivity or the $79 associated expense thereof. Its users live in the here-and-now and want the tech to cut the cord while receiving the bonus of a thinner/lighter form factor. That's the mission of the RMB.

BJ

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I don't mind dongles/adapters. I just don't want to completely rely on those Apple adapters or fully charge the rMB before i use it with a different one. As far as i know, there is no small third party adapter with a charging option. With a second port, i could charge it and use the second with a third party adapter for e.g. mini dp. Same goes for Magsafe, which had a few advantages in this area over USB C (still wondering why Apple didn't make the port/cable on the power plug somehow magnetic). Other OEMs like Dell don't include notebook charging on their USB C port. At least the upcoming XPS 13 with Skylake had a traditional one only for charging. Maybe this is an unfinished prototype. I don't know if the USB C specs allow this.

I refer to my post in the USB-C accessories thread here. It works great. I get Gb Ethernet, charging, and two USB-A ports. $12. There are more and more of these and similar accessories coming out every day. As the Chinese manufacturers figure out the chip sets and get higher, more reliable yield from some of the harder ones, like mDP, there is going to be an endless choice of stuff for much cheaper than Apple is charging. Part of the price you are paying with Apple, as @boltjames said is the first to market cost of not having the advantage of established standard technologies just being pulled off the shelf. That dongle probably costs more than you think to develop and manufacture. Why do you think all the docks on KickStarter are without exception having delays in release?

 

[boltjames]

I refer to my post in the USB-C accessories thread here. It works great. I get Gb Ethernet, charging, and two USB-A ports. $12. There are more and more of these and similar accessories coming out every day. As the Chinese manufacturers figure out the chip sets and get higher, more reliable yield from some of the harder ones, like mDP, there is going to be an endless choice of stuff for much cheaper than Apple is charging. Part of the price you are paying with Apple, as @boltjames said is the first to market cost of not having the advantage of established standard technologies just being pulled off the shelf. That dongle probably costs more than you think to develop and manufacture. Why do you think all the docks on KickStarter are without exception having delays in release?

Nice!

I may buy one of these myself. Question: How does it charge? In the photos, I don't see a USB-C port to charge through?

BJ

 

[duervo]

Why do you think all the docks on KickStarter are without exception having delays in release?

Really bad example there. Out of the 61 projects I have backed on KS so far, I can count on one hand how many of them shipped their stuff on time, and only two of those involved Apple products.

The nature of the Kickstarter beast is that more often than not, projects will be delayed. There may be some exceptions, but most are delayed due to a lack of experience with product dev lifecycle at the hands of the project creators.

Anyway, back to the thread! I'm off to go get some more popcorn.

 

[Truefan31]

Don't see magsafe as helping at all, you still need an adapter/dongle? A second USB-C would help so you could buy another dongle for the additional port? Seems to defeat the logic of having a second port to avoid having dongles? TB3 support will be via the USB-C port in Skylake, you will have full TB3 4k/60hz support in simultaneous parallel to full USB-C 3.1 gen 2 in a single port. Having a second one actually doesn't help out as illustrated above - just makes you have to unplug an additional cable when you are done and want to disconnect. A single multi-dongle is the most efficient way to deal with ports as flexible and versatile as USB-C and TB-3. Especially with peripherals that need an adapter to plug into anyway, i.e. have no USB-C/TB3 port built in. Since both standards support daisy-chaining, having multiple ports doesn't really make much sense unless there is a bandwidth issue, and with USB 3.1 gen 2 and TB3, there won't be many users at all, especially of rMB's, that will have bandwidth issues on these ports.

Just because you can keep plugged in with MagSafe doesn't eliminate the need for having a dongle/adapter - so I don't get the argument "I can't plug in USB and charge at the same time without a dongle/adapter!" Well - you couldn't anyway?

A 2nd port would allow future accessories to connect natively. If USB c is forward thinking then soon there will be native cables like USB to lightning, USB c to " ". You can still use adapters but the point is you wouldn't have to if there's a 2nd port. Having to use one port for everything can be a negative. Power and options like display requiring the same one port could undoubtedly wear the port out. And if the port goes you have a brick. No way to charge it. At least on MagSafe its magnetic so Apple has reduced the wear and tear on its power port.

For the argument that the rmb can't support the 2nd port then imo the rmb shouldn't have been released then until it could. Or at the very least have MagSafe and the USB c port.

 

[boltjames]

A 2nd port would allow future accessories to connect natively. If USB c is forward thinking then soon there will be native cables like USB to lightning, USB c to " ". You can still use adapters but the point is you wouldn't have to if there's a 2nd port. Having to use one port for everything can be a negative. Power and options like display requiring the same one port could undoubtedly wear the port out. And if the port goes you have a brick. No way to charge it. At least on MagSafe its magnetic so Apple has reduced the wear and tear on its power port.

For the argument that the rmb can't support the 2nd port then imo the rmb shouldn't have been released then until it could. Or at the very least have MagSafe and the USB c port.

From what we see from notebook manufacturers so far (one USB-C port) and what we see from multi-port adapter manufacturers so far (one USB-C port for charging only) and what we see from accessory makers (almost zero activity) one can make the inference that:

1. A single USB-C port on a notebook exists as a slimmer and more cost-effective way for notebook makers to react to the wireless world we now live in.

2. USB-C exists merely for the purposes of enabling notebook owners to optionally add wired peripherals and keep legacy accessories alive for a few more years in a world that no longer needs them.

At face value, USB-C is a single port solution for charging and connectivity; it's not for data and its not for a world of USB-C accessories. It's primary purpose seems to be driving notebook sales growth via slimmer design and lower cost; paying all those royalties for HDMI and USB-A and SD Cards adds up. Now that onus is on the third-party accessory makers, not the notebook makers. Instead of the side walls of notebooks being designed to accommodate a swiss army knife of ports and connectors, it has a single port and that's all it needs.

BJ

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Nice!

I may buy one of these myself. Question: How does it charge? In the photos, I don't see a USB-C port to charge through?

BJ

Nope, via USB-A in the dongle. Either a USB-C to USB-A cable and the rMB charger or using an iPad charger with a standard USB-A only cable.

 

[Truefan31]

From what we see from notebook manufacturers so far (one USB-C port) and what we see from multi-port adapter manufacturers so far (one USB-C port for charging only) and what we see from accessory makers (almost zero activity) one can make the inference that:

1. A single USB-C port on a notebook exists as a slimmer and more cost-effective way for notebook makers to react to the wireless world we now live in.

2. USB-C exists merely for the purposes of enabling notebook owners to optionally add wired peripherals and keep legacy accessories alive for a few more years in a world that no longer needs them.

At face value, USB-C is a single port solution for charging and connectivity; it's not for data and its not for a world of USB-C accessories. It's primary purpose seems to be driving notebook sales growth via slimmer design and lower cost; paying all those royalties for HDMI and USB-A and SD Cards adds up. Now that onus is on the third-party accessory makers, not the notebook makers. Instead of the side walls of notebooks being designed to accommodate a swiss army knife of ports and connectors, it has a single port and that's all it needs.

BJ

If the rmb is forward thinking it'd make sense that USB c will become a standard among many oems. If it's just for charging and not for data that'd be even more reason for an additional port. I'm not saying a Swiss Army knife of ports. Just 2 USB c. Because the market for native USB c cables/accessories is coming soon. Having 2 USB c would be a great benefit especially because it supports many formats. It'd reduce wear and tear on a single port. Again if that port that gets used probably hundreds of times for both power/display/data breaks, you have a brick. Apple of all companies know this on laptops hence the MagSafe magnetic charging. If people wanna say 2 USB c ports couldn't work for whatever reason, then a MagSafe port/USB c would still be much better imo.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

If the rmb is forward thinking it'd make sense that USB c will become a standard among many oems. If it's just for charging and not for data that'd be even more reason for an additional port. I'm not saying a Swiss Army knife of ports. Just 2 USB c. Because the market for native USB c cables/accessories is coming soon. Having 2 USB c would be a great benefit especially because it supports many formats. It'd reduce wear and tear on a single port. Again if that port that gets used probably hundreds of times for both power/display/data breaks, you have a brick. Apple of all companies know this on laptops hence the MagSafe magnetic charging. If people wanna say 2 USB c ports couldn't work for whatever reason, then a MagSafe port/USB c would still be much better imo.

Actually, forward thinking is exactly what Apple said in the marketing material for this machine. It is designed around the wireless future that is already almost here. USB-C allowed them to make a single port device (which is exactly what they have always wanted to do even since the original MBA) that was still capable of interfacing with the old world of cables in a much smaller package, and in a more versatile way than a USB-A port. If this design philosophy does not jive with your own opinion of what is "better" then perhaps the rMB is not for you? That having been said numerous times to countless others in loads of threads here.

Everything was done intentionally in this design to simplify and minimalise this product to the core essence of a laptop of the future, not of the past or the present. If you don't agree with that design philosophy, fine, but whining about not enough ports is enough to expose your inherent dismissal of and disagreement with the entire design concept of the device. That being the case, it wasn't aimed at you, so don't buy it.

"But why couldn't they have added another port, at least MagSafe, boohoohoo...!"

Because the machine is not designed to sit at a desk connected to power all day long. It is meant to be used not connected to anything, and sit safely charging at night or when not in use. Its not meant to replace your 15" rMBP or Mac mini or iMac or Mac Pro that's why.

 

[Truefan31]

Actually, forward thinking is exactly what Apple said in the marketing material for this machine. It is designed around the wireless future that is already almost here. USB-C allowed them to make a single port device (which is exactly what they have always wanted to do even since the original MBA) that was still capable of interfacing with the old world of cables in a much smaller package, and in a more versatile way than a USB-A port. If this design philosophy does not jive with your own opinion of what is "better" then perhaps the rMB is not for you? That having been said numerous times to countless others in loads of threads here.

Everything was done intentionally in this design to simplify and minimalise this product to the core essence of a laptop of the future, not of the past or the present. If you don't agree with that design philosophy, fine, but whining about not enough ports is enough to expose your inherent dismissal of and disagreement with the entire design concept of the device. That being the case, it wasn't aimed at you, so don't buy it.

"But why couldn't they have added another port, at least MagSafe, boohoohoo...!"

Because the machine is not designed to sit at a desk connected to power all day long. It is meant to be used not connected to anything, and sit safely charging at night or when not in use. Its not meant to replace your 15" rMBP or Mac mini or iMac or Mac Pro that's why.

Pretty much every modern laptop ever isn't designed to be connected to power all day long. Hence the battery. I would guess the mba and mbp are used for its portability as well yet they have more than 1 port.

So since the design only has 1 USB c port if they add another in the future isn't it going against this belief that one port is ok? I venture most would say it should've had 2 from the beginning of this occurs. And I can see this happening, based on things like the mba release.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Pretty much every modern laptop ever isn't designed to be connected to power all day long. Hence the battery. I would guess the mba and mbp are used for its portability as well yet they have more than 1 port.

So since the design only has 1 USB c port if they add another in the future isn't it going against this belief that one port is ok? I venture most would say it should've had 2 from the beginning of this occurs. And I can see this happening, based on things like the mba release.

Yes, that is exactly correct. If the next revision of the 12" rMB has a second port, they will have gone back on their design philosophy for the line. A lot has changed since the original MBA. All day battery life under typical use is a reality now. The 2011 11" MBA replaced by my rMB got 3-4 hours max. By the time the 2013 MBA's came out with all day battery life, the design was 5 years old, but there wasn't anything as far as connectivity technology that would have allowed them to do what they achieved with the rMB until now.

A lot of other technological advances have converged over just the past couple of years that have led to the rMB. The ubiquity of wireless cloud services, advances in cellular technologies as well as signal coverage of the same, CPU power and efficiency, etc. all didn't exist when the original MBA came out. It seems pretty ovbious that the rMB is actually what Apple wanted to make with the original MBA but the tech didn't exist then. I don't think we'll see a repeat of the MBA revisions with the rMB. The market is now ready for these types of laptops, and the tech exists now to provide them.