Leaked Photos May Show Upcoming MacBook Pro's Top Case With Space for OLED Touch Panel, Four USB-C Ports

[pedrito4809]

Looking at these latest spy shots, I think the ‘Touch Panel’ is actually less of a deal than the new size of the trackpad – looks huge, maybe 30% larger:

Any reason for the increase other than Apple Pencil?

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Fair enough. I'm setting a Google Cal appointment for Oct 2018. Here is the question then: "On your two-year old, all-USB-C, 13" MBPro, have you ever wished it had a USB-A port? Conversely, if it did have a USB-A port, would you resent it? Why or why not?

Of course you have set up the question to suit how you would answer it now. I suggest the question to be answered in October 2018 should be, "Today, are you glad that Apple made the decision to put 4 TB3/USB-C ports on the Late 2016 rMBP." This being because my whole point is that by then, the Prosumer market will be filled with USB-C/TB3 peripherals. The USB-A stuff will be considered slow, outdated, cheap and basic entry level equipment in comparison.

I honestly feel that if this question is put to the vast majority of owners out there in 30 months, the answer will be a resounding yes. I know I would resent the presence on a USB-A port on the condition that I knew a fully functional USB-C/TB3 port could have been there instead.

I am not here to win an argument with you - you are fully entitled to your position and I respect that, and even can empathize with it, I had similar trepidations when I made the jump to the rMB. On the same token, even if you don't like it and don't agree with it, you should be able to at least understand why Apple is making this design decision.

Like I did, you could buy a $15 dongle like I did, stick it in just one of the USB-C ports, and still have three others left over in addition to having 3 USB-A, an Ethernet, and HDMI all the size and weight of a pack of Wrigley spearmint gum. You have the best of both worlds. You definitely don't need to go out and buy Apple's $79-$99 dongle, which I agree is a rip off.

Also, you'll no longer need to use a proprietary Apple charger - got an extra iPad charger brick lying around? You can use it - take it to the office to use at your desk, and stop carrying around a charger as you have power at work and at home. Like to carry and extra USB-A battery pack? You can use that! Anker USB-A charger hub? Works like a charm.

I'm not sitting here worshipping Apple, I am sitting here loving on the USB-C standard, and TB3 adopting the port as well is the ultimate bonus. Apple recognizing that this is finally the universal port the industry has been waiting for and getting in early is just smart on their part.

You lose absolutely nothing and gain a whole lot. That's how I see it.

 

[magbarn]

Of course you have set up the question to suit how you would answer it now. I suggest the question to be answered in October 2018 should be, "Today, are you glad that Apple made the decision to put 4 TB3/USB-C ports on the Late 2016 rMBP." This being because my whole point is that by then, the Prosumer market will be filled with USB-C/TB3 peripherals. The USB-A stuff will be considered slow, outdated, cheap and basic entry level equipment in comparison.

I honestly feel that if this question is put to the vast majority of owners out there in 30 months, the answer will be a resounding yes. I know I would resent the presence on a USB-A port on the condition that I knew a fully functional USB-C/TB3 port could have been there instead.

I am not here to win an argument with you - you are fully entitled to your position and I respect that, and even can empathize with it, I had similar trepidations when I made the jump to the rMB. On the same token, even if you don't like it and don't agree with it, you should be able to at least understand why Apple is making this design decision.

Like I did, you could buy a $15 dongle like I did, stick it in just one of the USB-C ports, and still have three others left over in addition to having 3 USB-A, an Ethernet, and HDMI all the size and weight of a pack of Wrigley spearmint gum. You have the best of both worlds. You definitely don't need to go out and buy Apple's $79-$99 dongle, which I agree is a rip off.

Also, you'll no longer need to use a proprietary Apple charger - got an extra iPad charger brick lying around? You can use it - take it to the office to use at your desk, and stop carrying around a charger as you have power at work and at home. Like to carry and extra USB-A battery pack? You can use that! Anker USB-A charger hub? Works like a charm.

I'm not sitting here worshipping Apple, I am sitting here loving on the USB-C standard, and TB3 adopting the port as well is the ultimate bonus. Apple recognizing that this is finally the universal port the industry has been waiting for and getting in early is just smart on their part.

You lose absolutely nothing and gain a whole lot. That's how I see it.

Considering that USB-A charger hubs max out at around 12-15 watts per port AND STRUGGLE to barely keep my iPP 12.9, let alone my wife's rMB charged while she's on Facebook, it's going to be a fantasy expecting it to charge and power my rMBP 15 that commonly EXCEEDS it's 85 watt power supply when I'm rendering video. If you're going to be using the quad core powered rMBP 15 for it's full potential, you're not going to be using regular USB chargers to charge it. In fact, the rMB charger that I also use on the 12.9 iPP will be charging at 15 watts as the rMBP 15 uses around 15 watts continuously.

I've sunk over $20,000 in Apple MBP's throughout the years and that's going to stop this year if Apple decided to neuter their rMBP 15 again with a rMB like keyboard, outdated GPU's/iGPU's/2 year old CPU etc and with piss poor charging like the iPP 12.9 had before the high speed option was available

For those advocating $2 USB-C to USB-A adapters from China, have you actually tried one? They SUCK. I wouldn't risk killing a $3000 on a cheap adapter. They begin to stop working at USB 3.0 speeds after a bit and then stop working entirely. The only one that has lasted for me are the more expensive cables, not the 'dongles' that are one piece. The Apple one is pretty top notch but overpriced.

 

[pablosito]

Of course you have set up the question to suit how you would answer it now. I suggest the question to be answered in October 2018 should be, "Today, are you glad that Apple made the decision to put 4 TB3/USB-C ports on the Late 2016 rMBP." This being because my whole point is that by then, the Prosumer market will be filled with USB-C/TB3 peripherals. The USB-A stuff will be considered slow, outdated, cheap and basic entry level equipment in comparison.

I honestly feel that if this question is put to the vast majority of owners out there in 30 months, the answer will be a resounding yes. I know I would resent the presence on a USB-A port on the condition that I knew a fully functional USB-C/TB3 port could have been there instead.

I am not here to win an argument with you - you are fully entitled to your position and I respect that, and even can empathize with it, I had similar trepidations when I made the jump to the rMB. On the same token, even if you don't like it and don't agree with it, you should be able to at least understand why Apple is making this design decision.

Like I did, you could buy a $15 dongle like I did, stick it in just one of the USB-C ports, and still have three others left over in addition to having 3 USB-A, an Ethernet, and HDMI all the size and weight of a pack of Wrigley spearmint gum. You have the best of both worlds. You definitely don't need to go out and buy Apple's $79-$99 dongle, which I agree is a rip off.

Also, you'll no longer need to use a proprietary Apple charger - got an extra iPad charger brick lying around? You can use it - take it to the office to use at your desk, and stop carrying around a charger as you have power at work and at home. Like to carry and extra USB-A battery pack? You can use that! Anker USB-A charger hub? Works like a charm.

I'm not sitting here worshipping Apple, I am sitting here loving on the USB-C standard, and TB3 adopting the port as well is the ultimate bonus. Apple recognizing that this is finally the universal port the industry has been waiting for and getting in early is just smart on their part.

You lose absolutely nothing and gain a whole lot. That's how I see it.

Well, of course I'm going to say this, but I agree more with the litmus-test question as I posed it. And that's my point. Yours is close though: "Today, are you happy with what they did then?" Sure ... but then that's too easy, and misses my point. It's all too easy to design JUST for the future. C'mon. I own ZERO USB-C devices NOW, and will still own ZERO in 4-6 months.

As long as people are willing to honestly say in 30 months that they have 1) actually needed FOUR USB-C ports and 2) never wanted ONE USB-A port. That is what this all boils down to.

Heck, there is plenty of room on this thing to add a 5th port as USB-A. There is no cost, nothing lost, no reason NOT to add one current-gen port. Then you'd have the best of both worlds. Why not? But I know, I'm a dinosaur, and we have to agree to disagree here. It's okay .... every person IRL that I've talked with about this agrees with me.

BTW "znaps" looks like a promising adapter to pre-order for this and iPhones both.

 

[Technarchy]

Tim Cook needs to pay better attention to customer feedback.

When people said they wanted AMOLED displays on Apple products, they were not referring to MacBooks

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Considering that USB-A charger hubs max out at around 12-15 watts per port AND STRUGGLE to barely keep my iPP 12.9, let alone my wife's rMB charged while she's on Facebook, it's going to be a fantasy expecting it to charge and power my rMBP 15 that commonly EXCEEDS it's 85 watt power supply when I'm rendering video. If you're going to be using the quad core powered rMBP 15 for it's full potential, you're not going to be using regular USB chargers to charge it. In fact, the rMB charger that I also use on the 12.9 iPP will be charging at 15 watts as the rMBP 15 uses around 15 watts continuously.

I've sunk over $20,000 in Apple MBP's throughout the years and that's going to stop this year if Apple decided to neuter their rMBP 15 again with a rMB like keyboard, outdated GPU's/iGPU's/2 year old CPU etc and with piss poor charging like the iPP 12.9 had before the high speed option was available

For those advocating $2 USB-C to USB-A adapters from China, have you actually tried one? They SUCK. I wouldn't risk killing a $3000 on a cheap adapter. They begin to stop working at USB 3.0 speeds after a bit and then stop working entirely. The only one that has lasted for me are the more expensive cables, not the 'dongles' that are one piece. The Apple one is pretty top notch but overpriced.

Yes, I realize that I am using my rMB experience and we are supposed to be taking about a 13" iGPU rMBP. You are talking about a quad core i7 dGPU 15" rMBP which is at the other end of the extreme as far as power requirements go. I use my quad core i7 Mac mini for video/photo editing, not my laptop, which is solely for my management/financial consulting business. I think there is going to be a lot more going on "under the hood" here as well than just USB-C/TB3. I have a feeling everyone is going to be pleasantly surprised with the 15" dedicated GPU options, but also feel that there won't be a new 15" rMBP at the same time as the new 13" and the delay is going to be due to getting those nice GPU's in there. This being said on the assumption that the 13" does come out this year.

You do make a good point as well, though. Another advantage of USB-C - not nearly as limited as USB-A on the wattage capabilities.
[doublepost=1464988106][/doublepost]

Well, of course I'm going to say this, but I agree more with the litmus-test question as I posed it. And that's my point. Yours is close though: "Today, are you happy with what they did then?" Sure ... but then that's too easy, and misses my point. It's all too easy to design JUST for the future. C'mon. I own ZERO USB-C devices NOW, and will still own ZERO in 4-6 months.

As long as people are willing to honestly say in 30 months that they have 1) actually needed FOUR USB-C ports and 2) never wanted ONE USB-A port. That is what this all boils down to.

Heck, there is plenty of room on this thing to add a 5th port as USB-A. There is no cost, nothing lost, no reason NOT to add one current-gen port. Then you'd have the best of both worlds. Why not? But I know, I'm a dinosaur, and we have to agree to disagree here. It's okay .... every person IRL that I've talked with about this agrees with me.

BTW "znaps" looks like a promising adapter to pre-order for this and iPhones both.

Good find and tip on that Znaps. They should make a USB-C version! Looks like they just have lightning and micro-usb.

Yeah, that's just it though, isn't it? Do any of the people you've talked to IRL own a USB-C only product, or even tried living with a single USB-C port for a while? The experience of only having a single cable to unhitch your laptop from everything so you can take it to a conference room, or a customer meeting, or a coworker's desk is actually extremely convenient. I could for example, if I was I the market right now, go out and buy a USB-C monitor that had 3-4 integrated USB-A ports, an SD card reader, Ethernet, AND provides power, AND I could connect and disconnect from this monitor/workstation hub with only one cable. You could have all of your external drives hooked up to it and connect to them all simultaneously with a quick one cable connection. That's like the definition of convenient. Then you have one dongle for when you are mobile, maybe need to bring with one of those drives? I don't know.

Also, we don't really know what else Apple is bringing to the table other than thinner, lighter and 4 USB-C ports (hopefully all four are fully functional TB3 ports as well). At some level we both agree that Apple should be designing products that are cutting edge and move the industry forward. I think our point of difference is that you would prefer legacy options remain integrated whereas I am happy as long as my ability to use and interface with legacy options is still there, even if that means I have to buy a new adapter or two to do it.

I would imagine an even higher quality screen that is also more efficient, I would expect a larger capacity battery using the knowledge they gained from the rMB, much improved speakers in a smaller package, again from the rMB. Keyboard as well, this is contentious also, as it seems almost split down the middle on opinion of the rMB keyboard. I find going back to a rMBP or MBA keyboard really irritating now. Keys seem too far apart, wobbly, and unstable in comparison. Others hate it. We may get LPDDR4 RAM as, if memory serves, the appropriate Skylake processors support that. Redesigned active cooling system that's more efficient and effective. Slightly increased standard and same CTO options for RAM, CPU, and SSD configurations (8GB, dual i5, 256GB standard, 16GB, dual i7, 1TB top line CTO). Maybe Apple Pencil support on the much larger force touch trackpad? TouchID integrated power button?? The touch panel replacing the standard function keys?

Would have been cool if they had transitioned completely from 11-13-15" models to 12-14-16" models with smaller and thinner footprints than their predecessors, like they started with the rMB. As we haven't heard a peep about that, it very probably isn't happening, but if it did, I think there would be almost universal customer and fanboy approval on a move like that. This is what I would love to see:

• Keep the 13" MBA as the classic entry level model, replacing the 13" cMBP which seriously needs to be retired now.
• 12" & 14" rMB's (14" has a second USB-C)
• 14" & 16" rMBP's (16" has quad core CPU and next gen dGPU options)

But I digress...

 

[pablosito]

Good find and tip on that Znaps. They should make a USB-C version! Looks like they just have lightning and micro-usb.

I'm presuming/hoping znaps will offer usb-c soon. It seems like almost a Kickstarter project which I expect to totally succeed. (edit: then again, there are quite a few pins inside USB-C. it may not be so easy to get all those in the magnetic connector .. but maybe for charging only)

Yeah, that's just it though, isn't it? Do any of the people you've talked to IRL own a USB-C only product, or even tried living with a single USB-C port for a while?

No and no. Since not even the iPhone 6S uses USB-C, no one I know is using it yet. -Which bolsters MY argument, not yours! C'mon, get it straight!

The experience of only having a single cable to unhitch your laptop from everything so you can take it to a conference room, or a customer meeting, or a coworker's desk is actually extremely convenient.

Sure, awesome, and none of that would change if a single USB-A port were added too.

It kind of ruins the beautiful sleek design of any macbook when you have 2+ pigtail adapters hanging off it. Doncha think?

I like the new keyboard too! High five!

So. Overall problem: If Apple has pissed off 50% of us with the new keyboard, and 50% of us with USB-C only, that's a lot of disgruntled buyers not getting what they want - from their highest end laptop. Kind of a bummer. At least some of you will be happy.

• Keep the 13" MBA as the classic entry level model, replacing the 13" cMBP which seriously needs to be retired now.
• 12" & 14" rMB's (14" has a second USB-C)
• 14" & 16" rMBP's (16" has quad core CPU and next gen dGPU options)

But I digress...

Yeah I agree with that wish list. A 14" rMB would be tempting. Ah well, we won't really know much until WWDC in two weeks. Meanwhile I have to refrain from just buying a current-gen MBP, getting the ports I want, plus Retina, and being done with it.

 

[Mac 128]

And 3 USB-C ports instead of 4 would hamper that ability for you to rule the world ... how, again?

It's not a server. It's a laptop.
[doublepost=1464968140][/doublepost]
It's the kind of thing Apple has always done, but never before to this extreme. That's all. And I just see no good reason for it. Sorry, I'll do 10 Hail Steve Jobs' and whip myself with a new set of USB-C cables until I believe.

For starters, in less than 2 years, most people are going to wishing they had a 4th USB-C port, instead of a USB-A port they have to buy an adapter to use.

And you seem to be revising history.

First the iMac removed the following:

ABD
Serial
SCSI
Floppy Drive

-- and replaced them with:

USB
Firewire
Non-recordable CD drive
WiFi

Then the PowerBook removed and replaced all of the same features.

How is that not as extreme? Every common port on these Macs that people had been using daily for well over a decade, was suddenly removed and replaced with ports for which there were few products available, and what there were; expensive. Moreover, they removed the only built-in way to physically transfer files, and replaced it with nothing. It wasn't until 3 years later until writable drives were standard on the Mac lineup again.

I recall that period of transition as being one of great difficulty, since I needed an adapter for every single peripheral I had, as well as having to buy a third party external floppy drive (since Apple didn't make them anymore), and a USB thumb drive -- a few MBs were quite expensive in those days -- to transfer files, but only with other new Macs which has USB. Most PCs didn't have them yet.

However, within 2-3 years, I had upgraded all of my hardware with native USB, and Firewire, as well as bought an AirPort so that my Macs could communicate over a network. It was only the rare occasion I needed to carry an adapter to use with someone else's Legacy hardware. I would have hated to have had any of those legacy ports taking up space on my PowerBook after that.

 

[tampageek]

Maybe a neutered rMBP is just the beginning of phasing out Mac's - as dumb as that sounds.
Rumors Of 2016 MacBook Pro Redesign Has Apple Fans Freaking Out About The Future Of Apple

 

[Abazigal]

What I think I'm mainly seeing here is a lot of dedicated Apple fanboy love. And I can respect that. But I think many of you are blinded by lust for this new sexy machine with its cute fast ports, and are choosing to ignore the fact that it is an unnecessarily big leap into consolidation just for the sake of .... being cool. I guess.

Sometimes, you can't have a new world order without first doing away with the previous world order.

And if you want USB-C to take off, the last thing you should do is give users a reason to continue sticking with older ports. Yes, some might simply buy a bunch of adaptors and call it a day. Others will embrace the new USB-C port.

There is going to be inconvenience and problems. People will complain and make noise, but they will eventually adapt. I know I will. I have a bunch of display port adaptors for my current MBA and I am prepared to throw them all out if I need to (not that I use them all that often these days, between airplay mirroring and me using my iPad more for presentations).

This is the reason I bought the Samsung T3 drive over other hard drives. It came with a USB-C port, and when the day comes for me to transition entirely over to USB-C, I know that I will be able to connect all these using a single cable.

The future couldn't come soon enough!

 

[ChinkyBob]

I can't say that won't happen - but as an owner of both an iPad Pro with Pencil and the rMB, I can't say I see much use case for it. The new trackpad is bigger, but it's not that big an area to be effective for anything other than jotting down quick notes. Seems clunky to me.


USB-C will almost certainly last more than the next 5 years. It's designed with that specific intention. The usb-a port has lasted 20 years despite the fact that considerably less thought went into future-proofing it.

Again, going all-in on new technology is exactly what Apple has always done. If this doesn't work for you, I suggest you buy a Dell.

Really? Apple couldn't introduce USB3 until almost 2 yrs after everyone else had. Granted they had Thunderbolt but there was nothing available for that for at least 2 yrs and even those were just very expensive hard drives no faster than USB3.

 

[ChinkyBob]

To me Pro means dedicated graphics, and that's all.

No, that's gaming.
As a general rule Pro means being able to handle the rigours of working in professional applications, in professional environments, with professional / high end hardware, 40 hrs a week.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

No, that's gaming.
As a general rule Pro means being able to handle the rigours of working in professional applications, in professional environments, with professional / high end hardware, 40 hrs a week.

And I would even go so far to argue that if you're only working 40 hours a week, you're not a professional

Fully agree with you though, dGPU does not equal Pro in that vast majority of professional fields. Although, must say, I have never ever heard of a professional gamer (it IS a profession nowadays, like it or not) with a Mac of any kind as their weapon of choice.

 

[ChinkyBob]

And I would even go so far to argue that if you're only working 40 hours a week, you're not a professional

Fully agree with you though, dGPU does not equal Pro in that vast majority of professional fields. Although, must say, I have never ever heard of a professional gamer (it IS a profession nowadays, like it or not) with a Mac of any kind as their weapon of choice.

My point was that professional computers are but to a far higher build quality with higher quality components, that can withstand almost abuse, for a working week. Cables will be forced into sockets, keyboards pounded, laptops handled with abandon by people who didn't pay for them (although with Apple maybe less so ).
Screens need to be high resolution, some professions need color accuracy, more than average ram, etc.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

No and no. Since not even the iPhone 6S uses USB-C, no one I know is using it yet. -Which bolsters MY argument, not yours! C'mon, get it straight!

Sorry to drag this out, I know we simply disagree here, but I don't follow this bit. If none of those people have ever experienced using USB-C how can anything they say support your argument? What is your argument again? I thought is was that you don't understand why they couldn't put one legacy port in there? Of course people that have never used it cannot understand it. Or is your argument now that nobody is using USB-C now?

Well, I can give you a very simple reason to what your original argument was. Progress. If you want to drive forward and promote a new and revolutionary standard, the very last thing you do is include the old thing on a newly redesigned product so users can continue to use it.

That's actually how your USB-A got to where it is now, actually. Apple did it well before any other manufacturer on both the iMac and the MBP's predecessor, the PowerBook.

 

[lowkey]

No, that's gaming.
As a general rule Pro means being able to handle the rigours of working in professional applications, in professional environments, with professional / high end hardware, 40 hrs a week.

As a general rule, marketing speak doesn't necessarily correspond with reality. Pro is nothing but a marketing name.

I'm a professional. An architect. My main computer is a rev 1 rMacbook. I use it in my professional suite (office). All day every day. It qualifies as Pro under you definition.

All Pro signifies is that it is a more powerful, or perhaps just a "better" computer than the ones that aren't labeled Pro. That's all.

There's loads of amateurs using Pros. There's loads of Pros using Airs. Hell I even know several pros using MacBooks!

 

[MyopicPaideia]

My point was that professional computers are but to a far higher build quality with higher quality components, that can withstand almost abuse, for a working week. Cables will be forced into sockets, keyboards pounded, laptops handled with abandon by people who didn't pay for them (although with Apple maybe less so ).
Screens need to be high resolution, some professions need color accuracy, more than average ram, etc.

Totally with you! I consider my rMB to be a Pro device, because that is exactly how it is used 7 days a week.
[doublepost=1465022742][/doublepost]

Maybe a neutered rMBP is just the beginning of phasing out Mac's - as dumb as that sounds.
Rumors Of 2016 MacBook Pro Redesign Has Apple Fans Freaking Out About The Future Of Apple

Strongly disagree with the premise that the next MBP is going to be a eunuch based on a port selection that will be more powerful and versatile than ever before. More like an alpha male breeder if we follow the ridiculous analogy

 

[Queen6]

"Pro" in MacBook Pro is simply marketing, it`s the user that determines if the system is being employed in a professional, non recreational role, not the hardware, no further debate needed.

If correct the 2016 rMBP will be a bold move by Apple, and much as previous ahead of it`s time. For many it will preclude ownership as additional dongles & adaptors are simply undesirable, inconvenient and impractical for many reasons.

Personally I will review the new hardware on release, although I am pretty much sure 99% that I will hold off until Gen 2, this allows for Apple to work out the kinks, and USB C to gain further traction in the market. Kaby Lake is also a strong factor with TB-3 being on chip, not requiring Intel`s Alpine Ridge daughter board, which reduces complexity and will likely be a power saving. I doubt this class of CPU will launch before 2017.

I travel extensively & internationally, after over a year of owing a 12" Retina MacBook I have yet to come across anything in any office or facility that I could natively physically connect to with the rMB. For the role my rMB fulfils this is acceptable only requiring a multi-port adaptor & USB A/USB C flash drive, for the rMBP not so much, in order to take advantage of the multiple ports, multiple dongles/adaptors will be required and these are still currently few & far between. Forget all the cheap junk it`s simply asking for trouble given the complexity of USB C, as stated a $5 adaptor can kill a $3K rMBP with ease if corners are cut.

After due consideration if the rMBP is released in the proposed form it`s too early for me, as it will add nothing to my workflow or productivity. This I believe is what some are concerned with. A phased transition to USB C with USB A combines would have served better, equally that`s not Apple`s style. It`s also worth keeping in mind that some who oppose are simply disappointed that this radical change precludes them from ownership due to specific workflow and or hardware needs.

Q-6

 

[Val-kyrie]

Would have been cool if they had transitioned completely from 11-13-15" models to 12-14-16" models with smaller and thinner footprints than their predecessors, like they started with the rMB. As we haven't heard a peep about that, it very probably isn't happening, but if it did, I think there would be almost universal customer and fanboy approval on a move like that. This is what I would love to see:

• Keep the 13" MBA as the classic entry level model, replacing the 13" cMBP which seriously needs to be retired now.
• 12" & 14" rMB's (14" has a second USB-C)
• 14" & 16" rMBP's (16" has quad core CPU and next gen dGPU options)

But I digress...

Yeah I agree with that wish list. A 14" rMB would be tempting. Ah well, we won't really know much until WWDC in two weeks. Meanwhile I have to refrain from just buying a current-gen MBP, getting the ports I want, plus Retina, and being done with it.

I would love to see a 12-14-16" form factor in part because this might finally appease those who lament the discontinuation of the classic 17" MBP.

However, if Apple chooses to go with iGPUs in the 13/14" notebook, I am hoping they will also introduce an eGPU option similar to Razer's laptop line. That would appeal to me since most graphics intensive apps I use would be at my desk where the eGPU would remain most of the time.

Of course, I believe that Apple will most likely offer an eGPU option only when its entire notebook lineup goes to iGPUs only.

 

[Queen6]

I would love to see a 12-14-16" form factor in part because this might finally appease those who lament the discontinuation of the classic 17" MBP.

However, if Apple chooses to go with iGPUs in the 13/14" notebook, I am hoping they will also introduce an eGPU option similar to Razer's laptop line. That would appeal to me since most graphics intensive apps I use would be at my desk where the eGPU would remain most of the time.

Of course, I believe that Apple will most likely offer an eGPU option only when its entire notebook lineup goes to iGPUs only.

If Apple offers a eGPU, I am pretty certain it will be built into an Apple 5K display with USB hub, as this would be very typical of them. Apple would maintain control and have a larger margin on such a product, and overall point to point. it would also look magnificent.

Although personally I prefer Razor`s approach, as you choose the dGPU & display tailored to your needs. That said if Apple follows the path I think it will, this will be a very impressive system for many.

Q-6

 

[ChinkyBob]

As a general rule, marketing speak doesn't necessarily correspond with reality. Pro is nothing but a marketing name.

I'm a professional. An architect. My main computer is a rev 1 rMacbook. I use it in my professional suite (office). All day every day. It qualifies as Pro under you definition.

All Pro signifies is that it is a more powerful, or perhaps just a "better" computer than the ones that aren't labeled Pro. That's all.

There's loads of amateurs using Pros. There's loads of Pros using Airs. Hell I even know several pros using MacBooks!

 

[pablosito]

Sorry to drag this out, I know we simply disagree here, but I don't follow this bit. If none of those people have ever experienced using USB-C how can anything they say support your argument?

All my friends will be using USB-C within 1-2 years, in addition to other things. I have no doubt. But they have 0 now. But they do have SD cards, thumb drives, USB3 hubs, external hard drives, Anker batteries, Logitech wireless mice, and printers. So they still need a laptop that still offers USB-A and preferably at least one of those other "legacy" ports too. That's my argument.

Yes. The uber-port. Adapters. New cables. I get it. I'm just saying that's all wasted money and inconvenience for no real reason. Upgrade the HDMI port to HD4K, but leave it. Let us still take our MBP into the conference room and plug straight into the projector without one more pigtail adapter just waiting to be loose and fall out that day. Don't make all my thumb drives suddenly obsolete overnight, when they're not.

It's not about lack of forward thinking, or some inability to appreciate USB-C. We all know how cool it will be. That's fine, and if Apple were to NOT put any USB-C on this thing, I'd be equally frustrated!

What is your argument again? I thought is was that you don't understand why they couldn't put one legacy port in there? Of course people that have never used it cannot understand it. Or is your argument now that nobody is using USB-C now?

It's that nobody is using USB-C now. Or, more precisely, that nobody is using only USB-C now.

Well, I can give you a very simple reason to what your original argument was. Progress. If you want to drive forward and promote a new and revolutionary standard, the very last thing you do is include the old thing on a newly redesigned product so users can continue to use it.

Now we're down to it. I say that's BS. I'm a grown adult capable of making my own purchasing decisions. If new tech is available, and it offers genuine benefits, it will get used. And as peripheral makers start offering it, I'll want it more on my machine, and will be very glad to have it. But it doesn't need to be forced down my gullet by cutting off other viable, actively used tech/ports at the same time - purely for the sake of "forcing me forward". That's all.

The laptop/computer - the center of all this - should be the versatile one, the powerhouse, like the MBP has always been. Yes, yes, it still is, with all its bandwidth, 4 of the fastest ports on the planet, I know. I just think Apple is rushing me here purely for the sake of rushing. It's kind of offensive.

Horse/cart - laptop versus peripheral - I get it. You're saying new tech won't move forward "fast enough" if there's no pressure. I'm just saying the pressure should come from the peripherals, not the laptop. Let my machine be the flexible one, so I can use new stuff. Don't make me use new stuff. At least not in this case, where the new stuff is SO new and there's NO technical reason (like space hogging) to lose all USB-A. It's just a subtle difference in perspective, I suppose.

That's actually how your USB-A got to where it is now, actually. Apple did it well before any other manufacturer on both the iMac and the MBP's predecessor, the PowerBook.

That's fine! Do USB-C before any other manufacturer! Yay!
See! We agree!

 

[ChinkyBob]

As a general rule, marketing speak doesn't necessarily correspond with reality. Pro is nothing but a marketing name.

I'm a professional. An architect. My main computer is a rev 1 rMacbook. I use it in my professional suite (office). All day every day. It qualifies as Pro under you definition.

All Pro signifies is that it is a more powerful, or perhaps just a "better" computer than the ones that aren't labeled Pro. That's all.

There's loads of amateurs using Pros. There's loads of Pros using Airs. Hell I even know several pros using MacBooks!

It's a bit more than marketing. Granted one definition of Pro might not suit all but it signifies significant extra engineering and quality throughout the machine which will cost you but the benefit is increased performance and reliability. This applies to professional Dell / hp workstations etc as well as Apple pro machines.
If you can use a rMB all day in a professional capacity as architect that's great. To be fair Apple don't make cheap alternatives like all other brands, I think all MacBooks be they Pros or Airs are better engineered than other brands to the point they all fulfill a 'pro' classification almost by default.
Yes anyone can own a pro machine, and pros can work on non-pro equipment if they like, it's a free.country. I'm also an architect and use my Air as my everyday pc since I changed jobs 2 years ago and it works fine (bar the screen resolution) but I wouldn't call it a pro machine as using AutoCad for an hour or so it heats up to the point the heat and noise is unbearable and I worry for its longevity. There is a difference between a professional machine and a non-pro machine being used professionally. It's more than semantics. We want and need the quality.

 

[pablosito]

... However, within 2-3 years, I had upgraded all of my hardware with native USB, and Firewire, as well as bought an AirPort so that my Macs could communicate over a network. It was only the rare occasion I needed to carry an adapter to use with someone else's Legacy hardware.

I would have hated to have had any of those legacy ports taking up space on my PowerBook after that.

Really? After being allowed that transition time of, as you just said, 2-3 years, you'd then suddenly resent ("hate") that wasted space so much? Wow. How quickly we forget and want instant perfection of something we buy to last 5-6 years. I mean, seriously. I have never felt so spiteful about any ports I don't use anymore. If you're so ungrateful and intent only ONLY having new stuff, buy your $2500 laptops on a 2-3-year cycle instead of 6. Some of us can't afford that.

 

[Mac 128]

All my friends will be using USB-C within 1-2 years, in addition to other things. I have no doubt. But they have 0 now. But they do have SD cards, thumb drives, USB3 hubs, external hard drives, Anker batteries, Logitech wireless mice, and printers. So they still need a laptop that still offers USB-A and preferably at least one of those other "legacy" ports too. That's my argument.

Yes. The uber-port. Adapters. New cables. I get it. I'm just saying that's all wasted money and inconvenience for no real reason. Upgrade the HDMI port to HD4K, but leave it. Let us still take our MBP into the conference room and plug straight into the projector without one more pigtail adapter just waiting to be loose and fall out that day. Don't make all my thumb drives suddenly obsolete overnight, when they're not.

It's not about lack of forward thinking, or some inability to appreciate USB-C. We all know how cool it will be. That's fine, and if Apple were to NOT put any USB-C on this thing, I'd be equally frustrated!

It's that nobody is using USB-C now. Or, more precisely, that nobody is using only USB-C now.
Now we're down to it. I say that's BS. I'm a grown adult capable of making my own purchasing decisions. If new tech is available, and it offers genuine benefits, it will get used. And as peripheral makers start offering it, I'll want it more on my machine, and will be very glad to have it. But it doesn't need to be forced down my gullet by cutting off other viable, actively used tech/ports at the same time - purely for the sake of "forcing me forward". That's all.

The laptop/computer - the center of all this - should be the versatile one, the powerhouse, like the MBP has always been. Yes, yes, it still is, with all its bandwidth, 4 of the fastest ports on the planet, I know. I just think Apple is rushing me here purely for the sake of rushing. It's kind of offensive.

Horse/cart - laptop versus peripheral - I get it. You're saying new tech won't move forward "fast enough" if there's no pressure. I'm just saying the pressure should come from the peripherals, not the laptop. Let my machine be the flexible one, so I can use new stuff. Don't make me use new stuff. At least not in this case, where the new stuff is SO new and there's NO technical reason (like space hogging) to lose all USB-A. It's just a subtle difference in perspective, I suppose.


That's fine! Do USB-C before any other manufacturer! Yay!
See! We agree!

Sorry, but in my opinion you are absolutely wrong. Given the opportunity to use technology a customer has previously been using, and is comfortable with, or investing in new technology which doesn't necessarily provide any improvement over what they've been using will almost always result in the customer choosing the cheapest, easiest route, and that is to stick with what they've always been using. Peripheral makers therefore have no incentive to switch either, because it costs less to make the same thing with older technology.

Meanwhile these same customers want to know why their mobile devices aren't smaller and lighter with better battery life, without understanding the correlation between updating those ports and future design constraints.
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Really? After being allowed that transition time of, as you just said, 2-3 years, you'd then suddenly resent ("hate") that wasted space so much? Wow. How quickly we forget and want instant perfection of something we buy to last 5-6 years. I mean, seriously. I have never felt so spiteful about any ports I don't use anymore. If you're so ungrateful and intent only ONLY having new stuff, buy your $2500 laptops on a 2-3-year cycle instead of 6. Some of us can't afford that.

Wow. That's some chip on your shoulder. I don't appreciate you putting words in my mouth, or your hyperbole. This kind of inflamatory rhetoric undermines any reasonable position you may attempt to make. Sorry I bothered.