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MacBook doesn't have a 56k dialup port?

polycat33 said:
If you add up all the things that "wouldn't really hurt to be there," it would hurt. So which do you add which don't you? Clearly the modem didn't make the cut. You can't have everything. What percent of people do you think would actually use it if it were included (and how often)? With WiFi everywhere you can probably pick up a neighbors signal at a faster speed than dialup with get you. ;)
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Which is exactly why I'm saying it made no sense for Apple to cut it. Had it made way for something else then yes, then there would be an argument for its removal but instead Apple just got rid of it. So unless there's a large group of "More Smooth Casing Area!" protesters, then its removal disadvantaged more people than it made happy.

I agree, it's one of the most unused features on computers now but was it really causing any pain being there?
 
cooknwitha said:
Exactly. And isn't the benefit of a laptop its convenience? I hate having to carry around extras with a laptop. Not to mention having to buy them when making them standard isn't such an effort.

Like I said before, I rarely need access to dial-up but would it really hurt for it to be there? The space hasn't been replaced by another port. If it was replaced by another firewire port then I wouldn't be lamenting its loss. :D
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The MacBook doesn't have the space for another port, the battery blocks it on the left side and on the right side is the CD/DVD & the IR port.
So out went the modem....and if you travel, you normal have a laptop bag so a matchbox sized piece of plastic isn't going to be any hassle.
 
cooknwitha said:
Well..... well..... well.....

Curse you with your facts! :p
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When my iBook died and I replaced it with my MacBook, I thought how could I live without a modem so much that I bought the external modem.

It's still in the packet nearly a year later... I just found ways around not needing the modem (using it hard wired & WiFi spots - even in Christchurch, New Zealand) :D
 
Slatting Apple for not including a dial-up port?!

We aren't living in the dark ages, we have broadband internet, WiFi. Why on earth would Apple continue to supply an extinct port?

Some people still do use them yes, such as the OP, but do we want Apple to focus on technology of the past rather than the future?

Would you rather your notebooks had b/g wireless rather than n? So in the near future you'll be able to experience ultrafast LAN speeds and internet? As well as increased reliability?

You might aswell buy a car then go and complain it doesn't have a built-in steam engine.
 
I've only needed my modem twice in two years but it sure came in handy! One was when my ADSL died and the other was visiting my dad in Sydney and he's still on dial-up. People are becoming far too secure with their Wi-Fi these days!
 
All of you that claim a modem is worthless and "sooo 1997" should venture outside of the city. There are still more dial-up users than you'd think. My parents are a prime example. They live too far out for DSL and cable isn't offered. Satellite is a bit overpriced, so they just stick with their only option, dial-up.

That said, I'm glad Apple didn't include a modem in their laptops. The vast majority of people don't need them, and the ones that do can use the small USB adapter if they don't already have some type of USB modem already. Seems like the best overall solution.

I don't buy the argument about faxes. Emailing the document instead of faxing it is faster, easier, and much better quality. Many business still have fax machines I know, but most will give you an email address if you inquire.
 
Flame coming.

Some of us have no choice but to use dial-up. I live in a rural community that is very hilly; but only 50 miles from the nation's capital. I'm surrounded by broadband and wireless, (as close as 6 miles away) but THERE IS NO SERVICE TO MY HOME. My only option is dial-up or paying hundreds of dollars for satellite connection. Even a wireless aircard is iffy - because the signal out here is inconsistent; and when it is overcast -forget it.

Dial up is painful, but a slow connection is better than no connection. THe challenge becomes making modern technology (airport, etc) work with old technology (modem). Still haven't figured it out.....but I'm a believer that with Mac's - you can do anything.....

So comments about no one needing dial up are uninformed.

Would appreciate practical solutions instead of put downs. (why can't I plug the modem into the airport extreme? - and why only 1 usb port on airport? whose idea was that???)
Cheers
 
Foxglove9 said:
Your right, the side of my laptop is cluttered whether that port is there or not. What I'd rather is all the ports located in the back so they don't keep getting in my way and I will never see them. I'll never undstandstand why they are located on the side like that.
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Look at the way your MB or MBP opens (pay close attention to the screen hinge) and you'll see why the ports aren't on the back.

The original PBG4 had them on the back, but that model is also notorious for having weak hinges. Apple fixed this with a big honkin' hinge, but had to move the ports to make it happen.
 
The no space for an extra port argument is a viable one. I'm sure a TON of people would complain if Apple sacrificed 1 of its two USB ports for a modem.

I bet there would be a huge backlash.

Macbook Pro has no space for a modem either. I want my FW800, FW400, and 2 USB ports + ExpressCard thank you. I also think a lot of people would complain if Mac used a mini DVI port (Macbook Pro) rather than the full size one to fit a modem.

You say you want a modem now...I bet you'd complain if they did include a modem and eliminated a USB port or converted the full DVI to a mini-DVI.

Apple can't please everyone.
 
Right, not one part of England cannot get some form of broadband, and i havent used dial up since probably 1998.

As already stated, Using your phone as a modem (what phone doesnt do this? Other than the really cheap ones) costs basically the same as dialup, is available everywhere, and is faster.
 
Considering how few people require dial-up, it makes every bit of sense that the macbook pros don't have a dialup port. Its not a matter of "it doesnt take up that much space" or "it probably cost pennies" no matter what, its still a production cost and would take up space that can be valuably utilized elsewhere.

If you can afford to buy a macbook pro, and you're on dial up, then you can afford to buy an external modem.

Expecting apple to include such an outdated piece of technology in something considered so cutting edge is along the same lines of requesting there be a gas fill port on both sides of your car, because gosh darnit sometimes you just cant find a pump with your side on it without backing in.
 
MattZani said:
Right, not one part of England cannot get some form of broadband, and i havent used dial up since probably 1998.

As already stated, Using your phone as a modem (what phone doesnt do this? Other than the really cheap ones) costs basically the same as dialup, is available everywhere, and is faster.
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well my blackberry pearl does not for one.....had to use a modem periodically for six months in a rural area. Now I have a wireless aircard for my net fix....better than dial up but slower than cable.....
 
sorry correct me if im wrong but its 2008?

who the hell uses dial up enough for Apple o include it on state of the art Professional laptop?
 
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