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Macbook pro 13in - Should I have waited?
- Thread starter Gbeer
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Agreed. The first MacBook and MacBook Pro were 32-bit models that were quickly made outdated by the 64-bit Core 2 processors.
The ability to run Windows natively will keep the Intel versions useful even after macOS has transitioned to ARM, particularly for programmers.
Also the lack of software was incredibly inhibiting, the emulation wasn't all that great, though it did get the job done.
This is where I'm of the opinion that many people who need to use windows will be looking to leave the platform. Why spend 3,000+ on a laptop that is incompatible to your needs.
I still have nightmares trying to run Windows software via Virtual PC on my PBG4. The intel transition was a boon to my workflow as I didn’t need 2 computers anymore. Would hate to see that reversed again.
That would actually be the case if you were one of the first people buying an ARM based Mac. While its true at some point developers for Macs would stop updating their X86 programs in lieu of ARM that's several years down the road.
I'm not willing to live through it. The ARM transition was one factor in my decision to leave the Mac fold, the other reasons were the butterfly keyboard, and value for my money, i.e., my Thinkpad cost me just over 2k, at the time, a similarly configured MBP would be in the 4k range.
Only 2% of Macs run BootCamp, so I don’t see this as a big issue for Apple in general. Apple Windows drivers tend to be adequate but not optimized, so I don’t recommend Macs for running Windows as a primary OS.
For those who occasionally use Windows like me, I’ll be interested to see how well Parallels and VMWare are able to adapt. WINE apps may no longer work, as I doubt Apple would support Intel processor calls through a Rosetta-like solution for more than a few years.
OTOH, I’ve already seen some news reports that a successful switch by Apple could spur other companies to consider expanding efforts with ARM chips. Microsoft has struggled with Windows on ARM, but it is likely because they have lots of 32-bit legacy programs to support.
AppleInsider claims that based on surveys of repair centers. That’s why they speculate the first ARM Mac will be a consumer-oriented device like the MacBook Air or a revived 12” MacBook.
Why Apple's move to an ARM Mac is going to be a bumpy road for some | AppleInsider
Apple can engineer Macs with ARM processors instead of Intel ones, but it can't make all developers move with it — and there are some complications that will cause some problems.
They don’t cite a specific survey, so we can’t test the veracity of their estimate, but I wouldn’t be surprised by it. It’s been years since they have run the “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” ads, and their website barely acknowledges that Macs can run Windows. I’d guess that a lot of programmers use Macs because they can develop for both platforms and iOS from a single device, and that some will switch to PCs as a result, but given that macOS comes with a lot of included software, Microsoft 365 licenses include access to Mac versions, and more and more of us are using cloud-based products, the average consumer has little reason to need Windows (or any specific OS, for that matter).
I have to say that number is extremely suspect, and you also need to include Parallels/vmware along with Bootcamp. That is, a move to ARM will prevent those apps from running x86 windows as well.
The last time I read a story of AI doing a survey of repair centers it appeared that they made a number of conclusions based on a sample of data that is too small. imo, I don't think you can hang your hat on 2%, and as noted above, we need to include running windows virtually, and that number jumps a lot higher.
Certainly the number increases if you included Parallels and VMWare. They would have to emulate x86 if they are to continue working. VirtualPC for PowerPC Macs wasn’t very good, and I suspect that Apple will be focusing on only the x64 code for any Rosetta-like solution (meaning that 32-bit Windows apps may not run well in emulation). But let’s see what Apple says in 12 days. Apple itself probably has the best sense of how many of its users are running Windows in some form or another.
Given Apple's lack of support of Bootcamp, thye'll be no rosetta-like solution to allow windows apps to run, they'll be more focused on macos and getting that going and you're right virtual PC was horrid, I can't see an emulation being a viable solution. I think (this is just my opinion), this will drive people away from the mac platform. Will it be a high percentage, no, but there will be a sizable contingent that will leave imo.
As for the OP, I really don't want to derail his thread, I totally get his angst, and concern, but I think he's probably in the best situation, in that he has a great machine that will last him, and if he does opt for an ARM based machine, he can always sell the current machine.
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Here's what I'm getting it, if Apple does announce a move to ARM, it means that the hardware will be coming in the future, most likely 2021. At that time, you could sell your intel mac for a nice price that would offset the majority of the cost for the new ARM based MBP. You are correct in that you'll never get what you paid for, but the market value should be good, maybe even better then expected as the last intel based mac - it may be in high demand. That's just purely speculation but you see where I'm coming from.
I do, at the very least waiting a few years allows the whole ARM platform shift to largely shake itself out
NO way. Much better to have a mature chipset rather than the first of a new chipset.
My longest-lasting and favorite laptop ever was the last Powerbook 12", and I've had a few friends with the same sentiment for newer models.
Gbeer, take a deep breath. You are way overthinking this (and unfortunately, a few posters are adding fuel to the fire). Your computer will be fine for many years to come. Developers aren't going to abandon Intel Mac users because many people will still be using Intel Macs for many years to come. With the rate technology changes, if you start thinking this way, you will NEVER buy any computer. Just relax and use your new MacBook Pro!
FWIW, I just spent more money on a Mac than I ever have on a 2019 iMac 5K, and I have zero concern for its longevity.
FWIW, I just spent more money on a Mac than I ever have on a 2019 iMac 5K, and I have zero concern for its longevity.
Google is your friend, but so am I. It's another way of saying the "cutting edge" - in other words, describing someone who wants to be at the very forefront of technology in terms of what they own and use. New iPhone just came out? Drop everything - gotta have it now!