New MacBook Pro Still Planned for October, USB-C MacBook Air Also in the Works

[JTToft]

$100 to connect the monitor I've been using for months?

- That unfortunately is the case right now. They'll probably get a bit cheaper in time.

But the Apple Thunderbolt Display is the only monitor that requires that adaptor. It's an old and discontinued product, so if that's the one you have, it might be time to think about an upgrade anyway.

 

[Abazigal]

why can't it have both? Is it impossible or something?
2 USB C
2 USB 3
1 Magsafe
2 Thunderbolt
1 HDMI
1 SDcard

So it's both future proof and works well for the present. Why is this such a radical idea?

Apple's design idiosyncrasies are well-known. They hate ports, amongst other things (buttons and moving parts).

If I were Apple, I would probably see the aforementioned example as a horrendous mishmash of ports and standards. The biggest eyesore I see are the 2 thunderbolt ports. Not everyone uses them. I have really only used the thunderbolt port on my MBA as a display port replacement. This means that you are looking at potentially wasted ports if the user's needs are wholly different from how you envisioned them, because I can't take that HDMI port and turn it into another USB port should I so desire.

Same with the HDMI port and maybe even SD-card slot. If I don't use them, they are dead weight. But take them away, and you are not being fair to another user who might need to plug in his MacBook to an external display every day. Truth be told, there is no 1-size-fits-all allocation of ports that will please everybody.

With USB-C, there would no such thing as a wrong port. Apple doesn't have to second-guess the user's specific needs. Use the right adaptor or USB-C accessory to mix and match the ports as you like, according to your needs. In theory, I could charge such a MacBook by plugging the power cable into any USB-C port on the right or left. I could connect as many USB-C accessories as there are ports on the laptop. There is an adaptor for when I want to hook up my Macbook to an external display, and when I am on the move, I can readily retrofit that display-port into another port which might be more useful at the moment, such as an extra USB port.

That, to me, should be the way moving forward.

 

[ignatius345]

Clearly enough people love them to justify their continuous existence, it's as simple as that. I have no opinion personally, since it just works. My point was more geared towards the worthless crybaby comment which didn't help anything.

Clearly enough people tolerate them is more like it. And if you use a Mac for actually typing, this thing is a huge bummer to use. So yeah, it's a totally valid complaint and a real pain point for people who use their Macs for producing words.

 

[JTToft]

Is there even such a thing as USB-C thumb drives? How much do they cost?

Are there TVs and external monitors that can be connected directly via USB-C? How much do they cost? Cameras?

- Yes. And ones with both USB-C and USB-A on either end. I have one. They don't cost much more.

- Yes to monitors. They don't cost much more. Don't know about TVs and cameras.

 

[Traverse]

- That unfortunately is the case right now. They'll probably get a bit cheaper in time.

But the Apple Thunderbolt Display is the only monitor that requires that adaptor. It's an old and discontinued product, so if that's the one you have, it might be time to think about an upgrade anyway.

No, I could use HDMI for my 1440p display, but it's just the principle of the matter. If Apple's going to force adaptors, they should make their less expenseive. THey charge $80 for the USB-C to USB-C/HDMI/USB-A adapter.

-____-

 

[Abazigal]

Is there even such a thing as USB-C thumb drives? How much do they cost?

Are there TVs and external monitors that can be connected directly via USB-C? How much do they cost? Cameras?

Does no one google anymore?

27" 4k display by LG.

http://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UD88-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor

Sandisk thumb drive with both USB-C and A ports.

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Type-C-Smartphones-Tablets-SDDDC-032G-G46/dp/B00V62XBY8
[doublepost=1476799467][/doublepost]

No, I could use HDMI for my 1440p display, but it's just the principle of the matter. If Apple's going to force adaptors, they should make their less expenseive. THey charge $80 for the USB-C to USB-C/HDMI/USB-A adapter.

-____-

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...as=computers&field-keywords=USBC+hdmi+adaptor

A quick search on Amazon turns up several third party adaptors at less than half the price.

 

[Jcxa]

Near the end of October, Trick or Treat? I lean toward Trick, Apple has had over two years to innovate but all we will see I fear is lots of courage. I am unimpressed by the rumored updates in Tim's fantasy pipeline which apparently has the diameter of a pipe cleaner.

 

[JTToft]

No, I could use HDMI for my 1440p display, but it's just the principle of the matter. If Apple's going to force adaptors, they should make their less expenseive. THey charge $80 for the USB-C to USB-C/HDMI/USB-A adapter.

- Then you just need a simple USB-C to HDMI adaptor. Or better yet a USB-C to DisplayPort cable if your monitor has DisplayPort. You don't need the expensive adaptors. For whatever reason, though, I can't find a direct USB-C to HDMI cable, only adaptors.

Most of Apple's computers require adaptors for HDMI as it is currently anyway.

 

[lordofthereef]

I dig it. Maybe my wish will be answered and future iPhones will come with USB-C. Won't be upgrading my MacBook anytime soon though. Not because of the changes. But because I simply don't need it.

I am still unsure about the utility of that extra bar of info above the keyboard. Both scratching my head and intrigued. Could be good. Could be a total gimmick. We will see.

 

[thats all folks]

If you're a full time photographer, you undoubtedly carry a huge backpack with multiple heavy lenses, maybe more than one camera, a 15" rMBP, perhaps extra batteries et cetera.

Now I can understand you'd be annoyed, but surely it wouldn't be that big of a deal to carry an SD card reader?

I think the rationale is that if you're using the MBP and the SD slot on the move for pro reasons, you're likely to be already carrying a lot of much bulkier, heavier DSLR photo equipment, and a tiny USB->SD adapter is going to be the smallest and lightest item you'll be carrying in that configuration.
It makes sense to me to remove it and provide more heavy duty additional USB-C ports.

And since that kit is already so heavy and bulky, the last thing needed is to shave another mm off the laptop. leave the versatility and capability in the machine. Apple already has two laptop lines who's focus is thinness and simplicity. do they need to add a third to that?

 

[Traverse]

A quick search on Amazon turns up several third party adaptors at less than half the price.

Yes, I know, but I have a irrational desire for first-party adapters because I fear faulty third-party ones. It's my issue, not Apples I suppose.
[doublepost=1476800252][/doublepost]Thinking about it, I'll need:

• USB-C to USB-A x 2
• USB-C to either HDMI or Display port

A bit price since I'll need 2 or 3 adaptors, but livable. I just wish the iMac would keep one or two USB-A, but I can see them dropping it ont he iMac as well to be consistent.

 

[Abazigal]

Yes, I know, but I have a irrational desire for first-party adapters because I fear faulty third-party ones. It's my issue, not Apples I suppose.

Can't say I blame you. I have had mixed experiences with 3rd party adaptors as well. The mini-display-to-VGA adaptor I bought from a 3rd party broke after 3 months. The 1st-party Apple adaptor is still going strong after all these years.

Sometimes, I suspect that Apple prices their accessories as high as they do so as not to engage in a price war with other OEMs and price them out of the market.

 

[Stella]

There are.

Link?

- Those are a lot of redundant ports. If it has Thunderbolt 3, it also has USB-C. No need to have separate USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports.


- There definitely are. Thunderbolt 3 is of course backwards compatible with 1 and 2.
Here's one such adaptor: https://www.startech.com/Cables/thu...rbolt-3-usb-c-thunderbolt-adapter~TBT3TBTADAP

How about not US$100?

So the TB1/2 port came out on Macbook Pro 2011, 6 years ago, now made redundant.
All those TB1/2 devices are now unusable, without spending $100+, for each device, for the sake of thinness and weight ( probably a few grammes? )

Wonderful.

 

[Abazigal]

Link?


How about not US$100?

Unlikely, given the likely low demand for such a product.

 

[Salty Pirate]

I have the maxed out 2016 macbook. It is an absolutely fantastic machine. The SSD is so fast, I really have not had an issue with CPU. I really like no fans.

What would be absolutely killer though, would be a 15" model based on the same thin, fanless design. Oh, and add a second USB-C port.

 

[Traverse]

Can't say I blame you. I have had mixed experiences with 3rd party adaptors as well. The mini-display-to-VGA adaptor I bought from a 3rd party broke after 3 months. The 1st-party Apple adaptor is still going strong after all these years.

Sometimes, I suspect that Apple prices their accessories as high as they do so as not to engage in a price war with other OEMs and price them out of the market.

I purchased an Apple HDMI cable and VGA adaptor years ago and have used them daily (well, not the VGA anymore) and never had an issue. I am willing to pay a premium, but $79 is tough. But I probably will still pay it so Apple will still sell it at that price.

Aw well.

 

[vikingjunior]

Is Apple removing the headphone jack also?

 

[Abazigal]

Yes, I know, but I have a irrational desire for first-party adapters because I fear faulty third-party ones. It's my issue, not Apples I suppose.
[doublepost=1476800252][/doublepost]Thinking about it, I'll need:

• USB-C to USB-A x 2
• USB-C to either HDMI or Display port

A bit price since I'll need 2 or 3 adaptors, but livable. I just wish the iMac would keep one or two USB-A, but I can see them dropping it ont he iMac as well to be consistent.

There will probably be hubs for those. There's already one for both HDMI and USB after all.

 

[JTToft]

How about not US$100?

So the TB1/2 port came out on Macbook Pro 2011, 6 years ago, now made redundant.
All those TB1/2 devices are now unusable, without spending $100+, for each device, for the sake of thinness?

Wonderful.

- Thunderbolt has always been expensive. And people who have purchased Thunderbolt peripherals know this.
It's possible adaptors will come down in price and that someone will come out with a simpler one-cable solution (if it's technically possible).

But you precisely don't need to spend $100 for each device. Remember that Thunderbolt is daisy-chainable.

 

[rtr1985]

October, 2018? Lol. At this point, I'm very skeptical whether Apple could announce and ship new units before Nov. 1. They're still trying to roll out all the software features for the iPhone 7

 

[kyleh22]

I wouldn't be surprised if there won't be an event. To fill an entire hour with a touch panel and a slightly thinner body is rather...difficult. And no rumors at all point towards anything else, that's in the pipeline.

More time to bring out the token female engineer.

 

[maflynn]

Is Apple removing the headphone jack also?

That's one of the rumors.

 

[Al'sDad]

Yeah that could be an expensive problem

It's OK. USB-C is starting to get old already. We definitely need a new port specification that's even more wonderful.

 

[Rocketman]

Stop whining about MacBook Pros already and just get the replacement. iPad Pro.

 

[oliversl]

The MacBook line is feeling the pain, not love from Apple for them. Too sad. Not an event, late refresh, no retina for MBA. *sad face*