New Retina MacBook Appears in Early Unboxing Video

[Popeye206]

Somehow I have a feeling the key travel will be the same with version 2. Unless the customer feedback is completely horrible. I'm guessing people used to typing on an iPad will adjust pretty quick but others probably will hate it at first.

Oh... I think the keyboard will be fine. It took time to get use to the current keyboard after using the old style ones... that's just an adjustment period that should not take long.

I would only wait until version 2 to get a faster processor or other enhancements... plus, if history repeats itself, it will be cheaper too.

 

[Iconoclysm]

they also said they would have thunderbolt docking stations.

They never released one.

they also only ever made ONE thunderbolt display, which is no longer available or supported.

The question is still valid.

as I said, I am with you on the desire for USB-C to be the future. but you outright discounted his concern and brought up a logical fallacy of the chicken v the egg discussion, which is a false equivelancy. It's a false equivelancy because the chicken v egg refers to something in nature and the process of evolution. as a metaphor for technology it's loosely applicable at best. Apple could have very well avoided the chicken v egg metaphor in it's entirety by launching products at the same time to showcase this "future", or provided 2ndary alternative bridged components in the meantime.

I never said I desired USB C to be the future. Apple never said they'd make a USB C docking station nor monitor. EVERYONE is going to make a USB C docking station AND monitor because that's the direction the entire industry is going. For the first time, Apple is actually going the same path as everyone else and people are still whining about it.

Drop the nonsense debate tactics please, this is a simple discussion using basic common sense. Asking for an immediate accessory for a product that doesn't exist yet that has a lifespan of many years is a chicken and egg problem. If you'd rather call this a monitor before the laptop problem, fine.

 

[cfedu]

I only think 2 might be better because I've never tried to work with 1!!! And neither have you. When I look at my current PC ultrabook, all the USB ports are used by a Logitech dongle and a Plantronics dongle. If this were a MacBook, I would have two open and unused USB ports. Otherwise, I have a travel hub. Which sounds a lot like a USB C adapter that Apple is making and I'm sure you can buy from 3rd parties on the cheap.

I do not need the new macbook to tell you it will not work for me without adapters.

When I use my macbook air currently, I almost always have my nexus 5 plugged i as well has an external display. In my travel bag I have a mini displayort to hdmi cable that I use to watch movies at hotels.

I would need to buy 160$ in adapter since the new macbook only has one port.

 

[newellj]

MagSafe won't work with a laptop that light. The magnet would have to be really weak, and you'd have problems with it popping out with the slightest movement. I think going down the USB-C route for charging is great because it's universal.

The future of notebooks is fanless design, and because its fanless, you can make it extremely thin. It will be a pain not having a full sized USB port, but there'll be USB-C to full size adapters that'll be small enough to fit on a keyring, so it won't be a big issue.

I'm really keen to try the new keyboard out. The bufferfly design is great - my keys wobble though I've never not had a keypress register. Each key having its own LED will be nice too, no light bleeding out the side of the keys. I've already tried the tactic trackpad on the 13" Retina and it really is fine to use, quite impressed with the click feedback. The force touch stuff I found awkward.

Your first point is very well-made. Even with the 2.4 pound 11" MBA it's dicey whether the computer skids along before the magnets release. At some point the magnets just aren't the right solution.

 

[Yr Blues]

Many reviewer's have said it feels odd at first but you quickly get use to it. Guess you have to try it to really know if it's not to your liking.

which is what was said about the chicklet keys when Apple first introduced them, to my chagrin … but i got used to them.

i loved the 12" powerbook keyboard

 

[Mildredop]

How is that a rude comment? That's just another way of saying it's a chicken and egg problem.

My original post was in response to a hypothetical that Apple hadn't considered 4 different use cases. And that response was to say that yes, Apple and everyone else out there have thought of the response. USB C is chainable and universal. There's not much more to think about here other than considering that you're buying a product that will be more useful in the future than it is right now. All these complaints about Apple not thinking seem to come from people that aren't being realistic.

I don't want to get dragged into an argument, so I'll only give this one response.

Someone gave their concerns with the Macbook having one port. You gave the solution that a monitor could solve their concerns. When they asked for further information, rather than admitting you were wrong and the monitor you mentioned doesn't yet exist (that I can find), you gave them a curt and childish tit-for-tat reply.

Monitors "could" do all sorts of things. It could make a cup of coffee if someone so desired to design such a thing. But your statment suggested there's a monitor that can do the specific things mentioned, when there currently is not.

Thats why I thought your reply was rude.

 

[Iconoclysm]

I do not need the new macbook to tell you it will not work for me without adapters.

When I use my macbook air currently, I almost always have my nexus 5 plugged i as well has an external display. In my travel bag I have a mini displayort to hdmi cable that I use to watch movies at hotels.

I would need to buy 160$ in adapter since the new macbook only has one port.

Umm, one adapter includes HDMI, USB 3.0, and USB C. So, one adapter will charge the laptop, output to HDMI for the TV, and plug in your nexus 5. However, I'm not really understanding the need for plugging in the nexus 5 to your machine rather than directly into the wall. If you travel a lot, there are some really nice travel adapters with multiple power ports and USB ports all over them for like $10. I have not even seen a USB C to displayport adapter, only HDMI and VGA.

 

[newellj]

i think the laptop got too light for the magnet to disengage with the power port. when it snags, it just takes the whole laptop with it.

magsafe needs to be coupled with a heftier laptop to work properly.

and you dont want weaker magnets or it doesnt stay secure when you need it to

Yes. I posted somewhere else that during my most recent attempt to bond with an 11" MBA I noticed that the MagSafe connector really wasn't likely to protect the machine from a snag (it would depend on what the computer was on at the time, of course).

 

[coolfactor]

It is legit though, that's what it looks like.

I personally agree with you all on the form of the MacBook. Thinness aside, I really think it looks horrible. Though in saying that, I also thought the 12" PowerBook looked horrible, while most people disagreed with me.

What about it look horrible? The black keys? I like the keyboard.

 

[cfedu]

When you get your USB C monitor, then buy a USB C laptop. It's not only Apple that's going this route, but it is only Apple that's going to have people whining before they figure it all out - as usual.

No thanks, you can keep it. I wanted the 27" thunderbolt display but it would not have been compatible with my 2010 Mac mini and my 2012 Macbook Air. It's a good thing I went with a dell which I know will be support for years to come.

 

[Iconoclysm]

I don't want to get dragged into an argument, so I'll only give this one response.

Someone gave their concerns with the Macbook having one port. You gave the solution that a monitor could solve their concerns. When they asked for further information, rather than admitting you were wrong and the monitor you mentioned doesn't yet exist (that I can find), you gave them a curt and childish tit-for-tat reply.

Monitors "could" do all sorts of things. It could make a cup of coffee if someone so desired to design such a thing. But your statment suggested there's a monitor that can do the specific things mentioned, when there currently is not.

Thats why I thought your reply was rude.

Admitting I was wrong? My intention was never to point out that a current USB C monitor existed. There was no being wrong here, we were discussing what Apple INTENDED not what is available right now. It seems that you are looking for those types of behaviors on forums and it doesn't surprise me that you always find what you're looking for if you thought that was a tit for tat or childish reply.

No, my statement did not suggest that. I'm starting to think you're being rude to be honest.

In fact, just to clarify:


Originally Posted by Black Magic View Post

"I agree. I think there should be at least 4 ports. 2 on each side. Things Apple should have considered would be:

1. External monitors.

2. External Storage.

3. Syncing/Charging devices.

4. Power.

Having to constantly choose will be problematic. Maybe version 2 will add an additional port at least."

You do realize that an external monitor could act as power, video, and a hub for everything else, right?

The entire thing was a hypothetical situation...not something to be right or wrong about.

And you do also realize that my next response was to someone else, someone who is obviously being curt, right?

----------

No thanks, you can keep it. I wanted the 27" thunderbolt display but it would not have been compatible with my 2010 Mac mini and my 2012 Macbook Air. It's a good thing I went with a dell which I know will be support for years to come.

Except when you want a USB C connection, am I right?

 

[newellj]

Oh... I think the keyboard will be fine. It took time to get use to the current keyboard after using the old style ones... that's just an adjustment period that should not take long.

I would only wait until version 2 to get a faster processor or other enhancements... plus, if history repeats itself, it will be cheaper too.

which is what was said about the chicklet keys when Apple first introduced them, to my chagrin … but i got used to them.

i loved the 12" powerbook keyboard

One of the people at the Spring Forward event made a comment that the keyboard was a little like typing on the virtual keyboard of an iPad. Since that actually works quite well for me, I'm pretty sure that the new butterfly keyboard won't be a problem. I'll buy one and do a lot of typing for 12 or 13 days. If it doesn't work, I'll provide Apple with market feedback - it's that simple.

 

[oneMadRssn]

You are One Mad Russian.

I sure is!

Or you know, just do it wirelessly...

First sync has to be via USB. Also, can't restore/reinstall iOS wirelessly. Often people need to update via USB as well, because they don't have the free space necessary for an OTA update - especially 16GB devices.

People still sync their iOS devices via laptop?

I suppose you could pay for icloud storage, because I think most people would run out of the free icloud space pretty quick for backups and syncing. I don't think anyone can recommend not backing up. So, yes, people still sync their iOS devices to a computer as an alternative to the overpriced icloud storage.

 

[cfedu]

Umm, one adapter includes HDMI, USB 3.0, and USB C. So, one adapter will charge the laptop, output to HDMI for the TV, and plug in your nexus 5. However, I'm not really understanding the need for plugging in the nexus 5 to your machine rather than directly into the wall. If you travel a lot, there are some really nice travel adapters with multiple power ports and USB ports all over them for like $10. I have not even seen a USB C to displayport adapter, only HDMI and VGA.

Yes, one for travel and the other in my travel bag. Right now I have 2 chargers I keep one plugged at my desk and my other in my travel bag with my MDP-HDMI cable. When I leave I just take my phone and computer the rest stays behind. With the new macbook I would need 2 x 80$ adapters not to mention a new spare wall charger.

 

[DevNull0]

if they think they are going to lead us all, kicking and screaming, into the no-wires age, they might as well start with freakin' Bluetooth earbuds, really.

Sounds about right. Current bluetooth earbuds give you 1/5th the sound quality for 5 times the price. And about 1% the selection.

I imagine the only reason they haven't is they're planning to launch AppleTooth in 2018 after the rest of the industry has long since moved to wireless everything and then sue Ericsson for copying them with Bluetooth.

 

[nilk]

Very good points.

Also, regarding MagSafe: Does anyone miss it on their iPad/iPhone? I've never heard this complaint. You unplug it when you want to use it. Think of the new MacBook as more i-devicelike (in terms of usage and design) and leaving out MagSafe makes even more sense.

I almost wrote the same thing as I looked down at my iPhone with a Lightning cable plugged into it.

To be fair, iOS devices as currently designed can take a beating much better than a MacBook can (I've only dropped my MacBooks twice and both times resulted in damage; I drop my iPhone all the time without damage, granted it has a thin case that helps a little), and it isn't really possible to put a case on a MacBook that protects it well enough from drops.

I wish Apple would start supporting inductive charging. I suppose a 3rd party could create a USB-C Qi charging add-on for the MacBook that had a USB-C passthrough port. Also I think it would be technical possible to create an extra battery add-on case with Qi charging and multiple USB-C ports (and possibly other ports). Maybe even a MagSafe-like power adapter. All kinds of things are possible here, though I don't know if we'll see all these kinds of possibilities emerge.

 

[magbarn]

It will take some adjustment, but I think most people will be able to adapt. My favorite keyboard is Apple's bluetooth keyboard because it has some travel, but I've adapted to the rMBP's keyboard which has less travel than the previous Unibody MBPs.

The current rMBP has the least amount of travel I can tolerate. In fact, I returned a 2013 MBA 13 for a rMBP 13 for not just the screen, but also the keyboard. Could not tolerate the short travel at all. I definitely miss the cMBP keyboard. Seeing the super short travel on the rMB has more worried as Apple seems to like to 'trickle down' changes in their lineup.

 

[cdarlington1]

#want

 

[Iconoclysm]

Yes, one for travel and the other in my travel bag. Right now I have 2 chargers I keep one plugged at my desk and my other in my travel bag with my MDP-HDMI cable. When I leave I just take my phone and computer the rest stays behind. With the new macbook I would need 2 x 80$ adapters not to mention a new spare wall charger.

Still not seeing why you'd need 2x$80 here. Also, and I know this is probably going to cause a million people to tell me I'm a total jerk for even bringing up this logical fallacy/metaphor/rude comment but: USB C is a standard, there will inevitably be cheap solutions to all of this but they will require you to dump some of that older stuff. I have cabinets full of stuff that doesn't work with anything I own today or is completely unnecessary, so I don't see how this is a new problem.

 

[billystlyes]

A sexy netbook with one port. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[TechZeke]

Luckily Apple still makes laptops for you. They're called the 13" and 15" rMBP.

Thank You. Not sure why everyone(especially people carrying around 15" rMBP when they wouldnt buy a MB anyway, ports or not) is butt hurt over the new MB. Apple still sells the MBA, rMBP, and even still sells the 13" cMBP. Just don't buy it.

 

[Bklass]

I'll wait

I've never been an early adopter of any new Apple products. Just like with the Apple Watch, I'll be waiting for the 2nd or 3rd gen of this. My 2012 13" MBA is holding up just fine.

 

[newellj]

I've never been an early adopter of any new Apple products. Just like with the Apple Watch, I'll be waiting for the 2nd or 3rd gen of this. My 2012 13" MBA is holding up just fine.

History says you're right, but I have a reasonable use case for this one and I have free cash. 99% sure I'll swing by an Apple Store or BB next Friday and give this a spin. If it works, it'd be the 11" MBA that I never could get used to. If not...it's a statistical counter in their market research.

 

[gugy]

I will buy this in a hot minute. I have used, extensively, the 11" MBA, 13" MBA, and 13" MBP. The last I gave to my wife, and went back to the Air.

This will be my second computer, in addition to a desktop with lots of disk space for iTunes libraries, photos, and whatever.


I think this computer will find a lot of customers among two groups: those with relatively modest needs, and those with extremely high needs, who are already served by a more powerful machine and want something small, light, with a great display for working remotely.

Yep, I am waiting to see it in person but I am considering it because it will be my second computer. At home I have a powerful MacPro, so this MB will be for a Photoshop emergency fix or light work while on the road. Most use will be for mail, safari and watch media. For that should be just fine.

 

[cfedu]

Still not seeing why you'd need 2x$80 here. Also, and I know this is probably going to cause a million people to tell me I'm a total jerk for even bringing up this logical fallacy/metaphor/rude comment but: USB C is a standard, there will inevitably be cheap solutions to all of this but they will require you to dump some of that older stuff. I have cabinets full of stuff that doesn't work with anything I own today or is completely unnecessary, so I don't see how this is a new problem.

I have no problem dumping old stuff. I thought Apples support of Mini DP was great, thunderbolt was great (not the display).

Every USB Type C adapter for the macbook will require a Power passthrough, that is the problem. No way to connect a usb C device and have power connected to the device at the same time. I do not even think the $80 adapter would allow a USB C hardrive to be connected to the Macbook with power at the same time.

I make a weekly clone of my hard drive. If I use a USB C drive I will need to get even more adapters as the 80$ USB C adapter will not let me have the power connected.