No USB-C on Pro

[christophermdia]

I have a 13" Pro (2014) and I ordered a rMacBook to supplement it ... With the announcement of force trackpad and now a new 15" why wouldn't apple add at least 1 USB-C port on these new pro's so I don't need to double up on adapters .... Doesn't even need to be all in one type port, just something to use Vga and or hubs etc ...

 

[mfram]

A huge reason why the USB-C is on the rMB is because the port is physically smaller and they can fit it on the super-thin laptop. That isn't an issue on the rMBP because the laptop is physically larger anyway to fit the other ports.

At this point, most people wouldn't want the USB-C because it would always require an adapter to use since almost no devices on the market use the port.

 

[dagamer34]

When dealing with things like aluminum CNC machines, Apple tools a process so that it lasts several years (usually 4 if not more). As such, they are not going to one year add a USB Type-C port, then next year do a complete re-design.

 

[Freyqq]

I'd expect in 2 years to see USB C to start replacing USB A on a wide scale. in 5 years, you won't find many USB A devices anymore. So, maybe in 2 years, apple will replace all the thunderbolt and USB A with USB C.

I don't think thunderbolt has much longer either. USB 3.1 C will have displayport, 10 gb/s, and power to charge laptop. Thunderbolt 2 is displayport, 16gb/s, can't charge laptop. USB C is more versatile and cost effective.

 

[CaptainChunk]

I really don't understand why people are getting hung up on Apple's USB-C in its current state. It offers practically nothing the other Mac notebooks have, outside of a smaller, unidirectional connector, while adding the complexity of dongles.

I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't want to see USB-C on the Pro models until the standard matures enough to be a viable replacement. It currently is not.

 

[cookies!]

You won't need/want USB-C until you need to replace your laptop, even the new one you buy this week from Apple. Don't sweat it.

 

[dmccloud]

I really don't understand why people are getting hung up on Apple's USB-C in its current state. It offers practically nothing the other Mac notebooks have, outside of a smaller, unidirectional connector, while adding the complexity of dongles.

I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't want to see USB-C on the Pro models until the standard matures enough to be a viable replacement. It currently is not.

First of all, it's not "Apple's" USB-C. Other manufacturers are already starting to add USB-C ports, including the Chromebook Pixel. Second (and perhaps more importantly), it is already an established and accepted standard, as it was the USB Forum (who certifies USB standards) who proposed it in the first place.

 

[darngooddesign]

What kind of devices are you waiting for? You can already get USB-C cables on Amazon.

 

[clovehitch]

I'd expect in 2 years to see USB C to start replacing USB A on a wide scale. in 5 years, you won't find many USB A devices anymore. So, maybe in 2 years, apple will replace all the thunderbolt and USB A with USB C.

I don't think thunderbolt has much longer either. USB 3.1 C will have displayport, 10 gb/s, and power to charge laptop. Thunderbolt 2 is displayport, 16gb/s, can't charge laptop. USB C is more versatile and cost effective.

With Intel showcasing TB3 next month, I'd guess TB will be around a bit longer. I can see the MBP losing one TB3 port for an extra USB-C 3.1.

 

[CaptainChunk]

First of all, it's not "Apple's" USB-C. Other manufacturers are already starting to add USB-C ports, including the Chromebook Pixel. Second (and perhaps more importantly), it is already an established and accepted standard, as it was the USB Forum (who certifies USB standards) who proposed it in the first place.

I was speaking of Apple's current implementation of USB-C, where it was clearly used to save space on a cramped design. I will reiterate that in its current state it offers no real benefits to pro users, outside of being a unidirectional connector.

When actual accessories start adopting the standard, it will become a lot more appealing to pro users. Until then, it's really not.

 

[christophermdia]

My original context was in the sense of, if I take a pro with me, I may need a certain set of dongles, if I take a rMB with me I need another set ... Wish the new pro's had a USB-C port to be able to utilize one set ... Between iPads, MB pro's and rMB, my dongle bag is getting quite crowded ... Good example was this weekend, went to our lake house and left my iPad HDMI dongle at home ... Now my iPad all filled with movies for a 4 day trip to relax and do nothing is rendered useless ... Luckily I did bring my pro with me so I could connect to HDMI via it ...

 

[dmccloud]

I was speaking of Apple's current implementation of USB-C, where it was clearly used to save space on a cramped design. I will reiterate that in its current state it offers no real benefits to pro users, outside of being a unidirectional connector.

When actual accessories start adopting the standard, it will become a lot more appealing to pro users. Until then, it's really not.

You mean something like this?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/s...D=1&siteID=Cty0dj6o3sg-ZUzD8V3FQHbeSA0aoI6P2Q

Or maybe these?

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2903...the-way-and-storage-devices-are-first-up.html

The adoption is already in progress.

 

[Mildredop]

My original context was in the sense of, if I take a pro with me, I may need a certain set of dongles, if I take a rMB with me I need another set ... Wish the new pro's had a USB-C port to be able to utilize one set ... Between iPads, MB pro's and rMB, my dongle bag is getting quite crowded ... Good example was this weekend, went to our lake house and left my iPad HDMI dongle at home ... Now my iPad all filled with movies for a 4 day trip to relax and do nothing is rendered useless ... Luckily I did bring my pro with me so I could connect to HDMI via it ...

I see what you're getting at and totally agree. If Apple are going to release a new laptop with USB-C, it'd seem to make sense that all subsequent releases of new/updated computers would also have USB-C.

Everyone on here bemoans Android for its apparent fragmentation (kind of understandable considering the phones are made by a large number of different manufacturers) but this is Apple creating fragmentation in their own eco-system.

 

[dmccloud]

I see what you're getting at and totally agree. If Apple are going to release a new laptop with USB-C, it'd seem to make sense that all subsequent releases of new/updated computers would also have USB-C.

Everyone on here bemoans Android for its apparent fragmentation (kind of understandable considering the phones are made by a large number of different manufacturers) but this is Apple creating fragmentation in their own eco-system.

To compare this USB-C issue to Android fragmentation isn't even a valid comparison. Regardless of what connectors the various Mac, iPhone, and iPad models have, they all function the same, and in most cases run the exact same software (obviously older models will have issues with newer OSes, but that's typical of the industry as a whole.) Android, OTOH has so many roadblocks to universal implementation (different screen sizes/aspect ratios, manufacturers installing custom UIs and software, carrier control over OS updates, etc) that the Android ecosystem looks like a minefield in Cambodia.

 

[maflynn]

When the rMB came out with the USB-C port, people complained, a short time later, with a minor refresh of the rMBP and no USB-C port. People complained.

We'll see USB-C on the rMBP when apple does a major update, this is for intents and purposes a minor spec bump.

 

[Mildredop]

To compare this USB-C issue to Android fragmentation isn't even a valid comparison. Regardless of what connectors the various Mac, iPhone, and iPad models have, they all function the same, and in most cases run the exact same software (obviously older models will have issues with newer OSes, but that's typical of the industry as a whole.) Android, OTOH has so many roadblocks to universal implementation (different screen sizes/aspect ratios, manufacturers installing custom UIs and software, carrier control over OS updates, etc) that the Android ecosystem looks like a minefield in Cambodia.

I think it's a valid comparison.

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When the rMB came out with the USB-C port, people complained, a short time later, with a minor refresh of the rMBP and no USB-C port. People complained.

That's because different people have different opinions. Unless you're suggesting the same people complained in each scenario? If not, your comment seems a bit pointless.

 

[maflynn]

That's because different people have different opinions. Unless you're suggesting the same people complained in each scenario? If not, your comment seems a bit pointless.

I am suggesting that the masses complained about the USB-C earlier and now the opposite is true. Yet not much as changed, i.e., few USB-C products are available.

 

[dannys1]

I'd expect in 2 years to see USB C to start replacing USB A on a wide scale. in 5 years, you won't find many USB A devices anymore. So, maybe in 2 years, apple will replace all the thunderbolt and USB A with USB C.

I don't think thunderbolt has much longer either. USB 3.1 C will have displayport, 10 gb/s, and power to charge laptop. Thunderbolt 2 is displayport, 16gb/s, can't charge laptop. USB C is more versatile and cost effective.

Thunderbolt 3 wipes the floor with USB-C though, 40gbit, 100w power for devices, supports PCI 3.0x - its a completely different thing to USB in my eyes and we need both. Thunderbolt for professionals who demand the best, and USB for consumers who want flexibility in a small port.

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My original context was in the sense of, if I take a pro with me, I may need a certain set of dongles, if I take a rMB with me I need another set ... Wish the new pro's had a USB-C port to be able to utilize one set ... Between iPads, MB pro's and rMB, my dongle bag is getting quite crowded ... Good example was this weekend, went to our lake house and left my iPad HDMI dongle at home ... Now my iPad all filled with movies for a 4 day trip to relax and do nothing is rendered useless ... Luckily I did bring my pro with me so I could connect to HDMI via it ...

Why aren't you just using wireless devices for this dude? HDMI out on an iPad has always been a horrible solution, who wants an iPad hanging from the TV with its cable on view? Get one of the main HDMI streaming sticks and air play to your TV - that way you only have to carry the tiny HDMI stick in your bag and not a huge adapter and even more its compatible with your iPad, rMB and rMBP as they can all Airplay to it!

 

[maflynn]

Thunderbolt 3 wipes the floor with USB-C though, 40gbit, 100w power for devices, supports PCI 3.0x - its a completely different thing to USB in my eyes and we need both. Thunderbolt for professionals who demand the best, and USB for consumers who want flexibility in a small port.

With Thunderbolt not gaining any traction with other computer makers what are the odds that it will just whither and die? I wonder if apple will move away from TB in lieu of USB-C

 

[dannys1]

With Thunderbolt not gaining any traction with other computer makers what are the odds that it will just whither and die? I wonder if apple will move away from TB in lieu of USB-C

I hope not, its far superior to USB, but then a lot of things are more superior to what consumers adopt the most. I use Thunderbolt on my iMac, Mac mini and Macbook Pro daily and whilst i'm going to buy one of the new 15" Macbook Pro refreshes i'll be selling it and getting a Skylake redesign if it comes with Thunderbolt 3.

Thunderbolt 3 will mean we can match (and even exceed) the 2000MB/s read of the new Samsung drives in Mac's - that means I can spec out potential 4000MB/s read systems with an external drive on TB3 and the internet disk for customers who demand bleeding edge performance. You wont be getting that from a USB-C port for years, if ever. We'll be lucky if USB3.1 (when it finally arrives) even achieves 600MB/s read speeds and that'll probably require special controller data, its taken ages to even saturate USB3 lanes with 400MB/s due to the fact they weren't really built to be saturated with data.

 

[Freyqq]

I hope not, its far superior to USB, but then a lot of things are more superior to what consumers adopt the most. I use Thunderbolt on my iMac, Mac mini and Macbook Pro daily and whilst i'm going to buy one of the new 15" Macbook Pro refreshes i'll be selling it and getting a Skylake redesign if it comes with Thunderbolt 3.

Thunderbolt 3 will mean we can match (and even exceed) the 2000MB/s read of the new Samsung drives in Mac's - that means I can spec out potential 4000MB/s read systems with an external drive on TB3 and the internet disk for customers who demand bleeding edge performance. You wont be getting that from a USB-C port for years, if ever. We'll be lucky if USB3.1 (when it finally arrives) even achieves 600MB/s read speeds and that'll probably require special controller data, its taken ages to even saturate USB3 lanes with 400MB/s due to the fact they weren't really built to be saturated with data.

True, but I don't think you'll see a thunderbolt 4 for a long time due to lack of interest. Thunderbolt 3 is due to the necessity to support dp1.3. Usb 3.2 is already in the works, so I think it'll catch up eventually.

 

[brand]

When the rMB came out with the USB-C port, people complained, a short time later, with a minor refresh of the rMBP and no USB-C port. People complained.



We'll see USB-C on the rMBP when apple does a major update, this is for intents and purposes a minor spec bump.

Everything you said is spot on. People will complain no matter what and we won't see USB-C until there is a major update.

 

[Badrottie]

I find USB-C on 15" rMBP is silly. It should belong to rMB and MacBook Air.

 

[clovehitch]

I find USB-C on 15" rMBP is silly. It should belong to rMB and MacBook Air.

The main feature of USB-C is bandwidth, not connector size.

 

[dannys1]

True, but I don't think you'll see a thunderbolt 4 for a long time due to lack of interest. Thunderbolt 3 is due to the necessity to support dp1.3. Usb 3.2 is already in the works, so I think it'll catch up eventually.

We don't need Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt 3 is 40gb/s, enough to match PCI-e speeds (and its running on PCI Express standards, where as USB doesn't) USB3.1 isnt' here yet and its only just going to match (on the spec sheet) Thunderbolt 1 speeds for 3 years ago. In reality it wont be close, USB has too much overhead, it'd need to be rated at 15gb/s to even get close to generation 1 Thunderbolt.

You can forget about USB ever achieving 40gb/s. Different protocols, different needs, there is no reason to want to see the end of either of that, thats just odd thinking, its not a war between connection ports, both are welcome, both are equally small enough to fit on any pro Macbook casing.

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The main feature of USB-C is bandwidth, not connector size.

Not really - its connector size and mass compatibility. It's USB 3.1 that is bandwidth and that was originally designed for an A-type USB connector - and most devices will probably still use the A-type connect and go into C with an adapter.

In other words, there is no reason a rMBP couldn't have a USB Type A connector that does the supposed 10GB/s that 3.1 will bring (whist the USB-C on the rMB will only do 5GB/s USB 3 speeds)