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Real reason for lack of SD slot and USB-A in new 2016 MBPs?
- Thread starter trifid
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The difference is pretty much nobody was still using the superdrive when they axed it from the MBP. It was obsolete as everyone had moved to USB or network/internet for its purposes.
Similarly, they didn't get rid of the Ethernet port when only 5% of people had wifi in their homes and only 3% of public spaces had it. By the time it got cut, it was rarely used by anyone.
By contrast, very few people have USB-C devices and almost everything on the market is not available in USB-C yet. For example, I don't think there are any audio interfaces available in USB-C.
I love the idea of USB-C but like anything else, there needs to be a transition period where we can buy new items in USB-C but still use devices currently owned or even currently available in production.
And you can still use devices currently owned. Either with a replacement cable or a dongle.
It isn't like there are no options.
It turns into a mess, and you have to make sure you always have them with you, right types, quantities, etc.
All for what? There'd be no loss to have a single USB-A 3.1 port or SD card reader on it. There are thinner laptops that have both. You could still use USB-C/TB3 for your docks and new stuff while still having the ability to connect modern, brand new devices as well as existing ones to your $3000+ "Pro" laptop.
Let's be perfectly honest... if this were Microsoft, we'd be having such laughs over it.
You have to carry the cable for the device anyway. So what is the difference between carrying the replacement cable or the cable you already carry. You still have to carry the cable.
Some devices don't have detachable cables (like mice, USB thumb drives). Sometimes you don't know what you'll encounter and when. That's the beauty of having all the ports you need on-board.
You shouldn't have to buy all new cables or juggle dongles for the newest versions of technology (like the iPhone 7) anyways. A $3000+ computer should just be able to perform the functions of what you need a computer to do without having to adapt your entire workflow to it.
Tell me: What would be the disadvantage of having a single USB-A 3.1 port and an SD card reader on-board?
That's what people are saying about HDMI and Thunderbolt ports, which puts us at 4 ports plus...what, only 1 new USB-C port? Not exactly future-proofing. So we get "futuristic" and add another USB-C port, bringing us to 6 ports if you include magsafe (because how could that be a disadvantage). So now you have 6 ports plus the audio port -- because you gotta have an audio port, right? Now we're at 7 ports. Because what could the disadvantage be?
Now, if we could just fit a vga port in there, it would be the perfect forward-looking laptop.
Original iBook had 1 usb port, wireless, headphone
2nd generation iBook had 1 usb, 1 firewire, wireless, ethernet, modem, headphone
Original Macbook Air 1 usb, 1 micro-dvi, wireless, bluetooth, headphone
2010 Macbook Air 2 usb, 1 mini-display port, wireless, bluetooth, headphone, sdcard (13" only")
2015 Macbook Air 2 usb, 1 mini-display port/thunderbolt 2, wireless, bluetooth, headphone, sdcard (13" only")
Not like in the past Apple hasn't introduced a 1st generation of a new form factor and limited it's usefulness and desirability then added connectivity back in to make it a more successful product.
IMO they should of kept the number and type of ports (including magsafe) the same, just change the Thunderbold/mini-Displayport(s) to a usb-d/Thunderbolt port(s).
But it might of been .07# heavier and had 2 or 3 cubic centimeters volume. And eliminate 90% of the teeth gnashing.
But it Jony would think the esthetics would be ruined for displaying at Le Louvre.
At least they didn't replace all the ports with UDB-E (ethernet only ports without any cables). Though wireless charging might be interesting.
2nd generation iBook had 1 usb, 1 firewire, wireless, ethernet, modem, headphone
Original Macbook Air 1 usb, 1 micro-dvi, wireless, bluetooth, headphone
2010 Macbook Air 2 usb, 1 mini-display port, wireless, bluetooth, headphone, sdcard (13" only")
2015 Macbook Air 2 usb, 1 mini-display port/thunderbolt 2, wireless, bluetooth, headphone, sdcard (13" only")
Not like in the past Apple hasn't introduced a 1st generation of a new form factor and limited it's usefulness and desirability then added connectivity back in to make it a more successful product.
IMO they should of kept the number and type of ports (including magsafe) the same, just change the Thunderbold/mini-Displayport(s) to a usb-d/Thunderbolt port(s).
But it might of been .07# heavier and had 2 or 3 cubic centimeters volume. And eliminate 90% of the teeth gnashing.
But it Jony would think the esthetics would be ruined for displaying at Le Louvre.
At least they didn't replace all the ports with UDB-E (ethernet only ports without any cables). Though wireless charging might be interesting.
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Not even remotely an answer to the question I asked.
Your whole argument, if you could call it that, is the slippery slope that had they kept a single USB-A 3.1 port, they'd have had to include every other port. Talk about a false dichotomy.
That's 3 logical fallacies in one response (strawman, slippery slope, and false dichotomy). Well done.
Maybe someone else can answer my question since if you were able to, you would have done so.
I think removing the SD card reader wasn't a bad move. Most people don't use it, and pros need a faster dedicated one they can upgrade and/or replace.
If you are a photographer adding a small reader to your bag of camera bodies, lenses, etc, isn't that bad for working on the road. And for working at your studio you probably have a kick ass reader connected to your hi speed hub or dock anyway.
IMO removing USB-A ports was the huge mistake. A pure USB-C machine shouldn't have been released before 2018 or 2019. It worked for the 12'' Macbook because it's a very specialised computer, but not for a pro machine or even a daily driver laptop.
Apple knows everyone still uses USB-A. Heck, even Apple only sells USB-A peripherals. But Apple decided to remove these ports despite that simple fact. That's bad, but the worst part is that Apple didn't include these adapters with the MBPs or even give some store credit to pick the ones you need and get them for free. It's like Apple had said "We know you need USB-A but we don't give a ****. It's your problem. Deal with it." For me that's really the worst part.
I really don't care why Apple removed these ports.
If you are a photographer adding a small reader to your bag of camera bodies, lenses, etc, isn't that bad for working on the road. And for working at your studio you probably have a kick ass reader connected to your hi speed hub or dock anyway.
IMO removing USB-A ports was the huge mistake. A pure USB-C machine shouldn't have been released before 2018 or 2019. It worked for the 12'' Macbook because it's a very specialised computer, but not for a pro machine or even a daily driver laptop.
Apple knows everyone still uses USB-A. Heck, even Apple only sells USB-A peripherals. But Apple decided to remove these ports despite that simple fact. That's bad, but the worst part is that Apple didn't include these adapters with the MBPs or even give some store credit to pick the ones you need and get them for free. It's like Apple had said "We know you need USB-A but we don't give a ****. It's your problem. Deal with it." For me that's really the worst part.
I really don't care why Apple removed these ports.
I still carry dongles now, I travel for a living and plug into other people's devices....I bought dongles the last time I bought a MacBook Pro and I am buying them this time. In fact I am not sure I remember the last time I did not carry a dongle or 5 for any of my laptops Apple or otherwise
It is new tech, it is in its early stages. There have always been dongles and other workarounds when you are an early adopter
I am guessing space in Apples eye. They did a poll about headphone jack usage...would not doubt they did a poll about SD card slot usage too. Enough people said they use the headphone jack still
Am I missing something? Is this not the mythical device you think could never exist?
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/kingston...3c-usb-c-and-usb-memory-stick-32gb-p58220.htm
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/kingston...3c-usb-c-and-usb-memory-stick-32gb-p58220.htm
No, that's not intended to be attached permanently as it sticks out too much. The other examples shown, particularly the SD card options don't stick out and can be left permanently attached to the Macbook.
The REAL reason is that Apple decided it is a smart business move to Remove ports HDMI, SD, and so on and sell them back to you as Dongles. Period that's it.
Correct. It's about squeezing that last nickel out of customers.
Steve and Tim's last meeting?
iPhone should of included usb a and c cables. Macbook and hipster Macbook Pros should have included at least one dongle and one cable for the price.
Premium products at premium prices should include premium service.
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I'm one of the ppl with the PNY flushed SD card attached. Quite frankly as a solution, it worked, but it sucked! Fully encrypted, the SD card ran around 8-12MB, it normal speed unencrypted is around 80MB (it's above the manufacturer's advertised spec of 60). There was also a significant issue with small files, I tried putting like 150K files on it, and the dang thing did a total partition table crash on me, like 4 times. They're usable, but only if you store things that are continuous files and don't modify anything often. I did research years ago and the issue was the SD reader was just of limited quality. They were right, there are better USB 3 SD readers.
That was also then, this is now. And now if I wanted additional storage, I'll seriously get a Samsung T3, velcro it to the back of the case, and run a short USB-C cable. And the T3 is a real SSD that can go up to 2TB with way more reliability than SD cards. In many ways the T3 is 2015 tech, I'm eagerly waiting the next revision that can make user of USB-C's 10Gb pipe. That should be around 850MB/sec, and far far far more than anything SD cards or regular miniature USB micro-drives can do.
At the Bare Minimum in 2016 they needed to Include Free of Charge a Way to Connect your iPhone 7 to You MacBook Pro. But they don't you need to buy a $10 or $20 Dongle which costs them .50 cents to make. And that's why people are so upset and why Apple is the most valuable company on the stock Market. And that's was their plan all along.
Why? What do you do connecting your IOS to Mac? i haven't connected mine in years...
Ooooookay, and why, exactly, is it not possible for that to be done with a USB-C connector?
Yeah, that's great, except we are all living in the present, not 3-5 years in the future.
You should put your money where your mouth is and not buy a single USB-A to USB-C converter or any other dongle. Only USB-C for you. Good luck with that.