And now they are proven reliable and needed less than they were 5 years ago as more and more devices switch to USB-C.usb-c to usb-a dongles were always small and cheap. 3 for $5 kind of deals since at least late 2016.
And now they are proven reliable and needed less than they were 5 years ago as more and more devices switch to USB-C.usb-c to usb-a dongles were always small and cheap. 3 for $5 kind of deals since at least late 2016.
If only it was just about the devices at home or at my own office or home... Both USB-A and HDMI are surprisingly popular "out there" at conference venues, firms etc. This means more things to remember and more clutter whenever packing for trips etc. Traditionally, the great thing about Macs has been that they are so hassle-free, but the dongle circus has kind of watered down that experience – at least a bit.I'm not sure about USB-A, especially if they replace a TB3/USB-4 connector to have this. I would rather have the option of a 40Gbps multi-function connector (display, network, data, power) than a 5Gbps data port based on a connector standard that will be replaced in "a few years". I agree that the adapters are a pain, but they are cheap enough to just leave them connected to all your devices and cables.
There’s not a chance they go back to USB-A. That’s a dead port with both USB4 and Thunderbolt adopting USB-C as the standard.I think adding a mini HDMI would be a mistake, unless Apple absolutely has to add an alternative display output (e.g. due to limitations running more than display via TB3/DisplayPort), and also can't accept making the square section of the body thicker.
I'm not sure about USB-A, especially if they replace a TB3/USB-4 connector to have this. I would rather have the option of a 40Gbps multi-function connector (display, network, data, power) than a 5Gbps data port based on a connector standard that will be replaced in "a few years". I agree that the adapters are a pain, but they are cheap enough to just leave them connected to all your devices and cables.
Exactly, it's nothing but wasted space for me; no matter which 'mode' I put the touchbar in. I have no use whatsoever for it's functions since they all exist in other ways already, I do not want to take my eyes off the screen, I do not want to take my fingers off the keys. It gets in the way of my work. The only mode that really applies to my needs is to put it in the mode where it acts as the default F-Key alternative functions, such as screen brightness and system volume. But even then it's harder to use because it's touch-based instead of actual keys. Additionally, because the keyboard is in my peripheral vision as I type the lack of set of proper function keys at the top actually throws off my touch-typing across the entire keyboard slightly. I'm sure I could eventually adapt if ALL keyboards I used were missing the top row of keys, but of course that is not, and will never be, the case. So the touchbar is nothing but negative to my computing experience. I recently had the choice to migrate from my 15" 2015 MacBook Pro to a 13" M1 MacBook Pro. After lugging them both around for a couple weeks, I realized the single biggest negative to me was the touchbar, and in the end I decided to stick with the 15" for now, largely for that reason.Because Touch Bar is terrible. Anyone who knows how to type is looking at the screen, not the keyboard. But it is impossible to use the Touch Bar without looking at it. And since no pressure is required to press the “keys” on the Touch Bar, high speed typists are constantly accidentally triggering touchbar functions by merely brushing it with stray fingers. So it actually makes the computer *worse* for a lot of people - we can’t even pretend the touchbar doesn’t exist.
Next step reverse back to OS X 10.6 design
That's true enough! I'm sure we've all left home without our inventory of dongles (I have a special zip-bag for them that goes in my computer case....except when I take it out for some reason and forget to put it back in....).If only it was just about the devices at home or at my own office or home... Both USB-A and HDMI are surprisingly popular "out there" at conference venues, firms etc. This means more things to remember and more clutter whenever packing for trips etc. Traditionally, the great thing about Macs has been that they are so hassle-free, but the dongle circus has kind of watered down that experience – at least a bit.
You can get a 3-pack of adapters for like $10; just leave connected to your headphones.Most maddening thing? Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter for my phone. If I need to travel light I don't take my large on-ear bluetooth headphones and have some wired ones...and then I realize I left the adapter on another device (also used for microphones)
Thanks for that. I've never looked for non-Apple versions to save the $$.You can get a 3-pack of adapters for like $10; just leave connected to your headphones.
Interesting you mention that. Being that I use my computer a lot at home but am not computer savvy, I haven't upgraded my MacBook Pro since buying it in 2008. The thing still works, running...Snow Leopard. Simple, straightforward. Just does what I need, which are basic tasks. I'm now looking to upgrade and will likely buy an Air (8GB RAM, 512GB memory at the $1249 price point) sometime very soon - I'm not going to want to pay an extra $500 or so for the 3Q models, nor do I want to wait - and I'm a bit concerned about the current OS and if it's going to be a hassle to use. All I really need is internet, iTunes, simple Word docs, and Excel. So I'm hoping the new machine will run my basic tasks without being a pain. If it doesn't, then Apple really dropped it badly if Big Sur can't run even basic stuff without problems.Some people will laugh about this, but those people don't spend their lives supporting people who use Macs in education, home and soho environments like I do. Going back to something very close to the Snow Leopard UI would be a brilliant decision on the part of Apple. Everything since then has been a downward slide in terms of visibility and usability. Big Sur might be the single worst MacOS UI design I've ever seen.
Interesting you mention that. Being that I use my computer a lot at home but am not computer savvy, I haven't upgraded my MacBook Pro since buying it in 2008. The thing still works, running...Snow Leopard. Simple, straightforward. Just does what I need, which are basic tasks. I'm now looking to upgrade and will likely buy an Air (8GB RAM, 512GB memory at the $1249 price point) sometime very soon - I'm not going to want to pay an extra $500 or so for the 3Q models, nor do I want to wait - and I'm a bit concerned about the current OS and if it's going to be a hassle to use. All I really need is internet, iTunes, simple Word docs, and Excel. So I'm hoping the new machine will run my basic tasks without being a pain. If it doesn't, then Apple really dropped it badly if Big Sur can't run even basic stuff without problems.
Except for the active window having those bright green, orange, and red buttons at the top left.For example, there is now almost zero visual difference between an active and in inactive window.
Uhhh... as one of the developers who makes software for Macs, I couldn't work at all without constant use of the function keys. I also use the function keys a lot when playing games. And constantly arranging my explosion of windows when I'm working. And I map them to do many things I like to have on instant demand. "Virtual" function keys are a royal pain - looks how much people who used Escape a lot wanted a real escape key. For me, I'd be totally OK with a touch bar IF they put it ABOVE a row of function keys. People have had serious uses for function keys for decades. This is the problem with Apple - they make every new feature a severe trade off - a loss. Like "we have this new amazing screen, and we removed the spacebar!" It's always "gain a leg and cut off an arm".Am I really the only person in the world who actually likes the Touch Bar?
Much like the idea of the iPhone replacing physical buttons depending on app context - it's actually useful when compared to a row of utterly useless buttons marked "F". I don't understand the hatred, or why Apple are caving
If MagSafe is indeed back, I just hope they make the cable detachable from the brick so you don't have to throw out the whole charger when the cable fails. Maybe it could be USB-C on one end and MagSafe on the other and they can continue to use the current bricks?
If this thing is real, I may already be looking at trading in my 2020 MacBook Air.
I suspect they will. The option to plug one thing in for all my peripherals+charging is too good a feature. And many Windows PCs have it despite still having the barrel charger (which makes no sense to keep given it provides no features like magsafe would.I for one don‘t care about MagSafe. Only thing I miss is the charge indicator light. At least they’d better still leave the option for Usb c charging
honestly I like the bar. however I think what professionals prefer the new designs (the butterfly design is cool at best in a zero dust environment) but the new scissor design is more of what people who use a keyboard, want tactile, effect contact, able to clean and repair. I though this was a route that apple wanted to see if people want a full touch keyboard which at some point integrating the pen which would be cool., just a silly thought...Because Touch Bar is terrible. Anyone who knows how to type is looking at the screen, not the keyboard. But it is impossible to use the Touch Bar without looking at it. And since no pressure is required to press the “keys” on the Touch Bar, high speed typists are constantly accidentally triggering touchbar functions by merely brushing it with stray fingers. So it actually makes the computer *worse* for a lot of people - we can’t even pretend the touchbar doesn’t exist.
that's their chanting call.. you know others are like you typing on the same unique device... lolI hope Apple does something to reduce the annoying hollow noise made when someone is using (typing on) a Macbook. In my case, the Macbook Pro 16". The sound is like a hollow chamber -- and if you've ever been in a room with others with similar Macbooks, you'll know how utterly annoying that sound is in numbers, too.