Returned my 2016 nTB for a Chromebook

[GCMD]

Mostly I just want to save the money for next years model. With all this negative PR, I figure there's no way Apple will let this happen again. It's not going to feel good when everyone is raving about the 2017 MBP and I'm stuck with a crappy 2016 model.

I just hope they still release a nTB model next year. Not a fan of the touchbar.

MBPs have GREAT resale value. If you want to upgrade next year (which I HIGHLY doubt will see a new design), you can simply go to eBay or any of the other re-seller sites and sell your old one for at LEAST half what you paid for this one...put that with a little extra coin you've saved over the year and you're always up to date.

Makes more sense than downgrading to a laptop that isn't faster than an iPad Pro...if you're in need of anything NEAR a MBP for work or productivity, a ChromeBook is just a waste of money, not a realistic solution.

 

[thesaint024]

Everything he / she mentioned is spot on... And yes I do own a 2016 nTB MacBook ProAir....

1. Battery life on my TB was 6 1/2 hours MAX.. That's working as claimed? I think not. Now my nTB is getting 10+
2. I personally do not care about touchID on a PC..
3. Legacy ports and thank god they are gone? WOW and LOL
4. Apple is overly obsessed with thinner and lighter. The funny, or sad part depending on how you view it, is that I never heard a single person saying they wanted a thinner and lighter Pro... Maybe there has been outrage over the Pro's size and weight and I just missed it.
5. The best laptop available today? If you want / need / desire to use MacOS then yup, I agree. It is nowhere even close to being so if you do not care about MacOS..

Many of the posts I read here are either extreme fanboyism or flat out hate from people who have never used the machine. There are very, very, very few rational thinking type posts..

YMMV, I suppose my experience doesn't count. Unfathomable that I wouldn't want to carry around ports I never use. You all act like you are constantly using I/O as if yours lives depended on it - on a LAPTOP. To clarify I was speaking of the best MacOS laptop. PC's are a whole different animal with different uses, no criticism of them.

 

[skids929]

YMMV, I suppose my experience doesn't count. Unfathomable that I wouldn't want to carry around ports I never use. You all act like you are constantly using I/O as if yours lives depended on it - on a LAPTOP. To clarify I was speaking of the best MacOS laptop. PC's are a whole different animal with different uses, no criticism of them.

In response to this..I HATE PCs and WINDOWS!! I make not bones about it! I own both and everytime I have to use the PC something doesn't freaking work. The other day I had to print a document from the PC and low and behold the PC drivers won't wake my HP laser printer up from deep sleep. But for some miraculous reason it works on my Mac without any issue. incredible right? So now I am troubleshooting drivers, settings etc...Screw anything PCs is what I say. Unless I am building a gaming tower I would never use one as my primary machine.

 

[raqball]

YMMV, I suppose my experience doesn't count. Unfathomable that I wouldn't want to carry around ports I never use. You all act like you are constantly using I/O as if yours lives depended on it - on a LAPTOP. To clarify I was speaking of the best MacOS laptop. PC's are a whole different animal with different uses, no criticism of them.

Carry around ports you'd never use? They were built into the machine.. What you are doing now is making sure you have dongles, adapters and cords in your bag that allow the conversion.. Now that is in fact carrying extra stuff around..

I've said it before but will do so again. I personally do not care if I need a dongle or an adapter but some people do....

 

[skids929]

Cary around ports you'd never use? They were built into the machine.. What you are doing now is making sure you have dongles, adapters and cords in your bag that allow the conversion.. Now that is in fact carrying extra stuff around..

I've said it before but will do so again. I do not care if I need a dongle or an adapter but some people do....

truth is, I've yet to use any of the dongles I've wasted money on. I always find some other way to get the info in there, airdrop, BT, dropbox and so on. So unless I am a pro user needing to use a card of some sort I can't see this ever being an issue. I agree with you people are making a big deal out of this and it's not.

 

[jjjoseph]

I really struggle with how folks can pick on this laptop at all for ANYTHING other than battery life. Everything else about in fact makes it the best laptop on the market today.

I agree 100% but a battery is very important part of on a laptop, maybe the most important thing? Imagine flying around and you don't have access to plugs and your battery is dead within 3 or 4 hours instead of 8. You ever got to a busy airport and every plug in a terminal is being used for a phone or a computer? I see that all the time. So then you run to go to a starbucks and its the same thing, you can't get a seat anywhere.. Its an inconvenience for sure, but buying a premium product should get you ahead of game, walking around with a smile on your face with all the power you need, not down in the muck waiting for an outlet to be free..

 

[thesaint024]

Cary around ports you'd never use? They were built into the machine.. What you are doing now is making sure you have dongles, adapters and cords in your bag that allow the conversion.. Now that is in fact carrying extra stuff around..

I've said it before but will do so again. I do not care if I need a dongle or an adapter but some people do....

...and some people don't. Why do I need to carry it around for when others need it? This is the most flexible solution. Maybe not the best for those that apparently constantly do file transfers, but for the consumers as a whole, it is. I don't want to have the same argument with you. You feel everyone needs ports all the time, I don't. We both own these. Do you really carry around the ridiculous amount of dongles that everyone claims they will have to if they ever stopped their bitching long enough to buy one? We represent two different groups of people who use these. I don't want to carry around your highly specific, single-use ports. Is that insane? I carry around a one inch adapter in my bag for the once a month I need it.

 

[aevan]

Even if they don't change the form factor,

They won't.

Also, I think there's a reasonable chance they'll come to their senses and release a thicker computer with more ports next year.

This assumes Apple made a mistake. They didn't, and also, they won't release a thicker computer. And they made one with 4 friggin TB3 ports when everyone else won't even put two.

They are not going to change the design for the next few years. After that, they will probably make it thinner and lighter.

They can't ignore the backlash on this.

What backlash? A few unrealistic forum posters and clickbait journalists who don't even know the difference between CPU types?

Yes, they will ignore the "backlash". This being the best selling MacBook Pro will help.

They will probably squeeze one extra hour of battery life and add 5-10% speed increase in 2017.

 

[CaptRB]

I just returned my Ps4 for a toaster.



R.

 

[jjjoseph]

I just returned my Ps4 for a toaster.



R.

I just saw the toaster your taking about!!

https://www.cnet.com/products/griffin-technology-connected-toaster/preview/

Can it do bagels?

 

[CaptRB]

...and some people don't. Why do I need to carry it around for when others need it? This is the most flexible solution. Maybe not the best for those that apparently constantly do file transfers, but for the consumers as a whole, it is. I don't want to have the same argument with you. You feel everyone needs ports all the time, I don't. We both own these. Do you really carry around the ridiculous amount of dongles that everyone claims they will have to if they ever stopped their bitching long enough to buy one? We represent two different groups of people who use these. I don't want to carry around your highly specific, single-use ports. Is that insane? I carry around a one inch adapter in my bag for the once a month I need it.

Exactly. And the proof is ASKING the complainers which ports they "need" and why a USB-C somehow ruins their lives.

The answers don't come often, if at all. Pure nonsense. The USB-C port does everything. I need a USB adapter and a card reader and I'm a professional photographer. I rarely need the USB adapter, except at home and two are in my bag somewhere with a few pens and some tic tacs.

One port to rule them all! Get the adapters you need, but most will need one or two at most. My large format printer needs one. My external drives need one. Impact on my life? About 30 bucks so far. Enjoyment with new state of the art and heavily updated MacBook Pro with TB? Priceless.

A few daisy doubters are working hard to talk themselves out of a nice computer. They'd be happier still if they can convince a few others to take the same depressing position. Sour grapes of the worst kind.



R.

 

[raqball]

The MacBook ProAir is fine and people really should try it before deciding.. And I don't mean try it @ an Apple Store. Give it a good 2 weeks and see how it goes for their usage..

Apple has a killer return policy so just make sure and buy the dongles and adapters from a source that also allows returns. Try it and if it does not work then box it all up and back it goes..

I like my MacBook AirPro but can see where some might not. The KB is different, some don't like the larger trackpad and some don't want to live the dongle life... For them, and if they want MacOS, the 2015 is still a stellar machine and can be found at killer prices..

If someone does not need or really care about MacOS then there are MUCH more powerful options available and at MUCH cheaper prices that still have all the ports needed..

 

[thesaint024]

The MacBook ProAir is fine and people really should try it before deciding.. And I don't mean try it @ an Apple Store. Give it a good 2 weeks and see how it goes for their usage..

Apple has a killer return policy so just make sure and buy the dongles and adapters from a source that also allows returns. Try it and if it does not work then box it all up and back it goes..

I like my MacBook AirPro but can see where some might not. The KB is different, some don't like the larger trackpad and some don't want to live the dongle life... For them, and if they want MacOS, the 2015 is still a stellar machine and can be found at killer prices..

If someone does not need or really care about MacOS then there are MUCH more powerful options available and at MUCH cheaper prices that still have all the ports needed..

Wow, I agree with everything you said, since it is a rational post . FWIW on the topic of the "ProAir", I was waiting for an update to the MBA and this is what I got instead. So in MY case, the thinner/lighter form was a major factor for me. People insist that no one wanted this thinner/lighter, but if they are killing the MBA, this is needed to fill the line. 12" MB is just a little too neutered for me, but it was a consideration. There is a method to the madness!

 

[raqball]

Wow, I agree with everything you said, since it is a rational post . FWIW on the topic of the "ProAir", I was waiting for an update to the MBA and this is what I got instead. So in MY case, the thinner/lighter form was a major factor for me. People insist that no one wanted this thinner/lighter, but if they are killing the MBA, this is needed to fill the line. 12" MB is just a little too neutered for me, but it was a consideration. There is a method to the madness!

I was waiting for my favorite fanatical to assume I meant something else and respond but I see you got what I meant by the term.. It is quite a bit thinner and lighter than previous Pro's...

I really think Apple needs to rename / rework their lineup.

-Axe the Air
-12" Macbook with core m3 = $999
-13" nTB MacBook Pro becomes the 13" MacBook (no Pro name) = $1299
-13" TB MacBook Pro = $1599
-15 TB MacBook Pro = $2199

 

[skids929]

I was waiting for my favorite fanatical to assume I meant something else and respond but I see you got what I meant by the term.. It is quite a bit thinner and lighter than previous Pro's...

I really think Apple needs to rename / rework their lineup.

-Axe the Air
-12" Macbook with core m3 = $999'ish
-13" nTB MacBook Pro becomes the 13" MacBook (no Pro name) = $1299
-13" TB MacBook Pro = $1599
-15 TB MacBook Pro = $2199

You lifted this from Jonathan Morrison and you know it.

But yes I agree the lineup makes zero sense the way they have it laid out currently.

 

[raqball]

You lifted this from Jonathan Morrison and you know it.

But yes I agree the lineup makes zero sense the way they have it laid out currently.

Or he lifted it from me since I posted the same remarks a few months ago...

 

[skids929]

Or he lifted it from me since I posted the same remarks a few months ago...

I think they'd have a lot less people directly comparing the two (TB & nTB) if they categorized them correctly in the first place. They are different in a lot of ways but the lines are blurred because they are both referred to as MBP.

 

[thesaint024]

I was waiting for my favorite fanatical to assume I meant something else and respond but I see you got what I meant by the term.. It is quite a bit thinner and lighter than previous Pro's...

I really think Apple needs to rename / rework their lineup.

-Axe the Air
-12" Macbook with core m3 = $999
-13" nTB MacBook Pro becomes the 13" MacBook (no Pro name) = $1299
-13" TB MacBook Pro = $1599
-15 TB MacBook Pro = $2199

Fanatical? Really? You GOT to be mistaking me, because I'm just a guy that likes THIS MBP. I'm so disappointed @raqball. I may have to run down all of my credentials as to why I do not qualify as a fanboy (last MBP was 09). I do appreciate that I'm your favorite regardless.

As far as the line, I can't really dispute your thinking on naming, and the Air is pretty much axed already. As for pricing, I don't feel strongly either way. Yes these are expensive, always have been, but I don't think I'm not getting my money's worth. Apple will charge what people will pay, and still have enough volume to make money. The free market will work itself out. They clearly have some value that people are still willing to shell out money for. It's not like there isn't plenty of Windows competition, I know because I looked for the last year. I for one am glad Apple is around to push the industry, just like I appreciate Microsoft, Dell, Acer pushing things. If the tax gets too high as it has for some (comment on perceived value, not net worth or income), I will walk away.

 

[raqball]

Fanatical? Really? You GOT to be mistaking me, because I'm just a guy that likes THIS MBP. I'm so disappointed @raqball. I may have to run down all of my credentials as to why I do not qualify as a fanboy (last MBP was 09). I do appreciate that I'm your favorite regardless.

I was not even referring to you.. Cmon man...

I have most of the fanaticals blocked at this point because I have no interest in reading anything they have to write and because they offer ZERO rational comments in most of these discussions..

I can still see your posts (not on my ignore list) and you are one of the few who are very pro new machines BUT still can think rationally about them..

 

[thesaint024]

I was not even referring to you.. Cmon man...

I don't know how I feel about that. This means I'm no longer your favorite too? Upon careful re-read, I know who you are referring to. Still bummed.

 

[Jefe's MacAir]

1. New avatar maybe?

2. My 13" tb went 10 hrs yesterday. Open and running the entire time. Light workload, but still 10 hrs. Email, web browsing, iTunes movie. And still had over 20% battery left.

 

[aevan]

I agree 100% but a battery is very important part of on a laptop, maybe the most important thing?

Well....

Yes and no. Depends on the laptop.

For example, half of the people wanting a GeForce 1060 laptop should know that these laptops get a few hours of battery life the moment the dGPU kicks in (their estimates, like Apple, are based on integrated GPUs). Battery technology still isn't advanced enough to provide that much autonomy. So, basically, when you buy a laptop with a powerful GPU, no, battery life should not be on top of the list.

But that's ok, as there isn't a laptop that can run demanding software for more than 4-5 hours (most get a lot less, and the new MBP is quite good in that department).

As for your airport scenario, people usually don't use quad-core workhorses on airports, they use phones, tablets or ultrabooks. For those devices, yes, battery life is one of the most important specs.

The MBP, at least the 15", is designed to be used plugged in for anything longer than a few hours. The mobility means you can carry it with you, to the office, or a studio. You don't really render in Modo or edit 12Mp photos in parks or airports.

As for light usage, the latest MBPs can easily do 8h or more, so if you do want to use them the way you would an ultrabook/tablet - they will get you by. As I keep saying, this whole battery situation has been blown out waaaaay beyond proportion. It's fine. It's a great laptop with good battery life. Next MBP may be a great laptop with great battery life. It still won't do more than a few hours of intensive work and you'll still have to carry a charger for any work the laptop was designed to do.

 

[Frankfurt]

I had the 2016 15" top spec'd MB model and I found it to be an overall great laptop. I returned it after four weeks - only because I thought some of the first generation kinks (inconsistent battery life, some graphic swirls) would be worked out in the 2nd generation model. Otherwise I really like the new MBP. It was a pretty steep drop going back to my 2008 Macbook unibody. I will repurchase when the second iteration comes out - hopefully with better, more consistent, battery life, latest processor and maybe 32GB. That machine, hopefully, can go another 8 years just like my current one does, albeit with RAM/SSD upgrades on the way.

 

[jjjoseph]

Well....

Yes and no. Depends on the laptop.

As I keep saying, this whole battery situation has been blown out waaaaay beyond proportion. It's fine. It's a great laptop with good battery life. Next MBP may be a great laptop with great battery life. It still won't do more than a few hours of intensive work and you'll still have to carry a charger for any work the laptop was designed to do.

I work on my laptop all the time while flying, then between flight transfers I try to work again. I also had a 2016 13" that wasn't giving me consistent battery life, a 15" isn't a great flying companion. I worked on plane flights back in the day on 17" laptops and it was way way too big..

Anyway, with the inconsistent numbers I was getting I didn't feel confident keeping the laptop. A laptop around $2000 should have a consistent and decent battery. To say that getting 3 hours of battery on a full charge is blown "waaaaay" beyond proportion is not exactly accurate.

I am a huge Apple fanatic and I can throw how much money I have spent on apple products against anyone out there.. My personal is in the hundreds of thousands and for companies I built, the millions, all Apple computers.

Apple can, and should do better, plain and simple. I have a 2015 13" Refurbished now and i'll see if I like it enough too keep it, or return it and get a 2016 again, if the battery fix is to had.

 

[aevan]

I work on my laptop all the time while flying, then between flight transfers I try to work again. I also had a 2016 13" that wasn't giving me consistent battery life, a 15" isn't a great flying companion. I worked on plane flights back in the day on 17" laptops and it was way way too big..

Anyway, with the inconsistent numbers I was getting I didn't feel confident keeping the laptop. A laptop around $2000 should have a consistent and decent battery. To say that getting 3 hours of battery on a full charge is blown "waaaaay" beyond proportion is not exactly accurate.

I am a huge Apple fanatic and I can throw how much money I have spent on apple products against anyone out there.. My personal is in the hundreds of thousands and for companies I built, the millions, all Apple computers.

Apple can, and should do better, plain and simple. I have a 2015 13" Refurbished now and i'll see if I like it enough too keep it, or return it and get a 2016 again, if the battery fix is to had.

Sure, I was just commenting about battery life in general. For me, my work on a laptop consists of some very demanding work, I never get more than a few hours on any laptop I use.

As for MBP2016 - I have ok experiences, but I agree, if you don't think you're getting your money's worth - demand better. Among all the irrational posts here, people complaining about things like ports or trackpad sizes, I can agree with those asking for longer battery - the battery life could be better (even if it isn't as bad for me as some people make it out to be).