Roundup: Hands-On With Touch Bar on New MacBook Pros

[Rocketman]

Oleophobic coating helps a lot in reducing those fingerprints which your Mac does not have but if they did add a Touchscreen they could easily add that coating to it to reduce those smudge prints.

Compare a Samsung J3 phone without Oleophobic coating against any other flagship phone to see what a huge improvement it does.

A MacBook Air has no touch screen.

 

[dazz87]

About 1.5 years ago, the base 15" MBP was CAD $1999 here in Canada.

Then it went up to $2499 for the same machine due to the dollar.

Now it's $2999 for the base 15" MBP.

rip

Well someone has to be paying for that new headquarter up north in SJ.......

 

[spinedoc77]

Bleh. I wouldn't kick the touchbar out of bed or anything, but it's funny how far Apple goes to not put in a touchscreen. I'd like the touchbar better if it could replicate some of the dock functions, maybe allow one to get rid of the awful dock once and for all.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

"Michael Gorman at Engadget said Touch ID on the Touch Bar is "considerably faster than typing in a password" to unlock your Mac"

Yeah, I was pretty blown away when I could do that on my crummy old Tablet PC in 2002.​

 

[Mactendo]

The touch bar will be one of those things that people are skeptical about until they use it, and then when have that moment of realisation they use a device without it.

Happened to me with 3D Touch.

MR forums has turned into a major cesspool of complaints. Every comment has been positive from people that have used it. The people that haven't are crying foul.

Exactly. People are blind if they don't see the potential and utility of this feature. It'll change the way you work with a computer.

My thoughts:

It is much too small. Look at the size of a physical key compared to the Touch Bar. Such a pain to use.

It is in the wrong place. It is so awkward to be constantly reaching over the keyboard to use these buttons.

Touch means that you have to be constantly looking down. This goes directly against a large pat of the functionality of using a laptop or desktop; the advantage of only needing to look at the screen is dashed by the Touch Bar.

It seems that this misguided Touch Bar is an apt metaphor for the mess that Apple is in at the moment. Apple used to represent focus under Steve Jobs. Laser-sharp focus. That was his mantra. Yet with this Touch Bar, one is constantly losing focus by glancing down at the keyboard then glancing up at the screen. That seems to represent the lack of focus that typifies Apple under Tim Cook.

One or two others have mentioned this: I think that if they wanted to introduce additional touch functionality, they should have used the existing trackpad and created some icons around or in it. There is a large amount of space around the trackpad, and it is more natural to use that space for touch. That, to my mind, would have represented an organic development of the trackpad, and been a better application of touch.

I think the touchbar was really well thought of.

It seems too small, yes, but those who used it didn't mention such problem, so it seems to be not an issue.

It's exactly where it used to be, and where it should be. Also, you can use one hand to work on a trackpad and at the same time use another hand on a touchbar just as was shown in one of the demos. Something that wasn't possible before.

You won't be constantly looking down, no one forces someone to use it, a user can still use just a trackpad and keyboard just as he did before.

And the idea of adding buttons to a trackpad instead of a touchbar is really wrong. That's where all the issues would arise: you'll have to move your hands out to see the buttons, you'll have to look down (and trackpad is much lower from the screen than at the upper row of keys), plus there would be casual touches, plus a small space to fit all the buttons, etc, etc.

 

[Abazigal]

Because the media would be fine with a 486 processor and 64MB of RAM. Meanwhile, REAL users are on Macrumors.

You mean the people who criticised the ipod, the iphone, the ipad, in fact everything that Apple did, even as those products went on to become huge successes in their own rights?

These critics evidently have the worst track record ever when it comes to deciding what is good for Apple, and you wonder why they have absolutely zero credibility in my eyes? I am just glad they are playing keyboard warriors here in this forums and not out there actually running Apple.

If you asked me, Apple could simply look at the criticism here in this forum, proceed to do the exact opposite, and prosper for it. In fact, the greater the criticism, the greater the affirmation that Apple is in fact doing something right.

 

[andy42]

After the smartphone neck, many ppl around this world will get a new issue called...touch bar neck...introduced today by Apple!
If you want to use this bar you have always to look down to this super small "display". I guess Apple is just cooperating with chiropractors in USA

 

[rob.james.arias]

That's depressing - so far the keyboard is the ONLY part of my rMB that hasn't failed (screen, hinge and battery all failed within a year. Even the geniuses looked embarrassed when I took it in last time).

I was looking to replace the rMB next year with something with a bit more grunt, but the new machines are completely out of my price range.

M.

It has been a terrible machine for me too. Two screens, two logic boards, three keyboards, entire casing...... they won't replace it either so now I have a Frankenstein laptop.

 

[lyngo]

LOL - I get it. But, its still a valid point when it comes to pricing business expenses. The value I get out of a Mac everyday is way more than what it costs - so while I do care what it costs, it really doesn't matter what it costs.

Right on. I fully agree with you on this and believe that when you place value into something like this that you are definitely getting your return on your cost.

 

[QuarterSwede]

MR forums has turned into a major cesspool of complaints. Every comment has been positive from people that have used it. The people that haven't are crying foul.

I don't get the complaints either. I'm an audio engineer and I love how efficient the touch bar will make editing audio (it's the first thing I thought when seeing it). It's worth the money just in time savings.

 

[jmgregory1]

You are wrong on so many levels. Having a touch screen is indeed much faster many times than using the trackpad and keyboard. Of course, the majority of the time keyboard and trackpad is all that is used. However there are use cases where the touchscreen enhances productivity. It could *NEVER* reduce productivity because it's use is never a requirement. For a desktop, I don't use it at all - except with this new surface studio. I think it will get used quite a bit with photo editing and creative tasks. With certainty, a touchscreen is more useful to me than a $400 touch bar. Basically apple is just being stubborn and put a bar there because they realize touch is useful and people are becoming accustomed to it. It's their way of saving face.

Please provide examples of how a touch screen laptop or desktop is faster than using a trackpad and keyboard. I'll hold my breath waiting for you.

The reality is it does not get used because it is not efficient. A touch screen on a phone or tablet is different, because the whole OS is based just on touch, but laptops and desktop use is completely different.

 

[Trager]

Ah, the late 2016 MacBook Pro -- the Mac for the three people in the world who thought the ribbon was an upgrade to Microsoft Office.

The most telling part of today was that I watched the keynote in a workspace filled with Apple aficionados, from graphic designers to programmers to consulting engineers -- and every person in the room agreed that the new MBP is overpriced and totally not compelling for any kind of "pro" application.

 

[chkenwing]

Don't worry folks, it is nothing like the Lenovo Adaptive Keyboard... completely different, it has color... sometimes...

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x1-carbon-2/

It's essentially the same thing, the only noticeable difference is that Apple's is more refined from what's been shown.

 

[monstruo]

I really don't get the point of this thing. The adobe lady was saying how it was really productive and great to use, but then she was staring at the touch bar and actually not at the screen. Everyone was looking down at the touchbar while they were making adjustments. It seemed counter productive to me.

As a heavy adobe user, removal of the physical fn keys is definitely a big slow down in my day-to-day productive. I actually turn off the standard function keys and use them as F1, F2, etc... in order to have endless customised shortcuts for my work.

Really sad day indeed.


Also, wait till Timmy introduces us the brand new wireless keyboard – just imagine the price hike for that... Horrid!

 

[GoldenJoe]

What a ****** substitute for a proper touchscreen.

 

[daysofspeed]

I so agree, why reach over the keyboard, use the space on each side of the track pad or even on the side of keyboard. But to reach over the keyboard is a distraction.

Isn't the concept that you use two hands same time? e.g. one on trackpad and one on the Touchbar as per the Photoshop demo?

More intuitive with some more space between your hands than on same trackpad or very close (e.g. if Touchbar above it).

 

[macs4nw]

.....is there haptic feedback on the magic bar?

"There is no haptic feedback when tapping controls, but Bohn said the Touch Bar worked accurately."

 

[The Game 161]

Well reviews are pretty good for the touch bar so far.

 

[alex0002]

Has anyone that reviewed the touch bar tried it with vi / vim editors?
I don't need emojis or a shopping button, but I'm using vi on a regular basis.

 

[malexandria]

As a heavy adobe user, removal of the physical fn keys is definitely a big slow down in my day-to-day productive. I actually turn off the standard function keys and use them as F1, F2, etc... in order to have endless customised shortcuts for my work.

Really sad day indeed.


Also, wait till Timmy introduces us the brand new wireless keyboard – just imagine the price hike for that... Horrid!

Well, they said there was a toggle on the touchbar to bring back the Function Keys
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IT'S TECHNOLOGY THAT IS TWO HOURS OLD OF COURSE PEOPLE ARE STARING AT IT. Eventually, just like EVERYTHING ELSE people will get used to it and it will become second nature. You people have no foresight whatsoever, christ.

Screaming at someone isn't a good way to get your point across. Touch screens almost always requires someone to look at it. So no matter how much people may "get used to it," they will almost always be looking down at the touch bar to make their adjustments. It's just human nature. I understand why Apple doesn't want to make a touch screen, but this is just a half baked, half hearted (not even half) effort on their part.

 

[Donoban]

Along with the iPhone 7 and iOS10, the new MBP with Emoji Bar is a no brainer for me.

I will spend my money to upgrade to a Canon 5D MkIV.

Disappointments to painful to write here.

Me and Apple
1996 - 2016
R.I.P.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Looooolz. Gold.
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Has anyone that reviewed the touch bar tried it with vi / vim editors?
I don't need emojis or a shopping button, but I'm using vi on a regular basis.

Lolz, sounds like an 80286 should be powerful enough for that. No need to drop 4K on One of these

 

[Pilgrim1099]

As a heavy adobe user, removal of the physical fn keys is definitely a big slow down in my day-to-day productive. I actually turn off the standard function keys and use them as F1, F2, etc... in order to have endless customised shortcuts for my work.

Really sad day indeed.


Also, wait till Timmy introduces us the brand new wireless keyboard – just imagine the price hike for that... Horrid!

I use Photoshop some times but mostly Clip Studio Paint, Sketchbook Pro, Adobe Illustrator and the like on my 2011 iMac. It makes me wonder how much more support the Touch Bar will get from other developers because using this tool bar defeats the purpose of the short keys that have been a hallmark of productivity.

I think the demo by DJ Algoriddim is neat when it comes to scratching, changing the beats, and such. But the biggest problem with capacitive touch screens are due to a lack of 'granular' control. There is a reason why DJs use analog turntables to have granular control over the music and flow. One has to LOOK at the Touch Bar to do this, especially in a dark nightclub. I wouldn't do this at a live event if I was a DJ. Seriously. For a recording session, that might make sense but it's far better to use digital/analog devices to produce.

Now if Apple is making the Touch Bar for the laptop, would they ever build a keyboard with Touch Bar for the desktop? I can see it going for almost $150-200 for that price.

That's why I think Microsoft had the right idea for the dial for the touchscreen so that they can achieve 'granular' control. Smart.

 

[alex0002]

Lolz, sounds like an 80286 should be powerful enough for that. No need to drop 4K on One of these

I'd like to know what sort of 80286 can run multiple VMs in nested virtualization, or connect to VMware vcenter using vSphere web client and then run vi / vim within the vSphere console, or connect to HP iLO or multiple other uses where *nix editors are needed.

That probably isn't going to impress the people at Starbucks like an Emoji Bar and shopping button would, but I can live with that.

 

[talkybear]

Touch screen laptops are awful. Apple will never mak a laptop with a touch display until your finger can be as precise as a mouse. This interface is the correct answer.

Isn't that the anti iPhone and pro stylus talk??????

 

[Bnotorious]

Why not use a mouse. Why do we need this bar? Save yourself $500. I can get a mouse for $10. Give me more ports, not less.
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FFS Emojis? is that really what the pro line up has come too??
Been a reader of Mac Rumours for years and years, I've have read through comments often but never had the inclination to comment. So flipping disappointed with this today, was looking at upgrading my 2013 Macbook pro in Jan...why remove Magsafe? I'm very used to paying the extortionate apple tax but why so little so ***** expensive, doesn't make any sense!

I will not buy. I have a 2014 which I'll keep. This isn't a PRO Machine. 3 USB-C ports, come on!!
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Well reviews are pretty good for the touch bar so far.

Reviews from whom? Usability. Would be establishing the function keys and using a mouse. It is much faster. Don't need to used EMOJI's on a PRO machine. SAD APPLE