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Steve Jobs on Lack of Firewire in MacBooks

deal breaker?

My Apple laptops have been rock solid for me for 8 years. I have a firewire external HD and a CD burner. Should I be looking at a PC laptop? Or will the OSX be more stable and not prone to bugs and viruses?

Kind of sucks that I'll have to get a new external HD for backup, but probably not enough to change platforms?

Anyone switching over to PC because of this? Or is Macbooks still the most reliable all around laptops?
 
It used to piss me off when pc users would refer to macs as 'toys'. Well, now they are finally right. Apple is a toy company.

I'm sick of apple being this black box that sh#ts out another form over function iProduct or the occasional buggy update for their so-called 'pro' applications.
 
localoid said:
Let's recap. For anyone wanting to use Firewire for audio purposes: The new MacBook doesn't have Firewire. The new 15" MacBook Pro has a Firewire chip that probably won't work with many of the Firewire audio devices currently in use. Using the expresscard slot Firewire card may not even work (for audio). So, unless you like buying old technology there is no Apple laptop that one can buy today that they can trust to "just work" with their Firewire equipment. And there's no indication that any Mac laptop will ever be made in future years that would "just work" with their Firewire audio devices.

There's no "if" or "when" to it -- anyone needing a Mac laptop with (working) Firewire to create audio (either pro or hobbyist) has already been dropped by Apple.
Click to expand...

I guess you're right on the above point, regarding the notebooks anyway, I just hope that the next revision of the desktops doesn't go the same route, cause I'm due an update to replace my chirping PowerMac next year.

I do think that the MacPro should be safe from a screw up (fingers crossed) but as for the iMac, I don't know, not that it would trouble me as I'll never buy an all in one again, I find them to be a false economy for my needs, but many others love the all in one design.

It seems like in their growth Apple seem to be getting a little M$, and I mean that in the sense that the software and hardware department aren't communicating with each other (something M$ is guilty of is the lack of communication between departments), I mean if the Pro app and iLife programmers and managers had any input into the new notebooks at all they surely would have flagged the current firewire debacle at the design stage.
 
Wie Gehts said:
It used to piss me off when pc users would refer to macs as 'toys'. Well, now they are finally right. Apple is a toy company.

I'm sick of apple being this black box that sh#ts out another form over function iProduct or the occasional buggy update for their so-called 'pro' applications.
Click to expand...
Yup, without firewire it looses any and all functionality it had.:rolleyes: Nothing more than a building block amiright?

Yes you can be dissapointed, im rather confused at apples choice with the chipset mentioned earlier this page, but when senseless names are thrown around, what does that make you? Infantile.

I was hoping to get to play around with FW when I finally get my macbook, but i guess i wont get to, a shame, but it still doesnt make it useless.
 
Wie Gehts said:
It used to piss me off when pc users would refer to macs as 'toys'. Well, now they are finally right. Apple is a toy company.

I'm sick of apple being this black box that sh#ts out another form over function iProduct or the occasional buggy update for their so-called 'pro' applications.
Click to expand...

I love toys in (nearly) every shape and form.
 
im pretty sure apple pours tons into research on what the consumers want/need
if you're in need of firewire, simply do not buy macbook.
it's apple's lost, not yours.

although there is a large number of people not satisfied leaving comments, the percentage substantially disproportionate to the reality
 
idonotliketostu said:
im pretty sure apple pours tons into research on what the consumers want/need
if you're in need of firewire, simply do not buy macbook.
it's apple's lost, not yours.
Click to expand...

Have you even read through the comments on this thread?

although there is a large number of people not satisfied leaving comments, the percentage substantially disproportionate to the reality
Click to expand...

And your source for this data?
 
idonotliketostu said:
although there is a large number of people not satisfied leaving comments, the percentage substantially disproportionate to the reality
Click to expand...

Pure presumption pal...

It can equally be said, "although there is a large number of people not satisfied leaving comments, the percentage of the actual number of those who do not leave comments who are also not satisfied is even of a greater magnitude".
 
I'm now faced with the decision of buying the outdated but cheap 999$ macbook or an iMac. I wanted portability but I might end up having to buy the iMac. I love macs interface but i need a firewire.
 
I recall that companies would take into account that for every one person that took the time and wrote a company with a complaint, that translated into something like another 100, 500, 1,000 (I forget the exact statistic) customers who also had the same complaint.
 
RubberShoes said:
The Lack Of Firewire 800 Is The Only Thing Keeping Me From A New Macbook, The Single Only Thing

Why Apple Why!?!?
Click to expand...

Same situation here. I would have bought it if not for that. Apple does make poor choices sometimes. What i like about the Macbook is its size and Price but the lack of firewire put me off. I am truly dissapointed. I have 3 firewire drives. A frewire 800 port is considerable small and is backward compatible with existing 400 peripherals.
 
Wie Gehts said:
I recall that companies would take into account that for every one person that took the time and wrote a company with a complaint, that translated into something like another 100, 500, 1,000 (I forget the exact statistic) customers who also had the same complaint.
Click to expand...

Complaining on an internet forum, filling out an internet petition, emailing steve etc. require a lot less of a commitment than writing an actual letter and/or calling the company. I would guess that old paradigm is probably not the same ratio now.

If one used forums like this to evaluate the performance of a company or its products, one might not ever buy anything:)
 
Eric S. said:
Have you even read through the comments on this thread?
Click to expand...

Hi,

Considering the thread is over 100 pages long, I would understand why someone wouldn't have read through it.

As for me, count me as another PO'd Mac user with the firewire connectivity being discontinued on the Macbook. My year old audio interface is firewire only and my iBook is getting close to five years old. The plan was to purchase the sturdy aluminum macbook this spring. Watching my sister's current Macbook plastic case flake away around the screen and keyboard vetoed that model as my next purchase. Now I have to pay $2200 CAN on a Macbook Pro so I can use my audio interface on a laptop. I can't justify buying a laptop that expensive so I can use a piece of hobby gear.

Someone asked if anyone would move to PC due to lack of firewire. If I can get a good little laptop with firewire and it happens to be a PC, what choice do I have?

s.
 
RubberShoes said:
The Lack Of Firewire 800 Is The Only Thing Keeping Me From A New Macbook, The Single Only Thing
Click to expand...

ditto here. Times 2. Although I would prefer matte to glossy, the glossy is not a dealbreaker. But without firewire I can't use my:

- MAudio firewire interface
- AJA IO rack mount video interface
- Imacon 949 scanner
- 6 firewire drives

all of which I can use with my Powerbook 12" from 2004. 2004!?! In computer years that's a millennium.

So sad. :(
 
mr.steevo said:
Hi,

Considering the thread is over 100 pages long, I would understand why someone wouldn't have read through it.

As for me, count me as another PO'd Mac user with the firewire connectivity being discontinued on the Macbook. My year old audio interface is firewire only and my iBook is getting close to five years old. The plan was to purchase the sturdy aluminum macbook this spring. Watching my sister's current Macbook plastic case flake away around the screen and keyboard vetoed that model as my next purchase. Now I have to pay $2200 CAN on a Macbook Pro so I can use my audio interface on a laptop. I can't justify buying a laptop that expensive so I can use a piece of hobby gear.

Someone asked if anyone would move to PC due to lack of firewire. If I can get a good little laptop with firewire and it happens to be a PC, what choice do I have?

s.
Click to expand...
If you are considering the MBP you had better check compatability before you go that route, because the new MBP uses the Lucent/Agere chipset which has been problematic with audio interfaces in the past. It also apparently does not work with Firewire ExpressCards either according to some users.
 
danny_w said:
If you are considering the MBP you had better check compatability before you go that route, because the new MBP uses the Lucent/Agere chipset which has been problematic with audio interfaces in the past. It also apparently does not work with Firewire ExpressCards either according to some users.
Click to expand...

Thanks, excellent contribution to an almost dead discussion.

Got any links on problems with firewire audio and the new MBPs?

Additionally I'd like to hear of problems Mac Rumors members have.

It's hard enough to believe Apple dropping their own product (firewire), but sabotaging MBP's future in the music business, too??

Where can I get one of those BECAUSE STEVE SAYS SO t-shirts ?
No wonder he doesn't want to show his face at Mac World 2009. Afraid of a little Twitter backtalk are we ??
 
albusseverus said:
...
Got any links on problems with firewire audio and the new MBPs?
Click to expand...

I've posted links about a zillion times in this thread, and you'll find many additional links and discussion regarding the Lucent/Agere chipset problems if you'd simply take the time to skim through the thread.

Apple reintroduced the problematic Lucent/Agere Firewire chipset in the new and shiny late-2008 MacBook Pro, the chipset that proved to incompatible with most of the Firewire audio interfaces on the market back in October of 2007, when Apple began using the Lucent/Agere chipset in the late-2007 MacBooks and MacBook Pros. And to make matters worse, Apple refused to publicly acknowledge what chipsets are used in their MacBook lines. Then, apparently sometime in early-2008 Apple went back to using the TI chipset and all seemed well, until in late-2008, when Apple dropped the Firewire altogether on the new MacBook and left off the FW400 on the new MacBook Pro and went back to using the Lucent/Agere chipset in the new MacBook Pro!
Click to expand...
 
albusseverus said:
Thanks, excellent contribution to an almost dead discussion.

Got any links on problems with firewire audio and the new MBPs?

Additionally I'd like to hear of problems Mac Rumors members have.

It's hard enough to believe Apple dropping their own product (firewire), but sabotaging MBP's future in the music business, too??

Where can I get one of those BECAUSE STEVE SAYS SO t-shirts ?
No wonder he doesn't want to show his face at Mac World 2009. Afraid of a little Twitter backtalk are we ??
Click to expand...
Here is one specifically about the new MBP:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/615324/
 
Apple reintroduced the problematic Lucent/Agere Firewire chipset in the new and shiny late-2008 MacBook Pro, the chipset that proved to incompatible with most of the Firewire audio interfaces on the market back in October of 2007, when Apple began using the Lucent/Agere chipset in the late-2007 MacBooks and MacBook Pros. And to make matters worse, Apple refused to publicly acknowledge what chipsets are used in their MacBook lines. Then, apparently sometime in early-2008 Apple went back to using the TI chipset and all seemed well, until in late-2008, when Apple dropped the Firewire altogether on the new MacBook and left off the FW400 on the new MacBook Pro and went back to using the Lucent/Agere chipset in the new MacBook Pro!
Click to expand...



stupid.


~
 
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