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Steve Job's response to the lack of firewire on the Macbook
- Thread starter NJPitcher
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I have to say I agree with Steve on this one. I do a lot of video editing and all my cameras are equipped with USB 2.0. I love it because it works with both Windows and Mac, while firewire only works with macs (I know firewire works with windows, but it is usually a b*tch to get going).
On the other hand I did use it for backing up my laptop... I just wish they would have added Firewire 800. then I'd be beyond happy, but none the less I am fine without it!
On the other hand I did use it for backing up my laptop... I just wish they would have added Firewire 800. then I'd be beyond happy, but none the less I am fine without it!
Ninety percent of us who want FW want it for external hard drives, not video cameras. Steve's just deflecting from the real issue here. You wanna lose FW? Fine, but replace it with eSATA. At least it would be an improvement.
Pretty broad statement. Any stats to back that stat up? Over on the big thread about it on the Apple discussion pages, all you see is "video, video, video".
Everything is fine if I can keep my Target Disk Mode.I think his point still stands.
If only the USB ports on most laptops weren't underpowered, this wouldn't be a problem. A couple of my external hard drives can't get enough power over USB, but FireWire has the juice to run them.
Most cameras may now support USB 2.0 now, but I'd still have to replace my perfectly good one if I want to use a new MacBook for any video importing.
Count me as one wanting firewire for a drive. I switched to Mac (macbook) last year from an HP laptop. My HP had 3 USBs (2 more when docked) and an SD card reader built in. No way I would go back to it, but I can't imagine only having two USB ports. I could get a hub, but that's more doggle-ish crap hanging off the side, not to mention the lower power.
Apple wants us to run time machine - that's a full time HD connected. iPhone/iPod, digital camera, and a flash drive. Thankfully I have a wireless printer. That's allot of reaching and swapping connections. If I didn't have firewire for my time machine drive I'd be constantly plugging and unplugging stuff.
How about 3 USB ports??? Compromise??
Which cameras do you own that support importing over USB 2.0? I have a Canon ZR-85, HV20, GL2 and this little Panasonic 3CCD Camcorder and NONE of them support USB 2.0 unless you count importing pictures off their respective memory cards. I'm not going to buy another camera just because I bought a new mac. I'll stick with my Blackbook for now until I get some FireWire.
Why back Jobs?
This is an excuse for them JUST so that they can differentiate their product lines. That, and/or saving them money. You don't save any money. You get less in return, and you're defending them? Sheep. Even if you don't use it FW, I'd rather it be included, as it has been included in every Mac for 8 years or so. The reason given in the email is a poor excuse. Including FW isn't going backwards. Going back to USB is "going backwards."
I don't use my FW harddrive anymore because I like my pocketable WD Passport more, but FW has huge advantages over USB that not even USB 3 can solve.
1. The constant, sustained throughput of FW. USB only transfers data in bursts.
2. USB uses your CPU, and therefore, slows down your computer. If you're moving a lot of data, or you're using a device plugged into your USB, be prepared for your computer to slow down. Firewire doesn't require the CPU, so you and your computer can continue working at full speed.
That said, only the cheapest, s**ttiest camcorders don't support FW. Just because people buy the lowest end doesn't mean that a $1300 and $1600 laptop shouldn't support something a bit better.
Besides, if USB was so effing hot right now, then why not replace the FW port with a 3rd USB port?
Even $350 netbooks have 3 USB ports, and they actually dominate the laptop sales figures at the moment.
I have 3 FireWire drives and no camera. Two of my drives also support USB, however you lose daisy-chaining when connecting via USB.
Personally this change doesn't affect me... yet. I plan to buy a new MBP in a year, so hopefully there will still be a FireWire port by then. I'll also need a DVI adapter, it seems
Personally this change doesn't affect me... yet. I plan to buy a new MBP in a year, so hopefully there will still be a FireWire port by then. I'll also need a DVI adapter, it seems
Yep, that's a good 3rd reason.
Then there's target disk mode...
These last 2 reasons aren't a major issue, even for those who use FW. However, things like sustained throughput is a major issue for anybody who uses their external HDD for more than just another way to back up photos of their dog. Target disk mode is great if you're in I.T.
Well [as the grand poohbah of] he couldn't just come right out and say that it's because Apple are a bunch of arrogant greedy assclowns, now could he?
Why back Jobs?
The reason given in the email is a poor excuse. Including FW isn't going backwards. Going back to USB is "going backwards."
I don't use my FW harddrive anymore because I like my pocketable WD Passport more, but FW has huge advantages over USB that not even USB 3 can solve.
1. The constant, sustained throughput of FW. USB only transfers data in bursts.
2. USB uses your CPU, and therefore, slows down your computer. If you're moving a lot of data, or you're using a device plugged into your USB, be prepared for your computer to slow down. Firewire doesn't require the CPU, so you and your computer can continue working at full speed.
That said, only the cheapest, s**ttiest camcorders don't support FW. Just because people buy the lowest end doesn't mean that a $1300 and $1600 laptop shouldn't support something a bit better.
Besides, if USB was so effing hot right now, then why not replace the FW port with a 3rd USB port?
Why defend Jobs?
1. Some people will defend Jobs no matter what he does.
2. Maybe they bought the new Macbook and don't want anyone to be critical of it. You know most people who buy something want to think they got the best of something or at least didn't get ripped off.
Jobs messed up and he will try and justify it and throw out his usual BS spin, but he still screwed the consumer by not including a basic FW port no matter what the little fanboys try to say.
Save the "buy a Pro if you need it" speech. It is a freaking FW port, not a larger screen or God forbid a dedicated graphic card we are talking about.