The rmb reality

[boltjames]

It would be great if the MB had more ports as long as it doesn't compromise the size/weight/battery. There's no doubt having a second USB-C port would be convenient for a lot of users. If you're arguing against that, you're just being silly.

There is nothing silly about trading ports for thinness. Ports in a notebook are the devil. They add size and weight and aren't used 90% of the time, especially when you're on the road. Apple's approach is perfect. The essential single port is there, the $75 adapter is discretionery. Leave it home, take it on the road, the owner has a choice, no longer forced to drag around USB and HDMI and SD and Mag ports he never uses.

BJ

 

[ixxx69]

There is nothing silly about trading ports for thinness. Ports in a notebook are the devil.

Where did I imply that? Did you even read what you quoted? You know, the first part where I say...

It would be great if the MB had more ports as long as it doesn't compromise the size/weight/battery.

What I did call "silly" are people who are so blinded by their ideology of ports being "the devil" that they can't even comprehend the words that are right in front of them.

 

[brookter1]

Every Retina owner has purchased the $75 HDMI/USB/USB-C adapter which has all the ports one would need.

Actually, I don't think even that is true. I haven't bought the 'advanced' hub as I would suspect many haven't. I don't need it -- in fact I've only used the smaller £15 single adaptor once in nearly a month. An extra port is simply unnecessary for my needs, which is for a lightweight second computer to use when I'm away from my main computer. I'll never plug it in to a second display or projector, I'll very rarely need to plug anything into it at all, and for those rare occasions, the £15 single converter lead will be more than adequate.

I've never made a video in my life and don't intend to start at my age, all the photographs are on the iMac and I only ever play one game (Elite Dangerous because I remember the first one...), which I also do on the iMac, so all the supposed 'performance problems' of the rMB mean nothing to me. Some posters remind me of the BMW salesman who tried to get me to buy the 3.0 instead of the 1.8 3 series, because 'it could do 150mph'. So, I'd pay £10k extra to get an extra 80 mph that I'd never want to use (or be legally able to)? No thanks.

Instead, for me, the rMB is an almost perfect second computer for getting real work done away from the big iMac upstairs. I can research and write on it (Safari, Tinderbox, Devonthink and Scrivener), I can learn to program Swiftly on it (Xcode) and can accompany all that with music (Apple Music) -- all at a speed which is slightly faster than the mid-2010 17" cMBP which it replaces.

Apple are clearly calculating that there are enough people like me to make the rMB a viable proposition for them both now and as a basis for long-term development. For those with different needs, they sell different computers.

 

[smallcoffee]

I will be getting a MacBook Pro in the next few days, either a 13" or 15"

I'm just pointing out what I feel are glaring flaws in the MacBook, in a few years it will be the de facto laptop

But they're not flaws....

 

[xPad]

Moving files around, non wireless backup, charging while copying large files, projecting your screen while charging, copying files off an SD card etc.

You can do all of those things on a MacBook.

Yes you can buy an adaptor, but that semi defeats the purpose and is messy.

How, exactly, does that defeat the purpose?

I don't get how some people act like a small, optional adapter is like the worst thing in the world somehow.

Thus why the rMB is for those who value ultra portability over almost everything else.

Nope. That's just one small group for whom the MacBook is for.

I have a MacBook, and it's great, and I most definitely don't value ultra portability over everything else.

 

[Newtons Apple]

But they're not flaws....

In some of our eyes, they ARE flaws. We have an opinion, too!

 

[smallcoffee]

In some of our eyes, they ARE flaws. We have an opinion, too!

How is it a design flaw if it was intentionally designed this way?

 

[Robsan3]

Every Retina owner has purchased the $75 HDMI/USB/USB-C adapter which has all the ports one would need.

I haven't after 4 months only the usb-c one.

 

[smallcoffee]

Yeah I haven't bought one either

 

[Aluminum213]

But they're not flaws....

They are for ME, hence when I stated it was my opinion

 

[RUGGLES99]

I'm not sure why rmb discussers are still referring to that terribly over-priced apple 3-port dongle that was announced when the little guy was introduced. I just bought a very slick, sleek dongle from amazon for $30 that has 2 usb 3 ports and a power port. I'll rarely use it, but its there if needed. I'll use it once to load office from my portable disk machine, and maybe so often hook up a little thumb drive.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

...I don't get how some people act like a small, optional adapter is like the worst thing in the world somehow.

Some praise the ultraportability, but forget that they have to have a dongle to connect anyithing to the machine. It goes w/o saying that the adapter is weightless and sizeless. Some state that they don't need to connect anything to the machine, but still buy and use the dongle. This hypocrisy what is "the worst thing in the world somehow".

How is it a design flaw if it was intentionally designed this way?

It was "intentionally designed this way" because the decided size and form factor left no alternative. Same is applicable to Core M, to "butterfly keyboard" etc.

 

[Queen6]

Some praise the ultraportability, but forget that they have to have a dongle to connect anyithing to the machine. It goes w/o saying that the adapter is weightless and sizeless. Some state that they don't need to connect anything to the machine, but still buy and use the dongle. This hypocrisy what is "the worst thing in the world somehow".

You really need to drop the melodrama, a cable of some form is required for the vast majority of external devices, nor is sourcing USB C cables etc. an insurmountable task;

Same applies to my rMBP`s for ethernet and or Thunderbolt, and your Air for that matter. On a more entertaining note as USB C gains traction you are the one more likely to be relying on dongles & adaptors, in the future...

It was "intentionally designed this way" because the decided size and form factor left no alternative. Same is applicable to Core M, to "butterfly keyboard" etc.

The Retina MacBook was designed this way as that`s exactly what`s Apple wanted, a new paradigm take it or leave it, for better or for worse. Some Windows Notebooks have similar form factors with USB A 3.0, micro HDMI ports and SDXC Card Readers. Apple has always been noted for dropping what they consider to be legacy technology, nothing new here with the rMB.

Q-6

 

[Ulenspiegel]

You really need to drop the melodrama, a cable of some form is required for the vast majority of external devices, nor is sourcing USB C cables etc. an insurmountable task...

The same "need really" applies to you as well. Objective approach can be useful sometimes. The rMB is a good 1 gen. machine with its flaws for some of the users. Either you see them or you opt not to recognize them.
We are talking about adapters and not cables. There is a difference. What kind of adapter do I need to connect a pendrive, an external HDD or Thunderbolt device to an MBA or RMBP? And let's stick to the topic, do you need an adapter for the rMB to connect the same external devices? Yes, you do. End of story.

The Retina MacBook was designed this way as that`s exactly what`s Apple wanted, a new paradigm take it or leave it, for better or for worse. Some Windows Notebooks have similar form factors with USB A 3.0, micro HDMI ports and SDXC Card Readers. Apple has always been noted for dropping what they consider to be legacy technology, nothing new here with the rMB.

Well, we are talking about two different things. The design determined what Apple can buid into the machine. That was the main idea, i.e. form over function. It was clear in the original keynote. Apple built the best so far ultraportable machine, but there was a price.

 

[Queen6]

The same "need really" applies to you as well. Objective approach can be useful sometimes. The rMB is a good 1 gen. machine with its flaws for some of the users. Either you see them or you opt not to recognize them.
We are talking about adapters and not cables. There is a difference. What kind of adapter do I need to connect a pendrive, an external HDD or Thunderbolt device to an MBA or RMBP? And let's stick to the topic, do you need an adapter for the rMB to connect the same external devices? Yes, you do. End of story.

The images are clear USB C "Pen-drives" are available as are cables to peripherals, you simply want people to believe that it`s a huge issue, it`s not, it never was. The quantity of ports for some will more likely be a source of problem, equally Apple has other options, that may or may not require an adaptor, as determined by the owners usage.

Well, we are talking about two different things. The design determined what Apple can buid into the machine. That was the main idea, i.e. form over function. It was clear in the original keynote. Apple built the best so far ultraportable machine, but there was a price.

Then the rMB is not for you, as is the Air not for me. The compromise on the Air`s TN display is not acceptable, equally this does not mean the Air is a bad product, rather one I choose to avoid, as it doesn't meet my requirements...

Q-6

 

[Ulenspiegel]

The images are clear USB C "Pen-drives" are available as are cables to peripherals, you simply want people to believe that it`s a huge issue, it`s not, it never was. The quantity of ports for some will more likely be a source of problem, equally Apple has other options, that may or may not require an adaptor, as determined by the owners usage.



Then the rMB is not for you, as is the Air not for me. The compromise on the Air`s TN display is not acceptable, equally this does not mean the Air is a bad product, rather one I choose to avoid, as it doesn't meet my requirements...

Q-6

This is a typical and conscious misinterpretation. If someone has a different view, then that someone "wants people to beleive..." Negative. You have your sovereign opinion and I am sure not because you "want people to beileve". Others are entitled to have their own view as well. High time stop labeling. We can agree on two points: "the quantity of ports for some will more likely be a source of problem" and "the rMB is not for me, as is the Air not for you".

 

[xPad]

Some praise the ultraportability, but forget that they have to have a dongle to connect anyithing to the machine. It goes w/o saying that the adapter is weightless and sizeless. Some state that they don't need to connect anything to the machine, but still buy and use the dongle. This hypocrisy what is "the worst thing in the world somehow".

Um, no one does that. You're using exaggeration to paint people who like something you don't like in a bad light.

I wonder if you realize that most people have never, and will never, plug their notebook into a projector, and most people don't have to plug in an external hard drive indefinitely on the go (i.e., need both USB 3.0 and active power).

Those minority that do need those things can choose between a MacBook + a single, small adaptor, or a larger MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. And since you highlight size and weight of the adaptor, the the difference in overall size and weight between the MacBook with the adaptors (let's go crazy and include all three) is still less than a MacBook Air with no adaptors.

So even in the extreme case, the MacBook is ahead in size and weight. That doesn't mean it's the best Mac for everyone, and no on here is saying it is.

It was "intentionally designed this way" because the decided size and form factor left no alternative. Same is applicable to Core M, to "butterfly keyboard" etc.

Yes, the MacBook was intentionally designed by a group of humans and not randomly assembled out of nowhere. Brilliant observation!

The fact here is quite simple: some people will find the MacBook their preferred Mac, and some won't. None of the ones who do are saying that it's perfect for everyone, but it seems to be that the ones who don't find it to be their preferred Mac are going to great lengths to treat it as though it's not good for anyone, except, apparently, hypocrites and extremists.

 

[xPad]

This is a typical and conscious misinterpretation. If someone has a different view, then that someone "wants people to beleive..." Negative. You have your sovereign opinion and I am sure not because you "want people to beileve". Others are entitled to have their own view as well. High time stop labeling. We can agree on two points: "the quantity of ports for some will more likely be a source of problem" and "the rMB is not for me, as is the Air not for you".

But you mention the ports/adaptors as "form over function", which is you proving the very fact that Queen6's comment isn't a conscious misinterpretation, but an astute observation of fact.

"Form over function" is an empty, meaningless phrase. You act as though Apple doesn't have two other complete notebook lines with a different combination of form and function. There's no problem. If you need more ports, you buy the Mac that has more ports, if you don't, you might prefer the one that doesn't include unnecessary ports.

In fact, if Apple were to add the extra ports and CPU that so many people seem to think the MacBook must have, then you'd end up with something at least as large as the MacBook Air. In that case, you would be forcing people to take function they neither need nor want over a form they do.

Once you accept the idea that we aren't all the same, you'll start to understand that the things you see as problems or compromises for yourself are not problems or compromises for other people.

 

[Queen6]

This is a typical and conscious misinterpretation. If someone has a different view, then that someone "wants people to beleive..." Negative. You have your sovereign opinion and I am sure not because you "want people to beileve". Others are entitled to have their own view as well. High time stop labeling. We can agree on two points: "the quantity of ports for some will more likely be a source of problem" and "the rMB is not for me, as is the Air not for you".

You have your point of view as you are fully entitled to, equally I have mine as do others. Your high handed manner is what frequently provokes response, equally this is clearly intentional, I wonder why? Light entertainment methinks. You are correct in that my views are "sovereign" I speak from the point of view of concurrently owning and using the Air, MacBook Pro and now Retina MacBook, not rhetoric, equally I can only comment accurately based on my own usage/workflow.

The Retina MacBook is not for all, nor was it designed to be, all the same for many it is a very effective system, as is the current Air. Irrespective of our opinions Apple has shifted direction markedly in the ultraportable "space" upping their game significantly, however this was not in the traditional sense of solely increasing "the numbers" rather in a more esoteric manner, which floundered some, and continues to do so...


Q-6

 

[legioxi]

Regarding the trackpad, it's just the "gee whiz" factor that it feels like a physical "button" when it's 98% an illusion. I tried it out with all my friends, and everyone would have sworn the trackpad was actually moving downward like a physical button. Once the novelty of that's worn off, yeah, you're just left with a typically great Apple trackpad. ;-)

I can only speak to my laptop, but the trackpad does move down. Look at the sides of it when you press down on it and you'll see the glass moving. What it doesn't do is physically click, that is the illusion created by the magnet or whatever is under it. This avoids the diving board style of the old trackpads where the higher up on the trackpad you are, the harder it is to press down. Now the entire thing presses down with uniformity.

 

[mattopotamus]

95% people who use MacBooks will just browse safari, use a word processor, load simples apps like iTunes or spotify. With that said, the MacBook more then handles that

the one port is a glaring flaw though, especially with USB-C being nowhere near to common input in 2015, maybe in 3-4 years

it's damn nice if you dock your macbook though. 1 single cable to plug into your mac instead of making it look like davy jones.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Um, no one does that. You're using exaggeration to paint people who like something you don't like in a bad light.

I wonder if you realize that most people have never, and will never, plug their notebook into a projector, and most people don't have to plug in an external hard drive indefinitely on the go (i.e., need both USB 3.0 and active power).

Those minority that do need those things can choose between a MacBook + a single, small adaptor, or a larger MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. And since you highlight size and weight of the adaptor, the the difference in overall size and weight between the MacBook with the adaptors (let's go crazy and include all three) is still less than a MacBook Air with no adaptors.

So even in the extreme case, the MacBook is ahead in size and weight. That doesn't mean it's the best Mac for everyone, and no on here is saying it is.


Yes, the MacBook was intentionally designed by a group of humans and not randomly assembled out of nowhere. Brilliant observation!

The fact here is quite simple: some people will find the MacBook their preferred Mac, and some won't. None of the ones who do are saying that it's perfect for everyone, but it seems to be that the ones who don't find it to be their preferred Mac are going to great lengths to treat it as though it's not good for anyone, except, apparently, hypocrites and extremists.

1. I expressed an opinion that is different of yours. And it will be so, like it or not. Take your time and check these Forums how many of rMB users said that they didn't need ports at all and finally ended up buying and using adapters.
2. We are getting here to a ridiculous field (I agree), anyway, if you add the size of the adapter(s) to the rMB, I doubt that it will be smaller than the MBA 11".
3. I think that the misinterpretation of different opinions derives from this particular sentence: "That doesn't mean it's the best Mac for everyone, and no on here is saying it is." Nobody has ever stated that it should be. We are talking about some (possible, as it is for some and it is not for others) flaws in a 1 gen. machine. Fields that most probably have to be/will be addressed in the future. You are trying to imply what is not intended.
4. I agree with you absolutely. It was not a brilliant observation, i.e. design was dominated by form over function, as you either completely misunderstood it or comfortably misintrepreted the statement for your own needs.
5. You have provided an answer in your post to what a(n) (malignant) exaggeration is, i.e. "...as though it's not good for anyone, except, apparently, hypocrites and extremists."

But you mention the ports/adaptors as "form over function", which is you proving the very fact that Queen6's comment isn't a conscious misinterpretation, but an astute observation of fact.

"Form over function" is an empty, meaningless phrase. You act as though Apple doesn't have two other complete notebook lines with a different combination of form and function. There's no problem. If you need more ports, you buy the Mac that has more ports, if you don't, you might prefer the one that doesn't include unnecessary ports.

In fact, if Apple were to add the extra ports and CPU that so many people seem to think the MacBook must have, then you'd end up with something at least as large as the MacBook Air. In that case, you would be forcing people to take function they neither need nor want over a form they do.

Once you accept the idea that we aren't all the same, you'll start to understand that the things you see as problems or compromises for yourself are not problems or compromises for other people.

Google is your friend. You will easily find what is the unequivocal meaning of the phrase "form over function". Most probably it will help you to interpret facts properly as well.
I advise you to do the same:"...accept the idea that we aren't all the same and you will start to understand" as well as tolerate that others can have a different opinion.

You have your point of view as you are fully entitled to, equally I have mine as do others. Your high handed manner is what frequently provokes response, equally this is clearly intentional, I wonder why? Light entertainment methinks. You are correct in that my views are "sovereign" I speak from the point of view of concurrently owning and using the Air, MacBook Pro and now Retina MacBook, not rhetoric, equally I can only comment accurately based on my own usage/workflow.

The Retina MacBook is not for all, nor was it designed to be, all the same for many it is a very effective system, as is the current Air. Irrespective of our opinions Apple has shifted direction markedly in the ultraportable "space" upping their game markedly, however this was not in the traditional sense of increasing "the numbers" rather in a more esoteric manner, which floundered some, and continues to do so...


Q-6

I am glad that finally we agree. We are all entitled to our own opinon. And if some dare to express a different viewpoint it shouldn't be considered as a crime against a product in question.
What concerns "my high handed manner". What kind of "manner" does this manifestation of yours represent:

You really need to drop the melodrama...

 

[legioxi]

I expressed an opinion that is different of yours. And it will be so, like it or not. Take your time and check these Forums how many of rMB users said that they didn't need ports at all and finally ended up buying and using adapters.

I haven't followed the entire thread, so I may be off on your intention but every laptop Apple makes requires adapters for stuff. I know on my rMB, I picked up 2 adapters which are required (rarely) by my job. VGA for projectors (every MacBook needs this if you connect to VGA ports) and ethernet for packet sniffing (I'm a network admin, and all my MacBooks required one).

 

[smallcoffee]

They are for ME, hence when I stated it was my opinion

No, they aren't flaws. It's like buying a 2-door sedan and saying that it's a design flaw that it doesn't have 4. No, buy the 4-door version.

 

[smallcoffee]

It was "intentionally designed this way" because the decided size and form factor left no alternative. Same is applicable to Core M, to "butterfly keyboard" etc.

And?