A lot of this hubbub over firewire and ethernet going missing reminds me of the missing floppy disk on the original iMac. Personally, I don't think it's time to get rid of Ethernet, but with the standard remaining so bulky over such a long period of time, the decision would make sense. I would have gone with a little slide out ethernet port or something else, but a dongle is not that big a deal, especially if you really consider that most professionals requiring an Ethernet port can get some sort of a Thunderbolt dock that includes the Ethernet.
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Thinner 15-Inch MacBook Pro Coming with Retina Display and USB 3.0?
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"According to the report's source, OS X will simply offer a set of resolution quality options for the new machine ("such as big, small, or optimal") to allow users taking advantage of this new "HiDPI" support to select their desired combination of sharpness and resolution."
Apple is finally implementing resolution independence? So I'll be able to upgrade OS X and select the "big" option on my 2011 15" hi-res MBP and things won't look tiny anymore?
Apple is finally implementing resolution independence? So I'll be able to upgrade OS X and select the "big" option on my 2011 15" hi-res MBP and things won't look tiny anymore?
re: dedicated ethernet
Actually, dedicated (wired) ethernet is still far from being as outdated as dial-up modems.... While wireless is convenient and popular, it has serious bandwidth limitations. Even the fastest wireless standards are no match for wired gigabit ethernet.
That's also likely to be the downfall of Apple's "solution" here, using a USB dongle to get wired ethernet. I believe those dongles only do a maximum speed of 100mbit ethernet, not gigabit. Even if they support gigabit, I doubt they can really achieve its full throughput.
Now, if Apple would release a reasonably priced thunderbolt ethernet dongle, THAT could get the job done. I guess we'll have to see?
Actually, dedicated (wired) ethernet is still far from being as outdated as dial-up modems.... While wireless is convenient and popular, it has serious bandwidth limitations. Even the fastest wireless standards are no match for wired gigabit ethernet.
That's also likely to be the downfall of Apple's "solution" here, using a USB dongle to get wired ethernet. I believe those dongles only do a maximum speed of 100mbit ethernet, not gigabit. Even if they support gigabit, I doubt they can really achieve its full throughput.
Now, if Apple would release a reasonably priced thunderbolt ethernet dongle, THAT could get the job done. I guess we'll have to see?
Really could use that dedicated ethernet port, especially for the workplace. Ah well, it'll go the way of the dial-up modem
I don't like the lack of buttons these days either but its Apple and we can almost safely say that they are gone for good.
I mostly use a cheap logitech mouse these days...
Usb 3.0
If you already have USB ports, why wouldn't you just make them 3.0? Makes me mad that I have old non USB 3.0 ports on my new MBP.
If you already have USB ports, why wouldn't you just make them 3.0? Makes me mad that I have old non USB 3.0 ports on my new MBP.
Is it possible future non-Apple TB monitors might not allow for daisy-chaining?
Is DisplayPort dead already?
I doubt Apple will ever include another adapter with their computers.
Are there currently any non-Apple TB to Ethernet adapters?
Only problem is 11ac is still 'draft'--not finalized.
It would be nice to at least retain one FW800 port to use with audio hardware.
So how many $50.00+ adapters am I supposed to buy? and carry?
My concern with the rumored new models is the unseen costs: adapters (TB to ethernet; TB to FW; TB to VGA/DisplayPort/HDMI); external optical drive (for games, software installation, audio and video work, etc.). TB isn't widespread yet and windows support is still developing reliable drivers for TB. IMO, until Windows includes reliable support for TB, its adoption and product development will remain lagging and expensive. Unless Apple lowers its pricing on its notebooks, its value proposition compare to Windows may drop precipitously. I love OS X and Apple's design philosophy (mostly), but it seems like they are pushing out hardware which still lacks (and will lack into the considerable future) widespread peripheral hardware support. Support fo USB 3 on upcoming models may help mitigate some problems, but then what is the point of TB?
What is really needed is an affordable (i.e., cheaper) option for a TB hub which includes ports for ethernet, FW, USB2/3, VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc., and which does not restrict how many ports may be used at full speed simultaneously.
I hope this will be the case. (although I like more smaller things on the screen at once)
I love everyone bashing Apple for being forward thinking. In 5 years the same people will praise Apple for removing the Ethernet port and old technology in order to advance their products.
What's "forward-thinking" about removing Ethernet and FireWire?? This is the kind of stuff that keeps people who may otherwise be interested out of their market. It's the usual off-putting arrogance that brings back memories of the silly "fat PC guy" vs "trustfund-hippie in a blue t-shirt" ads from several years ago.
I kinda like having USB on each side. There are many mice with really short cables that don't work that well if you have to go all the way around the computer. Sure, you can use a USB extension cable, but I know many people who don't like the look of it. Messes up their feng shui a bit. But that's just a minor thing, IMO.
As for whether lack of firewire & ethernet makes it less "Pro", I guess people could do pro work on it if they worked hard enough. But would make it harder and might make them have to pay for a bunch of adaptors. However, since Apple is more concerned with the consumer rather than pro market, not much of a surprise. Apple did sell more iOS devices in the last 5 years than it sold Macs in the last 30. If/when Apple ports Xcode onto iOS, who knows what the fate of Macs will be.
As for whether lack of firewire & ethernet makes it less "Pro", I guess people could do pro work on it if they worked hard enough. But would make it harder and might make them have to pay for a bunch of adaptors. However, since Apple is more concerned with the consumer rather than pro market, not much of a surprise. Apple did sell more iOS devices in the last 5 years than it sold Macs in the last 30. If/when Apple ports Xcode onto iOS, who knows what the fate of Macs will be.
What about SSDs?
Losing the optical drive was to be expected (not so about Ethernet and Firewire - that, if true, will cause a huge outcry, I think).
But the most natural consequence of ditching the optical is the ability to offer a laptop machine with both an SSD and a HD - something that has been available trough third parties for years now, and that Apple could now offer, as it does in the iMac. I am personally hoping for that option (and praying that Ethernet and Firewire are not out - my current macbook pro is on ethernet all day, and backs up to a Firewire drive...).
Losing the optical drive was to be expected (not so about Ethernet and Firewire - that, if true, will cause a huge outcry, I think).
But the most natural consequence of ditching the optical is the ability to offer a laptop machine with both an SSD and a HD - something that has been available trough third parties for years now, and that Apple could now offer, as it does in the iMac. I am personally hoping for that option (and praying that Ethernet and Firewire are not out - my current macbook pro is on ethernet all day, and backs up to a Firewire drive...).
The 5D mk III supports both SD cards and CF cards, an SD card slot will still be useful to some "professionals."
If this is true, then it very well might be the nail in the coffin for me being a mac user. They have really dumbed down these machines and the forcing of the hand to god awful FCPX is something I'm not bowing down to. I guess it's time to bow out.
Yeah obviously thats the case with ethernet and there's definitely going to be an adapter if that is the case, the majority of people now use Wireless and if you need to get an adapter it really isn't a problem.
Was targeting more with complaints in regards to the SuperDrive etc.... It's no longer necessary for most people and again its not a HUGE problem simply getting a portable one.
The amount of customers I ask how often do you use the DVD drive on your computer... and the response simply being not much at all, speaks for itself.
I love how everyone was all for dropping the disc drive, which was ubiquitous in any laptop offering over the last 2 decades... but the second Apple tries to move forward and drop ethernet/FireWire all hell breaks loose
Ethernet was developed almost 40 years ago... I think it's time we move on people. I understand it's hard letting go and accepting change, but there are plenty of ways to cope.
Perhaps it'll include 802.11ac (doubt it though). Perhaps we'll see Thunderbolt to ethernet adapters. Perhaps we'll see USB 3.0 to ethernet adapters. Perhaps the rumor is wrong and there's a smaller ethernet port with an adapter. Who knows?
As for FireWire, well... I'm pretty sure USB 3.0 is here to overtake that. But I think there are also future revisions for FireWire in the works to compete with USB 3.0, though it doesn't sound like that Apple's direction anymore.
But indeed, sucks for everyone that requires the use of these two ports either by their field or company.
Ethernet was developed almost 40 years ago... I think it's time we move on people. I understand it's hard letting go and accepting change, but there are plenty of ways to cope.
Perhaps it'll include 802.11ac (doubt it though). Perhaps we'll see Thunderbolt to ethernet adapters. Perhaps we'll see USB 3.0 to ethernet adapters. Perhaps the rumor is wrong and there's a smaller ethernet port with an adapter. Who knows?
As for FireWire, well... I'm pretty sure USB 3.0 is here to overtake that. But I think there are also future revisions for FireWire in the works to compete with USB 3.0, though it doesn't sound like that Apple's direction anymore.
But indeed, sucks for everyone that requires the use of these two ports either by their field or company.
Speaking as a professional or a professional in the making it's important that we adapt and develop alongside technology, so get use to making changes! It's simply the way forward and Apple are the best at adopting this!
What advantages do I have when I have to haul around a $300 TB to FW adapter?
I love everyone bashing Apple for being forward thinking. In 5 years the same people will praise Apple for removing the Ethernet port and old technology in order to advance their products.
Fair enough. I don't mind getting rid of features as long as people can do what they need fairly easily.
They included 11n while it was still draft. My, how short some people's memories are!
re: firewire
Yeah.... Unfortunately, I have to agree with you here. Firewire was granted a "stay" for a couple more years after Apple tried to nudge everyone to "move on" once, already. (The biggest reason for the opposition seemed to be people with firewire external HD enclosures they wanted to keep using. Fair enough, but we're at a point now where those who need high performance external drives should look to thunderbolt based units.)
The other group wanting Firewire probably still clamors for it; the musicians. Being a hobbyist musician myself, I understand their issue ... Lots of the popular (and expensive!) computer music gear is SLOW to evolve. Usually, it's made by very small companies who don't sell high volumes of gear, and their software "development team" is sometimes just one guy.
The "latest version" of many of these outboard recording devices are still essentially the same products designed over 5 years ago ... so yes, many need Firewire.
At some point, you can't let them hold back a whole industry though... Apple wants to move on, so move on they shall. Musicians will have to use the "last years' model" of Mac for a little while longer, perhaps -- and invest in whoever is most progressive with offering usable alternatives using new standards like Thunderbolt.
Yeah.... Unfortunately, I have to agree with you here. Firewire was granted a "stay" for a couple more years after Apple tried to nudge everyone to "move on" once, already. (The biggest reason for the opposition seemed to be people with firewire external HD enclosures they wanted to keep using. Fair enough, but we're at a point now where those who need high performance external drives should look to thunderbolt based units.)
The other group wanting Firewire probably still clamors for it; the musicians. Being a hobbyist musician myself, I understand their issue ... Lots of the popular (and expensive!) computer music gear is SLOW to evolve. Usually, it's made by very small companies who don't sell high volumes of gear, and their software "development team" is sometimes just one guy.
The "latest version" of many of these outboard recording devices are still essentially the same products designed over 5 years ago ... so yes, many need Firewire.
At some point, you can't let them hold back a whole industry though... Apple wants to move on, so move on they shall. Musicians will have to use the "last years' model" of Mac for a little while longer, perhaps -- and invest in whoever is most progressive with offering usable alternatives using new standards like Thunderbolt.
Main thing thing I like about this rumor...3 USB ports! Finally!
I've been enjoying my Air, as most of my flash drives end up being too wide to fit in the side by side ports on the current MBP. Having a USB port on the other side is extremely useful.
The thing I don't like...dropping firewire...
I've been enjoying my Air, as most of my flash drives end up being too wide to fit in the side by side ports on the current MBP. Having a USB port on the other side is extremely useful.
The thing I don't like...dropping firewire...
I don't like the lack of buttons these days either but its Apple and we can almost safely say that they are gone for good.
I mostly use a cheap logitech mouse these days...
The MBP's trackpad is the best I've ever used. I am not sure why anyone would want buttons. When I have to use other laptops, I use a Logitech mouse because the trackpads and buttons are horrendous.
There is always that big Thunderbolt to Ethernet and Firewire adaptor. Unfortunately it costs $999 and comes with a big mirror.
I already carry in addition to my 15" MBP:
- Power supply
- VGA adapter
- HSPA modem
- Mouse
Now, I'm also supposed to carry a Ethernet adapter? The add-ons become more bulky and cumbersome to carry than the computer itself. I don't see how that can be beneficial.
If anyone from Apple reads this: I want all important components built into the machine. If you don't know how to do this, then get a Thinkpad and reverse engineer.
- Power supply
- VGA adapter
- HSPA modem
- Mouse
Now, I'm also supposed to carry a Ethernet adapter? The add-ons become more bulky and cumbersome to carry than the computer itself. I don't see how that can be beneficial.
If anyone from Apple reads this: I want all important components built into the machine. If you don't know how to do this, then get a Thinkpad and reverse engineer.
If your display does not have Thunderbolt, and just operates through a DisplayPort connection (or through a DisplayPort-to-HDMI, DisplayPort-to-DVI, etc adapter), then there cannot be any intervening Thunderbolt displays preceding it in the daisychain.
It must either plug directly into the Mac's Thunderbolt port without any daisychaning at all, or else plug into the final slot of a daisychain consisting of only "non-Display" Thunderbolt peripherals.
Why would you want either of these things? Clearly if ethernet is such a high priority, you can get your own mouse.
Adding mouse buttons would be a step backwards on any Mac at this point.