Tim Cook Says 'Strong Demand' For 2016 MacBook Pro Helped Set New Mac Sales Record Last Quarter

[AZREOSpecialist]

32GB of RAM is not a "major redesign", and it's just a rumor.

Article says "the most significantly redesigned product this year"... guess you can't read?

 

[Count Blah]

not really.. just use another brand.. if you have a negative experience with a company, why continue to allow the company to have a negative impact on your life?

• Because there is no legal option for OS X/MacOS, other than Apple
• Because many remember what Apple was once like, when it actually cared about it's Mac line
• Because many hope Apple will return to it's former MAc glory days
• Because they have tried the Windows/Linux alternatives, and they MUCH prefer OS X/MacOS

Just because Apple has turned it's back on them, does not mean they should just shut up. In fact, we even had Apple admit that they've botched the pro market. Seems that Apple leadership has finally peered down from their ivory towers, and noticed all is not so rosy in the Mac world. Though in reality, that switch has ONLY come about, but the high sales of 2015 MBP, in response to the 2016 MBP
[doublepost=1494089383][/doublepost]

Every single MacBook that I use has a USB hub. You can just buy yourself _one_ USB-C hub with HDMI, 3xUSB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, TF card and SD card reader.

And you now lug that around with you, instead of just the MBP, like in years past - Yea Progress!!

 

[robotfist]

Time for a Macbook Pro Pro.
Or would it be a Pro Macbook Pro?
Mac Probook Pro?

Whatever it is, we definitely need more "pro" in the Macbook and less "book".

 

[Fabmac]

Yeah. Ashamed to admit it but in 1Q 2017 I made my first purchase of non-Apple gear and actually enjoy it a lot.

Instead of a Macbook I got an HP Spectre x360 - it's been a great 2-in-1 so far and can do some things my Mac can't.
Instead of an iPhone 7 or an 8 (or whatever they call it), I picked up a ZTE Axon 7. Great phone with great specs and performance. 1/2 the price of an iPhone.

Been an Apple guy since 2002 when they actually innovated and had the superior product. Today not so much and it's sad.

If you look for same specs, you don't save a lot of money on a mac/pc
The biggest problem, no OS X.

Same for any phones, you can get good phones, but they all use android.
They are not that optimised, they don't get updates like iOS devices.

In the end for me the apple products are cheap, they save me a lot of time.

 

[28monkeys]

Chinese market!

 

[CWallace]

And which model across the The Mac lineup is the most commonly sold......

MacBook Air.

For $3k you know what you're buying unless you're in the very small minority for whom $3000 is a whim purchase.

Agreed.

And based on market analysis over the past few years, the majority of those who buy a $3000 laptop buy a MacBook Pro. So a fair bit of people find strong value in the model even if some feel it's a poor value.

Strong demand? That does not explain strong supply of refurbished touch-bar macbook pros: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/15
Tim Ballmer speaks!

Yes, because 17 units represents a significant portion of the production run.

Sorry, but Microsoft is not limited to just Surface. In case you wondered, many OEMs sell pro hardware with Windows and Microsoft gets a piece of the pie. Surface devices make them mo key, but their intention is POC for other manufacturers. That has worked brilliantly.

Except the narrative on this site has been about how the Surface Studio and Surface Pros specifically are signs of how Microsoft "gets it" and Apple does not when it comes to desktops and laptops. So the other OEM volumes (especially the low-price point units that makes up the majority of their volume) is not relevant to the discussion at hand.

Plus, where are the PC OEMs seeing their most profitable segment? Ultrabooks - a design that was heavily influenced by the MacBook Air. So they are making their money leveraging Apple's design philosophies for laptops.

 

[Yebubbleman]

The MacBook Pro was the only Mac that Apple updated in 2016, beyond making 8GB RAM standard on the 13-inch MacBook Air.

Umm...what about the Skylake version of the 12-inch MacBook? I'm not saying it was much, but you can't say the MacBook Pro got the only update (barring the 8GB of RAM standard on the 13-inch Air).

It's less certain if the MacBook Air will continue to receive updates, or be supplanted by the 12-inch MacBook entirely,

The 13-inch MacBook Air isn't being supplanted by the 12-inch MacBook at all. If anything the 11-inch MacBook Air got supplanted by the 12-inch MacBook while the 13-inch MacBook Air is currently in the process of being supplanted by the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 and without TouchBar (as was all but mentioned by Apple at the keynote it was introduced in!) as it uses the same class of Intel processors that the 13-inch MacBook Air used/uses and is priced to fit in the same range. Once the transition to USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 eases, that'll be what MacBook Air customers buy from then on.

 

[Count Blah]

Plus, where are the PC OEMs seeing their most profitable segment? Ultrabooks - a design that was heavily influenced by the MacBook Air. So they are making their money leveraging Apple's design philosophies for laptops.

Then it's a good thing Apple is getting out of the MacBook Air market, right?

 

[AZ63]

Um, it wasn't "pro" Mac Users, it was "well-known Tech Journalists".

Maybe it is you that needs to follow more closely, eh?

I listen to at least one of them on a podcast and he calls himself a "pro" user so it would seem I was correct on both counts.
Funny you ignored noting in your reply that I was correct on the statement about a change to the laptop.
Own it.

 

[Dorje Sylas]

I currently use an iPhone now because I have macs; no macs = no iphone for me.

I wouldn't let this stop you. The sync system between Windows (through iTunes) and iPhone works just fine (do you think every iPhone user has a Mac?). Over the past 9 years I've slowly transitioned a Mac Pro Tower (2008) from a MacOS platform to almost purely a Windows 10 one. Including migrating my iTunes Library/Sync. Which currently play's "mothership" to an iPhone 4s, an iPad 2, and a iPod Touch 3rd Gen.

The only "thing" you'd be missing out on would be some of that proprietary vertical integration with "iMessages" for MacOS, and AirDrop (although I got used to using GoodReader's WiFi WebDAV based file share for moving files around between iOS Apps/Devices and my PC/Mac so personally AirDrop became a thing well after I had a working system in place).

I do keep a drive/partition for MacOS and Linux for development and testing purposes, but I'm in them so infrequently that I actually have backlog of updates I need to run on both. Chances are very high that my next major computer will be a custom built Windows/Linux box. The only "Mac" I'd consider is maybe a refreshed MacMini to replace the older MacMini-Server that acts as a home media/file server (and so I still have a "EULA Legal" Mac for testing and running XCode).

I've been stepping away from Apple so much that instead of getting a new iPad, I instead got an HP Pavilion x360 (13-s120nr) for less than a base iPad would have cost me.

 

[dogslobber]

Anyway, it was either this expensive Macbook Pro or an old + out of date Macbook Air... so yeah, the 2016 macbook pro is selling great!

It's actually a scary thought you mention here. The MBP numbers might have exploded because the other models are so prehistoric now and those ancient models had sales collapse.

 

[cult hero]

So you've got one $1000 5k display at home and another $1000 5k display at the office? Plus, presumably, two sets of new dongles or hubs for the other stuff you mention, because the only connections on the back of the 5k are USB-C.

Yep. Two monitors. Each of them has a $20 Monoprice USB-C adapter with 3x USB A and Ethernet. With that said, I certainly didn't HAVE to get those. Before the 5Ks were available, I used the Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt 3 adapter to connect to my Thunderbolt hubs (which the monitors ultimately replaced).

I like having my desktops hook up easily. I've been doing this since I got a MacBook Air like 5 years ago.

You don't need a sophisticated hub though. The $20 Monoprice adapter plus whatever for video out and you're set. If you're plunking down at least $1300 on a new laptop that's using the latest connectors, $50 in accessories isn't that big of a deal. And it's nothing new either. My previous laptops:

2004 12" Aluminum PowerBook: Mini-DVI
2006 13" MacBook: Mini-DVI
2008 15" Unibody MacBook Pro: Mini DisplayPort
2010 13" Unibody MacBook Pro: Mini DisplayPort
2012 13" MacBook Air: Thunderbolt
2013 15" Retina MacBook Pro: 2x Thunderbolt 2, HDMI
2016 13" MacBook Pro: 4x USB-C

All of them required video adapters for my own purposes. The HDMI connector was all right, but I already had an adapter by the time I owned that laptop and I'm almost never connected to HDMI anyway. So, needing a video adapter isn't new. I've had to deal with DVI and dual link DVI in that mix. Video has always been a pain.

Ethernet has been gone since the Air. Already had an adapter. Anyone using a 2012+ model needed one.

So the rage is what... USB A? Okay. Again, a $20 adapter solves the issue (and if you just need USB A, it's even cheaper). Big whoop.

Oh, plus a third set of new dongles should you want to use it at a meeting, plug into the projector, show the powerpoint that someone just handed you on a USB stick?

I have the Apple "multiport" adapter. It's one adapter. I got it during the promotion, but Amazon is full of cheaper alternatives. If you're using the MBP and aren't limited to one port, you can get cheaper adapters that don't carry power.

...because one of the issues that people have is the cost of hubs and dongles on top of a machine that is already several hundred bucks more than its predecessor.

I already had hubs and docks. The adapters required to use them didn't break the bank. (Although Apple has upped the prices since March 31st, but there are also a lot of third-party options available.)

However, let's say you have no adapters from any previous laptops at all and need to connect to USB, Ethernet, and various video outs:

USB-A and Ethernet ($20)
DisplayPort ($14)
All Legacy Video ($20)

And you don't need multiple sets. You can just take them with you. If you needed more than 3x USB-A you probably have a hub of some sort anyway because they've been necessary all Apple laptops with USB. (Has any Apple laptop had more than 3 USB ports? And unless you were rocking a 17" model, you had 2.)

I don't know where the "several hundred bucks" comes from. FireWire is a little trickier, but are you actually using FireWire? If you are and need to support that equipment, the price of dongles is likely insignificant.

Oh, and so far there is a choice of only 2 displays that give you 1-cable dock and charge, or if you want a third party monitor, the $300 TB3 docks that support display and charging have been "coming next month" for the last couple of months... Yeah, there's a "lite" one that doesn't do charging and a USB-C (not TB3) dock that does charge, but which you'll probably want to dump for TB3 in a few months.

There's quite a few more monitors than two. Start here.

You didn't have a one plug solution with your prior laptops so the lack of options currently doesn't really matter. My Thunderbolt 2 hubs worked just fine as did the Thunderbolt Display.

The LG/Apple displays may be nice, but are dead to me because I have other computers I'd like to connect from time to time and (unlike pretty much every other premium display on the market) they only have one input.

Then don't get one. It's not like these laptops only connect to USB-C/TB3 video.

Yes, I've actually sat down and researched and costed what I would need for a "nice life" with a new MBP and its enough to make me sit back and wait.

I can't fault anyone for sitting back. There are going to be more options at better prices as time goes on. However, that in no way means someone can't really like these machines.

 

[curtvaughan]

I read through your last few posts on here. My take on all of this is there are Apple loyalists over the years who have been devoted to Apple to their productline to better improve their work and personal life, and they're not seeing Apple's capabilities meeting their expectations.
<...>

Bottom line is, there really is not one specific category of consumer when it comes to Apple. There are a multitude of people that appreciate Apple or don't condone their current path. But if somebody is that disgruntled where it's affecting their attitude and experiencing anguish, then they need to move onto a different product line and realize Apple is not going to be what they once were. It's a matter of adapting to what Apple is today or move on to something that would better suit somebody's lifestyle. That doesn't change Apple does not make a successful product and that they're not a successful company. Because they are. Apple can't be a company that meets everybody's criteria, that's not possible.

Thanks for your reply. Upon re-reading of my posts, I must admit that my second category lumping folks pleased with Apple these days as "religious" in some way was hasty. There are, indeed, quite a few folks who are happy with Apple these days just because they are satisfied with their product offerings. A third "category" should have been those folks who are satisfied with their Apple purchases and directions, for rational reasons that they can explain - as you have done. I apologize to you and others in that category.

As to "moving on" to other products, I have indeed begun to do so, as you might note if you have explored my other posts on this website. The jury's still out on updating my iMac with another one, depending on what comes out later this year from Apple. I'm largely satisfied with my iPad, and find it quite adequate for content harvesting in a convenient manner - watching movies or sports online, quick email/browsing and the like - particularly when I'm relaxing at home. As a musician, I also like the music applications available on it which allow easy access to online sheet music in PDF form for viewing in performance in lieu of hard copy - makes page turning simple and is visually clear with no lighting issues. I have moved on in replacing my MBP and iPhone. I purchased a Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition laptop in January, which came with Linux pre-installed (I've since triple booted it with 3 versions of Linux) and am quite happy with it, especially at price point. I have retained my iPhone 6+ with a new battery, and also purchased an LG V20 phone in January with phone jack, 4-channel DAC sound, and replaceable battery. So anyway, many of us "trolls" have actually spoken with our wallets. We just miss our old Apple, as you noted. I, btw, still proudly own an old MBP 15 inch of the (1,1) issue - the first Intel Mac generation. It STILL works, dual booted with Snow Leopard and Linux Mint after Apple withdrew support 5 or 6 years ago. I keep that old machine around just for nostalgia for another time. Cheers, and thanks for your thoughtful reply.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

And I love commenters that reply without reading. I never said you can only like the machine if you're brainwashed or self-deluded. I said if you compare the Razer Blade to the 2016MBP and think Apple has a good machine that's not ripping you off, you're brainwashed and self-deluded.

You can still like the machine, there's plenty of reasons to still buy it which I mentioned in my post. But if you can't admit to yourself you're getting very little computer for a heck of a lot of money compared to what else is on the market, then you're brainwashed and self-deluded. The 2016MBP is not a marvel of engineering, it's a marvel of marketing and social engineering.

[doublepost=1494049218][/doublepost]

Why is a "normal consumer" who doesn't care about the newest tech going to drop 3 grand on a 15" MBP when the tiny little MB next to it is $1200 and makes the MBP look bloated? The MB is a much better choice for people who care about looks and the ability to use email and safari.

The 2016 MBP is a product without a target market. Even you seem to be confused about who's buying it.

If it's a $3000 MB*pro* it's for people who care about tech. For people who don't care, the MB looks a heck of a lot better.
[doublepost=1494049870][/doublepost]
i
Well, needing a pile of dongles (or much more expensive non-mainstream accessories) is pretty old tech. Pretty much back to the bad old days of John Scully.

A laptop with a non-magsafe power connector is "way behind tech".

I think you have that backwards.

Other than for video (which any laptop with a MiniDP as its main video out will need) Any "Dongles" you would need(why don't you call them what they really are: Adapters. Oh, I know: Because that doesn't sound as pejorative, right?) are specifically because your peripherals either:

1. Have "captive" cables, so you can't just swap the cable to one with a USB-C on the "computer" end.

2. Have a truly "legacy" interface, such as FireWire, where an Adapter has been de riguere for quite some time.

In other words, other than with some video peripherals (where again, Adapters are largely accepted), the only time Adapters are Required with the 2016 MBP is when the peripheral is "old tech". The Computer has already moved-on.

As far as Mag-Safe, I am more in your corner; but I honestly believe that is a temporary situation, and Apple will be bringing it back. But for now, at least there is a solution...
[doublepost=1494110847][/doublepost]

Because those who waited for the 2016 model were disappointed with what Apple delivered, both in terms of innovation and value.

Right.

So they buy a model that has SEVERE CPU and GPU Throttling issues (the 2016 has NO Thermal Throttling), a HALF-FAST SSD, 1/3 LESS I/O Bandwidth, (never mind the additional usefulness of the TouchBar and TouchID), primarily because they don't have to deal with buying a couple of $6 USB-A/USB-C cables and/or a few $2 USB-A/USB-C clip-on Adapters?

Be honest now, that's really what it boils-down to. A couple of USB adapters.

Yeah, that makes a whole lotta sense.
[doublepost=1494112121][/doublepost]

You need to include other PC manufacturers for an accurate comparison. Microsoft isn't in the hardware game as the sole supplier with the goal of beating Apple. They are there to show other manufacturers what is possible and have been extremely successful. Your comparison is a straw man and a bad one at that.

You presume to know what Microsoft's "true motivations" are?

How cute.

Problem with your "argument" is, since consumers don't know that what you are proposing is true, (that Microsoft doesn't really want to sell the products they've been pushing in TV ads, or that Microsoft doesn't really want to "beat Apple", even though those TV ads never fail to compare their Surface products to Apple's), if their products were more compelling than Apple's (or, even more significantly, more compelling than those other "PC" manufacturers that MS was allegedly trying to "show what was possible"), those Sales numbers would be a LOT more favorable to Microsoft. No escaping that.

But, Microsoft doesn't even come in at the Top-5. But Apple does:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/263393/global-pc-shipments-since-1st-quarter-2009-by-vendor/

In fact, I honestly couldn't find a "sales ranking" that specifically showed Microsoft. They were always in the "Others" category.

 

[BootsWalking]

Right.

So they buy a model that has SEVERE CPU and GPU Throttling issues (the 2016 has NO Thermal Throttling), a HALF-FAST SSD, 1/3 LESS I/O Bandwidth, (never mind the additional usefulness of the TouchBar and TouchID), primarily because they don't have to deal with buying a couple of $6 USB-A/USB-C cables and/or a few $2 USB-A/USB-C clip-on Adapters?

Be honest now, that's really what it boils-down to. A couple of USB adapters.

Yeah, that makes a whole lotta sense.

And price.

 

[-BigMac-]

What's considered a "Normal consumer?" I consider myself someone who doesn't specialize as a graphic designer or what have you. I do a lot more than just "Check my E-mail" or browse "Safari." I certainly researched the tech before I purchased mine and rightfully so, and if you are spending a high dollar amount, you better research what you're purchasing. Your opinion seems to be kind of a broad stroked assumption unless you have data showing what the average user uses their MacBook Pro for.

Sorry, I don't have any data supporting my claim. All I have is my experience working in the Apple store for 2 years.

But we both know what i meant with my initial statement. That hardly anyone uses the Macbook Pro to its intended limits on a daily basis. And those that do, are a low percentage or "gamers" who game on a mac. Which is a statement in itself.

 

[Abazigal]

Reading through a combination of complaints and adulations about Apple products, especially the last couple of years, it becomes apparent that there are two basic types of Apple customers:

1) those who are disappointed with Apple product design and decisions due to logically perceived flaws, and
2) those who defend all Apple products and decisions based upon some sort of odd love for the Apple corporation, regardless of design and pricing policies.

The first group is critical based upon the rationality of not wanting a second rate product at what are becoming luxury prices; the second group approaches Apple in a sort of religious, faith based logic, and consider criticism of Apple to be almost heresy. In that regard, this second type closely resembles radically religious people who refuse to hear rational arguments with their holy vision, and react with anger and derision toward anything contrarian of that view. This isn't the first time such things have occurred, particularly in the technology field. Witness OS wars between the MacOS/Windows/Linux faithful and all of the iPhone vs. Android flame wars. Interesting ...

You missed out number 3 - those who genuinely love Apple's newer products because they have benefited legitimately from Apple's design decisions. They desire a balanced discussion here at Macrumours, which is getting exceedingly difficult to do when all people seem to do is crap on anything and everything that Apple does, regardless of actual merit.

People criticised the Apple Pencil's seemingly awkward charging method, but I love it and find it extremely convenient to use.

People claimed the Airpods wouldn't stay in the ears. They do (perfectly) in mine, sound great and I really love their portability. There was a huge furore over the removal of the headphone jack in the iPhone 7. I have never plugged anything into my 6S+, and now that I have my Airpods, I likely never will.

I am thoroughly enjoying my Apple Watch for the notifications and Apple Pay (which I use several times daily). Even as the critics pooh-pooh it for being expensive and "useless" compared to a normal smartphone.

People claim a tablet can never replace a laptop. That's precisely what I am doing. I am not 100% there yet, but I get that bit closer every day.

All this while, the criticisms are peppered with proclamations that Tim Cook is ruining Apple and that Apple is doomed. And these cries ironically grow even louder in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Apple has never been bigger or more successful. The iPhone still sold. Fitbit is biting the dust. The Apple Watch is shaping up to be a success after all. Apple looks set to take on Hollywood with the video arm of Apple Music.

Apple continues to break into new markets. We are looking at the start of Apple's ascent all the way to the top, and the only thing on the minds of the complainers here is that they aren't getting a new Mac Pro.

These critics have been dead wrong in very prediction, and I am supposed to be the irrational one here?

Who are the illogical ones now? Who's lacking perspective here? Who is truly enlightened and who are the trolls here?

 

[Zombie Acorn]

I bought a 2016 touch bar, biggest complaint is keyboard, it's like typing on a brick. Gotten used to the USB c ports, basically just keep a USB c to usb plugged in most of the time.

I use a 2015 for work, and I'd probably still go with the 2016, feels quicker.

Apples biggest issue is that it isn't revving the hardware fast enough.

 

[flat five]

• Because there is no legal option for OS X/MacOS, other than Apple
• Because many remember what Apple was once like, when it actually cared about it's Mac line
• Because many hope Apple will return to it's former MAc glory days
• Because they have tried the Windows/Linux alternatives, and they MUCH prefer OS X/MacOS

Just because Apple has turned it's back on them, does not mean they should just shut up. In fact, we even had Apple admit that they've botched the pro market. Seems that Apple leadership has finally peered down from their ivory towers, and noticed all is not so rosy in the Mac world. Though in reality, that switch has ONLY come about, but the high sales of 2015 MBP, in response to the 2016 MBP

i think you might be saying that your personal perception of the company has changed over the years (or something along those lines)..

..and not really to do with the computers or using the computers.

because today ,compared to any time prior (or 'mac glory days'), is certainly the best time to be using a mac..

they're way faster now, pricing has stayed the same, equally reliable, more stable, more software options, more optimized.. i mean, the list goes on and on and on.

but hey, feel free to continue using your G5 and 17" powerbook.. idc.. personally, i'll be on the more modern ones..

----
idk, i'm still pretty sure you're talking about something other than the computers and/or using them.. and maybe you don't even realize that yourself.

 

[Val-kyrie]

I did not participate in those numbers, but did pick up the 2015 maxed out version after announcement.

My mother-in-law just bought a MBA. She did not like the touchbar or price of the new MBP or the weight of the old MBP. She wanted something light and needed more connectivity (read USB-type A ports) than the MB offered.

Apple failed her in all of its latest models (MB and MBP).
[doublepost=1494124589][/doublepost]

Apple reported its second quarter earnings results earlier this week, and during its subsequent conference call, CEO Tim Cook said Mac revenue hit a new March quarter record due to "strong demand" for the latest MacBook Pro with Touch Bar models, released in October 2016.

​

Apple ... does not break out sales on a model-by-model basis....

I call b***s***. Apple's recent conference for the Mac Pro casts doubt on the relative impact of the tbMBP on overall Apple sales and points instead toward backlash against the 2016 models as consumers purchased all available 2015 models.

Besides, "strong demand" is not the same as saying large percentage or even large quantity. It may simply express quality (strong=good) rather than quantity (strong=units sold). Apple's decision to not break down its sales numbers by models means that all vague statements (strong) must be interpreted in light of clearer statements (Mac Pro conference call).

 

[flat five]

points instead toward backlash against the 2016 models as consumers purchased all available 2015 models.

that's not exactly the scenario.
people didn't race out to scoop up the last of the 2015 models before they were gone.

it's still a current model.. it's still for sale from apple and advertised on the mbp page.. it's still being produced.. etc.

 

[Val-kyrie]

that's not exactly the scenario.
people didn't race out to scoop up the last of the 2015 models before they were gone.

it's still a current model.. it's still for sale from apple and advertised on the mbp page.. it's still being produced.. etc.

You're right--I didn't mention people purchased all available 2015 models from the refurb store.

Apple may sell some 2016 models, but all of my contacts have eschewed them in favor of purchasing the 2015 models or the MBA due to lack of a variety of ports (read USB-A). Until Tim Cook comes out with real numbers, his words are meaningless spin.

 

[DevNull0]

[doublepost=1494130110][/doublepost]

I wouldn't let this stop you. The sync system between Windows (through iTunes) and iPhone works just fine (do you think every iPhone user has a Mac?). Over the past 9 years I've slowly transitioned a Mac Pro Tower (2008) from a MacOS platform to almost purely a Windows 10 one. Including migrating my iTunes Library/Sync. Which currently play's "mothership" to an iPhone 4s, an iPad 2, and a iPod Touch 3rd Gen

The only "thing" you'd be missing out on would be some of that proprietary vertical integration with "iMessages" for MacOS, and AirDrop (although I got used to using GoodReader's WiFi WebDAV based file share for moving files around between iOS Apps/Devices and my PC/Mac so personally AirDrop became a thing well after I had a working system in place).

You raise a lot of good points. iMessages is a big one for me, I'd also miss having Notes sync between my phone and computer. I take most of my pics with a DSLR and edit them on the mac. So loading them into my cloud photo folder is a nice thing. When I used an android phone I actually never bothered loading photos onto it.

Without the benefits the mac gives the iPhone though, that exact vertical integration, the iPhone is a lot less interesting to me.

I think you have that backwards.

Other than for video (which any laptop with a MiniDP as its main video out will need)

It's only Apple that makes you use those Adapters. My monitor has a display port input. From my 2012 mac mini, it's just a simple miniDP cable. And my PC with a GTX 970 and 4k screen also uses display port which the card and monitor both support natively

Any "Dongles" you would need(why don't you call them what they really are: Adapters. Oh, I know: Because that doesn't sound as pejorative, right?) are specifically because your peripherals either:

1. Have "captive" cables, so you can't just swap the cable to one with a USB-C on the "computer" end.

2. Have a truly "legacy" interface, such as FireWire, where an Adapter has been de riguere for quite some time.

Those cables are $10-15 bucks each. For what? And you think it's that unusual to have a pile of USB3 flash drives in 2017? Aside from the fact that USB 3 has been available for years and USB C is brand new, USB C is 10 times the price and offers zero performance advantage (at least so far).

Why invest a fortune in Apple's latest attempt to own the accessory market. Thunderbolt flopped, Firewire flopped, ADB flopped. Maybe this time will work out for Apple, maybe it won't, but either way, why pour money into it now?

In other words, other than with some video peripherals (where again, Adapters are largely accepted), the only time Adapters are Required with the 2016 MBP is when the peripheral is "old tech". The Computer has already moved-on.

Old tech, huh? 95% of the stuff sold at best buy/new egg/staples/frys/etc is not USB C. In 2017, USB is a fringe obscure connector that Apple is telling its suckers to buy into. Time will tell if USB C takes over, but in 2017 only a fool will invest in it.

The computer has most certainly not moved on. This USB-C only nonsense from Apple is just Apple's attempt to force their new port to succeed unlike every other time they've tried with when the computers also had standard port.

I have no desire to cling to the past, but the present is USB 3, not USB-C.

As far as Mag-Safe, I am more in your corner; but I honestly believe that is a temporary situation, and Apple will be bringing it back.

People already say Timmy runs Apple like a chicken with its head cut off. Discontinuing Apple branded monitors and already rumours they're coming back. Every product category is a mess of random models and no sense to the products. To delete mag safe on the MB and MBP to bring it back a year later will make him look even more a fool. I doubt Apple will do it for that reason alone.

 

[flat five]

I have no desire to cling to the past, but the present is USB 3, not USB-C.

huh? this makes no sense.
are you sure you know what USB-C is?

 

[Dave245]

I think some people on here are forgetting that Tim specifically said the NEW MacBook Pro's meaning the ones announced in October

"We had great Mac results during the quarter. Revenue grew 14 percent to a new March quarter record, and we gained market share thanks to strong demand for our new MacBook Pros."

Whether some people on here like it or not it seems that the new MacBook Pro's are a hit.
Let's not forget that the people on this forum are not representative of the overall market, I've seen people's comments and even spoke to people in my own circle who own the new MacBook Pro's, everyone of them love the new machines. I think figures and perceptions can get misrepresented on these types of forums because people only really post threads when they have issues or see negative press, but even on this forum I have seen some positive posts about the new MacBook Pro's. The new MacBook Pro's are a hit, my only wish is that Apple bring the Touch Bar to the iMac.