Waiting for the 2018 MBP

[hajime]

CTO configs that a few days ago showed 9 July delivery now show 13 July. Seems to be a rolling 2 week delivery timeframe.

Might mean something, might not. It’s not unusual to have longer delays in CTO appear, only to go back to normal a short time later.

But fingers crossed for a July update

Thanks for the update. After carrying my MBP 2010 (3kg) + adapter + other stuffs, I feel pain in my shoulder.
[doublepost=1530296991][/doublepost]Assuming that Apple releases MBP 2018 in July without saying anything about the keyboard, is it better to wait for a few weeks to see if there is any issue or just go ahead and buy it?

Even they are willing to repair for free for 4 years, I don't want a laptop with that faulty keyboard as I plan to keep the computer for more than 4 years.

 

[RandomDSdevel]

So I had a weird dream last night that Microsoft, of all companies, somehow inexplicably managed to convince Apple that they had a Mac laptop that they'd built to swoop in and satisfy unquenched market demand internally as an experiment using either the 'ModBook' or the Mackintosh route to go about doing that…and Apple actually licensed macOS to them and let them sell it. The kicker? The result my subconscious mind imagined Microsoft came up with was…a detachable 2-in-1 laptop/tablet convertible, which we all know has an infinitesimal chance of ever being even remotely probable. (Besides that, though, I think the device had all of the features people here are yearning for, IIRC: a 17-inch variant; an amazing keyboard without the function keys lobotomized out; all the ports one could ever possibly need or want available for customization to order, including legacy ones; a higher-resolution and higher–refresh-rate display; a better FaceTime camera; the works. Funny how that turns out sometimes, eh?)

 

[borgranta]

anyway, it's an amazing machine and I'm ready for my next rMBP!

Apple could make a good profit by introducing and selling a dongle hub.

 

[Dcuellar]

Are those 2017 15" models still out of stock in most parts of the USA?

It’s been the same for me for the past two weeks. Availability in less than 2 weeks unless configured. About 2-3 weeks for that.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Apple could make a good profit by introducing and selling a dongle hub.

Good observation. But Apple’s much more interested in creating a thriving ecosystem around USB-C and Thunderbolt than making a few extra bucks by selling their own hub.

Similarly their Made for iPhone licensing program. Sure, Apple could keep Lightning accessories proprietary and make billions extra. But their interests are better served having dozens of manufacturers making a wide variety of accessories.

Same with HomeKit. And Apple stores give them a great opportunity to endorse and promote products that work great with IOS and macOS hardware.

But Apple trolls will whine and moan about how Apple removes ports just to squeeze their customers for extra money selling them new cables and adapters

 

[Cardino]

Apple could update the 13” first, but are the relevant CPUs even available from Intel yet?

Intel launched 8259u/8269u/8559u with iris plus iGPU on April 3.

 

[maflynn]

Are those 2017 15" models still out of stock in most parts of the USA?

I'm seeing the stock configurations as being available.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Intel launched 8259u/8269u/8559u with iris plus iGPU on April 3.

Yes and Intel makes the new chips available to the OEMS way before the official launch.

 

[fastasleep]

Ever considered not everyone lives in the US, a point worth considering...

Q-6

Are there no Apple resellers in other countries?
[doublepost=1530320404][/doublepost]

Take a look at this screenshot from MacRumors own buyers guide:

View attachment 768290
Having negative comments on the Macs does not necessarily mean: 'having an agenda'. According to that logic and the buyers guide most MacRumors members must have an agenda. Did it occur to you that there might be actually a slither of truth in all that negativity?
Also, the general sentiment in this thread (and other threads on MacRumors about Macs) does not seem to be very positive lately.
Apple needs to be careful if even on Apple biased sites people are getting disgruntled

The buyer's guide is primarily based on average release cycles, not product quality.

The iMac, MacBook, and MacBook Pro are just over their average refresh cycle and hardly far overdue. I suspect we see solid refreshes on all three this fall. The iMac Pro is only 197 days in. The Pro we know is coming next year. That only leaves the mini as a question mark, but I have a feeling we find out what the answer is this fall as well.
[doublepost=1530320571][/doublepost]

now total disregard towards the Mac

And others see that as complete hysterical hyperbole, when it's clear they're putting a ton of effort into the Mac. Most of the lineup will most likely see a refresh in a couple months. Mojave shows they're still firing away with macOS. YES, there have been stumbles along the way but it's ridiculous to assert there is literally "total disregard".
[doublepost=1530321125][/doublepost]

Apple could make a good profit by introducing and selling a dongle hub.

Not really. There are a dozen quality TB3 hubs out there already with various combinations of ports, and I doubt they're a high-margin item at $200-300. Definitely not in the smaller USB-C hub arena where there are literally hundreds of products for tens of dollars scattered all over Amazon.

 

[Mr. Dee]

There's a limit to how thin laptops can get without needing more and more compromises as space diminishes. Fewer ports, diminished key travel / less-reliable keyboard, no upgradable components, poorer cooling, worse battery life.

The 2016 MacBook Pro has more compromises for thinness than any prior generation.

But don't you think once ARM enters the picture it will make some of what I am suggesting possible? When you think about whats now packaged into an iPhone X, not to mention display, camera, sensors, battery; I'm sure, something as thin or a little thinner than todays MacBook retina with little compromise. I wouldn't call ARM a compromise, considering when the PowerBook G4 came out in 2001, it was seen as absurdly thin with a PowerPC processor.

I think one of the biggest benefits of the ARM transition will be the removal of fans (on some, maybe not all) MBP and extended battery life. I am sure once Apple starts targeting their A series at professional products, thermal concerns will arise. But it should definitely help them move to new generation of thinner designed products that are powerful enough for professional users.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Intel launched 8259u/8269u/8559u with iris plus iGPU on April 3.

Announced yes, but shipping in volume?

Yes and Intel makes the new chips available to the OEMS way before the official launch.

May have been true in the past but if it were the case with the latest CPUs Intel announced in April there would probably be availability of computers using them. I haven’t done any research myself, but quoting from a post above:

I would like to point out that here in Germany at least (but I guess in most of EU markets) the vast majority of ultrabooks alternatives to the MBP have been unveiled months ago at the CES, Barcelona MWC, Cebit etc. but still have to be officially distributed, and the dates are sliding later and later: in the last 2 weeks I've been researching for a potential MBP Windows alternative and... well they're late as well with the 8th Gen Intel CPUs.

Dell XPS 15: delivery in 1-2 weeks starting from July at least
Asus Zenbook Pro: delivery starting from July or even August, according to the webshop
HP Elitebook : every 8th Gen. CPU model is not available in warehouse, call hotline to know more
Huawei Matebook X Pro: no news at all about distribution

re:Lenovo I’ve read they were supposed to be shipping the P52 by the end of June.

 

[hajime]

Announced yes, but shipping in volume?


May have been true in the past but if it were the case with the latest CPUs Intel announced in April there would probably be availability of computers using them. I haven’t done any research myself, but quoting from a post above:



re:Lenovo I’ve read they were supposed to be shipping the P52 by the end of June.

Yes but for strange reason, there is no customize options.

 

[Queen6]

Are there no Apple resellers in other countries?

Yes, equally any discount is very far and few between.

And others see that as complete hysterical hyperbole, when it's clear they're putting a ton of effort into the Mac. Most of the lineup will most likely see a refresh in a couple months. Mojave shows they're still firing away with macOS. YES, there have been stumbles along the way but it's ridiculous to assert there is literally "total disregard".

Are they? More to the point when is Apple going to get it right? Just maybe if Apple's focus was usability and performance, not thinner for the sake of it, right now it's a loosing battle with compromise after compromise, followed by excuse after excuse. My computers need to pay their way, not just look nice sitting on the table, and that's the crux of the matter...

Q-6

 

[Cardino]

Announced yes, but shipping in volume?


May have been true in the past but if it were the case with the latest CPUs Intel announced in April there would probably be availability of computers using them. I haven’t done any research myself, but quoting from a post above:



re:Lenovo I’ve read they were supposed to be shipping the P52 by the end of June.

There are many laptops with 8750h/8950hk on the market in China since late April.

https://search.jd.com/Search?keyword=8750h&enc=utf-8&wq=8750h&pvid=c75df63afda84df1bc0ff835d1856a0a

 

[Queen6]

There are many laptops with 8750h/8950hk on the market in China since late April.

https://search.jd.com/Search?keyword=8750h&enc=utf-8&wq=8750h&pvid=c75df63afda84df1bc0ff835d1856a0a

I travel internationally frequently and see the Intel hex core and AMD octa core notebooks across multiple countries.

Maybe Apple should develop a nice carry case for the iMac to have a fighting chance Next on my list is a full AMD notebook with Ryzen 7 2700 & Radeon RX Vega 56, meanwhile Apple can focus on watchstraps and emojis, clearly enhancing our professional computing experience...

Q-6

 

[Naimfan]

The CPU is not far off a 12 core Mac Pro 5,1 . . .

 

[Queen6]

The CPU is not far off a 12 core Mac Pro 5,1 . . .

Exactly, Apple has become little more than a "joke" in some professional circles, quite rightly deserving all the ridicule it gets...

Intel's i9 8950HK can easily push past 1300CB, AMD's Ryzen 7 2700 will pass 1500CB, as for Apple break out the iMac's... i7 8750H, GTX 1070, 32Gb DDR4 RAM @ 2666, Fast M.2 NVMe SSD + SATA 2.5" drive bay, 17.3" 144Hz IPS, performs like a desktop, only you can drop it in your bag and pick your destination

Q-6

 

[PickUrPoison]

There are many laptops with 8750h/8950hk on the market in China since late April.

https://search.jd.com/Search?keyword=8750h&enc=utf-8&wq=8750h&pvid=c75df63afda84df1bc0ff835d1856a0a

Lenovo looks like they’re shipping some base configurations in the US now, in stock according to the website.
[doublepost=1530333100][/doublepost]

Yes but for strange reason, there is no customize options.

According to a Reddit post today the customized configs should be orderable in about 2 weeks.

 

[SteveJUAE]

This is one reason why I keep coming back to Apple. I too have experienced above average support, numerous times

This is very much YMMV

Whist never having to use any OEM support, on my youngest who finally gave up on his MBP15 2013 wanted a Dell

The first one was problematic and after 3 months several home calls by Dell they decided to replace the laptop by giving a full refund and an additional $350 voucher, which allowed us to upgrade to a newer spec

The 2nd one lasted about 15 months and yet again Dell tried several repairs at home to no avail and gave us a full refund including the previous $350 in cash/credit card refund

Although we would of preferred no issues the bottom line is Dell support excelled any possible offering from Apple ie The repairs were done at home within 48 hours and we got a full no quibble refund each time

I agree on average Apple support is second to none but I cannot knock Dell for how our issues were resolved. Apple convivence may work better in US but there is often not a local store in many countries and I feel for those with MBP KB issues that just get a replacement that can equally be faulty

My youngest is now on a MS SP4 whist he decides which way to go if Apple comes out with a good 2018/19 spec or opt for a desktop

 

[MBX]

I wonder if Apple really thinks the Touchbar is the future. What are the chances they backtrack somewhat and include a 15' no-Touchbar version later this year?

Just because it seems the majority of users didn't like the TB. And I'd love nothing more than a 15' nTB version with high-end specs that are same as TB version.

 

[TheralSadurns]

Exactly, Apple has become little more than a "joke" in some professional circles, quite rightly deserving all the ridicule it gets...

Intel's i9 8950HK can easily push past 1300CB, AMD's Ryzen 7 2700 will pass 1500CB, as for Apple break out the iMac's... i7 8750H, GTX 1070, 32Gb DDR4 RAM @ 2666, Fast M.2 NVMe SSD + SATA 2.5" drive bay, 17.3" 144Hz IPS, performs like a desktop, only you can drop it in your bag and pick your destination

Q-6

It's funny. But yesterday I was talking to some random guy. He's part of or himself running a DTP agency. Where they use InDesign, Photoshop etc.. I just had to help him remotely to set up our company's software on his machines.
But here is where it gets interesting. He was a regular guy. Yes he knows his Adobe stuff... other than that he was NOT a super tech-enthusiast like most people here in this threat. And boy... he was pissed off at Apple. I didn't even trigger the conversation. Nor guide it along.
Basically he wanted me to install the software on TWO machines. In case one of the iMacs breaks again. How they are getting way way to hot. How Apple puts form over function (he was lamenting the heat dissipation, and the loss of the ODD) because literally NO ONE asked for a slightly thinner iMac. He went on... how they ruined the MacPro. And that they still have some from 2006 until 2010... and how awesome these were... and built like tanks. But how he had heard Apple wants to build basically these again.

I gave him a fair warning... that no one really knew whether we'll REALLY get another cheese grater... as Apple was very cryptic... and was more like "it'll be modular". Which can mean anything.
The getting pissed REALLY spreads...

 

[PickUrPoison]

It's funny. But yesterday I was talking to some random guy. He's part of or himself running a DTP agency. Where they use InDesign, Photoshop etc.. I just had to help him remotely to set up our company's software on his machines.
But here is where it gets interesting. He was a regular guy. Yes he knows his Adobe stuff... other than that he was NOT a super tech-enthusiast like most people here in this threat. And boy... he was pissed off at Apple. I didn't even trigger the conversation. Nor guide it along.
Basically he wanted me to install the software on TWO machines. In case one of the iMacs breaks again. How they are getting way way to hot. How Apple puts form over function (he was lamenting the heat dissipation, and the loss of the ODD) because literally NO ONE asked for a slightly thinner iMac. He went on... how they ruined the MacPro. And that they still have some from 2006 until 2010... and how awesome these were... and built like tanks. But how he had heard Apple wants to build basically these again.

I gave him a fair warning... that no one really knew whether we'll REALLY get another cheese grater... as Apple was very cryptic... and was more like "it'll be modular". Which can mean anything.
The getting pissed REALLY spreads...

While it’s amazing that 10-12 yr old machines are still usable, this random guy’s DTP agency could easily be spending 5 to 10 times as much in lost productivity as he would if he bought new machines for his people to replace the old equipment.

For $150/month, he could have a Mac Pro or iMac Pro that gets replaced every three years. After tax, at least in the US, that’s about $100/month. Maybe 1 or 2 billable hours. I’m sure the increased productivity would save them much more than 15-30 minutes a week. $100 is in the noise when you’re paying the person using the machine $3,000-$5,000 a month or more.

Successful businesses are run like... a business. Good people deserve good equipment. Once you understand productivity, return on investment and especially total cost of ownership, you’ll likely never have a Mac older than 3 years, nor buy one without AppleCare, ever again.

Analyze your requirements, look at the alternatives and invest accordingly. If that’s Windows or Linux, awesome. If it’s Mac, great. Buy the hardware and software that enable your people to do the best job and be the most productive they can be. Most of your expenses are fixed, but revenue can often be increased with relatively little investment, if the money is spent in the right places.

 

[Dave245]

I wonder if Apple really thinks the Touchbar is the future. What are the chances they backtrack somewhat and include a 15' no-Touchbar version later this year?

Just because it seems the majority of users didn't like the TB. And I'd love nothing more than a 15' nTB version with high-end specs that are same as TB version.

I don’t think they will backtrack at all, they have a plan for the Touch Bar not a lot was mentioned about it at WWDC but it did get some features during the keynote later in the week

https://insights.dice.com/2018/06/07/wwdc-2018-macbook-touch-bar-lurking/

What I didn’t think about but is a good point (from the article I read) is that with Apple bringing IOS apps to the Mac the Touch Bar might make even more sense.

“Marzipan’ apps coming next year will have tooling to allow developers access to the Touch Bar so they can place buttons and other items. It’s sensible; even an app like Apple News could benefit from Touch Bar widgets for favoriting topics or saving articles.

As we absorb the implications of WWDC 2018, it’s entirely possible that the Touch Bar was simply announced too soon. Heading into 2019, Touch Bar may prove itself indispensable for many of those cross-platform apps that are coming our way.”

 

[stevemiller]

While it’s amazing that 10-12 yr old machines are still usable, this random guy’s DTP agency could easily be spending 5 to 10 times as much in lost productivity as he would if he bought new machines for his people to replace the old equipment.

For $150/month, he could have a Mac Pro or iMac Pro that gets replaced every three years. After tax, at least in the US, that’s about $100/month. Maybe 1 or 2 billable hours. I’m sure the increased productivity would save them much more than 15-30 minutes a week. $100 is in the noise when you’re paying the person using the machine $3,000-$5,000 a month or more.

Successful businesses are run like... a business. Good people deserve good equipment. Once you understand productivity, return on investment and especially total cost of ownership, you’ll likely never have a Mac older than 3 years, nor buy one without AppleCare, ever again.

Analyze your requirements, look at the alternatives and invest accordingly. If that Windows or Linux, awesome. If it’s Mac, great. Buy the hardware and software that enable your people to do the best job and be the most productive they can be. Most of your expenses are fixed, but revenue can often be increased with relatively little investment, if the money is spent in the right places.

I agree but only to a point. I think the broader argument being made, however, is that most people do want to upgrade with a certain degree of regularity and Apple’s offerings in that area are disappointing.

I mean, your statement of “you’ll never have a Mac older than 3 years” is kinda funny after suggesting he buy a Mac Pro, which in fact cannot be newer than 5 year old tech.

I have a 2013 mbp, coming up on 5 years itself and would love a more powerful update. I’ve closely watched the releases over the last few years, and the performance differences in the new machines have been rather miniscule, and certainly not worth the inflating prices to cover the costs of touchbars.

I also have a 1 year old windows desktop at my disposal, decked out with processor ram and graphics. It’s definitely necessary for UE4 development work, but I still do the lions share of my content creation on my “old” MacBook Pro. When you factor in windows pc troubleshooting, my ergonomic preferences and portability, I know for a fact I am more productive on the laptop, and the relative age of the components in the two machine are the least of my concerns in many tasks.

Anyway, my point is than sure newer is better all things being equal, but the reality is that many situations have more nuance, and blanket statements like “oh you’ll always be better off just buying the newest whatever” has its own pitfalls. I can tell you this, I’ve not lost a moments productivity to keyboard issues, let alone a day or more’s turnaround for getting it repaired offsite... just sayin.

 

[PLin]

Intel launched 8259u/8269u/8559u with iris plus iGPU on April 3.

I can’t find a single PC notebook that has these U-series CPUs. I doubt Apple will be able to release new MacBook Pros with these chips until we at least see a few PCs trickle into the market.