What if Apple does not release a new MBP at WWDC in June?

[FrozenDarkness]

I think the bigger question for me is when they're doing the facelift?

Terrace batteries
Better keyboards
Touch-id without forcing you to use a touchbar

those are the things i'm looking for.

 

[lec0rsaire]

First, MacOS is only supported on Apple's specified hardware configurations. So with a Hackintosh you are taking on the role of a maintainer of a unsupported version of MacOS.

This can mean you dealing with a lot of configuration of the system because of your specific hardware. And things like automated updates can kill your system, until you fix config files and drivers, and deal with all of the special issues of running MacOS on your "foreign" hardware.

Exactly. A Hackintosh is really only a good solution for those who don’t mind having a stable config and keeping it that way. If you’re the type of person who always wants to be on the latest version of an OS it’s just too much hassle to deal with. A similar situation to that jail breakers face. Keep the JB or have the latest firmware with all of the new features, security and bug fixes. Since Apple has used x86-64 for such a long time now, there’s more compatible hardware than ever but it’s still more an enthusiast project and probably not the best solution for those who cannot take a risk that something will stop working.

 

[PhilMacbook]

From the delayed shipping times it seems that the only MBPs getting a refresh are the 13” base non-TB models. At least for now. Perhaps the replacement for the MBA will be announced as well. I don’t see them selling such an old design without a Retina display for much longer.
[doublepost=1527439494][/doublepost]

The touchbar MBPs are the design for this gen. Take it or leave it. They are not going to ditch the touch bar. You can always buy a 13” without it but they are not as powerful as the TB models and only have two TB3 ports. The current design isn’t even 2 years old. Why don’t you buy one, try it for two full weeks and then decide whether you want to keep it or not? You really have nothing to lose.
[doublepost=1527440509][/doublepost]

Thank Brexit for that. I’m sure Apple increased prices across the board to correct for the weak pound in 2016. Now the pound is back to normal but the “corrected” prices are here to stay.

I think you are right about the design. I would consider a 13" non-TB MBP but it won't have TouchId which I really want. My hope for the next gen is they do a version with TouchID or FaceID and no Touchbar.

I haven't got the free time to buy one, migrate all of my data and try it out for 2 weeks. I am hoping Apple will bring out something so compelling I just buy it for keeps.

As for Brexit, it's probably best we don't discuss that one. I thank Brexit for a lot of things and am looking forward to March 2019 and beyond. To keep on topic I do appreciate your Mac advice. Let's hope Apple blow it out of the water in June.

 

[hajime]

I’m laughing at all those waiting fan boys. I needed a new one, so guess what? I bought a new one!! Almost maxed out 15” an I’m loving it. Every day the pleasure of a fast, beautiful new machine.
What is the purpose of waiting and moaning about it? If you don’t need it, don’t buy. If you do need, well needs must, isn’t it?

Maybe we like the pain of suffering.
[doublepost=1527443744][/doublepost]

I think the bigger question for me is when they're doing the facelift?

Terrace batteries
Better keyboards
Touch-id without forcing you to use a touchbar

those are the things i'm looking for.

I guess when TC thinks that these things can bring him more profits?
[doublepost=1527444297][/doublepost]

From the delayed shipping times it seems that the only MBPs getting a refresh are the 13” base non-TB models. At least for now. Perhaps the replacement for the MBA will be announced as well. I don’t see them selling such an old design without a Retina display for much longer.
[doublepost=1527439494][/doublepost]

The touchbar MBPs are the design for this gen. Take it or leave it. They are not going to ditch the touch bar. You can always buy a 13” without it but they are not as powerful as the TB models and only have two TB3 ports. The current design isn’t even 2 years old. Why don’t you buy one, try it for two full weeks and then decide whether you want to keep it or not? You really have nothing to lose.
[doublepost=1527440509][/doublepost]

Thank Brexit for that. I’m sure Apple increased prices across the board to correct for the weak pound in 2016. Now the pound is back to normal but the “corrected” prices are here to stay.

Is it possible for a user to open a MBP and remove the connection cable to the touch bar to save battery life? I don't like the TB. Together with the keyboard, they made the MBP like a toy.

 

[maflynn]

I needed a new one, so guess what? I bought a new one!!

Without question, if there is an immediate need, you should go out and buy one, however given the high price of these laptops, the conventional wisdom of waiting, is on point. I mean we're talking about waiting a week to see what if anything apple does. By waiting, you may get a laptop that has better components for the same amount of money then what you paid for right now.

 

[PhilMacbook]

I admit that, probably like a lot of people, I don't need a new a new MBP. I don't need a new machine but I want a new one. I want Apple to launch something special enough that I want to get one immediately.

I don't think there is anything wrong with that. That feeling propelled iPod, iMac, iPhone and Macbook sales in the past. Apple not launching products like that doesn't seem to be hurting their profitability or share price so great for them. I am not an Apple hater or Tim Cook hater. Maybe they just don't cater for what I want anymore and that is fine. They have a company to run.

Purely as a consumer I hope they launch a special MBP in June but they may well not.

 

[thadoggfather]

Without question, if there is an immediate need, you should go out and buy one, however given the high price of these laptops, the conventional wisdom of waiting, is on point. I mean we're talking about waiting a week to see what if anything apple does. By waiting, you may get a laptop that has better components for the same amount of money then what you paid for right now.

Plus if they’re clearing out old models with a price drop you can get a price adjustment within the return policy

 

[hajime]

Plus if they’re clearing out old models with a price drop you can get a price adjustment within the return policy

Never heard of it. I always buy the best and the latest but this time I may change buying habit. How does it work?

 

[maflynn]

I don't need a new a new MBP

My 2012 machine still is able to do much of what I throw at it. I think we (consumers in general) don't really need a brand new laptop but we want one. I'll admit want is part of my desire to get a newer laptop.

 

[hajime]

My 2012 machine still is able to do much of what I throw at it. I think we (consumers in general) don't really need a brand new laptop but we want one. I'll admit want is part of my desire to get a newer laptop.

The earliest MBP that can drive 4K display is 2011. Mine is one year older :-(

I think using a 2010 laptop is one cause of depression. Anybody else has similar feeling?

 

[Jarrodbcall]

Without question, if there is an immediate need, you should go out and buy one, however given the high price of these laptops, the conventional wisdom of waiting, is on point. I mean we're talking about waiting a week to see what if anything apple does. By waiting, you may get a laptop that has better components for the same amount of money then what you paid for right now.

I’m torn because I am seeing some good Memorial Day sales (1000 for a refurbished 2017 256 non tb, which is plenty of computer for me), but I am not sure if the potential announcement will create even better deals or not.

 

[hajime]

I’m torn because I am seeing some good Memorial Day sales (1000 for a refurbished 2017 256 non tb, which is plenty of computer for me), but I am not sure if the potential announcement will create even better deals or not.

Me too. I see some good sales. Apple is keeping the wheel from spinning. If they don't release anything descent at WWDC, I will be very very angry with them.

 

[Queen6]

I mostly agree, I never found a backup solution that was as easy as TM or Carbon Copy Cloner. With my windows machines, I try very hard to use cloud storage and this helps tremendously. I agree with windows update prior to win10, but since I've been on win10, I've never had an issue, I can set the reboot time and stop the update - YMMV

I agree that for the most part with OS X, it just works, and that's one major reason why I'm still leaning towards the MBP even though I'm not sure I'm wanting spend the money personally.

It's built directly into Windows 10 - Settings - Backup - look for Backup and Restore Windows 7, follow the links to create a system image. You can image the partitions, drives, multiple drives, entire multi drive systems, it has never once failed for me to restore a system. This by far the easiest and fastest solution from the Desktop to being backed up in 5 clicks...

If you want something similar to Time Machine opt for the MS File History, although I personally opt for system images. OneDrive now also protects user data against Ransomware and W10 itself locks folder and now memory against such attacks, equally requires some understanding, due to the immense catalogue of software available for Windows.

Same as the Windows Update it's user controllable. My favourite when people proport to be experts yet loose work through a W10 update When I'm in the field for a heavy engineering project it's normally between 4-6 and my W10 system never reboot unless I choose so.

After over 20 years with the Mac I can safely say that W10 is now a good OS, however one needs to be prepared to do some homework and Microsoft's OS is solid, stable and performant.

Q-6

 

[hajime]

It's built directly into Windows 10 - Settings - Backup - look for Backup and Restore Windows 7, follow the links to create a system image. You can image the partitions, drives, multiple drives, entire multi drive systems, it has never once failed for me to restore a system. This by far the easiest and fastest solution from the Desktop to being backed up in 5 clicks...

If you want something similar to Time Machine opt for the MS File History, although I personally opt for system images. OneDrive now also protects user data against Ransomware and W10 itself locks folder and now memory against such attacks, equally requires some understanding, due to the immense catalogue of software available for Windows.

Same as the Windows Update it's user controllable. My favourite when people proport to be experts yet loose work through a W10 update When I'm in the field for a heavy engineering project it's normally between 4-6 and my W10 system never reboot unless I choose so.

After over 20 years with the Mac I can safely say that W10 is now a good OS, however one needs to be prepared to do some homework and Microsoft's OS is solid, stable and performant.

Q-6

What to do when upgrading components or changing to a new laptop computer? Is there an easy way?

 

[Closingracer]

If you have a 2014, 2015, keep waiting.
If you have a 2011 to 2013, buy the 2017 now and stick with it for a while.
If you have the 2016, 2017 enjoy what you have.

Bestbuy currently has a good deal saving up to $350 on MacBooks. If you're a student you get a bit more off as well if I remember.

 

[Queen6]

I found the iPad PRO to be an excellent device for pdf annotations. I have tried some 2 in 1 laptops in Microsoft Store. The pens are not as good as Apple Pencil. Also, when folding those Windows laptops to turn them into tablet, I found it difficult to hold them as my fingers touched the keys.

The iPad alone cannot be used to get all of my jobs done. I am in STEM. I need a real computer.
[doublepost=1527423989][/doublepost]

I have not used Windows 10. For those who have used Mac for awhile and switched to Windows 10, what are the pros and cons using Windows laptops? I use Windows 7 sometimes for CAD and simulations work. It seems to be OK except that:

1) I cannot find an easy and reliable way to backup the entire machine. One time I used Norton Ghost but I was not able the recover the system in case of emergency. On the Mac, it is very simple to back up the entire system including files and system settings using SuperDuper, TimeMachine or CCC. For Windows partition, I can just use Winclone to back up first and then one of the three just mentioned program to back up the image to an external drive.

2) Moving to a new machine with new hardware is very easy. Just use TimeMachine and Mac OS does the rest of the job. With Windows, I don't know of an efficient way to do it.

3) Windows updates in the middle of important work. Lost some work. Really annoying. Sometimes after one update, I had to perform a series of subsequent updates. On the Mac, it is just a one-time update until the next version comes out few months later.

4) On the Mac, it is easy to generate pdf files or change file type by just changing the file extension.

5) At least before MBP 2015 and Windows 10, Mac users had no issue connecting the MBP to public projectors for presentations while it was not uncommon to see Windows users had all sorts of issues including connections and video playback.

6) I heard that scaling of UI and fonts in 4K displays under Windows is horrible while Mac OS does it nicely.

7) Easy to share files between the MBP and iOS devices.

8) As mentioned before, at least before TC took over, excellent after-sales services if you have Apple Care. Not sure about Windows laptops manufacturers.

9) MBP had excellent keyboard and long battery life. Not anymore.

10) I had a peace of mind buying Apple products knowing that big brother Steve was always behind Apple products to make things right. How about Apple under the current management? The only things in TC's mind seem to be just profits at all cost and his fetishism towards ultra-thin laptops at the cost of removing useful features and performance.

I have not used Windows 10. For those who have used Mac for awhile and switched to Windows 10, what are the pros and cons using Windows laptops?

What I suggest is posting a new thread here asking directly about the Windows 10 experience, Mod's will likely more the post to a more appropriate place. A lot of us here are OS agnostic, equally some are dead set against Microsoft and such interference is not useful, especially coming from those that are clearly not familiar with the OS.

Personally I'm happy to help, equally not interested in "flame wars" with those that are fixated by Apple. Your backup question is answered in #163. To stop Windows auto rebooting change the network connection to Metered, this will effectively put all updates (OS, Office, Store) on manual, barring absolute critical updates.

I move "everything" professional to Windows 10 and have had zero issue, it's not for everyone, however the OS is secure, stable & performant, equally aesthetically it lacks, nor is it perfect by any means.

Q-6

 

[Closingracer]

WWDC is going to be interesting. Apple doesn’t like talking about their product roadmaps but I think that they’re going to need to this year:

For those needing a MBP:

• will we get a processor upgrade but the same keyboard?
• Will the keyboards be redesigned in a later model?
• When do machines that support 32GB turn up?
• What’s going to happen when ARM Macs appear?

For those that need light productively machines ie a MB or Air?

• What’s happening to the current MB 12? Intel doesn’t seem to be that interested in its Y processors too much?
• Is the rumoured 13 MB/Air true?
• Again, what happens when ARM turns up?

Until we get clarification from Apple, 2018 seems like a year when the buying advice seems to be:

‘Don’t buy a new machine unless you absolutely have to’.

You will get a processor upgrade with no Keyboard redesign people want.... You might get it built "better" but thats it
no 32GB RAM yet
ARM Macs is a no go for most people unless you're using it for safari. I recently sold my gaming laptop and even with MacOS limitations an ARM Mac would be a no go for me specially for gaming. The 15 inch 2017 model with the 560 and 16GB of RAM plays the games I usually play natively in MacOS fine which is why I sold my gaming laptop ( The sims 4 and WoW mostly if I play games at all)
[doublepost=1527475889][/doublepost]

What I suggest is posting a new thread here asking directly about the Windows 10 experience, Mod's will likely more the post to a more appropriate place. A lot of us here are OS agnostic, equally some are dead set against Microsoft and such interference is not useful, especially coming from those that are clearly not familiar with the OS.

Personally I'm happy to help, equally not interested in "flame wars" with those that are fixated by Apple. Your backup question is answered. To stop Windows auto rebooting change the network connection to Metered, this will effectively put all updates (OS, Office, Store) on manual, barring absolute critical updates.

I move "everything" professional to Windows 10 and have had zero issue, it's not for everyone, however the OS is secure, stable & performant, equally aesthetically it lacks, nor is it perfect by any means.

Q-6

Eh TBH Windows is just superior in terms of getting stuff done specially for professionals considering the irony of MacBook pros name. Sure some stuff is better on MacOS for "pros" but overall you can get an almost as good experience if not better overall if you just look purely at getting stuff done. Windows does have an issue since the start in performing correctly with screens over 1080P and TBH even saying all this I prefer MacOS over Windows for everyday use because I find Safari to be better then Edge ( which I like and use on my phone) since I don't particularly like Chrome ( even from an Android user ) and Firefox is just meh. As far as MacBook pros goes it is just now a fancy fashion statement and you can just tell its the path their going with the Pro's and the Touch Bar.

 

[Queen6]

What to do when upgrading components or changing to a new laptop computer? Is there an easy way?

All working data is in the "Cloud" so will automatically sync. With a new computer, I first remove the App's I don't want, install my own App's, let the Cloud sync and get to work.

Biggest most time consuming facet is replicating settings, I simply run through everything with the old and new system. MS will now replicate a lot of system settings automatically (if logged in with MS account). Personally I never migrate, far preferring to set up a computer from new as it avoids carrying across any issue from the previous system. Takes me longer to set up W10, however Microsoft's OS has a lot more settings and nuances to consider, equally once set up in general I never need to revisit.

Changing component's, never had an issue, admittedly I exclusively use notebooks, typically adding RAM and or storage has just worked without any challenge from MS.

Q-6

 

[hajime]

You will get a processor upgrade with no Keyboard redesign people want.... You might get it built "better" but thats it
no 32GB RAM yet
ARM Macs is a no go for most people unless you're using it for safari. I recently sold my gaming laptop and even with MacOS limitations an ARM Mac would be a no go for me specially for gaming. The 15 inch 2017 model with the 560 and 16GB of RAM plays the games I usually play natively in MacOS fine which is why I sold my gaming laptop ( The sims 4 and WoW mostly if I play games at all)
[doublepost=1527475889][/doublepost]



Eh TBH Windows is just superior in terms of getting stuff done specially for professionals considering the irony of MacBook pros name. Sure some stuff is better on MacOS for "pros" but overall you can get an almost as good experience if not better overall if you just look purely at getting stuff done. Windows does have an issue since the start in performing correctly with screens over 1080P and TBH even saying all this I prefer MacOS over Windows for everyday use because I find Safari to be better then Edge ( which I like and use on my phone) since I don't particularly like Chrome ( even from an Android user ) and Firefox is just meh. As far as MacBook pros goes it is just now a fancy fashion statement and you can just tell its the path their going with the Pro's and the Touch Bar.

What is TBH?

 

[Closingracer]

What is TBH?

Lol..... I was going to do a LMGT but ill be nice. To Be honest. Don't know you don't know that and on the internet .

 

[Papanate]

I have waited for 2.5 years already. All work are behind as my current MBP 2010 is dying (e.g. fan sounds like a vacuum clearer even immediately after a fresh restart and sometimes crazy lags as I type). I need to think what to do if Apple does not release a new MBP with improved keyboard in June. What do you plan to do if you need to replace your machine but Apple will not release it at WWDC this year?

On my old 2011 MacBook Pro I was getting the jet fan nonsense. A quick Google turned up
SMC Fan Control which works a treat. No more out of control fans - MBP runs fine.

But if you are in a mission critical state - what the h**l are you waiting for?
Nothing like letting your MBP die to spite Apple

 

[Queen6]

As far as MacBook pros goes it is just now a fancy fashion statement and you can just tell its the path their going with the Pro's and the Touch Bar.

Disappointingly so, a major factor in switching as the MBP and macOS was holding me back. I don't love the aesthetic, equally the computing experience is simply superior as it's blisteringly fast, fluid, stable, presents zero issue.

As I've stated never seen fewer on the platform. All I know, work and collaborate with don't want or appreciate the current fashionable toys, way too much compromise. This year I'm looking at stepping up to a i9 notebook with Intel Optane, while Apple continue to limit it's "Pro" notebook to 16Gb RAM & 2 Tb storage then again it's thin & light with an "amazingly" unreliable keyboard

Apple keep pissing off your professional customers, please. Totally looking forward to more excuses of "why Apple can't do" after WWDC After all Phil is such an entertaining guy

Q-6

 

[hajime]

On my old 2011 MacBook Pro I was getting the jet fan nonsense. A quick Google turned up
SMC Fan Control which works a treat. No more out of control fans - MBP runs fine.

But if you are in a mission critical state - what the h**l are you waiting for?
Nothing like letting your MBP die to spite Apple

I grew up with Apple but certainly I don't want to go down with it.
[doublepost=1527479488][/doublepost]

Disappointingly so, a major factor in switching as the MBP and macOS was holding me back. I don't love the aesthetic, equally the computing experience is simply superior as it's blisteringly fast, fluid, stable, presents zero issue.

As I've stated never seen fewer on the platform. All I know, work and collaborate with don't want or appreciate the current fashionable toys, way too much compromise. This year I'm looking at stepping up to a i9 notebook with Intel Optane, while Apple continue to limit it's "Pro" notebook to 16Gb RAM & 2 Tb storage then again it's thin & light with an "amazingly" unreliable keyboard

Apple keep pissing off your professional customers, please. Totally looking forward to more excuses of "why Apple can't do" after WWDC After all Phil is such an entertaining guy

Q-6

MBPs are now catered as expensive toys for rich high school and undergraduate students and perhaps also grandmom who care more about forms and prestigious of owning Apple products than functions. Don't see any professionalism in the 2017 models. Which laptop do you recommend?

 

[alecgold]

Maybe we like the pain of suffering.

That seems like a good reason, sorry I’ve interrupted you, please go on.

Without question, if there is an immediate need, you should go out and buy one, however given the high price of these laptops, the conventional wisdom of waiting, is on point. I mean we're talking about waiting a week to see what if anything apple does. By waiting, you may get a laptop that has better components for the same amount of money then what you paid for right now.

Yeah, but it hasn’t been just a week. Or a month. It’s been going on since June 2017. There is a sticky thread with well over 5000 posts about waiting for the 2018 model. I repeat: since June 2017!!! And that is not counting the dozens of other threads about it.
And if there was something very special/new/different to be expected, oke. I have been known to have a few weeks of the waiting frenzy myself.
But as far as we know it will be almost the same, with perhaps a bit better/faster chipset.

 

[Queen6]

I grew up with Apple but certainly I don't want to go down with it.
[doublepost=1527479488][/doublepost]


MBPs are now catered as expensive toys for rich high school and undergraduate students and perhaps also grandmom who care more about forms and prestigious of owning Apple products than functions. Don't see any professionalism in the 2017 models. Which laptop do you recommend?

Impossible to say. I had an inadvertent conversation which pointed me to the gaming industry. I'm now on my second "gaming" notebook utilised for my professional needs. In the field it generates more revenue than it's cost on a daily basis Such notebooks are designed to be performant, my primary totally delivers, no throttling, no dongles, no excuses, it crushes everything

Sure some concern regarding the aesthetic, equally in my experience no one employs you for a owning "cool" looking notebook Quite the inverse as one needs to deliver first and foremost. You want 3K SSD R&W install one, want multiple SSD's install them, want multiple drives no problem up to a colossal 14Tb, want OC GPU it's standard, want OC CPU it's an option. It's scalable, fast and quiet.

Next I'm looking at yet another W10 notebook with i9 and Intel Optane at $3.5K equally a worthy investment. In the meantime I'm confident "Phil" will still be making ever more pathetic excuses why Apple "just cant" but we value professionals, it's a joke...Seriously So.

Q-6