What’s on your mind?

[Apple fanboy]

I wish you a speedy recovery, but I am howling at your bolded-italicized. 😘My body feels like the Temple of Doom after last year, but right now, the only doom part is that, yes, my arthritic wrists have told me once and for all, "No babe, you are not a laptop person no matter how hard you try."

My wrists ache terribly using not only the trackpad, but the built in keyboard (the angles just do not work for me). When I went back to using the external keyboard upstairs the pain subsided, soooo....MBP goes back to Apple on Monday morning. The waiting game will start again, for Macs anyway.

I am confident that Apple will continue to fix/improve upon other Macs in 2020 - giving the customer more value for the dollar and better built machines. So I will wait on the iMacs and/or Mac Mini and use my current limping iMac and the iPad Air.

So it's not the Mac, it's me.

I would recommend this 16" MBP to everyone who can use laptops. I was pretty impressed by the cooling system when I was resetting the machine tonight (Holy hell the steps to factory restore have changed!), anyway, the bottom of the laptop was very hot while restoring the machine, but I never heard the fans and it cooled back down in under a minute.

Not looking forward to using laptops at work, but I've been told I will keep my existing keyboard, mouse and displays, so if that's the case I'll have to manage.

What else is on my mind, trying to learn Google docs and then my coworker who suggested it effectively said, "Screw it, use Word instead."

I can’t use laptops due to my neck. My work MacBook Air is connected to a pair of 27” Apple Thunderbolt screens. Wouldn’t be my choice but it’s the only way I can daisychain them together.
At home I connect it to my BenQ SW271 and make do with the laptop screen as a secondary one. But if I’m working that way for long my neck regrets it.

I’m curious as to the BT and WiFi issues you said about the Mini. I think you’d be surprised if you tried one.

 

[kazmac]

Why not simply set the MBP up as a desktop replacement, with external keyboard, mouse and monitor? I do that now, have done it since 2015, actually, and it works out very well for me. That is, I haven't gotten around to getting the external monitor yet but the MBP's monitor works pretty well, too, as I have the computer on a stand so that the screen is at the right eye level for me. The main reason for currently considering an external monitor is for the larger screen real estate, which will come in particularly handy as I post-process and edit images that I've shot with my new camera, which has a much higher resolution than any I've used previously.

It really would be a shame to return that nice MBP, especially since it apparently is meeting your needs in most ways..... Just get an external Magic Keyboard to match that Space Grey/Black mouse and you're in business! I don't like trackpads, so I don't bother with the one on my MBP. A while back I tried the external trackpad but didn't like it, either. I just don't feel that I have as much control and ability to be precise with one of those.

There are ways around the situation you've encountered, it just requires thinking in a different direction. Your wrists and hands will thank you, and you'll still get to enjoy the benefits of that nice new 16" MBP!

I appreciate the thoughts.

I thought about all of this the past few days, but if I go all in with the display and external keyboard, l'd rather have a desktop Mac. It's fine.

I actually spoke to an Apple tech person who also has rheumatoid arthritis and could completely relate. After years of realizing this physical barrier with any laptop, I am just annoyed I did not go with a desktop to begin with.

@Apple fanboy - I have been thinking about this as I doubt the Mini will get an overhaul next year, but with the eGPU, it would be more $. May this be my biggest "problem". Here is a link to the bluetooth issues thread. I am sorry you have neck issues too.

At least I know I'll stick with Apple, so there is no stress in that decision.

Thank you both.

Someone will inherit this awesome machine so there is that too.

 

[S.B.G]

well, I still go on IRC at times... I miss the old pre-social media internet.

I still use IRC as well. Here is my active window screen right now. I too, miss the pre-social media Internet, nay, the pre-social media world.

 

[0388631]

I never quite liked HexChat when I tried it out a few years ago. I was always a fan of mIRC... I'll have to take a look at HexChat again. The last time I tried it was in 2016.

 

[Expos of 1969]

I wish you a speedy recovery, but I am howling at your bolded-italicized. 😘My body feels like the Temple of Doom after last year, but right now, the only doom part is that, yes, my arthritic wrists have told me once and for all, "No babe, you are not a laptop person no matter how hard you try."

My wrists ache terribly using not only the trackpad, but the built in keyboard (the angles just do not work for me). When I went back to using the external keyboard upstairs the pain subsided, soooo....MBP goes back to Apple on Monday morning. The waiting game will start again, for Macs anyway.

I am confident that Apple will continue to fix/improve upon other Macs in 2020 - giving the customer more value for the dollar and better built machines. So I will wait on the iMacs and/or Mac Mini and use my current limping iMac and the iPad Air.

So it's not the Mac, it's me.

I would recommend this 16" MBP to everyone who can use laptops. I was pretty impressed by the cooling system when I was resetting the machine tonight (Holy hell the steps to factory restore have changed!), anyway, the bottom of the laptop was very hot while restoring the machine, but I never heard the fans and it cooled back down in under a minute.

Not looking forward to using laptops at work, but I've been told I will keep my existing keyboard, mouse and displays, so if that's the case I'll have to manage.

What else is on my mind, trying to learn Google docs and then my coworker who suggested it effectively said, "Screw it, use Word instead."

Just when you / we thought the saga was over The positive to this is that you now have confirmed that laptops are not for you and your search field has been narrowed to desktops.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Commiserations, @kazmac on the arthritis issues - that is a real downer an must be very frustrating to have to live with - and I am sorry to learn that the 16" MBP is not for you.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[kazmac]

The drama is over and I am grateful all roads led here.

In the end, it’s all good. I was meant to go through this to truly cement my decision not to jump ship. I think the arthritis was another reason why I was struggling, as only PC laptops were appealing to me. And I learned I am a desktop/tablet gal.

The mildly annoying thing is I really thought the keyboard design of the 16” would be different for my wrists.

In the meantime, I will capitulate with the iPad Pro, and trade that in when the new models come out. So I’ll have that and ride this aging iMac on fumes. Mom will inherit this new iPad Air 3 that is lighter and has more storage . She likes the Air too. We’re having touch issues with the 2018 iPad, and I do not want mom to be frustrated with an iPad especially while she’s recovering.

I am grateful to have the means to do this. I am thrilled that we benefit from this hiccup too. Also super glad that Apple are beginning to right the wrongs I was so frustrated with.

Now debating if I should just deal with the crowds and do this today after our grocery delivery. The trains are wonky, but it’s doable.

As Obi-Wan Kenobi once said, “Another happy landing.” 🙃😉🙃

 

[D.T.]

My wrists ache terribly using not only the trackpad, but the built in keyboard (the angles just do not work for me). When I went back to using the external keyboard upstairs the pain subsided, soooo....MBP goes back to Apple on Monday morning. The waiting game will start again, for Macs anyway.

I am confident that Apple will continue to fix/improve upon other Macs in 2020 - giving the customer more value for the dollar and better built machines. So I will wait on the iMacs and/or Mac Mini and use my current limping iMac and the iPad Air.

So it's not the Mac, it's me.

Why not simply set the MBP up as a desktop replacement, with external keyboard, mouse and monitor?

My thoughts as well (including the edited content).

@kazmac

Here's the thing:

With the MBP as-a-desktop, you have: a fairly small device, powerful CPU, fast storage, a solid dGPU, and a built-in battery backup Plus, something a desktop can't provide, the option to go mobile, even if it's just for small periods of time.

As you know, I switched over to a Mini, but this machine "class" from Apple, almost assuredly, is never going to receive a dGPU (discrete), and always rely on integrated graphics, meaning anything reasonably graphics intensive is going to need an external GPU (eGPU). Now you're back up to the price of a notebook.

The iMac would easily match/exceed the GPU performance OOTB (in the same price range), but again, of course, it's never mobile (and I personally do_not_like AIO machines, I want to source my own display/displays).

Figure I'd toss this up as some additional food-for-thought / agreement with @Clix Pix

 

[S.B.G]

@kazmac I echo what the others are suggesting. Turn your laptop into a desktop with the option to go mobile when you need it.

Get an Apple wireless/wired keyboard, a mouse and an external monitor. You can also get cool laptop stands to get it out of the way and not take up a lot of space either.

 

[D.T.]

@kazmac I echo what the others are suggesting. Turn your laptop into a desktop with the option to go mobile when you need it.

Get an Apple wireless/wired keyboard, a mouse and an external monitor. You can also get cool laptop stands to get it out of the way and not take up a lot of space either.

Yeah, I used a nice little aluminum stand, ~$20 from Amazon that held my MBP closed vertically, which was excellent for space savings (and I think even resulted in a touch of temp decrease - FWIW, later I stuck a fan on the side of the stand, totally hidden).

Another nice solution that my wife is currently using: a horizontal stand that positions the MBP such that the internal display works great as a secondary display to compliment a large external display(s). It also lets you slide a KB part way under it, so you can move the smaller display closer. We're using an Amazon branded one, it's about 1/2 the price of something like a Rain Stand __and__ the angle is adjustable!

Also, if you write/type a lot, and aren't happy with the products from Apple, there are some amazing 3rd party keyboards, fully Mac compatible (all special keys, layout, AV controls). I like mechanical switches, a full sized inverted T, a keypad, so I'm using a glorious, Das Keyboard Pro 4 Mac, with Cherry MX brown switches (audible, but not ear shattering), that's built like a tank, has a USB 3.0 hub w/ 2 ports and this nicely design, huge volume dial.

 

[S.B.G]

Yeah, I used a nice little aluminum stand, ~$20 from Amazon that held my MBP closed vertically, which was excellent for space savings (and I think even resulted in a touch of temp decrease - FWIW, later I stuck a fan on the side of the stand, totally hidden).

Another nice solution that my wife is currently using: a horizontal stand that positions the MBP such that the internal display works great as a secondary display to compliment a large external display(s). It also lets you slide a KB part way under it, so you can move the smaller display closer. We're using an Amazon branded one, it's about 1/2 the price of something like a Rain Stand __and__ the angle is adjustable!

Also, if you write/type a lot, and aren't happy with the products from Apple, there are some amazing 3rd party keyboards, fully Mac compatible (all special keys, layout, AV controls). I like mechanical switches, a full sized inverted T, a keypad, so I'm using a glorious, Das Keyboard Pro 4 Mac, with Cherry MX brown switches (audible, but not ear shattering), that's built like a tank, has a USB 3.0 hub w/ 2 ports and this nicely design, huge volume dial.

I bought one of those Twelve South BookArc's a long time ago for my 2012 MBP which I no longer have. But I repurposed it to hold up my cable modem and allow air flow between it and the firewall and DNS/DHCP server. Works great! The Mac mini here is the 2014 model running Debian Linux which also runs my Pi-hole and serves DHCP and DNS to my network. The Netgate 3100 is my firewall (pfSense) and intrusion detection system (Suricata).

The BookArc was just collecting dust until I realized I could use it to space these devices apart.

I too have a mechanical keyboard and love it. It's a CoolerMaster tenless keyboard with the Cherry MX Brown switches as well. Great keyboard.

 

[D.T.]

I bought one of those Twelve South BookArc's a long time ago for my 2012 MBP which I no longer have. But I repurposed it to hold up my cable modem and allow air flow between it and the firewall and DNS/DHCP server. Works great! The Mac mini here is the 2014 model running Debian Linux which also runs my Pi-hole and serves DHCP and DNS to my network. The Netgate 3100 is my firewall (pfSense) and intrusion detection system (Suricata).

The BookArc was just collecting dust until I realized I could use it to space these devices apart.

I too have a mechanical keyboard and love it. It's a CoolerMaster tenless keyboard with the Cherry MX Brown switches as well. Great keyboard.

Hahaha, we totally think alike, now that the vertical stand isn't in use, I've been trying it on all sort of other devices, my Mini on its side, Schiit stuff sitting on top, hahaha, I love repurposing stuff

 

[kazmac]

Thanks everyone, 🤗😘🤗

Going with my plan (en route to Apple now to return)...I had two laptop stands including one that positions the laptop at eye level, not in the cards for me.

Truly appreciate everyone's support and suggestions. And patience. You are all wonderful and am I glad these set ups work for you. Very cool.

If the iMac dies before the 2020 release, I'll consider my options then. To me, this is the least stressful path, as I am more comfortable with desktops anyway.

Appreciate it.

🎵"Some day... my Mac will come!"🎵

For me, I have at least be able to use the build in keyboard for me to keep. I am not giving up on Macs, just adjusting my plans.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Thanks everyone, 🤗😘🤗

Going with my plan (en route to Apple now to return)...I had two laptop stands including one that positions the laptop at eye level, not in the cards for me.

Truly appreciate everyone's support and suggestions. And patience. You are all wonderful and am I glad these set ups work for you. Very cool.

If the iMac dies before the 2020 release, I'll consider my options then. To me, this is the least stressful path, as I am more comfortable with desktops anyway.

Appreciate it.

🎵"Some day... my Mac will come!"🎵

For me, I have at least be able to use the build in keyboard for me to keep. I am not giving up on Macs, just adjusting my plans.

Sorry that the 16" MBP didn't work out for you, - but you know what you need, and what works best for you - but I did read with considerable interest the excellent suggestions made by both @D.T. and @SandboxGeneral.

Best of luck with whatever you do decide to do for your computing needs.

 

[chown33]

It's still in active use today and I'm browsing some pages in another window right now.

I like different things.

View attachment 878732

For the full experience, you need to use a dialup modem.

Optional: a C64 connected to a CRT.

 

[S.B.G]

For the full experience, you need to use a dialup modem.

Optional: a C64 connected to a CRT.

I'm going to have to settle for less than the full experience. Dial-up wasn't an experience from the past I enjoyed. Plus, then I'd have to buy a phone line and service again... no thanks.

 

[yaxomoxay]

I still use IRC as well. Here is my active window screen right now. I too, miss the pre-social media Internet, nay, the pre-social media world.

View attachment 878771

I love this!!!
Any server and # recommendation??

(if you can get the book “Surfing the internet”, it’s a 1990’s novel about an IRC user Light reading but it will bring many memories up)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm going to have to settle for less than the full experience. Dial-up wasn't an experience from the past I enjoyed. Plus, then I'd have to buy a phone line and service again... no thanks.

No, dial-up wasn't remotely fun, I must admit.

My memories of dial-up are redolent with echoes resounding with profound frustration...

 

[Clix Pix]

I remember my first experiences with dialup at work, and shortly after we set up dumb terminals there I began taking a class in using digital databases. A friend lent me her TI "Luggable," which I set up on the kitchen table at home and plugged into the nearby wall socket and made sure that the phone receiver from our wall phone would reach from the wall to the coupler on the "luggable," connecting me via the 12-baud modem. Yep, it did. OK. I turned the machine on and got everything running and then put the phone receiver into the coupler and dialed up the necessary numbers and info in order to get online and be connected to the databases we were using in my class. I stared in fascinated delight as the now-familiar text began appearing and said in wonderment to my husband, "I've got the whole world on our kitchen table!"

 

[Clix Pix]

My decision to use an MBP as a desktop replacement came about back in late 2015 when I was still using an iMac and rather impatiently waiting for Apple to announce the 21.5 with retina screen. When the announcement finally came, I was disappointed in the options available and started thinking about other ideas, such as a 15" MBP. I already had the 13" 2015 MBP and loved the thing to death; with its SSD in there, it was running circles around my 2012 iMac.

To make a long story short, after thinking about it all for a while and weighing the pros and cons, the pricing, etc., etc., and experimenting with the 13" MBP and a laptop stand plus an extra keyboard and mouse I already had and finding that it worked nicely, I went ahead and sprang for the 2015 15" MBP, which was already available at the Apple store with exactly the features and functionality that I wanted. In addition the MBP had the advantage of mobility and portability -- I was getting to the point where I knew it would be difficult to wrestle another iMac around, even the 21.5 size; impossible for me to handle a 27" one, so that was out of consideration altogether. I figured I'd get an external monitor to pair with the MBP, but as time went on I never really felt the need to do that since the 15" screen was fine for most of what I did -- reading text and such; I had kind of slowed down with photography and wasn't doing much shooting or editing.

I was so happy with this setup that when the time came, in December of 2018 I bought a new 15" 2018 MBP and set her on the Twelve South stand. I appreciated the portability of the 2015 15" MBP when I had to take her in to the Apple store's Genius Bar twice -- once for the battery recall issue and then again for the infamous "stagnate" issue. I know that if I had any sort of problem with an iMac that it would really be difficult for me to take it to the Genius Bar. I had to do that once with the 2012 iMac and that was a royal pain all the way around.

Now that I've gotten back into photography and editing with more intensity (which will increase as I shoot more and more with my new gear) I know it's time to get that external monitor! The LG that they have at the Apple store will plug right into one of my MBP's Thunderbolt 3 ports and that'll be that! I don't plan to put the computer into clamshell mode, as I'm a little concerned about heat issues. I'll rearrange the desk in such a way that I can utilize the MBP's display as a second screen, which will be useful.

 

[S.B.G]

I love this!!!
Any server and # recommendation??

(if you can get the book “Surfing the internet”, it’s a 1990’s novel about an IRC user Light reading but it will bring many memories up)

Well, the #macrumors channel is on the krono server. But sadly, it's a ghost-town in there.

Then you have the freenode server which is the largest and most popular one still going. I'm on a few Linux channels there as well as an audio enthusiast channel.

You can go to the https://webchat.freenode.net/ website and you don't even need a password to get started. Just make up a name, do the Captcha thing and then on the next page go to the channels tab and put in the search box any keyword topic you're interested in to see if there is a related channel.

There is a search box on https://netsplit.de/networks/krono.net/ too.

Then you can use an IRC client of your choice, or use their webchat too. Hexchat seems to be one of the most popular and easy to use clients.

Looks like Hexchat has a server channel search function built in too.

Edit: Actually, looking closer at the https://netsplit.de/ website, that is a site that lists servers and channels and allows you to search terms to find channels on all listed servers. Pretty cool.

 

[D.T.]

Well, the #macrumors channel is on the krono server. But sadly, it's a ghost-town in there.

We should coordinate some kind of hangout time, get a bunch of MR "regulars" in there! It'll be like the 90s again!

 

[S.B.G]

We should coordinate some kind of hangout time, get a bunch of MR "regulars" in there! It'll be like the 90s again!

I'm almost always logged into my IRC when I'm at home and #macrumors is set to autojoin in my Hexchat. Get logged in and say hi.

Oh, and since the #macrumors IRC is not an official MacRumors property, there are no pesky mods or rules to worry about.

There are 11 people logged in right now.

 

[D.T.]

Ha! I'm there now

 

[kazmac]

Excellent suggestions all the way around. 💕reading those informative posts by @D.T. @SandboxGeneral @Clix Pix ❤

I standby my glowing recommendation of the 16" MBP. If you're a laptop person, it's gangbusters.

The return was a snap, also took the unopened 1st gen pencil back. I went with my plan.

Anyway, I hope everyone is well.