Why did they do this to the tbMBP?

[n8236]

I have my theories, but what are your theories on why Apple didn't include (1) the extension AC power cable and (2) at least an USB-C <> USB adapter?

The extension cable does make carrying the tbMBP around a bit more bulky, but it's not like the MBP line is a featherweight to begin with.

I think it's a large oversight to not even package a USB-C <> USB adapter if you're going to introduce a new port standard.

I can't imagine removing these two items from their non-competitively priced machines would really break their bank. Sure, they're out to make profit, but that's not the only dimension to consider.

 

[thesaint024]

Had a long back and forth about this with a couple of users. Needless to say, there was a lot of "$$$$" comments and squeezing every last cent from us talk. It could be true, but knowing the Apple we do, they don't nickel and dime for profit. As most premium priced products don't enhance their brand that way. My guess is it's oversight on the dongle thing, as well as being able to use the eco friendly card by not including an adapter that not everyone would use, myself included (too big for my tastes, and honestly so cheap for smaller ones). The extension is probably cost savings with eco justification again, betting that most people don't use it regularly, again myself included. I have the same plug from my 09 sitting in the same socket for years, and I've used it maybe 10 times. The battery has been good enough that I didn't really need it in the second location I had it plugged in. I use a dock currently that powers my MBP, so I have my brick packed up for travel only. I wouldn't use the extension now.

I can see that this may not be everyone's set up, so maybe many still need it. I didn't, and I don't really mind paying the $20 if I did. Cost savings probably, but I don't mind them cutting things out that are not universally used. Don't need more garbage out there. If 90% of people used the extension, then that's probably enough to warrant including one. I wonder what that number is, but I doubt it's close to that. Everyone WILL initially use a usb-c to a adapter though. But again, those are really cheap and I don't like Apple's one. All speculation of course since I don't work for Apple.

 

[tubeexperience]

Apple needs some extra $$$

 

[raqball]

It was not an oversight.. If it were then Apple could easily remedy by including it from here on out and / our by offering a free adapter to all who purchased. Simply bring in receipt and get one...

Apple IS nickel and diming here. Look at the recent packaging for devices like the iPhone 7. The headphones use to come in a nice case and now they are just haphazardly tossed in the box wrapped around cheap a** cardboard....

Meh, Apple is without a doubt penny pinching..

 

[goobot]

Tim Cook's apple is not about user experience but $$$$.

 

[leman]

It makes sense to reduce the size/weight if the package, but I am also very disappointed by the choice not to include the Longer cable. I would be fine with it being an extra (after all, not everyone needs it), but then it should be cheaper. Right now, getting the power supply+cables is noticeably more expensive.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It was not an oversight.. If it were then Apple could easily remedy by including it from here on out and / our by offering a free adapter to all who purchased. Simply bring in receipt and get one...

Apple IS nickel and diming here. Look at the recent packaging for devices like the iPhone 7. The headphones use to come in a nice case and now they are just haphazardly tossed in the box wrapped around cheap a** cardboard....

Meh, Apple is without a doubt penny pinching..

It's more than penny pinching over 100,000's of units and probably why magsafe went and haven't those little cable wrap wings gone from the power bricks too ?

There probably many more subtle ones that are not so visible (eg gluing) and soldering memory to logic board which can be automated in production etc

All OEM's do this to shave costs down but agreed there is a narrow line between premium and penny pinching and Apple seem to have caught up now

 

[seeforyourself]

It is absolutely ludicrous how my iPhone 7 came with a aux adaptor ($1000), as oppose to my 15" 2.9ghz/1tb/Radeon460 ($4000 after AppleCare) did not come with ANY adaptors.

Like seriously?! Most people use an USB 3.0 with a MacBook Pro than a person using other earphones with an iPhone.

And the fact that they can't afford to provide an adaptor or a freaking charging extension cord like they used to with the previous generations is beyond me. Luckily I still have my 2014 2.8ghz 15" that I gave to my mom and it's always docked, so she never used it (they fit thankfully). How much does it cost Apple to provide an adaptor to us? Not even 3 bucks?

This laptop already has proven to me to be unreliable, I'm on my 3rd replacement soon to be going on my 4th. They all have came with issues within the 14 days of purchase. Sucks because the high-end one is always in limited stock and sold out.

NEVER would expect these many conflicts from such an high end company. Once again, it's truly inexcusable for the company to not provide any type of adaptors whatsoever.

This issue with the company is contemplating me to just return the product as oppose to swapping it out for ANOTHER.

Hope people that are considering of purchasing this product sees my post and how infuriating it is.

P.S please excuse my grammar. It's 7am and I went to sleep at 2am.

 

[posguy99]

and haven't those little cable wrap wings gone from the power bricks too ?

Well, the flip-out wings were idiotic, so it's just as well that they're gone. People who whine about the strain relief on the magsafe cable and yet use those to pull the cable as tight as they can...

 

[GCMD]

Don't have a problem with the adapters not being included...they are cheap.

The power extension should have been included. This is a Pro product and we should be able to use it as a Pro product out of the box. If you want to use something outside of the MBP? Yes, you should pay for it...but getting power to your computer should be included...

And extensions are necessary.

 

[seeforyourself]

Don't have a problem with the adapters not being included...they are cheap.

The power extension should have been included. This is a Pro product and we should be able to use it as a Pro product out of the box. If you want to use something outside of the MBP? Yes, you should pay for it...but getting power to your computer should be included...

And extensions are necessary.

The point is that you are fishing out top dollar for a computer that should be compatible for professionals. They are trying to turn the MBPR into a MBA. It's a slap in the face to force us to purchase the adaptors. They made the TBMBPR so thin that they couldn't even make the battery last the 10 hours. I would rather have the same thickness as the last generation and have better battery PLUS USB 3.0 and hdmi connectors...

 

[n8236]

To say the adapter and extension cable is cheap to buy, so why include it - is besides the point.

From a consumer standpoint, purchasing a high-end product from a high-end brand, the devil is in the details. Had they included the extension cable and an adapter, the physiological value-add would surpass that of the price of the items themselves. It would have shown that Apple has thought about the current MBP-user landscape and the transition it makes over to USB-C.

I also understand that they have been targets of extreme treehuggers, so I applaud them for when they first reduced their eco friendliness. But as of recent, it's gone a bit far.

I would be flabbergasted if I spent 150k on a Ferrari and was asked to pay for all-season carpets.

Just minutes ago, I tripped over the power cable almost yanking my tbMBP too the ground. God damn it, why the Hell did they remove that for! UGH.

 

[philosopherdog]

I'm sure they know what they're doing. People complain about the price. So cutting the price without cutting the core device quality is the name of the game.

 

[GCMD]

The point is that you are fishing out top dollar for a computer that should be compatible for professionals. They are trying to turn the MBPR into a MBA. It's a slap in the face to force us to purchase the adaptors. They made the TBMBPR so thin that they couldn't even make the battery last the 10 hours. I would rather have the same thickness as the last generation and have better battery PLUS USB 3.0 and hdmi connectors...

The "Pro" part does NOT imply "all inclusive"...nor does it define how you use your computer.

USB C = freedom. You aren't tied to the specific ports included in the previous models...USB C will support them ALL.

If you are a PROfessional and you want to use this computer for PROfessional work, buying the adapters is a part of being a PROfessional. Only YOU know what you need for your workflow. Just because you are comfortable with what you had doesn't mean you have a RIGHT to demand it in the future.

If you use this computer for work, buy your own tools. If you're just complaining because you don't want to change, you have 2 options: CHANGE to a windows laptop or BUY YOUR OWN TOOLS.

Either way, it's simple. USB C isn't going anywhere...are you?

 

[thesaint024]

The point is that you are fishing out top dollar for a computer that should be compatible for professionals. They are trying to turn the MBPR into a MBA. It's a slap in the face to force us to purchase the adaptors. They made the TBMBPR so thin that they couldn't even make the battery last the 10 hours. I would rather have the same thickness as the last generation and have better battery PLUS USB 3.0 and hdmi connectors...

Please buy this: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/make-your-macbook-pro-again.2025524/
[doublepost=1483591134][/doublepost]

It is absolutely ludicrous how my iPhone 7 came with a aux adaptor ($1000), as oppose to my 15" 2.9ghz/1tb/Radeon460 ($4000 after AppleCare) did not come with ANY adaptors.

Like seriously?! Most people use an USB 3.0 with a MacBook Pro than a person using other earphones with an iPhone.

And the fact that they can't afford to provide an adaptor or a freaking charging extension cord like they used to with the previous generations is beyond me. Luckily I still have my 2014 2.8ghz 15" that I gave to my mom and it's always docked, so she never used it (they fit thankfully). How much does it cost Apple to provide an adaptor to us? Not even 3 bucks?

NEVER would expect these many conflicts from such an high end company. Once again, it's truly inexcusable for the company to not provide any type of adaptors whatsoever.

This issue with the company is contemplating me to just return the product as oppose to swapping it out for ANOTHER.

Hope people that are considering of purchasing this product sees my post and how infuriating it is.

Please return it, and never buy one again.

 

[GCMD]

To say the adapter and extension cable is cheap to buy, so why include it - is besides the point.

From a consumer standpoint, purchasing a high-end product from a high-end brand, the devil is in the details. Had they included the extension cable and an adapter, the physiological value-add would surpass that of the price of the items themselves. It would have shown that Apple has thought about the current MBP-user landscape and the transition it makes over to USB-C.

I also understand that they have been targets of extreme treehuggers, so I applaud them for when they first reduced their eco friendliness. But as of recent, it's gone a bit far.

I would be flabbergasted if I spent 150k on a Ferrari and was asked to pay for all-season carpets.

Just minutes ago, I tripped over the power cable almost yanking my tbMBP too the ground. God damn it, why the Hell did they remove that for! UGH.

The POWER extension? I agree and understand. That's INTEGRAL to using the MBP at all. It SHOULD be included.

Beyond that, it's on you. You have OPTIONS. You don't HAVE to buy Apple Cables, adapter or dongles. USB C products are NOT exorbitantly priced.

It's not like Apple is doing this to hurt you in some way...in fact, there are LOTS of deals on these computers that will save you MORE than enough to COMPLETELY compensate you for any dongle, cable, adapter or HUB you could buy!


I bought my 15" tbMBP 2.7GHz / 512GB / 455 at B&H for $2479 TOTAL...that's about $520 LESS than if I bought it at the Apple Store ($320 off + no $200 tax). I took some of that savings and picked up 3 cables and 1 adapter for less than $50!

There's no excuse. At some point, you have to just man up and accept that if you want to be an Early Adopter, you are going to have to roll with the punches. If not, hold on to what you've got and wait. No big.

And as for the Magsafe, here's a solution that costs $40...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/griffin-magnetic-power-cable/5450839.p?skuId=5450839

If that's too much coin as a solution, this laptop isn't in your end of the pool (financially) anyway...

 

[Naimfan]

Purely a financial decision.

Part of the reason there has been such a drive to make things thinner and lighter is to reduce shipping costs, which are significant. That's also part of the reason the iMac and Mac Pro were made anorexic (iMac) and as small as possible (Mac Pro). Talk to someone in logistics and you'll understand.

Not including the extension cord (or a USB-C to A adapter) also reduces the shipping cost, and provides an incidental opportunity for an accessory sale. While it's certainly true that accessories generally carry much higher margins than the main item, it's hard to believe Apple is trying to drive accessory sales at the risk of diluting the brand.

Without being privy to Apple's internal workings, I would lean toward the desire to reduce shipping costs and to maximize or maintain margin on the 2016 MBs as the main reasons.

 

[duervo]

It's not a big deal. I'm not convinced that Apple has gotten to the point where they feel they need to nickel and dime their customers ... yet. If they start charging for things like Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and/or charge extra to add a battery to your MacBook Pro order, etc. ... that would be nickel and diming to me.

 

[thesaint024]

Purely a financial decision.

Part of the reason there has been such a drive to make things thinner and lighter is to reduce shipping costs, which are significant. That's also part of the reason the iMac and Mac Pro were made anorexic (iMac) and as small as possible (Mac Pro). Talk to someone in logistics and you'll understand.

Not including the extension cord (or a USB-C to A adapter) also reduces the shipping cost, and provides an incidental opportunity for an accessory sale. While it's certainly true that accessories generally carry much higher margins than the main item, it's hard to believe Apple is trying to drive accessory sales at the risk of diluting the brand.

Without being privy to Apple's internal workings, I would lean toward the desire to reduce shipping costs and to maximize or maintain margin on the 2016 MBs as the main reasons.

Agree that Apple is in the business of making money, crazy right? But the thinner and lighter for logistics is probably not accurate. It takes tremendous effort in design and engineering to save ounces on these things. They did that to make the sexiest laptop out there (that they could sell at a premium price). Logistics savings is just a welcome byproduct of that. If they wanted to save logistics costs, they could just make everything out of plastic. They try to save weight like all manufacturers do, but they would never do it at the expense of having a "cheap" product. They will take cost savings wherever they can, but they won't kill brand equity to do it. This is more of a "who cares" vs. "let's make that extra $1". IMHO.

 

[Naimfan]

Agree that Apple is in the business of making money, crazy right? But the thinner and lighter for logistics is probably not accurate. It takes tremendous effort in design and engineering to save ounces on these things. They did that to make the sexiest laptop out there (that they could sell at a premium price). Logistics savings is just a welcome byproduct of that. If they wanted to save logistics costs, they could just make everything out of plastic. They try to save weight like all manufacturers do, but they would never do it at the expense of having a "cheap" product. They will take cost savings wherever they can, but they won't kill brand equity to do it. This is more of a "who cares" vs. "let's make that extra $1". IMHO.

As you generally seem a reasonable fellow, I will simply say your understanding of how much logistics drives all of business does not match your enthusiasm for Apple.

 

[Freyqq]

I have my theories, but what are your theories on why Apple didn't include (1) the extension AC power cable and (2) at least an USB-C <> USB adapter?

The extension cable does make carrying the tbMBP around a bit more bulky, but it's not like the MBP line is a featherweight to begin with.

I think it's a large oversight to not even package a USB-C <> USB adapter if you're going to introduce a new port standard.

I can't imagine removing these two items from their non-competitively priced machines would really break their bank. Sure, they're out to make profit, but that's not the only dimension to consider.

For #1, the removal of the magsafe means that a shorter cable is less likely to cause someone to knock into it and drop the MBP on the floor.

For #2, Apple wants to promote USB C. If there's an adapter in the box, then there's no reason for peripheral makers to switch to USB C since every mac user has an adapter by default.

 

[AdonisSMU]

The "Pro" part does NOT imply "all inclusive"...nor does it define how you use your computer.

USB C = freedom. You aren't tied to the specific ports included in the previous models...USB C will support them ALL.

If you are a PROfessional and you want to use this computer for PROfessional work, buying the adapters is a part of being a PROfessional. Only YOU know what you need for your workflow. Just because you are comfortable with what you had doesn't mean you have a RIGHT to demand it in the future.

If you use this computer for work, buy your own tools. If you're just complaining because you don't want to change, you have 2 options: CHANGE to a windows laptop or BUY YOUR OWN TOOLS.

Either way, it's simple. USB C isn't going anywhere...are you?

Real talk.

 

[thesaint024]

As you generally seem a reasonable fellow, I will simply say your understanding of how much logistics drives all of business does not match your enthusiasm for Apple.

Thank you! I sincerely do appreciate recognition for reasonable sanity on MR. (again, not a smartass remark). However, I am surprised to hear that you doubt my background and level of logistics and general business knowledge in consumer products. Second time this card has been pulled on me incorrectly, wtf? I've actually been in the ugly inner workings of logistics cost savings, to the ounce, to the penny. It's crazy how far companies will go to squeeze logistics savings. But there is a limit, and logistics is not THE driving force behind most decisions at tech companies when major design decisions like usb-c and butterfly keyboards are logically more critical then doing everything to save about $2 or $3 per $2000 computer. They're taking much bigger risks with the tech. They don't do that for $2 or $3 in cost savings. It is a welcome byproduct like I said, and I agree that this thinking applies at most companies.

 

[CaptRB]

Are people really consumed with an extension cord and a 3 dollar USB adapter? I mean...who cares???

My new 13" tMBP is better than my other machines and I'm shocked that I got so much for the small price increase. I think I'll recover from the extra outlay for the few adapters.

Seriously???



R.

 

[Ries]

The "Pro" part does NOT imply "all inclusive"...nor does it define how you use your computer.

USB C = freedom. You aren't tied to the specific ports included in the previous models...USB C will support them ALL.

If you are a PROfessional and you want to use this computer for PROfessional work, buying the adapters is a part of being a PROfessional. Only YOU know what you need for your workflow. Just because you are comfortable with what you had doesn't mean you have a RIGHT to demand it in the future.

If you use this computer for work, buy your own tools. If you're just complaining because you don't want to change, you have 2 options: CHANGE to a windows laptop or BUY YOUR OWN TOOLS.

Either way, it's simple. USB C isn't going anywhere...are you?

Being professional means not buying crap, not making crap and reconizing crap. Buying adapters has nothing to do with it. Being professional means reconizing that having USB-C doesn't exclude a USB-A and SD-card reader in anyway, the dongle solution is crap.