Why did they do this to the tbMBP?

[ixxx69]

I have to think they completely underestimated the blowback on dongles and thought they could save themselves money.

I'm not saying it was pure greed, but rather misreading the temperament of their customers. The slashing of the price of the dongles by apple is evidence they felt the heat and responded in a small way.

I disagree. I think Apple completely underestimated the blowback of MacRumor forum users, who happen to be some of the least representative users in Apple's target market.

Apple discounting the dongles had ZERO to do with thinking they made a mistake, and 100% to do with thinking they could show that it wasn't about these idiotic conspiracy theories. Posters here continue to go on and on about the "money" when all you have to do is some simple math to show how nonsensical people are being about this. Let's say they sell 10 MILLION 2016 MBP's over the course of the next year, representing at least a $15 BILLION in revenue and at least $5 BILLION in profit. And let's say every single one of those users bought an Apple branded adapter (they didn't of course) @ $20 a pop. And let's say they're making 100% profit on those (they're not of course, but let's just say). So, Apple, which has over a HUNDRED BILLION dollars in the bank, and rakes in TENS of BILLIONS in profit every year, is going to jeopardize their flagship Mac to "make" $200 million on adapters. And I just gave an impossibly generous example. In reality, it's probably more like a quarter of that.

Or... maybe some of these posters will join reality and realize that Apple outsources almost all of those dongles to other suppliers because it's literally not worth their time, and they only keep that stuff around to guarantee a supply of quality adapters that anyone can walk into an Apple store and purchase... if they really want to. The reason Apple charges so much for those adapters is because they don't want to be in the dongle business... they're fine with the majority of their customers buying an adapter on Amazon for a third the cost. And if customers do want an Apple branded adapter, well they need to make it worth Apple's effort.

I've been directly involved in a lot of MacBook (MB, MBP, Air) purchases for other people, and I've literally had to explain to almost every single one of them how the extension cord works and what the purpose is of it, and half of them still didn't get it, and stuffed the whole extension cord, still attached to the power supply, into their travel bag.

I'd guess 90% of posters here (who aren't just here to ask a support question) represent 10% of the market. The other 90% of the Apple's market (including MBP's) has no freaking idea what any of you people are talking about.

The 90% has no idea what Kaby Lake is, have no idea what a Thunderbolt port does, have no idea what whether they have USB2, USB3, or USB3.1 Type C. They have no idea how much RAM they have, what CPU they have or it's speed, or even how to find out. They have little idea what AMD and Nvidia are, and though they might know it has something to do with "graphics", they probably don't know which is in their computer (or that they don't have either and are using Intel iGPU).

What percentage of Mac users know what version of macOS/OS X they're using? Maybe 50%? That's actually probably rather generous.

I'm one of the first to say that Apple has been disappointing a small but very influential core base for a while now, and I think that's really going to bite them... but that opinion is not based on the 2016 MBP.

I've been the "computer guy" for family, friends and office workplace for 30 years now - what I read here is not at all representative of "real life". It's so far from reality, that it's completely pointless to even post because everyone here in their bubble is going to continue to stay in their bubble and keep spouting the same nonsense day after day after day.

Thi$ i$ Tim Cook$ new Apple...

It'$ funny because the people $aying buy cheap adapter$ will be the 1$t to jump down $omeone$ throat if they buy a cheap one off Amazon that does not work. Their slam will then be that the u$er should have purcha$ed authentic cable$ direct from Apple...

Next up, Apple will charge extra for the box............ The 2017 MacBook ProAir will come in a ziplock baggie but you will be able purchase a box from Apple or get a 3rd party one cheaper off Amazon. LOL

Defender$ will $ay it'$ the be$t ziplock baggie ever made!

i.e., see this guy.

 

[CaptRB]

I disagree. I think Apple completely underestimated the blowback of MacRumor forum users, who happen to be some of the least representative users in Apple's target market.

Apple discounting the dongles had ZERO to do with thinking they made a mistake, and 100% to do with thinking they could show that it wasn't about these idiotic conspiracy theories. Posters here continue to go on and on about the "money" when all you have to do is some simple math to show how nonsensical people are being about this. Let's say they sell 10 MILLION 2016 MBP's over the course of the next year, representing at least a $15 BILLION in revenue and at least $5 BILLION in profit. And let's say every single one of those users bought an Apple branded adapter (they didn't of course) @ $20 a pop. And let's say they're making 100% profit on those (they're not of course, but let's just say). So, Apple, which has over a HUNDRED BILLION dollars in the bank, and rakes in TENS of BILLIONS in profit every year, is going to jeopardize their flagship Mac to "make" $200 million on adapters. And I just gave an impossibly generous example. In reality, it's probably more like a quarter of that.

Or... maybe some of these posters will join reality and realize that Apple outsources almost all of those dongles to other suppliers because it's literally not worth their time, and they only keep that stuff around to guarantee a supply of quality adapters that anyone can walk into an Apple store and purchase... if they really want to. The reason Apple charges so much for those adapters is because they don't want to be in the dongle business... they're fine with the majority of their customers buying an adapter on Amazon for a third the cost. And if customers do want an Apple branded adapter, well they need to make it worth Apple's effort.

I've been directly involved in a lot of MacBook (MB, MBP, Air) purchases for other people, and I've literally had to explain to almost every single one of them how the extension cord works and what the purpose is of it, and half of them still didn't get it, and stuffed the whole extension cord, still attached to the power supply, into their travel bag.

I'd guess 90% of posters here (who aren't just here to ask a support question) represent 10% of the market. The other 90% of the Apple's market (including MBP's) has no freaking idea what any of you people are talking about.

The 90% has no idea what Kaby Lake is, have no idea what a Thunderbolt port does, have no idea what whether they have USB2, USB3, or USB3.1 Type C. They have no idea how much RAM they have, what CPU they have or it's speed, or even how to find out. They have little idea what AMD and Nvidia are, and though they might know it has something to do with "graphics", they probably don't know which is in their computer (or that they don't have either and are using Intel iGPU).

What percentage of Mac users know what version of macOS/OS X they're using? Maybe 50%? That's actually probably rather generous.

I'm one of the first to say that Apple has been disappointing a small but very influential core base for a while now, and I think that's really going to bite them... but that opinion is not based on the 2016 MBP.

I've been the "computer guy" for family, friends and office workplace for 30 years now - what I read here is not at all representative of "real life". It's so far from reality, that it's completely pointless to even post because everyone here in their bubble is going to continue to stay in their bubble and keep spouting the same nonsense day after day after day.


i.e., see this guy.

That core group has always been a mixed group. Most of the money-making professionals I know are thrilled with the MBP. Some wanted changes, but being mature people of industry, they also know the reality with ALL laptops.
I work in Hollywood and it's pretty much all Mac all the time here. Lots of power users here and no one even talks about this nonsense. Too busy making money and working.
I'd say the MR is more like 1% at best. It's fun in these forums, but it's also pretty much amateur hour as well.



R.

 

[raqball]

I disagree. I think Apple completely underestimated the blowback of MacRumor forum users, who happen to be some of the least representative users in Apple's target market.

Apple discounting the dongles had ZERO to do with thinking they made a mistake, and 100% to do with thinking they could show that it wasn't about these idiotic conspiracy theories. Posters here continue to go on and on about the "money" when all you have to do is some simple math to show how nonsensical people are being about this. Let's say they sell 10 MILLION 2016 MBP's over the course of the next year, representing at least a $15 BILLION in revenue and at least $5 BILLION in profit. And let's say every single one of those users bought an Apple branded adapter (they didn't of course) @ $20 a pop. And let's say they're making 100% profit on those (they're not of course, but let's just say). So, Apple, which has over a HUNDRED BILLION dollars in the bank, and rakes in TENS of BILLIONS in profit every year, is going to jeopardize their flagship Mac to "make" $200 million on adapters. And I just gave an impossibly generous example. In reality, it's probably more like a quarter of that.

Or... maybe some of these posters will join reality and realize that Apple outsources almost all of those dongles to other suppliers because it's literally not worth their time, and they only keep that stuff around to guarantee a supply of quality adapters that anyone can walk into an Apple store and purchase... if they really want to. The reason Apple charges so much for those adapters is because they don't want to be in the dongle business... they're fine with the majority of their customers buying an adapter on Amazon for a third the cost. And if customers do want an Apple branded adapter, well they need to make it worth Apple's effort.

I've been directly involved in a lot of MacBook (MB, MBP, Air) purchases for other people, and I've literally had to explain to almost every single one of them how the extension cord works and what the purpose is of it, and half of them still didn't get it, and stuffed the whole extension cord, still attached to the power supply, into their travel bag.

I'd guess 90% of posters here (who aren't just here to ask a support question) represent 10% of the market. The other 90% of the Apple's market (including MBP's) has no freaking idea what any of you people are talking about.

The 90% has no idea what Kaby Lake is, have no idea what a Thunderbolt port does, have no idea what whether they have USB2, USB3, or USB3.1 Type C. They have no idea how much RAM they have, what CPU they have or it's speed, or even how to find out. They have little idea what AMD and Nvidia are, and though they might know it has something to do with "graphics", they probably don't know which is in their computer (or that they don't have either and are using Intel iGPU).

What percentage of Mac users know what version of macOS/OS X they're using? Maybe 50%? That's actually probably rather generous.

I'm one of the first to say that Apple has been disappointing a small but very influential core base for a while now, and I think that's really going to bite them... but that opinion is not based on the 2016 MBP.

I've been the "computer guy" for family, friends and office workplace for 30 years now - what I read here is not at all representative of "real life". It's so far from reality, that it's completely pointless to even post because everyone here in their bubble is going to continue to stay in their bubble and keep spouting the same nonsense day after day after day.


i.e., see this guy.

There is a lot of hot air in that post, sorry I couldn't make myself read the whole thing but I did notice a few points..

1. You are buying for people who don't know what the extension cord was for? LOL.. Sorry but unless you are a kindergarten teacher and buying for the class I find this very hard to believe...

2. A 30-yea computer guy? My 1st computer was a Commodore 64C and I happen to still have and use my @Mac.com email address....

Sorry, I am sure you wanted the whole post read but I just could not manage it.. Those 2 points above were all I got..

I said this:

Next up, Apple will charge extra for the box............ The 2017 MacBook ProAir will come in a ziplock baggie but you will be able purchase a box from Apple or get a 3rd party one cheaper off Amazon. LOL

Defender$ will $ay it'$ the be$t ziplock baggie ever made!

And your long winded, rambling post kind of makes my point... LOL

 

[GCMD]

I had an old one from my own machine. These cables are useful...I have mine rigged under a couch so it adds a location to charge my MBP at since I move it around a lot. Be nice if they just provided a longer USB C cable at the very least..But I agree this is cost cutting. Probably so they can pay for that stoopid Star Trek headquarters they are building.

I don't know what type of "professional" you are.

Name the profession that provides you all of the tools you will need at no cost for your SPECIFIC workflow...

I'll wait.

Photographer?
Video editor?
Physician?
Lawyer?
Carpenter?
Painter?
Contractor?
Architect?

Dog walker?

If you want to try to re-define "professional", go for it. Keep it to yourself though. That definition will only work in your "special place" i.e. your mind.

 

[MH01]

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.

The reason I returned my iPhone 7 was nickel and diming and them choosing an inferior modem that performed worse than my 6S. It's for everyone to come to thier own conclusions, but I think the dongle prices are ridiculous for what they are, though at the same time have the highest profit margin. I use dongles on my MacBook , it's not the ideal experience but I deal with it, the prices were ridiculous though £100 for 2.

 

[GCMD]

The reason I returned my iPhone 7 was nickel and diming and them choosing an inferior modem that performed worse than my 6S. It's very everyone to come to thier own conclusions, but I think the dongle prices are ridiculous for what they are.

What dongle are you talking about? I can find any dongle you may need for less than $30...

 

[MH01]

What dongle are you talking about? I can find any dongle you may need for less than $30...

Nice use of bold....

http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/produc...25edecba915cb540efdf70bcde22e99976bae093adca6

And that is the discounted price, I paid full

 

[GCMD]

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Multiport-CHOETECH-Delivery-Chromebook/dp/B01A6ZPHAQ
[doublepost=1483779765][/doublepost]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J0RV4LM?psc=1
[doublepost=1483779918][/doublepost]https://www.amazon.com/ONCHOICE-Mul...4&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/AVOTCH-Type-...3&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-TEC-...6&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/E-More-Digit...7&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Vtin-Adapter...9&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter
[doublepost=1483780087][/doublepost]And just for reference,

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

Kinda easy to find a dongle...and they don't cost that much. If you want to make the case that you can ONLY use the Apple Brand, that's not true but that's up to you.

 

[MH01]

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Multiport-CHOETECH-Delivery-Chromebook/dp/B01A6ZPHAQ
[doublepost=1483779765][/doublepost]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J0RV4LM?psc=1
[doublepost=1483779918][/doublepost]https://www.amazon.com/ONCHOICE-Mul...4&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/AVOTCH-Type-...3&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-TEC-...6&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/E-More-Digit...7&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Vtin-Adapter...9&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter

Thanks for that effort , but when I was buying in April 2015, there was only the Apple one

And given the prices of the ones you linked vrs what I had to pay, demonstrates how much of a cash cow these are, many people only buy Apple accessories

 

[GCMD]

Thanks for that effort , but when I was buying in April 2015, there was only the Apple one

No effort. You made a statement about dongles in the present tense. If you truly believed that, you wouldn't now qualify that with the April 2015 date.

Dongles are NOT that expensive...and if you need it, it's worth the price. If you need it, it either pays for itself or it you won't mind the price.

Either way, dongle prices are NOT an excuse.

 

[MH01]

No effort. You made a statement about dongles in the present tense. If you truly believed that, you wouldn't now qualify that with the April 2015 date.

Dongles are NOT that expensive...and if you need it, it's worth the price. If you need it, it either pays for itself or it you won't mind the price.

Either way, dongle prices are NOT an excuse.

I see you determine what is and what is not expansive . And you also determine that a user should search for the cheapest option on Amazon etc to prove your point, in the past this has resulted in damage to apple hardware, and apple themselves have actively campaigned against fakes/poor quality alternatives, and Amazon is known these low quality items.

And no the average punter is not going to research which company is reputable and which is not, they will buy the official accessory. Which is useless when sellers on Amazon sell fakes. Don't trust 3rd party sellers especially for accessories

So let me bring you back to reality, many people buy apple on trust, and that means they will buy apple accessories , which in this case are dongles, and are expansive. It's not just apple, people will genuinely Always source out the official accessory for any brand,

I buy apple accessories, and I find them expansive, but not as expansive as having a fake accessory from Amazon fry my motherboard. if the apple part exists I buy that.

And for something like the AV connector, Im not waiting till it arrives from Amazon to know if it works.....the apple one does.

While I trust Amazon, I don't trust 3rd party sellers, and guess what you linked....sorry you have proved nothing other than I suggest some inferior product from a 3rd party seller, might as well buy from eBay...

 

[GCMD]

$2399 for the cheapest MBPtb

$49 for an Apple Dongle

Yeah...very "expansive". Not sure how you're going to buy lunch next week while you work on your $2400 laptop.

Some people...

You said "dongles". I showed you dongles that weren't as expensive.

You complain that the "cheap ones" are dangerous...but the "expansive ones" put a hole in your pocket because they are $20 more?

LOL...logic and common sense...rational thought. Wonder how much those cost?
[doublepost=1483783477][/doublepost]And I linked Amazon because they ship everywhere.

You can go on eBay and find Apple dongles also...real ones...and they aren't all full price.


Put in a little effort and quit being lazy. Do that and your complaining about prices of 1 DONGLE will disappear...

$20 price difference when you're purchasing a laptop that STARTS at $2400? LOL...wow.

 

[MH01]

$2399 for the cheapest MBPtb

$49 for an Apple Dongle

Yeah...very "expansive". Not sure how you're going to buy lunch next week while you work on your $2400 laptop.

Some people...

You said "dongles". I showed you dongles that weren't as expensive.

You complain that the "cheap ones" are dangerous...but the "expansive ones" put a hole in your pocket because they are $20 more?

LOL...logic and common sense...rational thought. Wonder how much those cost?
[doublepost=1483783477][/doublepost]And I linked Amazon because they ship everywhere.

You can go on eBay and find Apple dongles also...real ones...and they aren't all full price.


Put in a little effort and quit being lazy. Do that and your complaining about prices of 1 DONGLE will disappear...

$20 price difference when you're purchasing a laptop that STARTS at $2400? LOL...wow.

You sound like someone that would buy a Ferrari and state that $3000 official tyres are cheap compared to the cost of the car and therefore cheap. To further prove your point you will find a set of $500 tyres. Relative costs has nothing to do if something is expensive.

Cheers mate, logic, common sense and rational thought .

Have a good weekend.

 

[Maurier]

Let's not forget about the micro fiber cloth.
Removing that from the 2016 gen is a cheap move from Apple.
Why not leave it there?
I'm buying a premium laptop from them and they remove something so basic.
It was a nice touch and it should come with every Apple device I purchase.

 

[skids929]

I don't know what type of "professional" you are.

Name the profession that provides you all of the tools you will need at no cost for your SPECIFIC workflow...

I'll wait.

Photographer?
Video editor?
Physician?
Lawyer?
Carpenter?
Painter?
Contractor?
Architect?

Dog walker?

If you want to try to re-define "professional", go for it. Keep it to yourself though. That definition will only work in your "special place" i.e. your mind.

I am now dumber from having read this..Thanks

 

[dyn]

What a get from your posting is Apple actually sold for many years a deficient power brick as the cable supplied was of low quality and could not cope with normal daily use due to lack of ductility amongst other things. One would question why it's taken so long to put right ?

No that is incorrect. The problem is so called user abuse which is caused by simply not knowing the physics of a charger, cable and the materials used. Any cable is going to break over time when you do not treat it properly. Chargers and cables are always the first things to break because people wrap the cable while both charger and cable are still warm and they wrap it very tightly. Brands like Apple and Dell made the big mistake by developing a charger which uses that as a main feature.

Again, it is the incorrect wrapping that is causing the issue, not the quality of the charger, cable, etc.

What I find funny is for many years so many posters actually used the cable wings and magsafe as an example of Apple design thoughtfulness over other OEM's

There is reason why only few OEMs (i.e. Apple and Dell) had chargers that were designed to wrap the cable around. It simply is a very bad design.

I also note as your in Europe and have generally better support due to the pin and socket standards over the USA and others 2 pin arrangement. The extension cable is useful when there is poor support from the wall sockets especially with the folding 2 pin ones. If I recall correctly some years back you use to get 2 or 3 adapters in the box which was great for travellers and expats.

The extension cable is useful for 2 things: length and ground. The default connector on the charger is only 2 pin, there is no ground. The connector on the extension cable has 2 pins and a metal strip. The pins are the same as on the other connector but the strip is the ground (btw, there also is a hole in the connector, right between the two pins; this is used in some parts of Europe and is also for ground). The two pin connectors are usually used for when things don't use that much power, for those that do, the other one is mandatory as well as for appliances like a washing machine (due to it having ground). From what I recall this is no different than in the USA.

Additionally, the connector with the 2 pins and metal strip can indeed be used for a tighter fit as the outlet comes with 2 metal strips (they make contact with the metal strip on the connector) that can function as a spring and hold the connector in more tightly. In some cases this is way too tight and thus the 2 pin ungrounded connector is a much better solution. If you're going to plug it into a wall outlet I can image the extension cable is useful as it can be used to take off the strain on the charger (or in other words: the 2 pin connector doesn't have to hold itself plus the "heavy" charger up). In real life that's not a problem though, most of the pins are angled towards each other so they go in pretty tight and stay put (friction fit).

For us that already have multiple devices with USB-C chargers, dongles etc we have already found that everything is not equal as of today and swapping changers or dongles by OEM's is still problematic unless it's apples to apples

Not yet it is which is why we need initiatives like the one from Apple where they simply push the standard.

Some wanted changes, but being mature people of industry, they also know the reality with ALL laptops.

That kind of attitude is what sets a professional and non-professional apart. I've never seen business where the machines weren't about 3 to 4 years old on average. Even with those that were running all sorts of calculations and simulations. A lot of them were on much older machines because of the software that they were running. It isn't uncommon in quality control to be finding very old devices (even old 486 machines). Take a look at the configuration for industrial computers and don't be scared that some offer 10 year old hardware for higher price than what Apple is asking for the new MBP. Computing power isn't what makes a computer!

Let's not forget about the micro fiber cloth.
Removing that from the 2016 gen is a cheap move from Apple.

The MacBook never came with one, the MBP up until 2012 never came with one, the MBA never came with one...

Why not leave it there?

...so the actual question is, why did they suddenly start including it? The other question would be: why would you want to have something you have to take with you when you complain about these adapters/dongles because you have to carry those? And lastly, should I now apologise for using my brain?

 

[Hank Carter]

That core group has always been a mixed group. Most of the money-making professionals I know are thrilled with the MBP. Some wanted changes, but being mature people of industry, they also know the reality with ALL laptops.
I work in Hollywood and it's pretty much all Mac all the time here. Lots of power users here and no one even talks about this nonsense. Too busy making money and working.
I'd say the MR is more like 1% at best. It's fun in these forums, but it's also pretty much amateur hour as well.R.

Why are you yelling?

I also work in Hollywood and while it is true that producers, coordinators, the receptionist etc are all on Macs the rest of production has moved on to Linux and Windows 10. The big exception are perhaps editors and sound people, but even they are running out of patience after the +3 year Trashcan fiasco.

Producers and coordinators send email and crunch numbers. You can even do that with a MacBook in a pinch.

But anyone who needs anything beyond basic horsepower (3d/2d artists, colorists etc) has moved on to HP boxes running Linux and Windows.

The ugly truth is that aside from shuffling paper jobs Mac's were never heavily used outside of editorial, sound design and now web design. Heavy duty VFX have never been done on any scale on the Mac with the exception of Pixar. It's all Linux and Windows. Colorists and Flame operators have been on Linux since the death of SGI.

Personally I just bought a Win10 workstation for my post production work, because Apple completely dropped the ball with the Mac Pro and whimsical iMac. I still have a MacBook for email and stuff like that but my real work is done on Windows 10 now. And no, the iPad Pro is not going to cut it.

There was a lot of teeth gnashing and complaining that went along with the switch, but after Apple gave all the pros the middle finger this winter it became 'well, in that case the same to you, buddy". So, after +20 years with the Mac I took my money elsewhere.

 

[MH01]

That core group has always been a mixed group. Most of the money-making professionals I know are thrilled with the MBP. Some wanted changes, but being mature people of industry, they also know the reality with ALL laptops.
I work in Hollywood and it's pretty much all Mac all the time here. Lots of power users here and no one even talks about this nonsense. Too busy making money and working.
I'd say the MR is more like 1% at best. It's fun in these forums, but it's also pretty much amateur hour as well.



R.

I all due respect, you don't represent us professionals so please stop talking on our behalf

 

[SteveJUAE]

No that is incorrect. The problem is so called user abuse which is caused by simply not knowing the physics of a charger, cable and the materials used. Any cable is going to break over time when you do not treat it properly. Chargers and cables are always the first things to break because people wrap the cable while both charger and cable are still warm and they wrap it very tightly. Brands like Apple and Dell made the big mistake by developing a charger which uses that as a main feature.

Again, it is the incorrect wrapping that is causing the issue, not the quality of the charger, cable, etc.


There is reason why only few OEMs (i.e. Apple and Dell) had chargers that were designed to wrap the cable around. It simply is a very bad design.


The extension cable is useful for 2 things: length and ground. The default connector on the charger is only 2 pin, there is no ground. The connector on the extension cable has 2 pins and a metal strip. The pins are the same as on the other connector but the strip is the ground (btw, there also is a hole in the connector, right between the two pins; this is used in some parts of Europe and is also for ground). The two pin connectors are usually used for when things don't use that much power, for those that do, the other one is mandatory as well as for appliances like a washing machine (due to it having ground). From what I recall this is no different than in the USA.

Additionally, the connector with the 2 pins and metal strip can indeed be used for a tighter fit as the outlet comes with 2 metal strips (they make contact with the metal strip on the connector) that can function as a spring and hold the connector in more tightly. In some cases this is way too tight and thus the 2 pin ungrounded connector is a much better solution. If you're going to plug it into a wall outlet I can image the extension cable is useful as it can be used to take off the strain on the charger (or in other words: the 2 pin connector doesn't have to hold itself plus the "heavy" charger up). In real life that's not a problem though, most of the pins are angled towards each other so they go in pretty tight and stay put (friction fit).


Not yet it is which is why we need initiatives like the one from Apple where they simply push the standard.

So it's the users fault for not understanding the material properties and abusing a poor design charger LOL.

The point still remains with Apples thoughtfulness why they persisted with this "bad design" for so long

Maybe you are not so familiar with the standard charger brick pins, but the extension cable for all 3 countries has the third pin giving better support (UK has it for both cases) and grounding that should stop the tingle off the shell:

US

UK

EU

 

[thesaint024]

Back to topic, Apple is not in the dongle business. They could care less if you buy one from them. It's not even a line item in their reported financials. They sell dongles to try to make sure the dongles exist. I actually wish they sold more accessories during this new usb-c era. I would like an Apple offering for a tb3 hub and possibly a DP AV adapter like the hdmi one they offer. But they don't because this is not their core business and 100 companies are lining up to make these things. The fact that they killed their router business is indicative that they are not interested in selling commoditized accessories unless it helps their core businesses in some way.

Anger at Apple for dongle pricing is misdirected. You can be angry that they are pushing usb-c, but you do have a choice to wait on the sidelines until the standard matures and let the rest of us deal with any "pain". The accessory market will work itself out and the competition will bring these prices down. We are all early adopters and paid premiums for our MBP's. That may also mean we have to pay premiums in these early days for accessories. You can wait it out while we deal?

 

[SteveJUAE]

$2399 for the cheapest MBPtb

I linked Amazon because they ship everywhere.

You can go on eBay and find Apple dongles also...real ones...and they aren't all full price.


Put in a little effort and quit being lazy. Do that and your complaining about prices of 1 DONGLE will disappear...

$20 price difference when you're purchasing a laptop that STARTS at $2400? LOL...wow.

Out of interest I checked your links and none of them ship internationally to UAE and I suspect many more countries

But that's not the point

Yes if your happy to hunt around you may find some cheaper alternatives but I certainly prefer to walk out the shop with all my add-ons in one go knowing that they are approved and will work when I get home

That does not mean I am happy with the price of many accessories, We are all use to so called "Apple Tax" on these and other options and upgrades but that does not mean I have to be mute about it or source alternatives.

We are all entitled to have a gripe when we feel we are being fleeced regardless of circumstances or monetary value

 

[raqball]

Back to topic, Apple is not in the dongle business. They could care less if you buy one from them. It's not even a line item in their reported financials. They sell dongles to try to make sure the dongles exist.

What the .............?>??>??>>>>??>?>?>?>?>?>>>>????????

If they are not interested in making a profit off them then why not include one USB C to USB A in the box and / or why not sell them at cost? C'Mon man....

Apple is making a TON of moola off the sale of their dongles, adapters and USB C cables...

I all due respect, you don't represent us professional so please stop talking on our behalf

Bingo! Winner, winner chicken dinner!

 

[dyn]

So it's the users fault for not understanding the material properties and abusing a poor design charger LOL.

In fact yes. Most people don't know how to roll up cables properly. That's just normal, we can't know everything so it is up to the manufacturer to accommodate for that (that's not just design, it's also instructions).

The point still remains with Apples thoughtfulness why they persisted with this "bad design" for so long

Indeed and as with many Apple-things, we'll most likely never know.

Maybe you are not so familiar with the standard charger brick pins, but the extension cable for all 3 countries has the third pin giving better support (UK has it for both cases) and grounding that should stop the tingle off the shell

By the looks of it you are not familiar with these connectors and electricity in general. The third pin isn't for support at all, the third pin is there for ground only! The fact that more pins make the connector more stable (read: gives it support) is no more than a beneficial side effect.

There is a reason why nearly every country has the two connector system. The simplified 2 pin connector can be used with small devices that don't require huge power draws. You don't need ground for those cases and by omitting it you can make the connector more compact (it's a bit ridiculous to have a huge connector and a small device, it offsets the balance). With large power draws and environments like bathroom ground is a necessity and thus there are connectors with 2 pins and ground. Ground can either be a metal strip, a hole or a third pin. UK and US connectors go even further as they are available in fused and unfused versions.

If you look closely at the pictures you posted you can see that the pins aren't straight. Some connectors have pins that are pointed towards each other and some have pins that are tapered (they get thicker/thinner as you move along them). The only reason for this is to add friction so the connector stays put.

Back to topic, Apple is not in the dongle business.

If they were, they wouldn't have used a universal port that is used by every other manufacturer on the planet. They'd have made a proprietary connector so you can only buy from a select group of manufacturers. That's more the case with Lightning and I doubt this connector will stay. There aren't really that much benefits from that connector compared to USB-C.

 

[raqball]

If they were, they wouldn't have used a universal port that is used by every other manufacturer on the planet. They'd have made a proprietary connector so you can only buy from a select group of manufacturers.

Responses like this really do make me scratch my noodle and shrug.. If Apple is not interested in making a profit off their dongles then why do they not sell them at cost?? Ummmmm, because they are making hand over fist profits on every dongle sold that's why..

Apple is banking (pun intended) of the fact that most buyers will walk into the Apple Store to buy a MacBook and while there, they will also purchase adapters, cables and dongles that are needed...

I go to the Apple Store all the time and every time I have seen someone buying the new MacBook, there is at least one dongle included in the sale...

 

[SteveJUAE]

By the looks of it you are not familiar with these connectors and electricity in general. The third pin isn't for support at all, the third pin is there for ground only! The fact that more pins make the connector more stable (read: gives it support) is no more than a beneficial side effect.

Ahh the penny drops at last for you, that's the added benefit, well done
[doublepost=1483814829][/doublepost]

Apple is making a TON of moola off the sale of their dongles, adapters and USB C cables...

FYI

Apple accessory sales was just over $6000 million up 7% from the year before and about 25% of MAC sales in 2014
(Includes sales of Apple-branded and third-party accessories for iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod)

Went up to $10000 million in 2015 but now includes:
Sales of Apple TV ® , Apple Watch, Beats products, iPod and Apple-branded and third-party accessories

Hardly a side line of little interest