Apple Refreshes MacBook Pro Lineup (arstechnica.com) 217
Apple said on Thursday it is refreshing the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models. Neither machines are getting major redesigns, but the innards are getting a spec update. For starters, both the models are powered by the 8th-generation Intel processors and house more cores than before -- a maximum of six cores on the 15-inch model (compared to four in last year's models) and four in the 13-inch model (compared to two). That means faster performance for many use cases. Maximum SSD capacity is also doubled, and the MacBook Pro line offers DDR4 RAM for the first time. ArsTechnica: The laptops also borrow some features from the iMac Pro and the iPad Pro -- the T2 chip and True Tone, respectively -- and feature a revised butterfly keyboard, the third generation of the design Apple introduced in 2016 (the revision is a little more significant this time around). Apart from those tweaks to the keyboard, the basic design of the MacBook Pro is unchanged. The top configuration of the 15-inch model includes an 8th-generation, six-core Intel Core i9 CPU clocked at 2.9GHz. Six-core Intel Core i7 processors are also options. The 2017 iteration of the MacBook Pro featured DDR3 memory with a maximum configuration of 16GB. This time, it's DDR4, and the maximum is 32. The faster memory uses more energy, so a bigger battery is now included -- but Apple's battery life estimate remains the same as last year's. The GPU in the top standard configuration is listed as an AMD Radeon Pro 555X.
The 13-inch model has different specs, of course. It still only offers integrated Intel graphics, for one thing -- Intel Iris Plus 655, this time with 128MB of eDRAM. But the maximum number of cores are again doubled -- in this case to four -- in 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 CPUs, which run at up to 2.7GHz. Maximum SSD capacity is also doubled; it's now 2TB. The maximum memory is still 16GB. Apple claims the 13-inch model is up to twice as fast as its predecessor, though it will of course depend on the application. ArsTechnica says the keyboard on the new MacBook Pro models, though look similar to the one in the predecessor lineup, feel a little different to type on. The price of 13-inch starts at $1,799 while the 15-inch starts at $2,399.
The 13-inch model has different specs, of course. It still only offers integrated Intel graphics, for one thing -- Intel Iris Plus 655, this time with 128MB of eDRAM. But the maximum number of cores are again doubled -- in this case to four -- in 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 CPUs, which run at up to 2.7GHz. Maximum SSD capacity is also doubled; it's now 2TB. The maximum memory is still 16GB. Apple claims the 13-inch model is up to twice as fast as its predecessor, though it will of course depend on the application. ArsTechnica says the keyboard on the new MacBook Pro models, though look similar to the one in the predecessor lineup, feel a little different to type on. The price of 13-inch starts at $1,799 while the 15-inch starts at $2,399.
A little step in the right direction. (Score:5, Insightful)
6 Core on the 15" and 4 Core on the 13", which makes the 13" a viable alternative for many people who could not previously consider it. More importantly, there is finally a 32GB option (welcome to the 2010s Apple), but as you'd expect from Apple only for the 15" and only at the time of purchase as it is soldered-on. Yeah, those 32GB RAM modules are too large to fit in just a 13" laptop.
Sadly, you only get USB-C connectors, which is the main reason I have asked my company to refrain from upgrading my 2015 MBP (my existing peripherals won't work, plus there will be an extra little box to carry around with me), although there was also the fact that so far there was no real hardware upgrade - esp. regarding memory (compare to a Mac Pro I have at home, with 48GB and 6 cores - sure not a laptop, but it almost a decade old, a 2010 model).
Re:A little step in the right direction. (Score:5, Insightful)
Eh, the biggest loss in my mind is still MagSafe... that was a truly useful connector.
Re: (Score:2)
Agreed. That was the most important of my "existing peripherals" ;)
I had one for home, office, vacation home etc, all would go to waste so I was trying to avoid it when I had no reason. Now with 2 extra cores and twice the RAM, I might have to bite the bullet.
what? Killing magsafe?? (Score:2)
What, they're killing the magsafe power connector????
Darn-- I love that connector.
Re: (Score:3)
The last magsafe-equipped MacBook Pro is the 2015, now on clearance from Apple. Get one while you still can.
Re: (Score:3)
The last magsafe-equipped MacBook Pro is the 2015, now on clearance from Apple. Get one while you still can.
If you're quick (it helps to use something like Refurb Tracker [refurb-tracker.com]), you can also still occasionally grab a 13" MacBook Pro off the Apple refurb store.
I prefer buying refurbished direct from Apple because you can get AppleCare+ - but there are also other options available, such as Gazelle.
If you're buying new, you can sometimes get a better deal from B&H Photo [bhphotovideo.com] than you get directly from Apple.
Re: (Score:2)
Eh, the biggest loss in my mind is still MagSafe... that was a truly useful connector.
I wonder why on earth they discontinued it? Perhaps with all the magnets in new aluminum laptops it became a safety issue? It was an awesome connector.
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
but they killed off the headphone jack in their phones so that they could go thinner
I keep hearing this, yet the current iPad models, which have headphone jacks, are thinner than the current iPhone models, which do not.
Re: (Score:2)
but they killed off the headphone jack in their phones so that they could go thinner
I keep hearing this, yet the current iPad models, which have headphone jacks, are thinner than the current iPhone models, which do not.
IPads don't have to be waterproof.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Same reason they removed the headphone socket and dropped down to a single combined USB/charging port.
I guess that way they can sell more dongles.
Re: (Score:3)
Same reason they removed the headphone socket and dropped down to a single combined USB/charging port.
I guess that way they can sell more dongles.
Right, because only Apple does that. Except most every maker of high end cell phones, they have only a USB-C port now. Oh, and Lenovo that has that silly proprietary micro-Ethernet port, and the adapter is not included with the laptop.
Yep, only Apple is looking to sell more dongles. Except all the other manufacturers doing away with everything but the USB-C port on their laptops, cell phones, and tablets.
Give the Apple bashing a break for once. Everyone making everything electronic is trying to cut down
Re: (Score:2)
Same reason they removed the headphone socket and dropped down to a single combined USB/charging port.
I guess that way they can sell more dongles.
Right, because only Apple does that.
Don't harsh their righteous anger, dude!
DisplayLink can go fuck themselves. (Score:2)
DisplayLink is a USB based video adapter, that's just fucked up to begin with. Do the math on a 1080p/60 display...
1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical) x 24 (bits of color) x 60 (frames per second) = 3 Gbps
3 Gbps the raw data rate for a 1080p/60 display on a bus that has a max speed of 5 Gbps data, 4K/60 needs 4 times that bandwidth. DisplayLink is trying to squeeze 4K and 5K video on a 5 Gbps, or maybe 10 Gbps if they use USB 3.1, and to do that they compress the frames and expand them on a chip they made
Re: (Score:2)
Same reason they removed the headphone socket and dropped down to a single combined USB/charging port.
I guess that way they can sell more dongles.
Funny, my iPhone came with a Dongle. Anyhow, taking umbrage at a tiny little adapter, means that the person should be very thankful that they have reached the zenith of first world problems.
As before, buy that android phone, and be pleased with it. I've used them - they work.
Re: (Score:2)
While I mourn the loss of the magsafe connector, being able to plug in the charging cable on either side of the MBP via USB-C is pretty convenient. I do wish I could use USBC on my iphone as well and then it would be one less cable/brick to carry around.
Magsafe was really ingenious though.
Re: (Score:2)
I'm torn on the Lightning port vs. USB-C. Since Lightning predates USB-C, and especially things like HDMI/MHL/DisplayPort/video over USB-C, I see why Apple went with it and stuck with it.
Here's my guess, Apple will stick with Lightning until whatever that replaces USB-C comes along.
I was also torn on the MagSafe vs. USB-C for charging port. I resolved that with a magnetic breakaway USB-C charging cable. There's small ones for 5V/15W phones and bigger ones for 20V/60W tablets and laptops. I don't miss Ma
Re: (Score:2)
TFA doesn't even mention USB. How many ports do they have? How many are USB 3.1 and how many are Thunderbolt?
Some nice new stuff, like them finally enabling secure boot. But major problems remain, like the crappy keyboard that is riveted in to the top of the shell so you have to replace the whole thing. Also the usual glued in battery and soldered on storage etc.
Re: (Score:2)
On the 15 inch, they are all USB-3.1 and all Thunderbolt.
Re: (Score:2)
I think you mean "they're all USB-C".
Re: (Score:2)
Interesting. How many do you get total? Are they all USB C or are some A?
Re: (Score:2)
By far, that is what is keeping me away from "upgrading". My Air is a little sluggish, but between the dongle madness (already bad enough on the Air) and a less functional power supply, it simply isn't for me.
Fixing fat finger mod...
Re: (Score:3)
Eh, the biggest loss in my mind is still MagSafe... that was a truly useful connector.
I disagree. I love the idea of the MagSafe connector, it seems like a brilliantly simply design for an obvious problem... but it doesn't work as well as I would like, and the problem that it solves isn't a problem. Not for me, at least.
Taking the second point first, I got my first laptop in 1993 and I've had one ever since; a quarter century of experience. In all that time, I've never once had a laptop damaged by someone kicking a cord, and I'm anything but conscientious. I've had many cords kicked, and
Re: (Score:2)
I fixed the problem with a magnetic breakaway USB-C charge cable. The one I have is from Griffin Technology but there are others.
I haven't had a laptop destroyed or damaged from a cord being tripped over, but I had a few close calls. I had problems with MagSafe not making contact, and also seen laptops at work made worthless because the charge port was worn or damaged.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Can't tell if he is being serious or just trolling. Which, in itself, tells me it is probably successful trolling.
Trolling, I confess.
Re: (Score:3)
Sadly, you only get USB-C connectors, which is the main reason I have asked my company to refrain from upgrading my 2015 MBP (my existing peripherals won't work, plus there will be an extra little box to carry around with me)
Your existing USB-A peripherals will work fine. You may need to buy a couple of these [amazon.com]. Not sure what extra little box you're talking about, but maybe you mean one of these [amazon.com]? I have one (not that model, but similar) and I think it's great because it combines all of the less-needed ports into a single compact unit -- HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, etc.
One non-obvious upside of USB-C on Macbooks is that you can use any of the ports for charging, which means you can plug your charging cable in from whichever side
Re: (Score:2)
One non-obvious upside of USB-C
Another, although more obvious but still underrated, upside is the fact that USB-C ports are not keyed. You no longer have to fiddle around with orientation trying to shove a cable into a port the wrong way or spend precious seconds examining the cable end and port first before inserting it. Like you said, this is one of those "eh" things until you've actually lived with it for a while and then are forced to work again with those damn micro-USB cables for some reason...then you remember what a tiny little
Re: (Score:2)
Keyboard aside - if they'd kept a couple "legacy" ports in addition to adding the new USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports, it wouldn't have been quite so maddening. It's not like they don't have room... several other manufacturers have managed to do it on equally-thin machines.
I realize Ethernet is a goner just due to size considerations (and my 2015 MBP doesn't have one anyway) - but they certainly could've included at least one USB-A port, an SD card port, perhaps a Thunderbolt 2 port...
That said, I'm perfectly h
Re: (Score:2)
No real hardware upgrade apart from RAM, processor GPU, keyboard, display.
I've had a new form factor MBP since 2015 and I now have quite an impressive collection of USB-C to various other kinds of adapters, most of which I never use. I have a Thunderbolt dock for when I am at work. The cable between it and the MBP provides both connectivity and power. All of my adapters together don't take up a huge amount of space in my bag, certainly much less than the horrible tangle of USB-A/B B mini, B micro and other
Re: (Score:2)
Wrong tense there, it should say "the main reason I had asked", because previously there was no reason to upgrade. Now I am thinking about it since I can get extra RAM/cores. I mean, it is right there on my first paragraph about the hardware upgrade...
Re: (Score:2)
Get a new Surface, and your problems will vanish.
Sure right up until Microsoft decides I have to install updates right before meeting. Sorry Windows 10 is a toy. Its simply not appropriate for real work.
Re: (Score:2)
Get a new Surface, and your problems will vanish.
Sure right up until Microsoft decides I have to install updates right before meeting. Sorry Windows 10 is a toy. Its simply not appropriate for real work.
Sigh, some days I'm a real Poe. I was just being sarcastic. Having used both Mac and PC since about forever, I personally wouldn't ever buy a surface.
And you're right about the unstoppable backups. I've seen W10 machines download and install updates over metered connections when they were only on metered connections.
Re: (Score:2)
Windows 10 is the best, most error free Operating system ever creates
I can hear the pitchforks being sharpened and torches crackling into life already.
Re: (Score:2)
I guess he wanted to be cynical.
Re: (Score:3)
Windows 10 is a privacy invasion hiding behind a desktop.
I will never use it.
So my choices are OSX and Linux. While I love using Linux at work, it's worse than useless for work.
For better or for worse, the majority of the time OSX just works. And sadly, Linux will never overtake Apple in that space until their overarching ethos becomes focused principally on UX (at the kernel level, not simply at the UI level).
Re: (Score:2)
Where are the customization options for the telemetry, start menu/lock screen ads, and manual updates in the Windows 10 GUI? I'd really be happy to switch back.
Re: (Score:2)
Swift and GCC both can compile on windows for Mac OS X/macOS.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/... [makeuseof.com]
But why would you want to do that? Most likely it makes more sense to run the windows stuff you *need* in a VM on a Mac ...
Re: (Score:2)
Look, there is no reason that anyone needs to use a Mac.
tell me how to compile my OSX binaries on windows, please.
Must.... create.... a.... sarcasm..... tag.....
Re: (Score:2)
Just because they chose to de-emphasize what pros want doesn't mean they don't understand it.
As I see it, they can:
Is there enough of a market for professional laptops v
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
They already build two laptops — three if you count the Air. They already have a pro and non-pro laptop line. The problem is that they have no clue what pro users want. If that were not the case, they would have acknowledged the feedback from 90% of users that the touchbar is a false-triggering nightmare of epidemic proportions, and they would offer an optional normal keyboard.
The have a clue, all right.
THEY... JUST... DON'T... CARE
Re: (Score:2)
The headphone jack hasn't gone.
Finally able to support more than 16GB RAM! (Score:2)
That RAM limitation really has been an issue for some people. That we can now go to 32GB on DDR4 will makean enormous difference.
Re: (Score:2)
I don't yet, although when playing with VMs it might be helpful. it helps I'm using Linux only and I'm not bad at reducing memory footprint.
It's certainly a problem for some academics/developers playing with large chunks of data.
Combine the two, such as when you need to run a Windows only application in a VM (ArcGIS springs to mind) and *that* is used to look at a large dataset... 16GB can feel awfully restrictive.
Niche to Apple perhaps, but there are an awful lot of h/w manufacturers very happy to go way a
Re: (Score:2)
And you need 32GB on a laptop?
Some people use their laptop for more than just standard office apps. CAD, Video editing, etc. can take a lot of RAM. Granted, these work better on a desktop but you can't take a desktop to a client, etc.
Plus, since the RAM can't be upgraded after purchase it makes sense to get more than you need, just in case.
Re: (Score:2)
You can do the external devices. And then when you need to, pick it up and take it to the client meeting to show off your work. Including a quick live edit if necessary. The idea is you don't need a desktop any more, everything is on the laptop. And when you're at home/work you plug it into more convenient displays via a dock.
Re: (Score:2)
This is an awesome setup (I'm rocking it right now), but it's always been a lot more expensive than a desktop + laptop setup for a lot less performance.
Re: (Score:2)
You can do the external devices. And then when you need to, pick it up and take it to the client meeting to show off your work. Including a quick live edit if necessary. The idea is you don't need a desktop any more, everything is on the laptop. And when you're at home/work you plug it into more convenient displays via a dock.
Live edits? What level of videos are you making? If you don't need a desktop, then that's wonderful. I do.
Re: (Score:2)
Our CAD/BIM laptops have dual external monitors with docks. Still easier to transport than a tower, especially if you can dock into a station with everything already set up at your destination.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
try working with some larger than 1MB datasets in R or python
Re: (Score:2)
If you have MB-range datasets taking up gigs of RAM, your database and dataset are utter garbage.
Re: (Score:2)
RAM is extremely useful to cache the files you are working on ...
Re: (Score:2)
If you have MB-range datasets taking up gigs of RAM, your database and dataset are utter garbage.
a) you know nothing about his particular dataset
b) so what if it is? We've had acres of memory available in computers for years now, it's absurd that it's taken Apple this long to get around to offering it.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
I bought a laptop with 16 GB before because at the time I was taking training for VM certifications and it was nice to take the laptop to class to play with and have the same setup still there when I went home. I still use multiple VMs on my laptop for testing websites on different operating systems, gaining access to software that's unique to Windows or Linux, and just separating work spaces.
Having access to 32GB isn't necessary but it would be nice in my next laptop for the same reasons I had bought what
Re: (Score:2)
And you need 32GB on a laptop?
On a *computer*. Laptops are everything now, desktops are extremely rare so the question is "who needs 32GB on any computer". There's no reason not to have 32GB options, and need to, especially when you've got developers and video producers kicking around your platform.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Chrome takes what it can to make the browsing experience faster and more optimized. Give it only 4GB and it works sensibly the same.
I see... so you the person who is doing backflips to tell everyone they don't need 32GB of RAM, also will admit that more memory improves performance.
Re: (Score:2)
But in most cases, if you need that much RAM, you probably need a desktop with it.
Unless you also need portability. Think being able to not only demo your work to a client (which you can do with pre-rendered files on basically any machine) but also implement requested changes right there during the demo.
Re: (Score:2)
But in most cases, if you need that much RAM, you probably need a desktop with it.
Unless you also need portability. Think being able to not only demo your work to a client (which you can do with pre-rendered files on basically any machine) but also implement requested changes right there during the demo.
I don't know about you, but when I did reviews, I took notes. This is because different people might want different changes and yes - some would want changes to something that another person suggested to change. And of course, the in-office changed video would not match the master on the machine it was made on.
So since ten people might see the rough cut at different times, I did notes and discussed.
Re: (Score:2)
It's easy to forget that fields other than your own exist, but they do.
Re: (Score:2)
How does that apply to CAD? Generally, if a part is off by a few mm, it's gonna be off be a few mm no matter who you're showing it to and can be adjusted on-site. It's easy to forget that fields other than your own exist, but they do.
Sorry - didn't think that anything off by a few mm would be considered something to show a client.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Could be a spec change on their end that you weren't informed of. Shit happens in the real world.
Sure shit happens. Next person you talk to might change the part the first guy had you change - Just sayin - you want a laptop to do the actual work, I want notes taken on mine.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Turnaround is a bit quicker when you can deliver the change on the spot. Sure, you wouldn't design the whole part on a laptop, but why not have the capability to answer "what would it look like if we..." questions in real-time and on-site if it's available?
It probably depends on the workflow. If you have a good way to update master files - maybe. I've had a few nightmare occasions where different people have modified aspects without updating a master file.
Re:Finally able to support more than 16GB RAM! (Score:4, Funny)
Apple doesn't believe people who want to do real work want a desktop which is why they've been relegated to the trash can.
Re: (Score:2)
But in most cases, if you need that much RAM, you probably need a desktop with it. Apple doesn't believe people who want to do real work want a desktop which is why they've been relegated to the trash can.
Yeah, those iMac Pros are the power equivalent of the ASUS bottm level Chroomebooks. Seriously though, if you are pleased with Windows offerings, buy them. I have some Windows machines, and aside from update hell, they work. But then again, the Ford versus Chevy in you is strong, so you must represent.
Re: (Score:2)
Apple doesn't believe people who want to do real work want a desktop which is why they've been relegated to the trash can.
Oh Snap!
Does new design overheat when placed on a pillow? (Score:2)
I have a lingering doubt about the current case design. The previous Retina models had ventilation intake and exhaust opening to the top of the case (between the base and the screen). So when placed on a soft bed with all bottom-facing openings thoroughly blocked, they would not overheat. And this is how I work a lot, laying on a bed. That includes gaming that runs at maximum power and spins up the fans to the full speed.
The current design has the ventilation openings at the bottom only, that will be blocke
Re: (Score:3)
Go find that in a hotel room, in vacation home, etc. That's a huge dongle to carry around! There are a few laptops that do not have ventilation openings at the bottom, MS Surface and the previous (2013) MacBook Pro are some of them. All the rest have shitty thermal design that requires air flow under the bottom.
In short, a notebook should not require any add-ons in normal use. Bed is my normal use.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Guys, sigh, don't tell me how to work. I'm too old to reconsider my habits :).
Here is the use case (not actual me): https://www.shutterstock.com/v... [shutterstock.com]
Mac users will never be happy. (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
No, we won't. We have been programmed that way by Apple.
As for 32GB, we needed that two years ago, in another two we will need 64-128GB. Soldered-on RAM makes for a short life.
Re: (Score:2)
The 32GB ram option is here now, but there is still so little options for a real pro portable mac. Make a "fat macbook" with USB-A, 17 inch screen and optical drive and long battery life and it will sell like hot cakes.
I still use my 17" 2011 MBP as my main computer. Sure it only has 8 GB RAM & 1 GB Video RAM, but has magsafe, Gigbit Ethernet, FireWire, Thunderbolt & USB-A x 3, as well as a headphone jack, an optical drive, a physical ESC key and a flash memory card reader. Obviously not using some of those things any more (Ethernet, DVD Drive & memory card reader almost never get used), but the rest are features I use often. Firewire is good for transferring data between computers & also target disk mode
Re: (Score:2)
I still use my 17" 2011 MBP as my main computer. Sure it only has 8 GB RAM
Just a heads-up: despite Apple's claims, it will happily take (and use) 16GB. I have a a 17" 2011 MBP with a dead GPU that won't boot into Windows or OSX (not even the installers) but runs Linux just fine with integrated graphics; with that upgrade it's not a bad machine, even today.
Re: (Score:2)
Mac users should be upset (Score:2)
The SMART (impossible) thing for Apple to do is simply attach the battery to the bottom of the case and make it part of the battery. They get all the size savings and users could remove and replace the battery with a little effort. This would also open the market to creating 3rd party bottom plates that are thicker with larger batteries (Apple could sell their own as well.)
The quality has gone down, especially as the phones take greater priority; Jobs being gone and those who retired around that time...
App
Mac Mini (Score:2)
Unusable (Score:2)
I have bought several Macbook Pros over the last 15 years, and I'd buy one of these if they didn't have the touchbar. I've tried the previous generation and I constantly touch it by mistake. And the virtual escape key is no good if you have to use it frequently, because it feels completely different from the real keys.
So I'll be sticking with my existing pre-touchbar model for another year at least.
Too little, too late for me (Score:2)
I've already switched back to Linux. I'm done paying twice the price for mediocre hardware.
Sure, the Mac experience can be nice, but it's not *that* nice.
Re: (Score:2)
Same here. Got a Dell Precision about a year and a half ago, and I've never looked back. Less irritating bugs and quirks than the Mac, and half the price. Sure the case isn't as slick and the desktop isn't as flashy, but I'm really not too upset by that. It's actually lighter by quite a bit than my last MBP. And since I've never been locked into the Apple ecosystem, I'm not missing anything since I switched.
In other news... (Score:4, Funny)
Hamilton Beach has a new drip coffee maker, whose parts cost $0.17 less than the previous model but make coffee 2% faster!! (Why isn't this on Slashdot's front page yet?)
Oh, you use a French press? A French press, really. Looks like some snob is already getting ready for this weekend's celebrations, I see. Well, good for you! But some of us prefer drip coffee makers even though the coffee isn't nearly as good. And my favorite manufacturer is Hamilton Beach, which is why my coffee maker case-cover has a hole, to show off the Hamilton Beach logo.
Still not "Pro" (Score:3, Insightful)
Still glued-in battery (consumer hostile)
Still no removable/expandable SSD (consumer hostile)
Still no removable/expandable RAM (consumer hostile)
Still no easily-replaceable keyboard (consumer hostile)
Still a horrible keyboard design that people will continue to hate
Still no necessary ports
Still no Magsafe, so users are back to busting their computer motherboard
Still overpriced, especially for repair parts like the display ($500 or more for some models)
Still not recyclable
There's nothing "Pro" about this. This is the "MacBook Contempt"... as in, Apple's overt contempt for their customers.
Re: (Score:2)
Lab Tests on NeXTstep OS kernel... (Score:2)
in the 90's proved more cores is not faster.
NeXTstep OS...which is the same kernel OS in MacOS X revealed that its architecture did not gain increases in throughput above 4 cores. This testing was done when 4+ cores emerged with " more cores the better" marketing hype.
Darwin kernel (ex BSD) with proprietary enhancements for MacOS X by Apple is not a modular kernel but hybrid monolithic/modular architecture that takes advantage of modularity by design.
Additional core improvement to throughput must be a func
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
You must be new on Slashdot.
I remember back in the Early 2000's every minor Linux kernel release got a front page story. It was darn annoying.
That being said, Apple is the only major player, offering a Non-Windows Laptops. While Apple hasn't been offering a major Redesign in appearance, the Hardware upgrade is actually the more important part then the appearance.
Especially as the Macbook pro line is still arguably the industry standard on the "Premium" Laptop which the likes of Asus, Dell, Lenovo are all t
Re:Why is this news? (Score:5, Interesting)
In all fairness The current Macbook pro isn't that much different then for the Titanium Powebook back in 2002. Thinner, more powerful, but still a Gray Metal Laptop With a clamshell design, with a keyboard and a track pad.
I worked on a solar car competition in college and in the early years the cars came in all kinds of shapes. The size was constrained by the rules on height, width, and length, so size didn't vary all that much but inside that box the cars filled that in the best way they thought at the time.
The next couple competitions the more outrageous shapes disappeared and the more successful shapes were copied and varied upon by others. Another couple competitions and all the cars looked basically the same, a wide and flat wedge with a bubble on top for the driver.
Why mention solar cars in a thread about laptops? Because when it comes down to the evolution of the shapes of the things we deal with everyday there are shapes that just evolve naturally. This has been true for all laptops since the demise of the trackball in the 1990s. Of course the current Macbook Pro looks like the PowerBook from 2002, because that is a shape and size that has a nice compromise of cost and convenience. I'm guessing if people had their way they might like some variations on the shape and color but a brushed aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel shell is durable that looks nice enough that people will buy it. A thin flat clamshell design is well suited to a keyboard and screen, and being folding shut to fit in a purse, briefcase, or backpack. For pointing devices it's a trackpad, because nobody wants a trackball or pencil eraser sized joystick any more.
In all fairness The current Macbook pro isn't that much different then for the Titanium Powebook back in 2002. Thinner, more powerful, but still a Gray Metal Laptop With a clamshell design, with a keyboard and a track pad.
Just like those solar cars where the shape and size settled into really just variation on a single theme the real competition comes with what's under the hood. This includes the ports offered. I'll hear people complain about the lack of ports on Apple laptops and yet we find other high end laptops copying it. Sure, we might still see a single USB-A port alongside the USB-C ports but for the most part the choice of ports on high end laptops is thinning. If there is an Ethernet port then it's a flimsy pop-out thing or a proprietary micro-port which may or may not have the adapter included. Video ports will be HDMI, mini-DisplayPort, or just video out of one of the USB-C ports. Maybe there is a slot for SD cards but those seem to be disappearing. Charger ports are switching over to USB-C. I miss the magnetic charger ports but I'll take the standard USB-C until we figure out a standardized magnetic charge port that doesn't require buying only those expensive chargers from the manufacturer.
That being said, Apple is the only major player, offering a Non-Windows Laptops. While Apple hasn't been offering a major Redesign in appearance, the Hardware upgrade is actually the more important part then the appearance.
Yep. We'll be getting plain metal grey laptops with only 2 or 3 ports, maybe 5 ports on the high priced ones, for a long time. Gone are the days with laptops with 12 ports on them. Remember those days? I have an old laptop here with headphone, microphone, PCMCIA, power, serial, VGA, parallel, Ethernet, modem, S-video, and 2x USB-A. Dealing with only USB-C and a combo headphone/mic port is annoying sometimes but I'll take that over the heavy, colorful, and many ported, laptops of the past.
Re: (Score:3)
Well said.
As for the ports, the nice thing about USB-C standardization is that we no longer need to guess which port anyone will need, only the general largest number of simultaneous accesses they'll want. Very few people have ever plugged more than 2-3 things into their laptop at the same time, especially in the WiFi era; many have never attached anything but power.
Re: (Score:2)
Well said.
Thank you.
As for the ports, the nice thing about USB-C standardization is that we no longer need to guess which port anyone will need, only the general largest number of simultaneous accesses they'll want.
I'll agree with one caveat, video.
USB-C supports at least three different video alternate modes natively, MHL, HDMI, and DisplayPort. Then there are adapters and docks that think it's a great idea to dispose of the native video protocol that might be on the USB-C port and provide a USB video adapter chip instead. So someone can have a laptop with a perfectly functional and quite elaborate video chip to drive a display but unless they take great attention on their purchases they might get crappy
Re: (Score:2)
I'm guessing if people had their way they might like some variations on the shape and color but a brushed aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel shell is durable that looks nice enough that people will buy it.
In all seriousness, I could go for a modern MacBook Pro that looked like the old colorful iBook G3 "Clamshell" laptops [wikipedia.org].
All the cookie-cutter laptops offered by most vendors, which all look more or less like Apple's MacBook Pro, are sleek... but boring.
As an aside - I just bought a refurb 2015 MacBook Pro, and for me this announcement reinforces that I made the right decision. Right now Apple is doubling down on form over substance - the current-sen keyboards are an abomination.
Re: (Score:3)
In Windows-land, you can buy an Acer E5-576-392H for $380 which has 7 ports: 4x USB (mix of types), 1x VGA, 1x HDMI, and an RJ-45. And the obligatory audio jack, so I guess 8 total. It even includes a DVD drive.
Let's see, 1/3 the processors, 1/3 the RAM, 1/3 the screen resolution, for 1/3 the price. Oh, and twice the weight. TAKE MY MONEY!!
You can still buy motherboards with serial ports or PS/2 jacks.
Why? So I can plug in my CueCat?
The Windows side of the market actually has variety of products and meets consumer demand. It's not a problem.
I'm boggled on why Acer isn't getting more mention on Slashdot then. No... wait... I changed my mind. I'm not boggled at all.
Except for Apple. Apple has a problem where they want to make their products a work of art rather than tools. That's fine for consumer hardware to a point, but it really falls apart with the trash can Mac Pro.
Absolutely, because I wasn't getting anything done until my CueCat was plugged in.
Are you for real?
Re: (Score:2)
Many of the differences between 2002 and now haven't been improvements. Loss of ports, loss of Magsafe, no more matte screens, no more user-replaceable RAM and disk, idiotic design decisions like a keyboard that's bonded to the top shell so it costs $900 to replace.
I hope my 2012 MBP stays viable for a few more years, and then it's time for a Hackintosh.
Re: (Score:2)
Pretty sad when incremental hardware updates is big news. I guess it shows how infrequent Apple upgrades hardware on Mac's. PC makers upgrade model much faster without much fanfare.
How infrequent Macs Are upgraded? Are you high, or just stupid?
We'll just concentrate on the past few upgrades of the MacBook Pro.
November 2016: Significant upgrade of the MBP over the 2015 lineup.
June 2017: Processor upgrade. Keyboard upgrade.
July 2018: Processor Upgrade.
I would like to see all those "PC" mfgs. Who have upgraded significantly faster.
Re: (Score:2)