MacBook Pro controversy


The Independent has short interview with Apple VP Phil Schiller where he addresses some of the hubbub around the new MacBook Pro.

I have never seen a great new Apple product that didn't have its share of early criticism and debate -- and that's cool. We took a bold risk, and of course with every step forward there is also some change to deal with. Our customers are so passionate, which is amazing.

We care about what they love and what they are worried about. And it's our job to help people through these changes. We know we made good decisions about what to build into the new MacBook Pro and that the result is the best notebook ever made, but it might not be right for everyone on day one. That's okay, some people felt that way about the first iMac and that turned out pretty good.

Around new Apple announcements, it's always a bit of a feeding frenzy where people come out of the woodwork, it seems.

One issue is with regard to the maximum 16 GB of RAM. This is surprising to me since previous MacBook Pros had 16 GB and frankly, I've used 16 GB for nearly many years and never felt it lacking. That's not to say some people could need more, but that seems a rather small subset of users that perhaps may not even be best served by using a laptop.

The other issue is the lack of SD card slot. This doesn't really affect me since I don't use flash cards that much. Still, the issue can be resolved with a simple USB-C card reader or look into a wifi solution for your camera.

The all USB-C ports, I actually saw as a plus. I suppose I'm just used to so many white dongles from Apple that it doesn't really phase me to need a legacy USB dongle. I really like the idea though of four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Ironically, Apple is being criticized for embracing a standard I/O across the board, rather than yet another proprietary or boutique connector.

I get it's a "pro" machine and people have expectations, but these seem curious lines in the sand. I could see though when you add it all up, it can be kind of disappointing, however.

Through it all, we have a new laptop that's smaller, lighter, and denser than previous generations. It appears to the point that Apple may be able to consolidate it's laptop lines.