Some days I feel like ditching Apple

[jamezr]

I hate that idea. They better quit calling it pro if they do that. Honestly, people yelling for a 'thinner macbook pro' just want a macbook Air with a retina display and a power bump.. because the results are the same either way - compromised performance, less ports etc.

The Retina Macbook Pro has already put form above function for me too much to consider it, let alone what the rumours are suggesting the new one will be. Sticking with my wonderful mid 2012 Macbook Pro 13 inch (Non Retina) for as long s possible.

My feelings too. I think they will be doing their customers a disservice to make the MBP line thinner at the expense of functionality....

 

[tbayrgs]

My feelings too. I think they will be doing their customers a disservice to make the MBP line thinner at the expense of functionality....
View attachment 632915

I didn't read the details of the rumor but let's hold judgment until we actually see what they release. Yes, if their desire to become more sleek and thin means compromises in connectivity (a la Macbook's single USB-C) or battery performance, then I'll whole-heartedly agree. But if Apple can give it a more compact, efficient footprint yet still offer the aforementioned functionality, I certainly won't be complaining. If thick, bulky, and heavy equates to Pro, then I'm confused by all the criticism about the iPhone.

 

[jamezr]

I didn't read the details of the rumor but let's hold judgment until we actually see what they release. Yes, if their desire to become more sleek and thin means compromises in connectivity (a la Macbook's single USB-C) or battery performance, then I'll whole-heartedly agree. But if Apple can give it a more compact, efficient footprint yet still offer the aforementioned functionality, I certainly won't be complaining. If thick, bulky, and heavy equates to Pro, then I'm confused by all the criticism about the iPhone.

I think the rumor sources to have a pretty good track record with these things

While long overlooked, the MacBook line is the brightest spot for Apple’s 2016 rollouts. This is particularly true of the two new MacBook Pro models, to be introduced in 4Q16, as they will have a thinner and lighter form factor, Touch ID, use OLED display touch bar (to replace physical function keys, located above the keyboard) and adopt USB- C / Thunderbolt 3.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/05/23/macbook-pro-2016-oled-display-touch-bar/

Apple is obsessed with making things thinner. The current gen MBPs are thin enough imo. It has been rumored from reputable sources this is the direction the MBP line is headed. Thinner at the expense of removing the existing ports like the macbook line. My rMBP 13 from 2015 is not big and bulky and thick. It has just enough ports that I can connect an external drive to it while connected to a power source and have my 6s+ connected to it sync data and charge at the same time. Can't do that with the current gen macbook as it only has on port. Plus my rMBP does not have a DVD drive. But I have an external USB drive should I ever need to use one or burn a home movie to a DVD drive. These are some of the things that make it a "Pro" and not just a entry level consumer device like the macbook.

 

[epicrayban]

Then the rumors are Apple will make the next gen MBPs into something like the macbook. Make it thinner with USB type C port to to charge it like the current macbook. If they do away with all the current ports just to make it thinner.....i won;t be upgrading anytime soon. My rMBP 13 from 2015 will have to last me a while.

WUT? Please don't do that to the rMBP. I love my rMBP. It's a "professional" laptop. It needs more than a USB C port, and I don't mean two USB-C ports.

Ugh. They should not be doing that to the pro line.


[doublepost=1464195177][/doublepost]

I didn't read the details of the rumor but let's hold judgment until we actually see what they release. Yes, if their desire to become more sleek and thin means compromises in connectivity (a la Macbook's single USB-C) or battery performance, then I'll whole-heartedly agree. But if Apple can give it a more compact, efficient footprint yet still offer the aforementioned functionality, I certainly won't be complaining. If thick, bulky, and heavy equates to Pro, then I'm confused by all the criticism about the iPhone.

I don't think anyone wishes for "thick, heavy, and bulky." Come on now. You know that's not we mean by "pro."

If Apple can achieve the bolded part, I don't think we'd complain either.

 

[Zaft]

I have to say the MacBook 12 inch is a beauty but the keyboard is weird to feel.

 

[I7guy]

And privacy meant more to the people who resisted the telephone, to those afraid of the cell phone, and to those who feared the internet. So you do have company.



Mike

Yep, no doubt about it. Different strokes for different folks. But nice try taking that statement and turning it into "afraid of your shadow".

 

[mildocjr]

Some days I think about ditching Apple due to lack of compatibility with the rest of the world, but then I start thinking about Linux and it's compatibility isn't much better. Besides that, I don't feel like using a terminal to get something working when the GUI doesn't do it for me. I'll use it for a server in a heartbeat.

Then I think about Windows...
...the driver incompatibilities that eventually lead to BSoD's left and right
...software incompatibilities with earlier versions of Windows.
...the terrible implementation of new age flat Metro apps (flat is just lazy design)
...the updates
...the need for a paid antivirus solution right out of the box, mostly for users who click on anything that says download now
...the terrible appeal of the machines (aside from the HP Spectre)
...the number of models that an OEM ships for one device with not much clarity on what you are getting.
...Paid Office or LibreOffice/OpenOffice
...Forced Windows Store applications (jelly sagas)
...the lack of a proper *nix terminal (before the anniversary update)
...the cost for licensing
...the overuse of data collection

 

[I7guy]

Some days I think about ditching Apple due to lack of compatibility with the rest of the world, but then I start thinking about Linux and it's compatibility isn't much better. Besides that, I don't feel like using a terminal to get something working when the GUI doesn't do it for me. I'll use it for a server in a heartbeat.

Then I think about Windows...
...the driver incompatibilities that eventually lead to BSoD's left and right
...software incompatibilities with earlier versions of Windows.
...the terrible implementation of new age flat Metro apps (flat is just lazy design)
...the updates
...the need for a paid antivirus solution right out of the box, mostly for users who click on anything that says download now
...the terrible appeal of the machines (aside from the HP Spectre)
...the number of models that an OEM ships for one device with not much clarity on what you are getting.
...Paid Office or LibreOffice/OpenOffice
...Forced Windows Store applications (jelly sagas)
...the lack of a proper *nix terminal (before the anniversary update)
...the cost for licensing
...the overuse of data collection

I do agree with the last bullet point and that annoys me also. AS far as BSODs, I won't say I never had them, but they are far and few in between.

 

[Tinmania]

Yep, no doubt about it. Different strokes for different folks. But nice try taking that statement and turning it into "afraid of your shadow".

Meanwhile, as you take this "privacy first!" stance, which of course aligns with Apple, the odds are you use your credit report for a variety of reasons. The credit report which knows far more about you than Google knowing you like to play Candy Crush, and is far more easily-obtained by third-parties.



Mike

 

[I7guy]

Meanwhile, as you take this "privacy first!" stance, which of course aligns with Apple, the odds are you use your credit report for a variety of reasons. The credit report which knows far more about you than Google knowing you like to play Candy Crush, and is far more easily-obtained by third-parties.



Mike

Seems like your stance always aligns with google. No problem on that. With respect to the credit report, I choose to use it and the data contained is strictly regulated by federal law. But sure I'll play the game, you probably use your tax return to get a mortgage and sign away your HIPPA rights when you pick up a prescription. But notice we choose to use this information. It is not anonymously aggregated in any way shape or form.

 

[mildocjr]

I do agree with the last bullet point and that annoys me also. AS far as BSODs, I won't say I never had them, but they are far and few in between.

I memory management BSoDs with my 5820k and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM when I open up about 6 programs with intensive launchers on Windows 10 simultaneously so it still exists, apparently Microsoft is collecting the wrong data because an update hasn't fixed it yet.
[doublepost=1464228490][/doublepost]Since going back to that list reminded me of flat design, I bet I can make a nice flat UI in six key presses

---Start---






---End---

Isn't that flat UI just great, I mean look at all that white space for content.

 

[I7guy]

I memory management BSoDs with my 5820k and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM when I open up about 6 programs with intensive launchers on Windows 10 simultaneously so it still exists, apparently Microsoft is collecting the wrong data because an update hasn't fixed it yet.
[doublepost=1464228490][/doublepost]Since going back to that list reminded me of flat design, I bet I can make a nice flat UI in six key presses

---Start---






---End---

Isn't that flat UI just great, I mean look at all that white space for content.

Neither of my win 10 devices ever had a bsod. My win 7 installed in 2009 has had about 2 or 3.

 

[Surface3User]

Some days I think about ditching Apple due to lack of compatibility with the rest of the world, but then I start thinking about Linux and it's compatibility isn't much better. Besides that, I don't feel like using a terminal to get something working when the GUI doesn't do it for me. I'll use it for a server in a heartbeat.

Then I think about Windows...
...the driver incompatibilities that eventually lead to BSoD's left and right
...software incompatibilities with earlier versions of Windows.
...the terrible implementation of new age flat Metro apps (flat is just lazy design)
...the updates
...the need for a paid antivirus solution right out of the box, mostly for users who click on anything that says download now
...the terrible appeal of the machines (aside from the HP Spectre)
...the number of models that an OEM ships for one device with not much clarity on what you are getting.
...Paid Office or LibreOffice/OpenOffice
...Forced Windows Store applications (jelly sagas)
...the lack of a proper *nix terminal (before the anniversary update)
...the cost for licensing
...the overuse of data collection

I've honestly had more issues with Mac OS X (before I jumped ship after decades of Mac use) than I currently do with Windows 10. There was also the issue of certain programs that I wanted to use not being available on Macs.

No platform is perfect. However, the superiority complex maintained by certain Mac users just boggles the mind. It is as if they are willing to cheer the emperor's new clothes despite evidence that Macs are not really superior. Fans on every side of the aisle have a tendency to anthropomorphize gadgets, which inevitability leads to pissing contests. I can participate for maybe five minutes once a month or so before I start feeling dirty myself.

 

[Tinmania]

Seems like your stance always aligns with google.

Nope. I use what works best for me at any given time. At this point my phone is an iPhone 6S Plus, laptop a mb air, personal computers are two mac minis (one as a media hub), and I wear an Apple Watch.

On the other hand I use Google for email, calendar, contacts, maps, etc., but still prefer iMessage for messaging.



Mike

 

[I7guy]

Nope. I use what works best for me at any given time. At this point my phone is an iPhone 6S Plus, laptop a mb air, personal computers are two mac minis (one as a media hub), and I wear an Apple Watch.

On the other hand I use Google for email, calendar, contacts, maps, etc., but still prefer iMessage for messaging.



Mike

See we have things in common. In the house:4 iPhones, 1 moto X, 2 MacBook pros, Apple TV, various Windows computers. I do have a gmail account, but it's strictly for non-confidential client communications; personal emails are on my own domain. Do use f/t and iMessage.

 

[jamezr]

Wow this could be huge!
FaceTime, iMessages hang in the balance after Apple loss to patent troll

Patent troll VirnetX, fresh on the heels of a $626 million FaceTime and iMessages patent victory over Apple, now wants a federal judge to permanently turn off those popular features.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...-now-wants-judge-to-block-facetime-imessages/

 

[The Game 161]

no way that happens surely.

is that a case that can be won? apple would be screwed if that happened

 

[jamezr]

no way that happens surely.

is that a case that can be won? apple would be screwed if that happened

I would think Apple would pay whatever it costs so that there is no interruption is iMessage or FT services.

US District Judge Robert Schroeder III did not rule on the post-trial dispute Wednesday but said he would "get orders out as quickly as possible," according to the minutes of the hearing.(PDF)

 

[Phoenixx]

I've honestly had more issues with Mac OS X (before I jumped ship after decades of Mac use) than I currently do with Windows 10. There was also the issue of certain programs that I wanted to use not being available on Macs.

No platform is perfect. However, the superiority complex maintained by certain Mac users just boggles the mind. It is as if they are willing to cheer the emperor's new clothes despite evidence that Macs are not really superior. Fans on every side of the aisle have a tendency to anthropomorphize gadgets, which inevitability leads to pissing contests. I can participate for maybe five minutes once a month or so before I start feeling dirty myself.

I agree completely. I've used Macs since 2004, and Windows since 2011 (though I did use Windows much earlier around 2003 for about six months before switching to Mac). OS X USED to be more reliable than Windows and the software that came on a Mac USED to be very useful and functional in the days where Windows XP was the best Microsoft had to offer. Mac OS X was even better IMOP than Windows 7 (some would debate this), and certainly better than 8 and 8.1. However, for me Windows 10 has been a game changer. OS X has steadily become more buggy, filled with useless gimmicks released as "features," outdated (the basic look hasn't changed since it was first released), and the once very functional software such as iMovie, iTunes and Garageband have either become so bloated to become useless, or so dumbed down to match iOS versions that they also become useless. Much of this software now needs to be replaced with something more useful, when you buy a Mac; a situation that didn't used to be the case. In essence, Apple has been pursuing a strategy by stealth to make the Mac as much like an iPad as possible, the same strategy that was so much of a failure for Microsoft. They are also making claims that iPads are legitimate replacements for desktop computers, so it is clear where they are planning on heading with this in the future.

By contrast, Microsoft has learned from their mistakes with forcing a mobile environment on desktop users, and come back with an OS that has seriously improved on earlier versions. And, Microsoft, unlike Apple, are continuing to LISTEN to their users, by not only having a beta program, but having a feedback mechanism BUILT INTO the OS. If you don't like something, want a feature added, or find a bug, you can report it, and people will vote on it. Microsoft act on these suggestions to improve the OS. This is VERY SMART, as Microsoft has effectively turned tens of millions of users into an RnD, quality control and testing department.

Now personally, I have no loyalty to either company. A computer is a tool to get a job done, and I really don't care which product I use. However, at the moment, Microsoft are simply doing a better job of producing a computer OS that "Just works," and is as functional as possible. Apple, by contrast, have some serious catching up to do.

 

[gotluck]

I can say I've never had a bsod on Windows 10 too, that's pretty crazy to say

They were far less common on 7 versus xp for me too

Xp is true to the stereotype for me

 

[mildocjr]

Now personally, I have no loyalty to either company. A computer is a tool to get a job done, and I really don't care which product I use. However, at the moment, Microsoft are simply doing a better job of producing a computer OS that "Just works," and is as functional as possible. Apple, by contrast, have some serious catching up to do.

I agree with this statement, back when Vista came out I jumped ship to Mac (10.4) after being curious from when I used an Apple II and later OS 9 on an iMac. When Windows 7 came out I thought about going back but quickly realized that I missed spotlight's functionality and speed, not to mention the built in dictionary and low running overhead (750 MB of RAM vs 1.2 GB of RAM). At that point Windows had made it's bed and I was happy with my Mac on Snow Leopard.

To not be biased towards Apple, they made some shoddy decisions with Lion - Yosemite, I was hoping for a redeemer with El Capitan but it only feels like it took a few steps back with the hangs, I'm hoping for something better in the next version but I'm thinking some of it might be due to a mixture of C, Obj-C, and Swift all running in the same OS. Microsoft on the other hand has been making strides, it still doesn't have that built-in dictionary but instead proxied through Cortana. Windows 8 was a joke, 8.1 was a feeble attempt to recover it, but Windows 10 could be an XP reboot for Microsoft. I'm thinking it will be more of a reboot for XP because no one is willing to spend millions of dollars changing their business towards a *nix environment, and Windows 10 is supposedly the last version of Windows while Microsoft focuses more on the cloud. This is concerning to me simply because Windows Client/Server has always been their cash cow, it's how users know Microsoft, and if they just throw everything they've got into a server cluster, how responsive will they be towards making a good UX for their end users?

I can't exactly say screw it to either as I work in IT, but my next main computer is probably going to be a version of Linux, if I can find one that doesn't feel like a duct taped project.

For me it's not so much about the UI of the OS and the appearance of the machine (as some people buy Apple for status) as it is the overall UX with the OS. Microsoft has failed me hard on many occasions and broke my trust, Apple seems to be headed down the same path.

 

[epicrayban]

iPhone 7/7 Plus could be thicker. Bigger battery? Hopefully!

Leaked diagrams reveal that the Apple iPhone 7 and Apple iPhone 7 Plus will be slightly thicker

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Leak...Phone-7-Plus-will-be-slightly-thicker_id81564

Apparently, also this:

The diagrams also show that the iPhone 7 Plus will feature a dual camera setup, while the iPhone 7 will carry a single camera on the back. And it appears that the iPhone 7 Plus will have a Smart Connector port on the rear. This will allow it to sync with the Smart Keyboard used on the Apple iPad Pro. It isn't known if Apple plans on producing other Smart Connector accessories designed specifically for the handset.

EDIT: And could thicker mean waterproofing, too?

 

[epicrayban]

Great article.

Apple Is Not The Next Blackberry, It's The Next Toyota

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsat...-blackberry-its-the-next-toyota/#589cdc942a2a

 

[I7guy]

Which is exactly why BH just bought a bunch of shares.

However the cloud as mentioned in the article has one impediment in the US, and that is Greedy cell carriers.

 

[Wildo6882]

Great article.

Apple Is Not The Next Blackberry, It's The Next Toyota

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsat...-blackberry-its-the-next-toyota/#589cdc942a2a

Definitely a good article. And I agree with a lot of it. I think we're already seeing it come to fruition. It's actually part of the reason I'm thinking of dabbling in Android again.