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Apple's Strategy with the new Mac Book?

66.85.148.53
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 09:28:29
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 This is just my guess, but I think it has some plausibility:

Apple deleted the Mac Book from the line to bring it back in it's current form with the much maligned "USB C" port to see what the reaction would be, and if they got positive vibes and sales, they plan to convert the Air and Mac Book Pro over to the same design. Converting the others over without some market test would be foolish.

Apple used to be able to dictate to the market, but were taken aback at the public's embrace of larger mobile phones, and they then had to follow suit, they were also surprised at the success of 7 inch tablets, and then came the iPad Mini. From market leader to market follower.

So I am pretty sure Apple has taken somewhat of a throw it against the wall and see what sticks approach. Hopefully the public will ignore this new Mac Book.

 

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I don't want to sound ignorant, posted on March 21, 2015 at 12:30:28
bullethead
 who really cares about what Apple does nowadays? really?

ever hear of walled gardens?

 

RE: I don't want to sound ignorant, posted on March 21, 2015 at 14:18:44
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Unfortunately, there are many computer audio hardware manufacturers and software designers whose world revolves around Apple, and many even recommend Apple computers as transports.

And even more unfortunately when Apple sets a standard or trend, regardless of,it's technical merits, many others follow suit.

The one obvious difference is that unless I am wrong, Apple has so far resisted touch screens on their computers.

Good link.

 

Hey, bh - you wouldn't sound ignorant if we were still back in the 80's! [nt] ;-), posted on March 21, 2015 at 14:28:17
Chris from Lafayette
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Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: February 17, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 6, 2012

 

Who the hell is maligning the USB-C port??, posted on March 21, 2015 at 15:57:04
J.Mac
Audiophile

Posts: 3553
Location: Colorado
Joined: November 6, 2002
 I've seen nothing but praise for USB-C.

Everything will soon be using the USB-C port. The Google Chromebook Pixel also has it. It will become the standard on everything from phones to ... DACs.

 

The 'Public' will likely buy the crap out of the new Apple MacBook..., posted on March 21, 2015 at 17:14:25
Ivan303
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Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
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 Much like they bought the crap out of the MacBook Air without an optical drive that no one seems to use much anymore.

But that still doesn't explain why the current MacBook Pro line was upgraded with new chips at the same time the new Apple MacBook was introduced.

Can't wait to get my new 13 inch MacBook Pro with all of its ports(Two Thunderbolt 2 ports, Two USB 3 ports, HDMI port, Headphone port, SDXC card slot plus 802.11ac, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0)!

And yes, I'll likely be using one of those USB ports for streaming music to a USB/DAC.

Face it, sooner or later ALL communications between laptops and peripherals with be accomplished without wires, including charging of batteries.

Apple is just leading the way.

While sales of 'Windows' PCs continue to decline.



First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Just be careful where you choose to charge your laptop if all it has is USB-C for charging...., posted on March 21, 2015 at 17:46:58
Ivan303
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Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
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 As there is no way to keep malware out when plugging into a intentionally infected charger.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: "Apple has so far resisted touch screens on their computers."..., posted on March 21, 2015 at 17:54:05
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 And thank goodness for that!




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: I don't want to sound ignorant, posted on March 21, 2015 at 18:03:37
Tony Lauck
Audiophile

Posts: 13629
Location: Vermont
Joined: November 12, 2007
 "Apple has so far resisted touch screens on their computers."

I see. And their touch screen devices aren't computers? This is an distinction without a difference.


Tony Lauck

"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar

 

Apple clearly differentiates their 'Computer' lines, Mac Pro, iMac and MacBooks..., posted on March 21, 2015 at 18:19:06
Ivan303
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Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 which run OS-X as an operating system, from iPad, iPhone and etc., which run iOS.

Microsoft, OTOH, seems to have let their PC and Tablet's operating systems run together and overlap. Hard to know where one ends and the other begins.

I don't think that has been a roaring success.





First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Who the hell is maligning the USB-C port??, posted on March 22, 2015 at 07:42:33
fstein
Audiophile

Posts: 2994
Location: fstein
Joined: May 18, 2006
 Finally speed without paying boutique prices for a Thunderbolt or Firewire HD!

 

RE: Apple's Strategy with the new Mac Book?, posted on March 22, 2015 at 07:43:49
fstein
Audiophile

Posts: 2994
Location: fstein
Joined: May 18, 2006
 I still haven't forgiven them for the new castrated Mac Mini

 

RE: Who the hell is maligning the USB-C port??, posted on March 22, 2015 at 07:59:13
Ivan303
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Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 The USB-C on the Apple MacBook is USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps).




USB 3.1 standard (Gen. 2) will be up to 10 Gbps but not at the moment. :-(




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: I don't want to sound ignorant, posted on March 22, 2015 at 08:24:21
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 I am sure most understood I meant touch screens on their laptops and desktop models.

 

RE: Apple clearly differentiates their 'Computer' lines, Mac Pro, iMac and MacBooks..., posted on March 22, 2015 at 08:26:49
Tony Lauck
Audiophile

Posts: 13629
Location: Vermont
Joined: November 12, 2007
 This is marketing BS. All of these devices are computers and basically do the same thing.

But yes, there is a difference. The iOS offerings are stripped down to the point of unusability. This is good from Apple's perspective, in that it keeps customers locked into their store. I run a web site that sells downloads and I am always wasting my time explaining to customers what to do with their stripped down Apple junk that doesn't include necessary functions such as a file manager with zip file capability.

I have a Windows tablet that comes with a detachable keyboard. It works fine both with the keyboard and the touch screen. This is an Asus transformer book that carcass93 had recommended. It took an hour or two to get used to the gestures to use the touch screen efficiently and figure out the small differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. I use this to read technical papers so that I don't have to print them out to read the fine print, e.g. subscripts and superscripts of formulas.

I also have a very cheap Android tablet that I use as a TV remote control. It was also stripped down, but I had no trouble adding a file manager with zip file capability from the Google Play Store.

I will never purchase any product from Apple, because of the company's emphasis on form rather then substance, its customer base who think accordingly, and especially because of its previous leadership by an obvious psychopath.

Tony Lauck

"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar

 

RE: The 'Public' will likely buy the crap out of the new Apple MacBook..., posted on March 22, 2015 at 08:28:14
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 "Apple is just leading the way."

That type of thinking is what gave Apple the boldness to implement the "Let's design what is good for us under the guise of visionaries" type products.

I guess you will be shopping for a "USB C" DAC soon.

 

RE: Apple clearly differentiates their 'Computer' lines, Mac Pro, iMac and MacBooks..., posted on March 22, 2015 at 08:50:17
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 I understand what you are saying, but I would disagree that iOS is useless.

The fact is it depends on your perspective.

The iPad works just fantastically as a portable web browser and email client.

A good number of older relatives in my family use it for that and could not be happier.

The iPad is also an excellent control point for networked audio, and even the cheaper Mini would be just fine for that application.

There are other things it can do as well that are not widely advertised.

You can't be absolute about the definition of a computer. It is a tool, and if it does the job asked of it, say browsing the web, it is not useless.

 

You continue to ignore the fact..., posted on March 22, 2015 at 09:15:54
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 that the New Apple MacBook is but ONE model in a complete line of MacBook computers.

Do you really think that Apple will remove all of the ports from its full line of MacBook laptops?

Really?

If so, why did they just upgrade the complete line of MacBook Air and MAcBook Pro?


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

I have both a 2012 Mini and a , posted on March 22, 2015 at 10:03:56
LWR
Audiophile

Posts: 66808
Location: The woods
Joined: August 12, 2003
 2014 Mini server. Both have 16GB of RAM, no worries about RAM that cannot be increased if you order them with the max. The 2012 has one SSD of 256GB, the Mini Server has two 256 GB drives in a raid array. Both are for use as a music server only.
Near as I can tell there is no difference in their speed and functionality. No difference in the SQ either.

 

"The PeePull" eat at McDonalds too..., posted on March 22, 2015 at 12:02:52
Thorsten
Manufacturer

Posts: 4209
Location: Somewhere nice on planet dirt
Joined: September 25, 1999
 ...and what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

Given that Apple has been treating serious audio (and other creative) with disdain for, like forever.

Their market share in what used to be their core market is declining.

Meanwhile Apple products become almost entirely fashion accessories.

Their usability for anything more serious than answering e-mail and surfing the web (most likely for p..rn) declining with each generation.

Thor

At 20 bits, you are on the verge of dynamic range covering fly-farts-at-20-feet to intolerable pain. Really, what more could we need?

 

RE: "The PeePull" eat at McDonalds too..., posted on March 22, 2015 at 12:45:27
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Your comments are very funny; not that I give a shit one way or the other about Apple.

Their iPhone sales amount to more gross than all of Microsoft's sales. And if you haven't noticed, the PC business ain't what it used to be.

I predict the MacBook Pro new models will have USB and Thunderbolt ports.

If I were running Apple, I would focus on what makes money.

But I still consider you an audio mavin Thorsten

 

RE: I have both a 2012 Mini and a , posted on March 22, 2015 at 14:27:47
fstein
Audiophile

Posts: 2994
Location: fstein
Joined: May 18, 2006
 in 2012 you could get a quad-core 2.6 G7 and upgrade your own RAM with much cheaper RAM from OWC. After waiting forever for the 2014, which allows neither, I bought a 2012 Refurb and did my own upgrades including a 256 SSD. I am typing on it now.
The 2014 was a step backwards. The fact that both may be overkill is beside the point, especially since I am listening to Spotify Premium, and some would disagree.

 

RE: Who the hell is maligning the USB-C port??, posted on March 22, 2015 at 14:28:41
fstein
Audiophile

Posts: 2994
Location: fstein
Joined: May 18, 2006
 Be patient, Cricket. Who buys release 1.0 anyway! :-)

 

RE: "I predict the MacBook Pro new models will have USB and Thunderbolt ports"...., posted on March 22, 2015 at 19:49:53
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 The new upgraded MacBook Pros were introduced at the same time the New Apple MacBook was announced.

And yes, still has USB 3 and Thunderbolt ports.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: "I predict the MacBook Pro new models will have USB and Thunderbolt ports"...., posted on March 23, 2015 at 05:56:22
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 I thought the new MacBook Pro 15 inch update was due this summer.

 

Make that 13 inch MacBook Pro...., posted on March 23, 2015 at 07:32:50
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 just upgraded with new 5th generation chip and (silly) track pad, faster RAM also but same number of ports.

Here's betting the updated 15 inch will still enjoy multiple ports as well.

Use case for the MacBook Pro is VERY different from that of the Air or the new Apple MacBook.

Can't imagine trying to use Photoshop on my current MacBook Air or the new Apple MacBook for that matter.


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Make that 13 inch MacBook Pro...., posted on March 23, 2015 at 07:38:11
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Maybe a new 15 inch for me this year.

 

You will have to promise NEVER to use it for Audio..., posted on March 23, 2015 at 07:41:11
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 or you will be banned from posting here. ;-)


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Apple clearly differentiates their 'Computer' lines, Mac Pro, iMac and MacBooks..., posted on March 23, 2015 at 09:29:25
Tony Lauck
Audiophile

Posts: 13629
Location: Vermont
Joined: November 12, 2007
 iOS does not work fine for portable web browsing. If you go to some music webwsites and attempt to download music files that are packaged in .zip files (many sites including mine do this) then the download goes off into limbo. The user thinks the download failed, i.e. there is something wrong with the site. If the user uses a decent operating system this works smoothly. BTW, this problem has existed for years. I can't help but cynically believe this is deliberate on the part of Apple, since it drives music downloaders to the iTunes store.

There are two definitions of "computer" that I use. First, is the computer science definition, which says that the device contains a processor that is Turing complete (with the exception that its memory is bounded). Second is the programmer definition, if it is possible to load and run programs on the machine. This covers the "walks like a duck" and "talks like a duck" conditions with respect to the iOS devices. I have no use for marketing definitions as they are BS that is deliberately concocted to confuse and deceive potential buyers, particularly when used by companies that are, or were recently, managed by psychopaths.

Of all of my living relatives, there is only one of my cousins who is older than I. All of my generation's living relatives are facile with various computer types, some more than others. I have been working with and using computers since 1960.



Tony Lauck

"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar

 

RE: Apple's Strategy with the new Mac Book?, posted on March 23, 2015 at 12:04:26
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7956
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Nice Rant, but you do know this is a computer AUDIO forum, right?


'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

RE: Apple clearly differentiates their 'Computer' lines, Mac Pro, iMac and MacBooks..., posted on March 23, 2015 at 12:29:21
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Now you are splitting hairs Tony! :)

It DOES work fine as a portable browser..downloading large files of course is totally different application.

"All of my generation's living relatives are facile with various computer types, some more than others."

Consider your self lucky!

 

RE: Apple's Strategy with the new Mac Book?, posted on March 23, 2015 at 12:32:09
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Since you obviously did not read the thread, let me enlighten you.

Many here use Mac Books/Air/Pro with USB DACS or for music management, and the elimination of the standard USB connection will be a huge factor if Apple does this across the line. It is only speculation if they, but as I said, they are obviously testing the waters.

You will see here the mention of data speed, DACs, music library storage, capice?

Now go fixed that facata printer.

 

Spuzz is a 'Piece of Work' isn't he ................nt, posted on March 24, 2015 at 14:03:04
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18285
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since: May 16, 2021
 nt



 

No, on this subject he is right on. nt, posted on March 24, 2015 at 14:19:00
Tony Lauck
Audiophile

Posts: 13629
Location: Vermont
Joined: November 12, 2007
Tony Lauck

"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar

 

That's being kind *, posted on March 24, 2015 at 15:32:06
J.Mac
Audiophile

Posts: 3553
Location: Colorado
Joined: November 6, 2002

 

RE: That's being kind *, posted on March 24, 2015 at 16:54:31
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Birds of a feather..two know nothing idiots...

 

To the extent that an anti-Apple Troll is right on...., posted on March 24, 2015 at 17:31:57
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 he's right on.


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Yep, it's the end of the world as we know it..., posted on March 24, 2015 at 20:53:56
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001

Or you can buy one of these for $19.

And with the arguably more expensive USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter you can charge your Apple MacBook while it's attached to a standard USB/DAC and playing music.

Why anyone would want to do that I have no idea, but it's not the end of the world, yet.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

EU has made USB-C a requirement, posted on March 25, 2015 at 08:59:43
Gordon Rankin
Manufacturer

Posts: 2928
Joined: June 9, 2000
 Guys,

Look... USB-C is here to stay. Apple was smart, when the EU declared they were sick of all these different ports (A, B, micro, mini, MHL, etc) and said they wanted a single smart port for every device, Apple took the lead and delivered USB-C. They didn't even take credit for it but they wanted to make sure it was enough.

Yes... Lightning will be going away sometime and the new Air's will probably sport 2 USB-C.

I don't think we will loose Thunderbolt on the MB Pro and Desktop stuff, because Apple is too deep into Audio and Video mastering to do that and all those guys spent tons of cash on Thunderbolt development. But you will probably loose the standard USB3 type A ports for USB-C.

Remember what this is... great article here.

Thanks,
Gordon
J. Gordon Rankin

 

RE: EU has made USB-C a requirement, posted on March 25, 2015 at 09:21:42
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Nice spin. Very nice. Apple "took the lead". Hilarious.

Since when does the EU decide on connectivity standards.

The part you are leaving out is they were mainly, if not ONLY concerned with standardizing phone charging connections. And why?

 

Let's watch the personal slams, as..., posted on March 25, 2015 at 11:12:19
Chris Garrett
Bored Member

Posts: 16674
Location: Miami, Florida
Joined: October 9, 1999
Contributor
  Since: June 19, 2000
 that's generally what got the other three sent off.

I'm in a slicing and dicing mood, so knocking a few more of you guys out, is no skin off of my back.

Chris



 

You need to knock off the personal insults..., posted on March 25, 2015 at 11:14:03
Chris Garrett
Bored Member

Posts: 16674
Location: Miami, Florida
Joined: October 9, 1999
Contributor
  Since: June 19, 2000
 you're up on the plank and inching closer and closer to the edge.

So take this as a 'not so subtle' warning.

Chris



 

Very doubtful IMHO, posted on March 26, 2015 at 10:05:42
Chris from Lafayette
Audiophile

Posts: 26437
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: February 17, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 6, 2012
 His leaps in logic (e.g., because a single Mac model only has a USC-C port, it's the end of the world and shows how anti-decent-quality-audio Apple is!) and the obstinacy with which he holds on to his. . . uh. . . proclamations seem just a little bit extravagant - but maybe that's just me. (BTW, I wonder if he's found the percentage of actual hi-rez files on the PONO site yet. LOL!)

BTW, regarding some of the topics below, I've downloaded dozens of zip files and have never had a problem. Same for my wife (except that, as a web developer, she's probably dealt with hundreds rather than dozens). Neither of us has EVER had a problem with zip files. (I have an iMac, she has a MacBook Pro.) So I just can't see where you're getting this assertion that Macs have trouble with zip files. (Or were you just talking about iPhones and iPads?)

Also, I fear for your mental state when you suggest (further below) that Apple sales are the only ones driven by deliberately concocted BS and confusing and deceptive marketing. It's called advertising, and it's a large part of American capitalism. And, amazingly, a large part of the population even has the ability to ignore what's spurious in the ad copy/jingle/whatever! Even more amazing, you aren't the only one who sees through deceptive advertising!

And finally, my experience using computers dates back to mainframes too, although it doesn't go back as far as yours. In fact my whole career in the corporate world was in the mainframe sphere. We still used PC's of course for our daily tasks, and, for over 24 years, I was forced, against my will, to use POS Windows machines. (And by POS, I mean that these machines - cheapo HP's, Lenovos, and Dells - didn't last much longer than a couple of years. Something was always going wrong with them, and, as a matter of policy, they were "refreshed" every three years. Oh well! That's corporate thinking for you - force Windows on your employees by fiat!) And the only time I've ever run LINUX was on a Mac. So much for their "closed" system!

 

RE: Very doubtful IMHO, posted on March 26, 2015 at 10:35:26
Tony Lauck
Audiophile

Posts: 13629
Location: Vermont
Joined: November 12, 2007
 Please go back and reread my posts in this thread more carefully.

My comment about .zip files applied to the iOS products, not the MAC OS products.

I was commenting on Apple's business practices. It would be an incorrect deduction that I believe that Apple is the only company following such practices.



Tony Lauck

"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar

 

I referenced the iOS products in my post, posted on March 26, 2015 at 11:50:46
Chris from Lafayette
Audiophile

Posts: 26437
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: February 17, 2004
Contributor
  Since: February 6, 2012
 Maybe your posts aren't as clear as you think they are.

So why are you always singling out Apple as the exemplar of deceptive business practices if they're not the only ones guilty? (Not that I even agree with your assertion, but I'd still like to know why you single them out.)

 

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