Benjamin Button Reviews the New MacBook Pro (2016)
blog.pinboard.in
blog.pinboard.in
-Personally, I quite like the feel of the new MBP keyboard, even compared to the 2015 MBP. If you want longer travel distance, get a mechanical keyboard and plop it on top of your laptop. I'm also convinced I can type faster with chiclet style keyboards (I tend to bottom out the keys).
-The trackpad, while large, is actually quite intelligent about detecting accidental presses, and in my memory has never activated unintentionally. I've noticed on my Thinkpad (tiny, tiny trackpad) that accidental trackpad activation is hugely annoying (not sure if Windows deals with it but my Linux drivers definitely don't).
-The touchbar has been absolutely worthless and an annoyance at best. I remap escape to caps lock so I never have to deal with the touchbar.
-I suppose this is an older review, but the current MBPs do have a physical off button (which doubles as a fingerprint sensor).
-The latest 6 core 15 inch is beautiful and fast. I don't think twice about dropping it into my backpack because it's so light, and it's a joy to use day to day. As an iOS developer it's a godsend. I do wish the Mac Pro had a refresh, the iMac Pro seems to be a strong option though.
I'm at the point where I'm going to have to upgrade my MBP pretty soon, and the second I do, I'm buying a set of these. https://www.snapnator.com/shop
(Unless, of course, Apple does the "unthinkable" and brings back MagSafe... a guy can dream, right?)
I'm with you, though, holding on to my 2015 MBP for dear life. I have newer MBPs at work, and the keyboard and touch bar (or lack of Escape, more accurately) are significant impairments for me whenever I'm not at desk.
The new MBA actually looks like a better choice to me for most development than the current MBPs. That's saying something.
Is there something you don't like in an Apple product? Be sure to write 5000 words praising all the good things Apple did since the beginning of time and explain all the possible reasons why they possibly have taken this decision that could look like a mistake, and only then you can emit your critique. That's what smart informed people do to show they are smart and informed. So if you have a more consequent critique, use irony to respect the form people are used to.
I wish tech were less religious and more capitalistic. Apple has the product you wish for the price you want to pay at the time you need it? If yes, fine, go for it. If not, find out if there is something else that matches your need.
When the Company in question knows they'll get press regardless, you end up with a gaggle of folks praying for scraps of coveted "scoops" that only come with access.
Stray too far from the narrative, and your access, and most likely part of your livelihood, will be cut off.
This mentality is bad in Tech media, but exponentially worse in Gaming.