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Apple just told the world it has no idea who the Mac is for(medium.com)

over 6 years ago from Sam Solomon, Product Designer at SalesLoft

  • Sacha GreifSacha Greif, over 6 years ago

    This (and most Apple criticism posts) could be summarized as "why is Apple not putting out flawless, perfect products that revolutionize entire industry segments every year?".

    I don't get why people expect Apple are surprised when they release iterative improvements with both pros and cons like literally every other company out there.

    Personally I already ordered the new 15 inch MBP and I expect it'll be a nice upgrade that helps me get my job done better. I'm fine with the fact that it won't necessarily be a life-changing purchase.

    8 points
    • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, over 6 years ago (edited over 6 years ago )

      why is Apple not putting out flawless, perfect products that revolutionize entire industry segments every year?

      1045 days since the Mac Pro’s last update. And, 449 days for the update prior. An update doesn’t seem likely until January at least. Maybe the Mac Pro is dead? Who knows? And there’s the issue — signalling. Right now, people who rely on certain types of Macs can’t buy a Mac with even remotely up to date hardware, and the equipment they rely on might be discontinued.

      The reaction is about uncertainty.

      2 points
      • Sacha GreifSacha Greif, over 6 years ago

        Oh, I was talking about the negative reactions every time Apple puts out a new product like the new MBP. I agree that it sucks for people waiting for a new Mac Pro.

        0 points
        • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, over 6 years ago

          Yeah. I would probably argue that the issues aren’t contained to just the Mac Pro though, and I just don't feel confident they are going to be the leader in the next wave of computers for creative professionals and professionals — computers used to turn humans into super humans.

          I hope I’m wrong, but the Surface Studio looks more like a confident vision of how things should be than a 30 × whatever point iPod touch attached to a MacBook Pro keyboard.

          3 points
    • Nathan HueningNathan Huening, over 6 years ago

      "Flawed" is not the criticism I see most. It's more a concern over misunderstanding the users. I'm sure the new MBP is a lovely machine, a work of art and feat of engineering. I'm sure I'll probably upgrade (or maybe I'll wait another 1049 days). The issue is that the PRO should be for PRO users, and it isn't. What pros care about:

      • Speed
      • Memory
      • GPU
      • Battery life
      • Ports

      Mainly because a lot of pros use a laptop as a "desktop" in conjunction with an external display (this has to be like >80% of users). Notice what is not on the list:

      • Lightness
      • Thinness
      • Reduced travel keys
      • Touch-sensitive keyboard that requires me to look down

      Those things are ideal for non-pro users (I don't mean this in a derogatory, "your mom uses a computer" way). It means people who don't have processor-intensive tasks or who are on the go a lot, without dedicated workstations. That's why I thought the latest Macbook (from last year) was a triumph: it was bold, innovative, novel, and perfect for smart, non-pro users (like my wife) who don't care about SD & HDMI ports. She even likes the keyboard.

      So to characterize detractors as expecting Apple "to revolutionize entire industry segments" is, I'm afraid, a bit of a strawman that misses the point. MacBook Pro should meet a pro's needs, Macbook should meet the needs of everyone else. I would GLADLY trade an extra pound or two -- and millimeter or three -- for extra battery life, more ports, or a discrete GPU.

      I don't criticize Apple because I don't like Apple; quite the opposite. I'm a huge fan. I care deeply about the company, its products, its cultural impact and what it enables creators to do. I'm invested in it. And I want to see some clarity in the product line -- Pros for pros, MacBooks for everybody. Why is that so hard?

      2 points