Five things still missing from Apple MacBooks
(Credit:
CNET)
Unless you've been living under a rock (or in Redmond), you've no doubt seen the flood of product news coming from Apple's WWDC 2009 conference--from the new iPhone 3G S to an entire line of revamped MacBook laptops.
While we're down with the new SD card slots and lower prices (see reviews for three of the new MacBooks here), there are still a few items on our MacBook wish list:
Matte screen options
Despite the fact that nearly every serious laptop user we know prefers matte, non-glossy screens, only Apple's 17-inch MacBook Pro offers a matte option--in the form of a $50 anti-glare coating add-on.Especially with the current models' edge-to-edge glass, popping open a MacBook outdoors (or in an overlit room) is just asking for trouble. Sure, glossy screens make colors pop and movies more dramatic--but we'd like to have the option of choosing a matte screen anyway (and not for $50, either).
Blu-ray drives
While high-capacity Blu-ray drives aren't quite a necessity, the format is slowing gaining a foothold. Many inexpensive Windows laptops at least offer it as an option, and many high-end laptops in the MacBook's price range include a Blu-ray drive by default.Leaving aside the idea of having a high-capacity optical backup capability, Blu-ray seems like a natural fit for the MacBook's multimedia-friendly vibe.
Mobile broadband options
Another widespread option from most PC makers. We're slowing getting to the point where having a mobile broadband account connected to your laptop is just a common tool, rather than an exotic novelty--especially with AT&T's iPhone tethering plan not yet available.While having to choose one carrier's antenna over another is a hassle, we found the built-in Verizon 3G on the HP Mini 1151nr Netbook to be "an obvious mashup of two useful technologies."
HDMI outputs
Mini DisplayPort is Apple's video connection of choice, and we've also seen a push toward it from PC makers such as Dell. But few of us have an external display with DisplayPort--HDMI, VGA, and even DVI are all more common.Apple offers some helpful adapters (at $29 each) for DVI and VGA--but no way to connect a new MacBook to an HDMI-equipped TV, for example. Fortunately, some third-party vendors now offer a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for around $15.
Touch screens
If we had a dime for every blog rumor about an Apple tablet we've seen, we'd have at least enough for a large soy-based coffee beverage from Starbucks. Plus, Apple has already proven it's mastered the touch screen in the iPhone and iPod Touch.Actually, someone has already done this, in a way. Axiotron makes custom MacBook-based tablets by buying stock MacBooks, taking them apart, and rebuilding them as tablet PCs.
Of course, we haven't missed these features enough to keep us from bestowing the coveted Editors' Choice award on the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros. What's on your list of missing MacBook features? Let us know below!
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New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan. 
The PS3 is dying a slow death because they had to raise the price to include Blu-ray, thinking it would become a must-have.
As for matte screens...I wholeheartedly agree. Same with touch-screen.
They do scratch - just differently. i.e. you get micro-scratches in swirls if you wipe the screen with the wrong type of cloth (similar to the swirls that develop on a car's windscreen).
Besides, I wouldn't count that as a plus. The primary function of a computer screen is to be readable, and it's really hard to read anything from a screen that's reflecting tons of light into your eyes. God forbid there might be a light source or a moving image (like a TV) behind you somewhere.
Basically, matte finish screens actually have a special finish that diffuzes the light equally in all directions so that the screen is non-reflective and at the same time the image doesn't get distorted. The manufactures basically pulled a fast one on customers with glossy screens. They're basically selling stuff that's inferior (especially considering the function they are meant to carry out) and costs less to manufacture. And they have a lot of customers fooled into thinking they're getting a better product ("oh, look - bright and shiny!")..
Not to mention the PS2 is still selling a good 180k per month. The PS3 is helping BD become the next and probably last optical standard. Surveys just this year say 70% of consumers still prefer physical media. The PS3 will have a price drop before the holidays and it will push on 30 million by this time next year. Dying slow death...ahahahahahahah!
Glossy screens are a big no-no for any form of colour sensitive work, such as digital photography because they distort colours to make them look more vibrant. Given this, the glossy screens are a deterrent to anyone operating in these areas unless you want to pony-up the money for a 17" MBP. I have a 17" MBP today but am seriously considering downgrading to a 15" version next time (smaller size, lighter, cheaper, more options for things like bags/cases, etc) but the screen is an issue.
I need a notebook that I can read. Not a notebook that I can also use as a mirror.
Oh that's just asking for trouble! I've generally stayed clear of the laptop world in recent times, but I suppose a blu-ray drive (assuming it doesn't degrade battery much) would be nice. But only if said laptop comes with blu-ray movie playing software (something Macs don't seem to have yet)
how about Microsoft Access?
those are the only features that are missing from Macs, IMO.. If Apple knew what a database was-- maybe I'd use one.
Until then-- Apple's are just a toy.
Toy status is over, maybe you should take a fresh look.
Secondly, FileMaker Pro is a database software that runs on the Mac. I run it and our business/corp (small) data sits in it.
Thirdly, if you boot into Windows or use Parallel to run Windows, you can easily run Microsoft Access and SQL Server though, depending on which machine you are using, Parallel can impact performance. I run these too for our legacy data, sometimes in Parallel for simple minor queries and sometimes in native mode for full CRUD operations.
This reply is more for the casual reader, not for a "troll" like you (Aaron Kempf).
I put up with Access because it is the only way to get to our legacy data. If there is time, I would migrate all such data to our FileMaker Pro running native on a Mac.
Troll...
The Mac doesn't come with MySQL, but it's an easy download.
@Aaron:
Microsoft Access is a database? Don't let any DBAs hear you say that. Access may be a preferable alternative to storing piles of info in an Excel spreadsheet, but I'd never use it for anything other than a light structured database, and only then if it's not going to be accessed by more than a few people at a time.
SQL Server is a fine database, but it sits on top of a terrible server environment. My company has multitudes of databases, several of which range up to 100TB in size. None of the serious systems sit on SQL Server, and even those few SQL Server-based systems we do run have scheduled reboots to free up memory leaks.
I have MySQL installed on both my Mac Mini and Dell Linux desktop machines and find its conformity to SQL standards and robust multiuser features (c'mon Access, can we have table locking plz?) as well as support for things like stored procedures invaluable, even though they're just currently in use for development and testing purposes.
My bad, I was thinking of Mac OS X Server - didn't think about running a database on the client. Yeah, I know there are plenty of valid reasons for doing that as I say: "my bad".
"If Apple knew what a database was"
HAHA. Are you kidding me or you just plain stupid - they own Filemaker, last I check that was a database application / company.
Besides as already pointed out to you database/Access/SQL... are software and nothing to do with hardware. So I guess it's plain stupid is what you are.
Works just fine on OSX, is the same DB that Google uses for its operations, is far more flexible than anything not named "Oracle", plus it gives you the source code so you can modify the crap out of it.
MS Access is universally recognized as useless legacy crap, and MS SQL Server will cost you a hefty chunk of change if you want a full-featured DB that you can actually use (instead of the useless "Express" model). We won't even get into just how resource-hungry SQL Server can get...
Also, the "Enter" key is too small - I would put the backslash where the current "~" key is and use the space to make the Enter key bigger. Tilde character would then replace the totally useless "+-§" key. Also, I would remove the utterly useless "Eject" key and replace it with a Del key (what Fn+Backspace does now).
Apple is usually reasonable with ergonomics but the US keyboard layout is really bad.
Apple hasn't made their keyboards easy to use for people who are switching over.
I think most people would agree that a dedicated Eject key is just ludicrous in this day and age. Even MacBook Air has an Eject key, and it doesn't even have an optical drive.
This just shows that MacBooks need a more careful look at their keyboard layout.
Maybe that's why they increased the battery--to compensate for poor hd performance.
So for the 99% of the population that won't be running a RunCore SSD in their MBP? and assuming this wasn't an oversight that will be fixed by Apple? there won't be any perceptible difference to the end user.
And? Why? All? The? Question? Marks?
or a Firmware problem
but it stinks !
Hopefully it gets sorted out fast
I believe the VGA max resolution is 800x600 while the HDMI is 2560x1600 v1.3. So if you are using VGA you will get a very soft washed out picture. If you want the best picture use the HDMI port.
If you took the same hard ware and hooked it up with VGA VS DVI (assuming you weren't using a 30 ft cable) I doubt most people could tell the difference.
You do realize that SQL Server is a Microsoft product and that Apple just can't walk in and port it over to Mac OS X - and maybe it even can't be ported over...
As for Access? What a pile of crap....
I've no doubt that Blu-Ray will come to Macs but not when... best to see where this is in 12 months. Apple could look at building cell wireless into MacBooks but I suspect the issue is the carriers not Apple. As for touch screens... don't be a tool. You have the trackpad for that and in Mac 10.6 you can draw Chinese characters on the trackpad... I'd expect a lot to come from this development...
For good or bad, Apple clearly has an agenda to avoid technologies it decides are not core to the use of its products. It has its own stake in digital media (not BluRay) and home theatre. Would these add-ons really translate into more sales? The best thing about the new MacBooks is the increased battery life and 8 GB RAM option. These are things that make a practical difference to most people.
Unlike the iSheeple, I would prefer to decide if BluRay or HDMI is important to me.
But then life is about choices innit.
Personally I don't see Bluray going away in the next few years, unless some other sort of physical and commercially viable solution is to replace it. You claim that Sony is moving towards digital distribution, which I can believe is a good move, but I do not see this happening in the next few years. The major constraint on this will definitely be bandwidth. Yes, I can see distribution with games being possible, but movies are highly unlikely. I personally wouldn't like to be waiting around a whole day just to download bluray content, and only to be entertained for a few hours. The best solution at this point and most likely in the near future is still brick and mortar distribution.
I tend to like that line of reasoning in that you don't wast resources on more stupid plastic discs nobody'll use in a few years. Audio CDs sure had their run, but look at the hundreds of millions of them (basically) headed to landfills.
I think Apple will have shown to have made a smart move with this one. Just as they did with floppy drives and the original iMac. Everyone clamored about the lack of a floppy drive. Wow, and it was SUCH a big deal, too, not to have one. I think it was a lot of PC users who pretty much couldn't do without one, of course, since booting/loading a copy of Windows off an optical disc was just crazy-talk.
Apple obviously think BD is going somewhere though as they are one of the BDA board of Directors sitting on the round table with Sony n Co. Why would you invest in a technology you don't think is going anywhere?
And yet, I bet you use Windows....
Rugged Mac Laptop
Mac Tablet (not a giant iPhone/iPod Touch - something that can run Mac OS X) ideally a convertible
MacBook sans web camera (there are plenty of situations where you can't use a device that includes a camera)
Internal IDcard reader
The glossy screen doesn't seem like a problem (but I've only used them briefly) the Blu-Ray seems like a total non-issue (is anyone using Blu-Ray?) Tethered modem via Bluetooth works perfectly for me. Never encounter anything with HDMI that doesn't also have VGA.
Toshiba had this issue with the Portege R500 and R600 ultra light units . Their solution was a new driver with a sensitivity slider, along with the brilliant option to click that ignored touchpad input while the keyboard was in use. That meant you could type away blissfully, the heels of your hands fully down on the palm rest for proper ergnonomic positioning, and never accidentally click on anything. Need to use the touchpad? Stop typing and the touchpad is active.
Simple solution. I wish all laptops had this.
"If Apple knew what a database was"
HAHA. Are you kidding me or you just plain stupid - they own Filemaker, last I check that was a database application / company.
Besides as already pointed out to you database/Access/SQL... are software and nothing to do with hardware. So I guess it's plain stupid is what you are.
I don't get the fascination with Blu-Ray drives, as if some users simply cannot live without HD video on their little screens. DVD looks just fine to me on those rare occasions I actually watch DVD on my laptop. More often than not, if I'm watching video, it's been downloaded. Nothing says "I don't care about battery life" like a spinning optical drive :)
agree Completely
Express card slot is way more functional than a lame SD slot
plus for 20$ you get a adapter to read all the different cards you can find !
it should have never been removed
Apple should put both a card reader and an expresscard slot on the MacBooks
how hard could that be?
Simply put Access gets everything wrong. It is horrendous, the number of stupid problems I see that can be placed at the door of Access is simply staggering. The lack of SQL Server on a laptop doesn't seem so bad. You can run plenty of perfectly good heavy weight database products on Mac OS X. Seriously dude, databases aren't a Mac shortcoming. If that's your only objection you really should get yourself to an Apple store and see what the Mac is all about.
If you REALLY want SQL Server on your MacBook you can even do that, run some VM software and Windows. You can develop against that, and even check that it runs for Mac clients (and Linux too).
Again what is this got to do with their hardware???????
FileMaker isn't popular? Are you for real? I suppose next you'll tell us FM isn't a relational DB. LOL
Basically, asking for a database on a laptop is like asking for racing tires on a smart-for-2 car.
@Jeremy Chappell. Access is designed to be a customizable front end application for databases. If you have any complaints, take it up with the person who customized it (If you open access, it starts out as a blank template). Other than web development or visual basic apps, I've seen no other product that allows you to build your own interface to link to a database. It's a database interface design tool that average people can work with, nothing more.
It's not access that's horrendous, it's what you did with it that was.
Access is good for apps that use small localized databases. I personally find it good for experimenting with new technologies in quick and dirty demo apps. For what it is meant for, it is great, but It is not good for large business applications which is what really matters.
Maybe Oracle should buy Apple -- and make Apple realize that graphics designers arent' the only customers out there in the real world.
No-- Access doesn't suck-- yes-- it can be mis-used.. But it's vastly superior to anything available on the Mac.
No-- It's not Microsoft's problem. Databases are gravy.. and if Microsoft wants to include gravy with their own products-- and not apples--- that is their perogative.
That is what Microsoft gains by producing wildly successful software from the top of the database world-- to the bottom of the database world.
www.olapreport.com - Oracle hasn't been competitive with Microsoft SQL Server for at least a decade (ESPECIALLY on large databases)
How can you love this product? Seriously.
No I've never used FileMaker, but it can't be worse than this (I suspect it's no better... but it can't be worse)
Sybase does run on the Mac BTW
Do you really care about databases? Are you just some hopeless MS-fanboi? Now I'm not saying the Mac is perfect for everything, but I am saying Macs are more than fine for databases.
Oh God, you're right. Access mops the floor with Oracle, PostgreSQL and MySQL. I'd much rather have a database that allows corrupted records because it doesn't support true row-level locking and proper transactions. Oh yeah, and I'm quite certain Access could handle thousands of transactions per second because it's just that scalable.
Actually, I'm sorry to contradict you, but Access does indeed suck. At least when compared to just about anything comparable on the Mac.
What color is the sky on your planet? Us Earth folk would like to know.
First, did you know you can respond to your threads above rather than starting new ones? (though maybe I can see why you didn't... as you kinda got whooped by the responses...)
Second... as others noted, there are MANY db apps available for the Mac. MySQL, PostgresSQL, etc... including FileMaker (which as someone noted, Apple owns... so they know more than a bit about DBs). You simply don't know what you're talking about.
But the really funny thing is complaining about DBs and then using Access as your example.. and being unaware of FileMaker. Are you really serious? You really need to climb out of your M$ pit one of these days and take a look around.
One of the things that's "still missing" from the Mac is the touch screen which, as you yourself point out, is already available (and has been available for years)?
So how, exactly is that "still missing"?
That is, what part of your own independent clause, "someone has already done this" don't you understand?
1) Matte Screen - I will give you this Dan! This would be a great option for the whole line but lets face it, glossy screens are the standard for some stupid reason right now.
2) Blu Ray - who the hell cares and who really is that desparate to watch 1080p high def movies on their new 13" MB Pro. Purchase them from iTunes in 1080i and I promise you will not care enough to notice the difference on that small of a screen! It's a luxury and Jobs already said in his "bag of hurt" comment that it's not on Apple's agenda right now. So lets get over Blu Ray.
3) Mobile BB - Purchase a laptop connect card from any of the major wireless carriers, or tether via your smartphone. This does not need to be built in, you are nit-picking here Dan.
4) HDMI - I wont beat this one down because many MB users may actually want this instead of Display Port due to the lack of Display Port monitors out there (minus Apple's own monitor).
5) Touch Screens - Really?! How well are Tablets doing right now might I ask? They make up say... 2% of the entire market. MacBooks don't need touch screens, as they have multi-touch trackpads which make many basic tasks much simpler. I'm sure Apple will release the new iProd or whatever the hell you wanna call it fairly soon. Just be patient if your that desparate for an OS X Tablet!
That's like saying Apple shouldn't have gotten into the smartphone market b/c only 1% of the users (at the time) were using smartphones. Or what about MP3 players? What was the market before Apple got in?
Obviously if Apple did a Tablet, they'd re-invent the market for the better. One of their specialties.
So, don't feel picked on. There's wish lists for every make/model.
- by Jahntassa June 15, 2009 1:44 PM PDT
- How about the ability to close the lid and NOT have the computer go to sleep! Maybe I WANT it to keep doing what it was doing while I walk across the office.
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- by geekbully June 15, 2009 1:54 PM PDT
- Agreed. The rules outlined in the Power Save preferences should apply to both open and closed states. There's got to be way to change that in a config file somewhere...
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- by xason June 15, 2009 2:01 PM PDT
- Try InsomniaX http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/22211
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- by geekbully June 15, 2009 2:15 PM PDT
- Thanks xason. Trying this now. btw here's a link that works for the software: http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/30315
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- by geekbully June 15, 2009 2:32 PM PDT
- Ok InsominiaX absolutely wrox! It supplements the existing Power Saver settings instead of over-riding them (which I like). It'll cost you about 10MB of RAM but worth it for me. This was one problem that was really starting to annoy me. Thanks again for the solution xason!
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