Summary

The author discusses their expectations for the upcoming MacBook Pro, emphasizing the desire for practical features over aesthetic changes.

Abstract

The article expresses the author's anticipation for the new MacBook Pro models expected to be released in 2021, with a focus on the rumored 14" variant. While the author acknowledges the excitement around the potential design changes, they stress that their primary concerns are not with the looks but with the functionality of the device. Specifically, the author highlights three key features they hope to see: the return of an SD card slot, the inclusion of Face ID for enhanced security and convenience, and the addition of more USB 4 ports to improve connectivity. These features are deemed essential for professional users and everyday productivity. The author also downplays the importance of other rumored changes, such as a thinner design, smaller screen bezels, a touch screen, the removal of the Touch Bar, and the return of MagSafe, suggesting that these are less critical to the overall user experience.

Opinions

The author believes that the presence of an SD card slot is crucial for professional users dealing with high-resolution media.
They argue that the addition of Face ID would be a significant upgrade over Touch ID, offering a more seamless user experience.
The author is dissatisfied with the current number of USB 4 ports on M1 MacBooks, finding it limiting for practical use.
They are not interested in a thinner MacBook Pro design, suggesting that Apple's pursuit of thinness has led to compromises in functionality.
The author is indifferent to the size of the screen bezels, considering it a minor aesthetic concern rather than a functional one.
They do not believe that a touch screen is necessary for the MacBook Pro at this time, doubting the readiness of macOS for such a feature.
The author has a neutral stance on the Touch Bar, neither strongly advocating for nor against its presence.
Surprisingly, the author has found that they do not miss MagSafe charging and do not consider its return a priority.

What I Want From the Next MacBook Pro

This year, we’re probably going to see a brand-new MacBook Pro design.

Rumours suggest there’ll be a 14" variant alongside the 16", with the former likely to be the first to hit the market during the third quarter of the year.

I’ve already provided my thoughts on those rumours.

Thanks, Apple — My Reaction to the New MacBook Rumours

I got it all wrong.

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But I’ve been giving this plenty more thought since. I’m trying to get to the bottom of what I really want from the next MacBook Pro. The current design, after all, has been around since 2016 and, when compared to some of the Windows-based competition, really is beginning to look a little dated.

However, I’ve concluded that it isn’t about looks.

You’ll notice that I haven’t mentioned the M chip below. That’s because we know it’ll be part and parcel of the next MacBook Pro. And it’ll be blisteringly fast.

As always, I’ve realised that I’m far more interested in the smaller details which will make a genuine difference to my life. And I’ve boiled them down to just three elements.

1. An SD card slot

My M1 MacBook Air has completely transformed the way I undertake my daily tasks. It’s the thing I grab to get stuff done quickly, but there is one feature it’s missing.

An SD card slot.

Indeed, the only Apple device I now have with an integrated SD card slot is my beloved 27" iMac.

I’ve heard some tech commentators suggest that the return of the SD card slot is unlikely due to Apple’s focus on services. Why, they argue, would Apple add something to a MacBook Pro which takes the user’s focus away from the cloud? Won’t that harm iCloud storage revenue?

I don’t buy this at all. The presence of an SD card slot won’t mean anything to the average user who will continue to rely on iCloud for their photo storage needs. It’s not going to suddenly force them to ditch their iPhone’s camera, buy a DSLR, start processing videos in Lightroom and begin storing them on their own NAS.

But professional users? Those who create imagery for a living? I can’t overemphasise how important that SD card slot is when it comes to workflow, convenience and productivity gains. It’s huge.

If the rumours are true and the SD card slot is returning to the MacBook Pro, Apple have made a brave (not courageous) decision, and one which reflects the avalanche of video creation that’s taking place out there.

How I Use My M1 MacBook Air

I’m a multiple Mac kinda guy. Here’s how this little beast fits into my working day.

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2. Face ID

Touch ID on the Mac is great — I love it. But it’s not Face ID, which is better.

That’s the simple reason Face ID should be on the next MacBook Pro. When it comes to biometric security, it’s about as convenient as it gets.

And, yes, I know this would require a significant redesign. But that’s what we’re getting, right?

For me, it’d shave a few seconds off most interactions with my MacBook, and those really do add up over time.

3. More ports

The current M1 MacBooks have two USB 4 ports. If you leave yours plugged into the charger (although with the battery life afforded be the M1 chip, this is arguably becoming a thing of the past), that means you have one port to play with.

It’s a pain, I won’t lie.

I don’t want a return of USB A (Apple will never do that), nor do I want an HDMI port. No, alongside that SD Card slot, I just want more USB 4 ports please, Apple.

If, as most people suspect, the current limitation is down to the M1’s architecture, I have no problem with that. Let’s just hope the next iteration of Apple silicon can cope with more ports.

What I’m not fussed about

There are, as always, a number of rumours surrounding the forthcoming MacBook Pro that just don’t excite me at all.

A thinner design. The MacBook Pro doesn’t need to be any thinner. Apple’s constant quest for thinness has done nothing but cause problems with thermals and keyboards.
Smaller screen bezels. Yeah, sure, the bezels on the MacBooks are larger than some of the competition. But it doesn’t really bother me during every day use. It’s aesthetics, which are largely irrelevant after that initial unboxing experience.
A touch screen. This won’t happen now. Maybe next year. But macOS still isn’t quite ready for it.
The absence of the Touch Bar. I’m not a Touch Bar aficionado (if there’s such a thing), and it does occasionally irritate me, but I don’t hate it so much that I dream of the day it no longer exists. If anything, I’d like to see Apple iterate it and make it genuinely useful.
MagSafe. I thought I’d want this back when they took it away. Turns out I haven’t missed it one bit.

What do you want from the next MacBook Pro? Have I missed something?

Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on January 28, 2021.