iPhone X is shit regardless of its size. It tries to copy successful design of iPhone 4, but with a usual jony ived butthole addons - retarded rounded edges, thin and ugly, lack of features, stupid camera setup etc.
If the iPhone X a copy of the iPhone 4 (whatever that means!), then isn't the Galaxy S9 a copy of the iPhone X?
Did Apple ever try to portray metal as a standard? My recollection is they just created the API for iOS and eventually ported it to OSX, not that they tried to get anyone else interested.
Exactly.
I never have heard anyone discuss Metal as an industry-standard.
Is it an API akin to CryEngine/Unreal/Unity? If so, why is it better than the ones we already have? Google provided a lot of information, but I'd like a Cliff's Notes.
Oh, GOOGLE. Nevermind.
It won't be around long enough to get out of Beta.
Oh joy another layer that runs everywhere. Now only 13 standards to unify. Perhaps adobe AIr can incorporate this.
That's what I was thinking.
While the CONCEPT of "One API to Rule Them All" is always tempting, weren't DirectX, Metal, etc. created SPECIFICALLY to REDUCE the number of "Layers" between well, the Software and the "Metal"?
The most obvious reason why that list doesn't draw ire is that nobody has a monopoly on Android hardware. Don't like what HTC is doing? Get an Oppo or a Samsung.
I don't hate Apple FWIW. I liked my pre-2016 MacBook. I don't mind the USB-C ports on my current one because I don't have that many monitors and sundry peripherals. But from the perspective of ergonomics it's a definite downgrade.
And so, your argument should also stand for Apple; because, if you don't like the iPhone, there are plenty of alternatives in the Android world.
I'm really tired of the USB-C debate. it's not a big deal, and it's DEFINITELY a step UP in flexibility and usability.
People have often dinged Apple for being stingy with I/O ports, especially on their laptops. Even I would occasionally look with envy at the typical shitbox plastic-crap Windows laptop, that, although it would break in 2 years, and had to run (shudder!) Windows, would nonetheless typically come bristling with ports.
But now, all that has changed, thanks to USB-C/TB3.
No longer does APPLE dictate exactly the Port configuration that is supposed to fit EVERYONE's needs, regardless of the gigantic application envelope that a laptop enjoys. Now, every single owner is capable to determining, to a VERY large extent, just EXACTLY what their peripheral needs are. And in fact, that they could even CHANGE from task to task!
As I have said many times: What's not to like? Anyone who has used not only an Apple laptop, but many others', is already used to using a DisplayPort adapter to connect to external video. So, is it REALLY such an onerous thing to snap a $1.50 USB-C -> USB-A PASSIVE adapter onto a legacy USB device to get us all past this "transition" period?
In 5 years, when your 2016/2017 MacBook Pro is still going strong, those USB-C Ports will be the ones that every peripheral will be equipped-with, and any USB-A Ports that are on a laptop will be almost as useless as a CGA video connector. In a word, USB-C trades a little inconvenience now for both MASSIVE additional I/O potential, plus future-proofing for the next 10-20 years or so.
Or they could just get Android like they currently do.
Yeah, if their parents don't care about their kid's identity being harvested by nefarious Android Apps.
Oh, and it was an Android phone that first removed the 3.5 mm Jack; but everyone around here CONVENIENTLY ignores that fact... They call that "Willful Blindness".
And the list keeps growing. And yet, SOMEHOW, none of these Android phones without a 3.5 mm Jack in the List linked-to below seems to draw significant ire from the Apple-Hating Slashtards. Wonder why?
1) You must be some business genius if you can afford to ignore half the market. I can't, so I must develop for ios. There are beliefs and there are financial and economic realities
2) It's no game; can I buy a motherboard for my mac pro and replace it myself?
Furthermore I'm calling bullshit on the whole 'apps can share files' thing. I recently got an iphone to use as a test device and I just wanted to use it as an mp3 player, but I didn't know what media player I wanted to use. So I downloaded VLC which has a web server embedded to transfer files up. I'm thinking... ok this is crap but at least I don't have to use itunes. So I use it to upload my music. I didn't like VLC on iphone to I tried media player X. I install media player X and I CAN'T SEE ANY OF THE FILES I UPLOADED WITH VLC. Media player X has another shitty internal web server. Like that it just a crap solution... And yes this was the latest version of ios.
1. So you know the rules. And if the business realities are compelling, as you have stated, then the fact that you have to purchase some specific tools for the job shouldn't be a problem. And since you can purchase a perfectly serviceable brand new Mac mini for $600, I really don't see what you are whining about. With the addition of a $30 KVM SWITCH, You can use your existing monitor, pointing device and keyboard with the mini. The Dev. Tools are free. You can become a Reg. dev. For as little as $99. SO, KINDLY STFU about this one, ok?
2. on eBay or Craigslist, yes. And maybe even through a third-party Service Center. Assuming you have sufficient skills, you should be able to replace a motherboard. BTW, there are MANY companies that do not sell service parts. That is CERTAINLY not exclusive to Apple.
3. I should be more specific. Apple didn't remove App Sandboxing from iOS, thank Diety. It is one of the pillars of their overall Security model (which seems to be working very well, thank you). However, the "Files" App in iOS 11 SHOULD be able to COPY your media files from VLC to whatever other installed App can use them. Then, if you don't want VLC anymore, just Delete the App, and it will Delete its data files, too. Not the same as a Desktop OS; but that is the tradeoff that is necessary to keep iOS from becoming the security horrorshow that is Android.
Expensive? You mean like the iPhone X, that costs a whopping $50 more than the Samsung Note 8?
So, the argument is that the iPhone X isn't expensive because it's more expensive than a very expensive phone?
Limited Features? Like FOUR USB-C Ports on a Laptop, for an aggregate 80 Gb/s I/O bandwidth, and which can be easily and inexpensively broken-out into a MYRIAD of different configurations, up to FIFTY-TWO SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports?
Is one of those a headphone adapter?
Highly Controlling? Like for example, the fact that, since iOS 8, Apple has officially allowed "Sideloading" of Apps on iOS Devices, both through Open Source XCode Application-Building, and through the loading of precompiled.ipa files using Cydia Impactor, which runs on every desktop platform?
That you speak in terms of "officially allowed" tells you just how "highly controlling" they are. Since iOS 1 it should have been "officially allowed". It should have been so "officially allowed" we shouldn't be talking about the "since" it was officially allowed.
Abandoned Product Lines? Every OEM drops products and sometimes whole product-lines. So?
Apple: We're Just Like Everyone Else
Erratic Decision-Making? As compared with, say, Microsoft? Yeahrightsure...
Apple: At Least We're Not Quite As Bad as Microsoft
1. No. I was pointing out that I don't EVER hear constant haranguing around here about the price of the Samsung Note 8, even though it is essentially in the same price range as the iPhone X, which is ALWAYS portrayed around here as "ridiculously expensive."
2. The MacBook Pro HAS a 3.5 mm audio jack; because, just like an iPad, it doesn't have to be water-resistant, nor is space at a premium inside the device, at least not to the extent as it is i side of a phone.
3. So what? Apple wanted to make sure that the whole App Store thing didn't become rife with malware. Judging by the fact that malware on iOS is almost nonexistent in over a decade, Looks like their initial guess was correct.
4. Stop being an ass. How many smartphone models has Samsung gone through in the past 10 years?
5. When compared with a LOT of other tech companies (most, if not all, in fact) Apple has a damned good (not perfect) track record of sticking with most features, programs, protocols, services and initiatives. But as I said, certainly not perfect...
Like Apple has with their laptops. Next month it will be six years since they increased the amount of memory. They stopped trying six damn years ago. Now their laptops are useless for real work.
Talk to Intel about that.
My understanding is that, Until Intel brings out their CoffeeTable (or whatever they're called) series CPUs, that can handle LPDDR4 (IIRC) memory, it is kind of impractical to have a LAPTOP with more than 16 GB of RAM.
Anyone with more than 16 GB in their laptop right now also "enjoys" about 2-3 hours max away from an AC outlet.
What good is a laptop that has to be within 6 ft of a power outlet almost all of the time?
You realize the note 8 includes a *lot* more stuff than the X, right? At bare minimum, it includes the S Pen (+$50 -being generous here).
It usually includes preorder and promotional bonuses such as wireless chargers, 360 cameras, etc. This isn't even touching the hardware inside the Note yet (higher resolution, more RAM, MST payment, etc)
You don't need to apologise. I have teenage kids, and the fact that you can get wired earbuds for less than $10 is a distinct advantage given their typical lifespan in the hands of a typical teenager.
The first time your bluetooth whatever goes through a laundry cycle you quickly realise the advantage of inexpensive generic single-part peripherals.
Maybe, just maybe, if they had to go without the next time they didn't bother to look through their pockets when throwing stuff in the laundry, the little spoiled brats would eventually learn to be more careful, just like their PARENTS have to be...
If you don't understand how I derived my numbers by now, you never will...
I was being polite. It's clear you have no idea what you're talking about. I explained how I got my numbers, which you're unable to contracdict. You refused to explain yours.
I know *exactly* how your numbers are derived: you pulled them out of your arse.
How so?
I explained that, speaking hypothetically, if you had a 15" 2016/2017 MBP, which has 4 USB-C/TB3 Ports, and you plugged 1 of those OWC 13-Port TB3 Docks into EACH of the 4 Ports, you could have a MacBook Pro with FIFTY-TWO Simultaneous Legacy I/O Ports.
In reality, since 2 of the USB-C/TB3 Ports share the same 40 Gbps TB Controller in the Mac, I am not actually SURE you could realize ALL of the I/O provided by those 13 * 4 Ports Simultaneously (especially when it comes to the video fan-out, unless you are willing to restrict your external displays to 4K resolution each); but I saw nothing in the OWC Dock's admittedly sparse spec-sheet that had any relevant "asterisks" or limitations mentioned in that regard.
So, you already HAVE a Dongle. And who the HELL needs 4X HDMI on their Laptop, as standard Ports?!?
Odd type of 4k. 4k HDMI out of the box. It only has one port.
LOL! My bad!!! I must've misread "4K as 4X". That makes MUCH more sense!!!
Well, then there are like a ZILLION solutions for a single 4K HDMI out available on Amazon, clear down to around $13.
And you think that the MacBook Pro doesn't have WiFi? It has both WiFi and Bluetooth for "Wireless". So?
I said WWAN, not WLAN.
So you are saying that the ThinkPad has a built-in LTE MODEM?
Meh. The few times I would find myself out of reach of WiFi with my laptop, I would simply use my iPhone as a HotSpot. Not worth having to have a separate Cell data plan (or another user on a family-type plan) for the very few times I would need that.
Horses for courses. If I were a building contractor, out of a "job-site" a lot, built in LTE might be a handy feature. But I notice it is still relatively slow, compared to piggy-backing off of the 4G LTE MODEM in my iPhone.
And so, for the equivalent of your Thinkpad's Ethernet Dongle (you're the one that admitted it!)
*if* you want wired ethernet. I never carry round a wired ethernet for my MBP, and my SO never carries around wired ethernet for the thinkpad.
you can carry a USB-C Dock that has 3 USB 3.0 Ports, an SD/microSD card slot, Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ-45), an Audio I/O Jack, a USB-C "Charging Port" and 4K HDMI. For $60
So, I'd have to carry around a much much larger dongle than the one I'd never carry ronud and that gives me a bunch of stuff I don't need on the road. A USB-C dock is a fine and useful thing and after your sales pitch I'm considering one for my desk now. However, I don't want to carry around the extra stuff.
Take a look around on Amazon. There are ALL manner of Docks, from those that have just a few ports, like this one:
2 USB 3.0 Ports and a 4K HDMI Port. Looks to be about 2" square. $20:
This is even better! For the same $40, you can have 3 USB 3.0 Ports, 4K HDMI, a 60W Power Passthru, and an SD/MicroSD Card Reader. And it is STILL only 3.5" X 2.4":
Nope. That's why I was asking the question. Like you, I've come across plenty of now un-remembered abandoned open source projects that looked like they would be pretty cool, but most of them appeared to have been abandoned before they were "finished" i.e. they never got the the point of being widely used.
And yes, as an embedded developer myself I have that same trouble with large modern applications. I once tried to download and build a large project from source just for the sake of curiosity. 4 hours later I was still running into weird dependency issues and getting compile errors that weren't making any sense.
Yup! I feel ya on both points!!!
It's like C++. I probably shouldn't admit this on Slashdot, but I have a mental-block against learning that language. I know about 20 different Assembly Languages from 6502 to ARMv7 TDMI, and have written probably a hundred thousand lines or so in Assembly, all told, and can write in C quite fluently, and even FORTH to some extent; but EVERY time I pick up my C++ book, I get a few chapters into it and just want to SCREAM "Are we EVER going to get to "Hello, World?!?!?" It's just got SOOOO much cruft in it, that I can't see ANYONE wanting to write stuff in it. (Sorry if you live/breathe C++. I am in awe).
Sorry to be so snarky previously. A day's worth of dealing with annoying little trolls on Slashdot will do that EVERY time!!!
Huh? Reading comprehension fail, dude. The goalposts are precisely where they were before. The hotel example explains why dropping HDMI was at least a decade premature. The fact that no hotel rooms have 5K or higher displays proves my point.
Personally, I think that DIRECTLY CONNECTING some unknown hotel-room-quality TV set to my precious laptop's motherboard is just ASKING for it.
IMHO, (and this really is not an excuse) I believe the slight bit of isolation (I said slight!) afforded by having an interposing adapter (especially an "active" one) may JUST make the difference between a $500 mobo replacement and a $14 HDMI adapter replacement. And either way, you aren't going to be watching any more movies from your laptop for a few days. But since some electronics stores would likely have a USB-C to HDMI adapter these days, you MIGHT just luck out and be able to find one "locally" the next day. Not gonna happen with that motherboard replacement!
1) iOS represents a large part of the market for mobile apps. Therefore I cannot ignore it.
Yes you can. Quit making excuses, or quit bitching about the CHOICES YOU MADE.
2) If anything is custom, you can order the module.
Anything? I'll bet not. And "module". You mean like the "motherboard module"? Yeah, ok. I know that game, too...
3) Why are you limiting my freedom on what I can and can't do just because I don't like the policy by which it is done?
***I'M*** not limiting ANYTHING, You have a persecution complex, dude!
5) 6) So if you upload some music from your system at home to your phone using "FTPClient" you may be able to play it in the built in music app, but you won't be able to install VLC, or any other media app and access it. As far as I know the only way to upload a common music library is through the Apple platform. Also what happens when you click on a PDF in safari? Does it list the various PDF readers you have installed to use with the PDF?
You are incorrect. I can U/L a file and, if I have VLC installed on my iPhone/iPad (true on my phone, not on my tablet, just because), I can Open it in any application that is "associated" with that filetype. Just like on most OSes.
If I Click on a PDF in Safari, it opens in Safari (just like with most OSes when you open a PDF in a browser window), and, if I long-tap at the top of the document, it offers to open it in iBooks. On the opposite side of the Button to "Open in iBooks", there is a "More" button, that takes you to a Dialog that allows you to do several things with the File, including Opening in any App that is either a "File Transfer" App (e.g. GoodReader or FTP), or that is Associated with that FileType. So, it is a two-click (tap) process to Open a PDF from Safari in another App; but it is quite possible.
But since Safari does a pretty good job (and iBooks even better), I pretty much do the first or second option, above.
I didn't say 52 DEVICES (as in USB devices connected to a single USB bus); I said you can "break out" the 4 USB-C/TB3 Ports on a 2016/2017 MacBook Pro 15" laptop into a configuration that could encompass as many as 52 SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" PORTS!!!
Apart from emboldening, shouting an dexclamation marks, what's the difference?
I can break out one USB bus to 127 USB ports from which I could hang off 127 RS-232 converters giving me 127 "legacy" ports.
So, I really really don't understand how you got your number, because I can get bigger numbers on the very same macbook.
If you don't understand how I derived my numbers by now, you never will...
I didn't say it was cheap; or even a configuration that most users would ever actually need; so don't even start that; but there are literally DOZENS of slightly less ambitious USB-C Docks on Amazon that have multiple USB 3.0 Ports, SD/MicroSD Card Slots, 4k HDMI (and sometimes VGA too), Gigabit Ethernet, sometimes Audio I/O, about the size of a dollar-Bill or smaller, and around $50-$80.
And yet you need to carry that crap around with you. compare to the thinkpad: 4x HDMI out of the box? Check. SD/uSD out of the box? Check. Gig-E (well it comes with a dongle, since RG-45 is too big), 4H HDMI with a full sized port? Check. Wireles WAN? Check.
So, you already HAVE a Dongle. And who the HELL needs 4X HDMI on their Laptop, as standard Ports?!?
And you think that the MacBook Pro doesn't have WiFi? It has both WiFi and Bluetooth for "Wireless". So?
And so, for the equivalent of your Thinkpad's Ethernet Dongle (you're the one that admitted it!), you can carry a USB-C Dock that has 3 USB 3.0 Ports, an SD/microSD card slot, Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ-45), an Audio I/O Jack, a USB-C "Charging Port" and 4K HDMI. For $60.
What was your point, again?
It's not the expense that's the problem, since $80 is not much of a scratch on either of the two laptops when maxed out, it's the inconvenience and weight of all the extra little dongles.
ONE "Dongle" (Dock) that weighs a couple of ounces, max, is all most people would need on the road.
I can't find any one Dock that can support 4 x HDMI Displays (I swear I saw a Dell one that did that; but I can't find it again); but this one supports 3 simultaneous Displays (2 HDMI, 1 DVI/VGA). Of course, the DVI output can be easily adapted to HDMI (sans sound). So that's essentially THREE HDMI outputs:
And obviously, with any one of these Docks, you simply Don't need "multiple dongles"; you only have to pack ONE of these for day to day activities. These multi port USB-C Docks are small enough, and, other than the expensive OWC Thunderbolt Dock, cheap enough, so you can leave one at home, hooked up to your stuff, and throw one in your computer bag for on-the-go.
Or you can have a thinkpad and not have to worry about doing the dongledance every morning.
And you STILL have up to THREE UNUUSED USB-c/TB3 Ports to do whatever ELSE with!
Yeah, but I use the macbook pro on the road, so WTH am I going to use those ports for? If I'm at my desk, I'll generally use my much faster and more capable Linux workstation which knocks the MBP into a cocked hat in terms of aggregate I/O bandwidth, usability, speed, RAM and disk.
Hmm, 4 USB-C ports? I don't have the latest, it had that stupid OLED softkey stuff, and I have to wait to get a replacement one for work. My current one does not have 4 ports of standard USB 3, only 2 ports, Apple has consistently been removing more and more ports in order to shrink and overheat the thing. And USB-C would SUCK, that's like an extra $30 per port for an adapter to something sane.
Ok, the 13" MacBook Pro has 2 USB-C/TB3 Ports. The 15" has 4.
But those 2 USB-C/TB3 ports can STILL be broken-out into a myriad of configurations of up to 26 SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports. Name me ONE Laptop with 26 Ports...
And $30 for a USB-C to USB-A Adapter? Get real! More like THREE for $5!!!
Like FOUR USB-C Ports on a Laptop, for an aggregate 80 Gb/s I/O bandwidth, and which can be easily and inexpensively broken-out into a MYRIAD of different configurations, up to FIFTY-TWO SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports?
Only in theory. In practice the MBP has three USB-C ports and one charging port.
The probability of you requiring the bandwidth of four USB-C ports when away from power is negligible, and charging is one of the few things that can't be broken out.
Not only possible in theory. In practice, too.
One of the "selling-points" of USB-C is that charging and data transfer can take place over the same port simultaneously.
And actually, there are a number of USB-C Docks that DO have "USB-C Charging Ports" that DO attempt to break-out the USB-C Charging. In fact, I would say that a majority of the USB-C Docks I have seen on Amazon offer this.
A lot of them fall-short in their current-handling capabilities, unfortunately; but that's just a function of them not wanting to put in a high-enough-wattage resistor (sorry, don't know the exact details, but that's the gist of it); because some DO support pushing a full 85W (the rating of the 2016/2017 MBP Power Adapter) through their USB-C interface to the computer.
Most USB-C Docks seem to top-out at around 60W, which is enough to RUN a 15" MBP; but only charge it very slowly while in use. But, here's some that claim 85W charging ability through USB-C:
1. I was forced to buy a mac because I wouldn't have been able to develop for ios otherwise. Many people buy Apple for various reasons, it doesn't mean they agree with the limits it places on them.
And you were FORCED to develop for iOS by WHOM, exactly?
2. I have a person in the family who fixes Thinkpads. I can tell you, every part is replaceable and available. You don't need any special tools. There, I've imagined one product.
Really? Then Thinkpads don't use ANY custom silicon, connectors, case-parts, etc? I simply don't believe that.
3. That is true, so compared to Google, Apple is limiting me in some way which is basically what I said in the first place. Now I have to accept all of Apple's shit because I want to develop in both major mobile OSes? This gets better and better.
So what? Go do something else.
4. Didn't know that, fair enough. Maybe they really do have courage, even though it took them long enough.
Yep. You can either use XCode and Build any number of Open Source Apps sourced on github and other places; or you can use Cydia Impactor (from any platform except 64 bit Linux, curiously!) and install pre-compiled ".ipa" files from a growing-number of third-party repositories.
Fascinating that in all this time, Slashdot has never made a big (or even a small) deal out of that most-significant change in iOS. Wonder if there's an agenda?
5. Again, too little too late. (can it smb or nfs or scp?)
Don't know. It's a PHONE, FFS! How much cruft do you want in the Filesystem?!?
But apparently, the answer to at least some of that is YES:
There are more; but those are some examples of SMB/CIFS/NFS clients for iOS. And since there is a prohibition on "private libraries" in App Store Apps, I would submit that those filesystem capabilities ARE in existence in iOS already, just not exposed. But you should KNOW that, since you're an iOS Developer, right? Or so you say...
Having said that, I had somewhat of an unsuccessful search on Apple's Developer site trying to find info on supported filesystems in iOS, except for a comment stating that "filesystem support in iOS is basically the same as macOS...", so I believe the frameworks for SMB/CIFS, NFS and WebDAV are present in iOS.
6. Ok I didn't mention iCloud because that's worse than having to use iTunes. I don't have to use anything in the cloud with my android phone. I just open a browser and connect with smb or ssh.
You might be surprised to hear this; but I don't use the Cloud for anything, either. If I need to transfer something to/from my network at home or work, I use the "GoodReader" app (which also has SMB/CIFS/WebDAV capabilities, but is no longer available, since they didn't recompile it for 64-bit for some reason) or "FTPClient" app (which may also be a casualty of the 32-bit app-purge) to do so. I think the last thing I xferred to my work Windows network was 2 GB-worth of video of a local concert I shot on my iPhone. Worked great. No "Cloud" involved. Just a local WiFi connection from my iPhone to the router at the office.
7. Apple didn't move on anything until they got a better deal.
1. Using an adapter is not convenient and doesn't allow you to charge the phone while listening, 2. Doesn't work with anything else, so basically useless, 3. See number 1.
1. There are plenty of inexpensive (around $10) third-party adapters on Amazon that allow charging while listening.
2. I know anecdotes are not generally considered "data"; but I can run my original-battery iPhone 6 Plus doing streaming of Apple Music over WiFi for a whole workday on about 2% of battery capacity; so I don't see the whole "charging while listening" thing as being NEARLY as big a deal as the Haters want to make it out to be.
3. Since you can charge an iPhone up to about 80% charge in about 1/2 an hour, would it REALLY kill you to take a break from your music for that long? Seriously.
4. Who cares if an adapter "doesn't work with anything else". The world is replete with adapters that "don't work with anything else". To this day, most serious home stereo equipment that has a headphone jack, still has a 1/4" jack; NOT a 3.5 mm jack. This has caused the headphone industry, which has more-or-less universally switched to 3.5 mm plugs some time ago, to create an ADAPTER to allow their INCOMPATIBLE 3.5 mm plugs to mate with the stereo equipment's 1/4" jack. Where's the outrage there? What happens if you LOSE your 3.5 mm to 1/4" ADAPTER? On noes! The horror!!!
Limited Features? Like FOUR USB-C Ports on a Laptop, for an aggregate 80 Gb/s I/O bandwidth, and which can be easily and inexpensively broken-out into a MYRIAD of different configurations, up to FIFTY-TWO SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports?
Yeah, so I need a massive wodge of dongles to do anything useful.
By comparison a Thinkpad Carbon X1, has 2 USB-C, HDMI, USB-A, SD and sim. for which one doesn't need any dongles day to day.
Also 52? what? How did you come up with that number? USB supports up to 127 devides per bus.
And aparty from your previous copypasta, this is literally the only time I've seen someone spec a laptop in terms of aggregate I/O bandwidth. It's not a mainframe.
I didn't say 52 DEVICES (as in USB devices connected to a single USB bus); I said you can "break out" the 4 USB-C/TB3 Ports on a 2016/2017 MacBook Pro 15" laptop into a configuration that could encompass as many as 52 SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" PORTS!!!
That was taken from the TB3 Dock that, AFAICT, has the most amount of "Legacy" Ports:
It has THIRTEEN Legacy Ports (including even a FireWire 800 Port!), ALL of which can be used SIMULTANEOUSLY. And notice that the FIVE USB Ports are USB 3.1, and EACH is a full-bandwidth Port, NOT part of a "HUB"; so whatever the total "fan-out" is of FIVE USB 3.1 Ports...
So, with the MacBook Pro having FOUR USB-C/TB3 Ports, that comes to FIFTY-TWO Simultaneous Legacy Ports!!!
I didn't say it was cheap; or even a configuration that most users would ever actually need; so don't even start that; but there are literally DOZENS of slightly less ambitious USB-C Docks on Amazon that have multiple USB 3.0 Ports, SD/MicroSD Card Slots, 4k HDMI (and sometimes VGA too), Gigabit Ethernet, sometimes Audio I/O, about the size of a dollar-Bill or smaller, and around $50-$80. For around $100, you can get one that has a more flexible video section, that allows dual displays, simultaneous use of HDMI and VGA, extended displays (not just mirroring) etc. Take your pick ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS!
And obviously, with any one of these Docks, you simply Don't need "multiple dongles"; you only have to pack ONE of these for day to day activities. These multi port USB-C Docks are small enough, and, other than the expensive OWC Thunderbolt Dock, cheap enough, so you can leave one at home, hooked up to your stuff, and throw one in your computer bag for on-the-go.
And you STILL have up to THREE UNUUSED USB-c/TB3 Ports to do whatever ELSE with!
NOW do you see why I expressed the I/O capability in aggregate bandwidth? Because of the sheer flexibility, there is really no other way to state it that comes anywhere close to reality.
Slashdot Mirror
iPhone X is shit regardless of its size.
It tries to copy successful design of iPhone 4, but with a usual jony ived butthole addons - retarded rounded edges, thin and ugly, lack of features, stupid camera setup etc.
If the iPhone X a copy of the iPhone 4 (whatever that means!), then isn't the Galaxy S9 a copy of the iPhone X?
You carry your phone in your hands all the time?
I put mine in my pocket, and use my hands to do manly things, like chopping down trees, eating large steaks and fondling attractive women.
This phone is too fucking big to put in a pocket.
1. You chop down trees with your hands? Don't most people use a saw?
2. You eat steak with your hands? Don't most people use a knife and fork?
Did Apple ever try to portray metal as a standard? My recollection is they just created the API for iOS and eventually ported it to OSX, not that they tried to get anyone else interested.
Exactly.
I never have heard anyone discuss Metal as an industry-standard.
Is it an API akin to CryEngine/Unreal/Unity? If so, why is it better than the ones we already have? Google provided a lot of information, but I'd like a Cliff's Notes.
Oh, GOOGLE. Nevermind.
It won't be around long enough to get out of Beta.
Oh joy another layer that runs everywhere. Now only 13 standards to unify. Perhaps adobe AIr can incorporate this.
That's what I was thinking.
While the CONCEPT of "One API to Rule Them All" is always tempting, weren't DirectX, Metal, etc. created SPECIFICALLY to REDUCE the number of "Layers" between well, the Software and the "Metal"?
The most obvious reason why that list doesn't draw ire is that nobody has a monopoly on Android hardware. Don't like what HTC is doing? Get an Oppo or a Samsung.
I don't hate Apple FWIW. I liked my pre-2016 MacBook. I don't mind the USB-C ports on my current one because I don't have that many monitors and sundry peripherals. But from the perspective of ergonomics it's a definite downgrade.
And so, your argument should also stand for Apple; because, if you don't like the iPhone, there are plenty of alternatives in the Android world.
I'm really tired of the USB-C debate. it's not a big deal, and it's DEFINITELY a step UP in flexibility and usability.
People have often dinged Apple for being stingy with I/O ports, especially on their laptops. Even I would occasionally look with envy at the typical shitbox plastic-crap Windows laptop, that, although it would break in 2 years, and had to run (shudder!) Windows, would nonetheless typically come bristling with ports.
But now, all that has changed, thanks to USB-C/TB3.
No longer does APPLE dictate exactly the Port configuration that is supposed to fit EVERYONE's needs, regardless of the gigantic application envelope that a laptop enjoys. Now, every single owner is capable to determining, to a VERY large extent, just EXACTLY what their peripheral needs are. And in fact, that they could even CHANGE from task to task!
As I have said many times: What's not to like? Anyone who has used not only an Apple laptop, but many others', is already used to using a DisplayPort adapter to connect to external video. So, is it REALLY such an onerous thing to snap a $1.50 USB-C -> USB-A PASSIVE adapter onto a legacy USB device to get us all past this "transition" period?
In 5 years, when your 2016/2017 MacBook Pro is still going strong, those USB-C Ports will be the ones that every peripheral will be equipped-with, and any USB-A Ports that are on a laptop will be almost as useless as a CGA video connector. In a word, USB-C trades a little inconvenience now for both MASSIVE additional I/O potential, plus future-proofing for the next 10-20 years or so.
I, for one, welcome our new USB-C/TB3 Overlords!
Or they could just get Android like they currently do.
Yeah, if their parents don't care about their kid's identity being harvested by nefarious Android Apps.
Oh, and it was an Android phone that first removed the 3.5 mm Jack; but everyone around here CONVENIENTLY ignores that fact... They call that "Willful Blindness".
And the list keeps growing. And yet, SOMEHOW, none of these Android phones without a 3.5 mm Jack in the List linked-to below seems to draw significant ire from the Apple-Hating Slashtards. Wonder why?
https://smartphones.gadgethack...
1) You must be some business genius if you can afford to ignore half the market. I can't, so I must develop for ios. There are beliefs and there are financial and economic realities
2) It's no game; can I buy a motherboard for my mac pro and replace it myself?
Furthermore I'm calling bullshit on the whole 'apps can share files' thing. I recently got an iphone to use as a test device and I just wanted to use it as an mp3 player, but I didn't know what media player I wanted to use. So I downloaded VLC which has a web server embedded to transfer files up. I'm thinking... ok this is crap but at least I don't have to use itunes. So I use it to upload my music. I didn't like VLC on iphone to I tried media player X. I install media player X and I CAN'T SEE ANY OF THE FILES I UPLOADED WITH VLC. Media player X has another shitty internal web server. Like that it just a crap solution... And yes this was the latest version of ios.
1. So you know the rules. And if the business realities are compelling, as you have stated, then the fact that you have to purchase some specific tools for the job shouldn't be a problem. And since you can purchase a perfectly serviceable brand new Mac mini for $600, I really don't see what you are whining about. With the addition of a $30 KVM SWITCH, You can use your existing monitor, pointing device and keyboard with the mini. The Dev. Tools are free. You can become a Reg. dev. For as little as $99. SO, KINDLY STFU about this one, ok?
2. on eBay or Craigslist, yes. And maybe even through a third-party Service Center. Assuming you have sufficient skills, you should be able to replace a motherboard. BTW, there are MANY companies that do not sell service parts. That is CERTAINLY not exclusive to Apple.
3. I should be more specific. Apple didn't remove App Sandboxing from iOS, thank Diety. It is one of the pillars of their overall Security model (which seems to be working very well, thank you). However, the "Files" App in iOS 11 SHOULD be able to COPY your media files from VLC to whatever other installed App can use them. Then, if you don't want VLC anymore, just Delete the App, and it will Delete its data files, too. Not the same as a Desktop OS; but that is the tradeoff that is necessary to keep iOS from becoming the security horrorshow that is Android.
So, the argument is that the iPhone X isn't expensive because it's more expensive than a very expensive phone?
Is one of those a headphone adapter?
That you speak in terms of "officially allowed" tells you just how "highly controlling" they are. Since iOS 1 it should have been "officially allowed". It should have been so "officially allowed" we shouldn't be talking about the "since" it was officially allowed.
Apple: We're Just Like Everyone Else
Apple: At Least We're Not Quite As Bad as Microsoft
1. No. I was pointing out that I don't EVER hear constant haranguing around here about the price of the Samsung Note 8, even though it is essentially in the same price range as the iPhone X, which is ALWAYS portrayed around here as "ridiculously expensive."
2. The MacBook Pro HAS a 3.5 mm audio jack; because, just like an iPad, it doesn't have to be water-resistant, nor is space at a premium inside the device, at least not to the extent as it is i side of a phone.
3. So what? Apple wanted to make sure that the whole App Store thing didn't become rife with malware. Judging by the fact that malware on iOS is almost nonexistent in over a decade, Looks like their initial guess was correct.
4. Stop being an ass. How many smartphone models has Samsung gone through in the past 10 years?
5. When compared with a LOT of other tech companies (most, if not all, in fact) Apple has a damned good (not perfect) track record of sticking with most features, programs, protocols, services and initiatives. But as I said, certainly not perfect...
Abandoned Product Lines?
Like Apple has with their laptops. Next month it will be six years since they increased the amount of memory. They stopped trying six damn years ago. Now their laptops are useless for real work.
Talk to Intel about that.
My understanding is that, Until Intel brings out their CoffeeTable (or whatever they're called) series CPUs, that can handle LPDDR4 (IIRC) memory, it is kind of impractical to have a LAPTOP with more than 16 GB of RAM.
Anyone with more than 16 GB in their laptop right now also "enjoys" about 2-3 hours max away from an AC outlet.
What good is a laptop that has to be within 6 ft of a power outlet almost all of the time?
You realize the note 8 includes a *lot* more stuff than the X, right? At bare minimum, it includes the S Pen (+$50 -being generous here).
It usually includes preorder and promotional bonuses such as wireless chargers, 360 cameras, etc. This isn't even touching the hardware inside the Note yet (higher resolution, more RAM, MST payment, etc)
Half as fast, Applications full of malware...
Yeah, sign me up!
You don't need to apologise. I have teenage kids, and the fact that you can get wired earbuds for less than $10 is a distinct advantage given their typical lifespan in the hands of a typical teenager.
The first time your bluetooth whatever goes through a laundry cycle you quickly realise the advantage of inexpensive generic single-part peripherals.
Maybe, just maybe, if they had to go without the next time they didn't bother to look through their pockets when throwing stuff in the laundry, the little spoiled brats would eventually learn to be more careful, just like their PARENTS have to be...
If you don't understand how I derived my numbers by now, you never will...
I was being polite. It's clear you have no idea what you're talking about. I explained how I got my numbers, which you're unable to contracdict. You refused to explain yours.
I know *exactly* how your numbers are derived: you pulled them out of your arse.
How so?
I explained that, speaking hypothetically, if you had a 15" 2016/2017 MBP, which has 4 USB-C/TB3 Ports, and you plugged 1 of those OWC 13-Port TB3 Docks into EACH of the 4 Ports, you could have a MacBook Pro with FIFTY-TWO Simultaneous Legacy I/O Ports.
In reality, since 2 of the USB-C/TB3 Ports share the same 40 Gbps TB Controller in the Mac, I am not actually SURE you could realize ALL of the I/O provided by those 13 * 4 Ports Simultaneously (especially when it comes to the video fan-out, unless you are willing to restrict your external displays to 4K resolution each); but I saw nothing in the OWC Dock's admittedly sparse spec-sheet that had any relevant "asterisks" or limitations mentioned in that regard.
So, you already HAVE a Dongle. And who the HELL needs 4X HDMI on their Laptop, as standard Ports?!?
Odd type of 4k. 4k HDMI out of the box. It only has one port.
LOL! My bad!!! I must've misread "4K as 4X". That makes MUCH more sense!!!
Well, then there are like a ZILLION solutions for a single 4K HDMI out available on Amazon, clear down to around $13.
And you think that the MacBook Pro doesn't have WiFi? It has both WiFi and Bluetooth for "Wireless". So?
I said WWAN, not WLAN.
So you are saying that the ThinkPad has a built-in LTE MODEM?
Meh. The few times I would find myself out of reach of WiFi with my laptop, I would simply use my iPhone as a HotSpot. Not worth having to have a separate Cell data plan (or another user on a family-type plan) for the very few times I would need that.
Horses for courses. If I were a building contractor, out of a "job-site" a lot, built in LTE might be a handy feature. But I notice it is still relatively slow, compared to piggy-backing off of the 4G LTE MODEM in my iPhone.
https://support.lenovo.com/us/...
And so, for the equivalent of your Thinkpad's Ethernet Dongle (you're the one that admitted it!)
*if* you want wired ethernet. I never carry round a wired ethernet for my MBP, and my SO never carries around wired ethernet for the thinkpad.
you can carry a USB-C Dock that has 3 USB 3.0 Ports, an SD/microSD card slot, Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ-45), an Audio I/O Jack, a USB-C "Charging Port" and 4K HDMI. For $60
So, I'd have to carry around a much much larger dongle than the one I'd never carry ronud and that gives me a bunch of stuff I don't need on the road. A USB-C dock is a fine and useful thing and after your sales pitch I'm considering one for my desk now. However, I don't want to carry around the extra stuff.
Take a look around on Amazon. There are ALL manner of Docks, from those that have just a few ports, like this one:
2 USB 3.0 Ports and a 4K HDMI Port. Looks to be about 2" square. $20:
https://www.amazon.com/USB-HDM...
This one has 2 USB 2.0 Ports, Gig E, 4k HDMI, and a USB-C Power-Passthrough Port. 2.7" x 3.1". $40
https://www.amazon.com/Cable-M...
This is even better! For the same $40, you can have 3 USB 3.0 Ports, 4K HDMI, a 60W Power Passthru, and an SD/MicroSD Card Reader. And it is STILL only 3.5" X 2.4" :
https://www.amazon.com/AUKEY-M... ..an
I'm guessing 'ownership' is too racist, capitalist, and phalocentric to be a valid concept in filesystem design form much longer.
Phalocentric?
What's my Dick got to do with this???
Imagine if that had happened with Apple.
Slashdot would have completely filled-up their Servers by now with the Hand-Wringing and Apple-Hating Diatribe.
Think about it.
Sorry. Don't keep a log. Do you?
Nope. That's why I was asking the question. Like you, I've come across plenty of now un-remembered abandoned open source projects that looked like they would be pretty cool, but most of them appeared to have been abandoned before they were "finished" i.e. they never got the the point of being widely used.
And yes, as an embedded developer myself I have that same trouble with large modern applications. I once tried to download and build a large project from source just for the sake of curiosity. 4 hours later I was still running into weird dependency issues and getting compile errors that weren't making any sense.
Yup! I feel ya on both points!!!
It's like C++. I probably shouldn't admit this on Slashdot, but I have a mental-block against learning that language. I know about 20 different Assembly Languages from 6502 to ARMv7 TDMI, and have written probably a hundred thousand lines or so in Assembly, all told, and can write in C quite fluently, and even FORTH to some extent; but EVERY time I pick up my C++ book, I get a few chapters into it and just want to SCREAM "Are we EVER going to get to "Hello, World?!?!?" It's just got SOOOO much cruft in it, that I can't see ANYONE wanting to write stuff in it. (Sorry if you live/breathe C++. I am in awe).
Sorry to be so snarky previously. A day's worth of dealing with annoying little trolls on Slashdot will do that EVERY time!!!
Huh? Reading comprehension fail, dude. The goalposts are precisely where they were before. The hotel example explains why dropping HDMI was at least a decade premature. The fact that no hotel rooms have 5K or higher displays proves my point.
Personally, I think that DIRECTLY CONNECTING some unknown hotel-room-quality TV set to my precious laptop's motherboard is just ASKING for it.
IMHO, (and this really is not an excuse) I believe the slight bit of isolation (I said slight!) afforded by having an interposing adapter (especially an "active" one) may JUST make the difference between a $500 mobo replacement and a $14 HDMI adapter replacement. And either way, you aren't going to be watching any more movies from your laptop for a few days. But since some electronics stores would likely have a USB-C to HDMI adapter these days, you MIGHT just luck out and be able to find one "locally" the next day. Not gonna happen with that motherboard replacement!
1) iOS represents a large part of the market for mobile apps. Therefore I cannot ignore it.
Yes you can. Quit making excuses, or quit bitching about the CHOICES YOU MADE.
2) If anything is custom, you can order the module.
Anything? I'll bet not. And "module". You mean like the "motherboard module"? Yeah, ok. I know that game, too...
3) Why are you limiting my freedom on what I can and can't do just because I don't like the policy by which it is done?
***I'M*** not limiting ANYTHING, You have a persecution complex, dude!
5) 6) So if you upload some music from your system at home to your phone using "FTPClient" you may be able to play it in the built in music app, but you won't be able to install VLC, or any other media app and access it. As far as I know the only way to upload a common music library is through the Apple platform. Also what happens when you click on a PDF in safari? Does it list the various PDF readers you have installed to use with the PDF?
You are incorrect. I can U/L a file and, if I have VLC installed on my iPhone/iPad (true on my phone, not on my tablet, just because), I can Open it in any application that is "associated" with that filetype. Just like on most OSes.
If I Click on a PDF in Safari, it opens in Safari (just like with most OSes when you open a PDF in a browser window), and, if I long-tap at the top of the document, it offers to open it in iBooks. On the opposite side of the Button to "Open in iBooks", there is a "More" button, that takes you to a Dialog that allows you to do several things with the File, including Opening in any App that is either a "File Transfer" App (e.g. GoodReader or FTP), or that is Associated with that FileType. So, it is a two-click (tap) process to Open a PDF from Safari in another App; but it is quite possible.
But since Safari does a pretty good job (and iBooks even better), I pretty much do the first or second option, above.
I didn't say 52 DEVICES (as in USB devices connected to a single USB bus); I said you can "break out" the 4 USB-C/TB3 Ports on a 2016/2017 MacBook Pro 15" laptop into a configuration that could encompass as many as 52 SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" PORTS!!!
Apart from emboldening, shouting an dexclamation marks, what's the difference?
I can break out one USB bus to 127 USB ports from which I could hang off 127 RS-232 converters giving me 127 "legacy" ports.
So, I really really don't understand how you got your number, because I can get bigger numbers on the very same macbook.
If you don't understand how I derived my numbers by now, you never will...
I didn't say it was cheap; or even a configuration that most users would ever actually need; so don't even start that; but there are literally DOZENS of slightly less ambitious USB-C Docks on Amazon that have multiple USB 3.0 Ports, SD/MicroSD Card Slots, 4k HDMI (and sometimes VGA too), Gigabit Ethernet, sometimes Audio I/O, about the size of a dollar-Bill or smaller, and around $50-$80.
And yet you need to carry that crap around with you. compare to the thinkpad: 4x HDMI out of the box? Check. SD/uSD out of the box? Check. Gig-E (well it comes with a dongle, since RG-45 is too big), 4H HDMI with a full sized port? Check. Wireles WAN? Check.
So, you already HAVE a Dongle. And who the HELL needs 4X HDMI on their Laptop, as standard Ports?!?
And you think that the MacBook Pro doesn't have WiFi? It has both WiFi and Bluetooth for "Wireless". So?
And so, for the equivalent of your Thinkpad's Ethernet Dongle (you're the one that admitted it!), you can carry a USB-C Dock that has 3 USB 3.0 Ports, an SD/microSD card slot, Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ-45), an Audio I/O Jack, a USB-C "Charging Port" and 4K HDMI. For $60.
What was your point, again?
It's not the expense that's the problem, since $80 is not much of a scratch on either of the two laptops when maxed out, it's the inconvenience and weight of all the extra little dongles.
ONE "Dongle" (Dock) that weighs a couple of ounces, max, is all most people would need on the road.
I can't find any one Dock that can support 4 x HDMI Displays (I swear I saw a Dell one that did that; but I can't find it again); but this one supports 3 simultaneous Displays (2 HDMI, 1 DVI/VGA). Of course, the DVI output can be easily adapted to HDMI (sans sound). So that's essentially THREE HDMI outputs:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F...
I think this supports two simultaneous HDMI/DisplayPort 4K Displays, or one 5K.
https://www.amazon.com/Thinkma...
I think this one has dual HDMI 4K outputs, too:
https://www.amazon.com/SIIG-US...
And obviously, with any one of these Docks, you simply Don't need "multiple dongles"; you only have to pack ONE of these for day to day activities. These multi port USB-C Docks are small enough, and, other than the expensive OWC Thunderbolt Dock, cheap enough, so you can leave one at home, hooked up to your stuff, and throw one in your computer bag for on-the-go.
Or you can have a thinkpad and not have to worry about doing the dongledance every morning.
And you STILL have up to THREE UNUUSED USB-c/TB3 Ports to do whatever ELSE with!
Yeah, but I use the macbook pro on the road, so WTH am I going to use those ports for? If I'm at my desk, I'll generally use my much faster and more capable Linux workstation which knocks the MBP into a cocked hat in terms of aggregate I/O bandwidth, usability, speed, RAM and disk.
Honestly, what's not to like?
Needing adapters for HDMI, USB-A and SD cards.
(Also the reall
I thought we were talking about Apple in general.
I also thought we were specifically talking about whether or not you need to carry additional dongles and the like.
See GP. I was responding to that post.
Hmm, 4 USB-C ports? I don't have the latest, it had that stupid OLED softkey stuff, and I have to wait to get a replacement one for work. My current one does not have 4 ports of standard USB 3, only 2 ports, Apple has consistently been removing more and more ports in order to shrink and overheat the thing. And USB-C would SUCK, that's like an extra $30 per port for an adapter to something sane.
Ok, the 13" MacBook Pro has 2 USB-C/TB3 Ports. The 15" has 4.
But those 2 USB-C/TB3 ports can STILL be broken-out into a myriad of configurations of up to 26 SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports. Name me ONE Laptop with 26 Ports...
And $30 for a USB-C to USB-A Adapter? Get real! More like THREE for $5!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter...
Like FOUR USB-C Ports on a Laptop, for an aggregate 80 Gb/s I/O bandwidth, and which can be easily and inexpensively broken-out into a MYRIAD of different configurations, up to FIFTY-TWO SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports?
Only in theory. In practice the MBP has three USB-C ports and one charging port.
The probability of you requiring the bandwidth of four USB-C ports when away from power is negligible, and charging is one of the few things that can't be broken out.
Not only possible in theory. In practice, too.
One of the "selling-points" of USB-C is that charging and data transfer can take place over the same port simultaneously.
And actually, there are a number of USB-C Docks that DO have "USB-C Charging Ports" that DO attempt to break-out the USB-C Charging. In fact, I would say that a majority of the USB-C Docks I have seen on Amazon offer this.
A lot of them fall-short in their current-handling capabilities, unfortunately; but that's just a function of them not wanting to put in a high-enough-wattage resistor (sorry, don't know the exact details, but that's the gist of it); because some DO support pushing a full 85W (the rating of the 2016/2017 MBP Power Adapter) through their USB-C interface to the computer.
Most USB-C Docks seem to top-out at around 60W, which is enough to RUN a 15" MBP; but only charge it very slowly while in use. But, here's some that claim 85W charging ability through USB-C:
https://plugable.com/products/...
https://www.amazon.com/Promate...
https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-...
https://www.amazon.com/StarTec...
https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-...
https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-...
https://www.amazon.com/CalDigi...
Possibly 85W:
https://www.amazon.com/LeTouch...
1. I was forced to buy a mac because I wouldn't have been able to develop for ios otherwise. Many people buy Apple for various reasons, it doesn't mean they agree with the limits it places on them.
And you were FORCED to develop for iOS by WHOM, exactly?
2. I have a person in the family who fixes Thinkpads. I can tell you, every part is replaceable and available. You don't need any special tools. There, I've imagined one product.
Really? Then Thinkpads don't use ANY custom silicon, connectors, case-parts, etc? I simply don't believe that.
3. That is true, so compared to Google, Apple is limiting me in some way which is basically what I said in the first place. Now I have to accept all of Apple's shit because I want to develop in both major mobile OSes? This gets better and better.
So what? Go do something else.
4. Didn't know that, fair enough. Maybe they really do have courage, even though it took them long enough.
Yep. You can either use XCode and Build any number of Open Source Apps sourced on github and other places; or you can use Cydia Impactor (from any platform except 64 bit Linux, curiously!) and install pre-compiled ".ipa" files from a growing-number of third-party repositories.
Fascinating that in all this time, Slashdot has never made a big (or even a small) deal out of that most-significant change in iOS. Wonder if there's an agenda?
5. Again, too little too late. (can it smb or nfs or scp?)
Don't know. It's a PHONE, FFS! How much cruft do you want in the Filesystem?!?
But apparently, the answer to at least some of that is YES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...
There are more; but those are some examples of SMB/CIFS/NFS clients for iOS. And since there is a prohibition on "private libraries" in App Store Apps, I would submit that those filesystem capabilities ARE in existence in iOS already, just not exposed. But you should KNOW that, since you're an iOS Developer, right? Or so you say...
Having said that, I had somewhat of an unsuccessful search on Apple's Developer site trying to find info on supported filesystems in iOS, except for a comment stating that "filesystem support in iOS is basically the same as macOS...", so I believe the frameworks for SMB/CIFS, NFS and WebDAV are present in iOS.
6. Ok I didn't mention iCloud because that's worse than having to use iTunes. I don't have to use anything in the cloud with my android phone. I just open a browser and connect with smb or ssh.
You might be surprised to hear this; but I don't use the Cloud for anything, either. If I need to transfer something to/from my network at home or work, I use the "GoodReader" app (which also has SMB/CIFS/WebDAV capabilities, but is no longer available, since they didn't recompile it for 64-bit for some reason) or "FTPClient" app (which may also be a casualty of the 32-bit app-purge) to do so. I think the last thing I xferred to my work Windows network was 2 GB-worth of video of a local concert I shot on my iPhone. Worked great. No "Cloud" involved. Just a local WiFi connection from my iPhone to the router at the office.
7. Apple didn't move on anything until they got a better deal.
Sez you. Prove it.
1. Using an adapter is not convenient and doesn't allow you to charge the phone while listening, 2. Doesn't work with anything else, so basically useless, 3. See number 1.
1. There are plenty of inexpensive (around $10) third-party adapters on Amazon that allow charging while listening.
2. I know anecdotes are not generally considered "data"; but I can run my original-battery iPhone 6 Plus doing streaming of Apple Music over WiFi for a whole workday on about 2% of battery capacity; so I don't see the whole "charging while listening" thing as being NEARLY as big a deal as the Haters want to make it out to be.
3. Since you can charge an iPhone up to about 80% charge in about 1/2 an hour, would it REALLY kill you to take a break from your music for that long? Seriously.
4. Who cares if an adapter "doesn't work with anything else". The world is replete with adapters that "don't work with anything else". To this day, most serious home stereo equipment that has a headphone jack, still has a 1/4" jack; NOT a 3.5 mm jack. This has caused the headphone industry, which has more-or-less universally switched to 3.5 mm plugs some time ago, to create an ADAPTER to allow their INCOMPATIBLE 3.5 mm plugs to mate with the stereo equipment's 1/4" jack. Where's the outrage there? What happens if you LOSE your 3.5 mm to 1/4" ADAPTER? On noes! The horror!!!
Gimme a break.
Limited Features? Like FOUR USB-C Ports on a Laptop, for an aggregate 80 Gb/s I/O bandwidth, and which can be easily and inexpensively broken-out into a MYRIAD of different configurations, up to FIFTY-TWO SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" Ports?
Yeah, so I need a massive wodge of dongles to do anything useful.
By comparison a Thinkpad Carbon X1, has 2 USB-C, HDMI, USB-A, SD and sim. for which one doesn't need any dongles day to day.
Also 52? what? How did you come up with that number? USB supports up to 127 devides per bus.
And aparty from your previous copypasta, this is literally the only time I've seen someone spec a laptop in terms of aggregate I/O bandwidth. It's not a mainframe.
I didn't say 52 DEVICES (as in USB devices connected to a single USB bus); I said you can "break out" the 4 USB-C/TB3 Ports on a 2016/2017 MacBook Pro 15" laptop into a configuration that could encompass as many as 52 SIMULTANEOUS "Legacy" PORTS!!!
That was taken from the TB3 Dock that, AFAICT, has the most amount of "Legacy" Ports:
https://eshop.macsales.com/sho...
It has THIRTEEN Legacy Ports (including even a FireWire 800 Port!), ALL of which can be used SIMULTANEOUSLY. And notice that the FIVE USB Ports are USB 3.1, and EACH is a full-bandwidth Port, NOT part of a "HUB"; so whatever the total "fan-out" is of FIVE USB 3.1 Ports...
So, with the MacBook Pro having FOUR USB-C/TB3 Ports, that comes to FIFTY-TWO Simultaneous Legacy Ports!!!
I didn't say it was cheap; or even a configuration that most users would ever actually need; so don't even start that; but there are literally DOZENS of slightly less ambitious USB-C Docks on Amazon that have multiple USB 3.0 Ports, SD/MicroSD Card Slots, 4k HDMI (and sometimes VGA too), Gigabit Ethernet, sometimes Audio I/O, about the size of a dollar-Bill or smaller, and around $50-$80. For around $100, you can get one that has a more flexible video section, that allows dual displays, simultaneous use of HDMI and VGA, extended displays (not just mirroring) etc. Take your pick ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS!
And obviously, with any one of these Docks, you simply Don't need "multiple dongles"; you only have to pack ONE of these for day to day activities. These multi port USB-C Docks are small enough, and, other than the expensive OWC Thunderbolt Dock, cheap enough, so you can leave one at home, hooked up to your stuff, and throw one in your computer bag for on-the-go.
And you STILL have up to THREE UNUUSED USB-c/TB3 Ports to do whatever ELSE with!
NOW do you see why I expressed the I/O capability in aggregate bandwidth? Because of the sheer flexibility, there is really no other way to state it that comes anywhere close to reality.
Honestly, what's not to like?