TOPIC:

Thoughts, comments?
www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

Apple and Blackmagic Design also develop together the Blackmagic eGPU.

www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicegpu/

FCPX.guru wrote:

Thoughts, comments?
www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

here, German boards hyperventilating on the price-tags (… based upon what actual tariff? SCNR!!), making useless comparisons to other brands. Have to admit: 6.700$ for a maxed-out laptop is … impressive.

But the 'pro' devices don't target on the average user (like me…), if your business can not bear such prices, you're out of business....

So, no wonder, how  presented those silent-updates, quoting THE VERGE:
www.theverge.com/2018/7/12/17563640/appl...essor-siri-true-tone

We spent much more time hearing stories about how these pros use their Macs than we did talking about speeds and feeds.
…
In each of the dozen demos, the focus wasn’t so much on the power of these new MacBooks, but instead on the idea that the Mac platform is the linchpin of a vibrant and capable ecosystem that enables creators to create things. The fact that these new laptops are faster just meant that they could create things with less hassle, basically.

And, for sure, the 'integration' of BM's eGPU on the products website/order site, is… interesting too. Unfortunately we will never learn about sales-numbers for those boxes…

('refurbished' last gens MBpro are available with massive price-drops… to mention that )

FCPX.guru wrote:

Thoughts, comments?
www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

Finally!! I've been waiting for this exact update almost 2 years now. I believe the 6 cores and 32GB RAM will future proof it, I guess even for 8K (using FCPX of course). Coming from a 2012 15" cMBP I will get a fully loaded but with 1TB SSD and start learning how to seriously using Resolve for color grading as well. I don't care what the general public says about the price, it is a money making machine and I saved enough these last 15 months to be ready.

ektoras.papageorgiou wrote:

… I don't care what the general public says about the price….

The general public often forget: for a 'pro' this is an investment, you don't finance with your personal piggy bank, and your shops tax-consultant can tell you in a minute:
it's ~10$/d (depending on local laws and tax-system) … for a 'pro' a manageable price…

MsJustine, are you aware that the RAM is much much faster than any Apple laptop that has come before? That's pro level RAM. My TV station is buying a pair, and only spending about $3500 each, and each will outperform the god awfully old iMacs we currently have, plus give us travel ability.

The i9 CPU handles more processes per second than any CPU Apple has used before.

The SSD internal drive has read/write speeds that are faster also.

That they can do this without huge, loud cooling fans is amazing.

But yes, you're the IT expert here. Explain to me in technical terms how I'm wrong. You know more than the rest of us, obviously.

Yes, Apple is stupid and/or evil, you are correct.

MsJustine wrote:

…What I am expressing is my views…

You're flooding a thread with your fact-free phantasies, based upon your weird concepts of soft- and hardware-making, marketing, leading a global brand. Which make these threads hard to read.…

stuff like …

MsJustine wrote:

…The fact that it needs the eGPU for top end work,… The new RAM and SSD will suck the life out of a battery in what 2 hours???…"

… just shows your ignorance. The new MBp handles 9 streams of 4k, has 10h battery life, etc etc.

What sense does it make to throw in an antique white plastic MB from 2006 into a thread, asking for opinions to Apples latest 2018 pro model?? Why not compare to an Apple || ? Or my old bike? Or oranges?

If you like to share your 'views' (for whatever therapeutical reasons you feel forced doing so on this board), the Off-Topic section of this board is made for that …
Probably.
No, not really.-

Then feel free to delete any posts you feel that are not good, I really don't mind.

MsJustine wrote:

Then feel free to delete any posts you feel that are not good, I really don't mind.

MsJustine or MrJustine,

You clearly like to live in the past and don’t have any understanding of computer engineering.

Alone a spinning disc will use more energy the SSD and RAM from today which both are faster.

Look if you can’t afford a Pro machine then step up your game in your work and maybe also your relation with people. I sure wouldn’t want to suggest a grumpy person to a client.

If anyone notices a Barefeats benchmark review of this model, please post it!

Here's a great review, BTW.
hrtapps.com/blogs/20180712/

Let's get down to some facts. Previous MBP models had i5 and i7 CPUs that had fewer cores and processed fewer threads of data than the new Coffee Lake CPUs in the 2018 MBP models. This makes 4K video more accessible on a laptop.

The new i9 CPU has 12MB L3 cache, meaning it has that built-in RAM to store data that is currently being re-used a lot. That's more cache than precious models. Not to mention the 4.8GHz Turbo Boost, which again is faster than any previous MBP turbo boost. This can also lead to more accessibility to 4K video.

Then there's the A1 chip that helps with the display, namely the True Tone function. This will allow the screen to adjust properly to your lighting situation. In previous MBP models in certain light situations, whites could seem to be too blue-is and harsh. This, according to one hands-on review, solves that issue, which is a huge boost to professional video editors, photographers, and graphics folks.

The 2018 MPB has 2400MHz DDR4 RAM, which is way faster than the RAM in previous models. So that adds to your processing speed, making larger Libraries much more accessible on a laptop.

The new Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory is also a huge boost in GPU power. This is going to add to performance, and make 3D modeling (which will become relevant when mObject 2 is publicly released) and working with 3D text and 4K video much easier.

My TV station has some very old Macs, including my own 2013 rMBP. We're shooting and receiving more 4K footage now. Not a lot, but more than a year ago. And with ATSC 3.0 knocking on our door (we have the hardware ordered and an October install date already in place) 4K will become the norm. My GM has decided it may be time to upgrade our Macs. And since we're an entertainment station, not a news station, that means we create lots of original programming. More and more of it is out in the field, not in studio. Although we simply bring camera cards back, we don't edit on site. So this new laptop could be the way to go. And when we do go full on, full time 4K with ATSC 3.0 we'll simply add the BMD (or whatever else is on the market by then) eGPU units, which make for a very inexpensive upgrade. Here's what we are looking at.

2018 15‑inch MacBook Pro - Space Gray
Add To Favorites
2.9GHz 6‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz
Retina display with True Tone
Touch Bar and Touch ID
Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory
32GB 2400MHz DDR4 memory
1TB SSD storage
$3,899.00 USD

That is about what I paid for my 2013 15" rMBP. The fact there's no major price increase (a decrease if you account for inflation, etc) is great.

Down side? We have to get dongles to connect our T'bolt 1 and T'bolt 2 RAIDs, and to plug in our old T'bolt displays. But a single hub will solve all of that for us.

So, do we go with this model laptop, or with new iMac Pros ($5,649.00)? Will we really be dragging these out into the field enough to justify having the slower CPU, less powerful GPU? Bear in mind that the eGPU upgrades will work for any T'bolt 3 Mac. With a $1750 USD difference, I'd go with the iMac Pro. But, if I thought the mobile need was really that necessary, this would be an impressive laptop to go with.

And if nothing else, this has my GM seriously considering upgrading our very outdated Macs. And that is accomplishment enough for this new 2018 MBP.

I am not saying the specifications are bad, far from it, they are great, and the bump up to 32GB is long overdue...

That is not the issue, the issue is the pro tag...I counted 4x T-bolt 3 ports, is that correct??? I understand the why for certain portable devices a dongle is used...The 15 inch portable computer refreshed mid 2018 is not PRO, the dongles are a stupid idea...

I understand that to be a the trillion dollar company, it has to flog a trillion dollars worth of dongles...The lack of expansion options, stuck at a BTO garbage point is not a wise decision, and I will not accept that it was "engineering" that determined the ability to swop out RAM, SSD's and batteries..That was a shareholder decision, if you don't you are fired...Board to Tim Cook...[makes sense...admit that..]

It looks very impressive, but the real test will only be in a while, throw work at the laptop, a heavy prores conversion from 5K to proxy, an hour of heavy rendering, then how long will the battery last? No fan, how long before the chips fry? We don't know...in fact how long can the mobile device be used on a lap before you seek medical attention for a 4th degree burn???

For example, could the mobile device come in 2 flavours, 1-with the touchbar, and one without? Why was that not a consideration???? Just questions about the decisions in regards the refresh..

if you are a company, and you have a budget, what makes most sense from a financial or a productive point of view? Could you work better with a 27 inch screen and a all in one device, or a 15 inch device hooked up to a screen and a epgu???

The real issue is not actually hardware, in a way it is, it is the rate of cameras in this case, the rate of camera codec development and the slow to catch up of the hardware we use to edit the images captured by the cameras...Work arounds, proxy, and so on...catch up...

Not sure why this was the issue, not that long ago, Apple led the industry, firewire and final cut studio, you had options, the software could cope with the rate of change, then nothing, Apple fell behind, this new refresh is a work around to solve some of the issues, but being tethered to an egpu is not a viable solution....

If you don't agree, complain to Peter, get him to delete my post here...or I will later...whatever!!

That is not the issue, the issue is the pro tag...I counted 4x T-bolt 3 ports, is that correct??? I understand the why for certain portable devices a dongle is used...The 15 inch portable computer refreshed mid 2018 is not PRO, the dongles are a stupid idea...

Using the same logic as DONGLES = NOT PRO, I guess I am not pro either for using DONGLES for connecting ESATA hard drives, DISPLAY PORT TO HDMI and THUNDERBOLT TO SDI for broadcast monitoring, on my 2012 cMBP. From 6 years ago. The MBP now follows the design philosophy of the Desktop PC. TB3 ports as PCI-E lanes that enable the use of all the peripherals you need for your work, rather to be confined to the standards of USB protocols. That makes it pro.

I understand that to be a the trillion dollar company, it has to flog a trillion dollars worth of dongles...The lack of expansion options, stuck at a BTO garbage point is not a wise decision, and I will not accept that it was "engineering" that determined the ability to swop out RAM, SSD's and batteries..That was a shareholder decision, if you don't you are fired...Board to Tim Cook...[makes sense...admit that..]

Is there any proof that the shareholders dictate the soldering of all the components on the motherboard? Because it doesn't make any sense. Why pay all the VPs, engineers and designers when the 1000s of shareholders decide by themselves how a product will look and function? BTW Tim Cook is among the biggest shareholders in Apple and as I know he is not stupid enough to fire himself.

It looks very impressive, but the real test will only be in a while, throw work at the laptop, a heavy prores conversion from 5K to proxy, an hour of heavy rendering, then how long will the battery last?

It is not wise enough to do heavy tasks while on battery power only, as the battery doesn't provide with enough current the hardware, lowering the performance of the system. Render long sequences only on power for faster and better results.

No fan, how long before the chips fry? We don't know...in fact how long can the mobile device be used on a lap before you seek medical attention for a 4th degree burn???

From this quote I can see you lack the technical knowledge of how a high performance laptop is built and functioning . 2018 MBPs have fans. 2 of them. With asymmetrical design to eliminate excess noise. And also is against common sense to place a laptop on your lap if you don't want to burn your skin.

For example, could the mobile device come in 2 flavours, 1-with the touchbar, and one without? Why was that not a consideration???? Just questions about the decisions in regards the refresh..

No, because they had to design 2 different versions of motherboard, keyboard, chassis and software, and the cost and risk would be too high. And also the cost of developing and fabricating the touchBar has to be repaid from sales, increasing the prices.

if you are a company, and you have a budget, what makes most sense from a financial or a productive point of view? Could you work better with a 27 inch screen and a all in one device, or a 15 inch device hooked up to a screen and a egpu???

Every professional has different needs and way of creating. I know people with 27'' iMacs surrounded by extra monitors inside dark rooms, others with just the iMac. I choose to work only with my 15" laptop most of the times, and sometimes I use it on film sets so I need it mobile. Other times I need an extra display (or 2 or 3) to do specific tasks. There are many different needs and combos for each professional. Luckily Apple makes quite scalable computers that fit all the needs.

The real issue is not actually hardware, in a way it is, it is the rate of cameras in this case, the rate of camera codec development and the slow to catch up of the hardware we use to edit the images captured by the cameras...Work arounds, proxy, and so on...catch up...

Or have the right tools for the right job. No matter you do, don't expect to edit 8K from the MONSTRO on a 13" natively. But you can edit with proxies. That's the magic of modern NLEs. But even relatively old MBPs are quite capable even with the newest codecs. I didn't know back in 2012, when I got a non retina MBP, that I would be able to edit 4K DCI straight from a FS7II on FCPX without a hustle. PCs don't do that.

Not sure why this was the issue, not that long ago, Apple led the industry, firewire and final cut studio, you had options, the software could cope with the rate of change, then nothing, Apple fell behind, this new refresh is a work around to solve some of the issues, but being tethered to an egpu is not a viable solution....

Apple still leads in my opinion, at least in the indie and small studio market. FCPX is the best NLE, the adaptation of TB pushed hardware forward. I believe 90% of the buyers won't need eGPU, at least not straight out of the box. Maybe in the next years, where demands on the hardware will increase, users will be able to hook an eGPU so they can still use their MBPs for even more years. HEY LOOK! UPGRADEABILITY!!!

MsJustine wrote:

For example, could the mobile device come in 2 flavours, 1-with the touchbar, and one without? Why was that not a consideration???? Just questions about the decisions in regards the refresh..

if you are a company, and you have a budget, what makes most sense from a financial or a productive point of view? Could you work better with a 27 inch screen and a all in one device, or a 15 inch device hooked up to a screen and a epgu???

They actually give you this option not to use the TouchBar plus even the option to use it later on.
Look up the feature "don't use it"

Also, in this case, you will do what many other Professionals pick which hardware fit your needs. I am happy they offer both.

Dongles are not evil. I've used them for over a decade. Going from whatever came before Firewire to FW. Then from FW 4000 to FW 800. FW to USB. FW to T'bolt. T'bolt 1 to USB-C (T'bolt 3). The new ports are the first time we've had a single form factor that could accommodate everything we own (via dongle) and NOT slow down the peripheral devices, due to the port itself. Better than a plethora of ports that cost more money and weight. The dongles are cheaper than paying for many different ports on your laptop to be designed for space, compatibility, and manufactured in. The dongle argument is old, outdated, and simply not valid anymore. My 2013 rMBP has HDMI, SD-Card, USB, T'bolt, and I still have dongles. Doesn't bother me one bit. Nature of the ever changing and evolving IT universe. You can't have everything from 10 years go, from today, and support what will come 10 years from now, all at the same time. Physically impossible. The dongle argument is for something that is physically impossible to ever have. Let's move on.

Several bench marks published online now, all very good.

Wouldn't have killed them to put in a USB-A port, an SD reader and an HDMI port. Other similar size laptops can do it. I have been dongling with Apple for long enough to know how the game is played, but it is doable.

I just watched the video on 9to5mac about the egpu and I am confused, it works with Resolve, to quote the presenter when discussing the usefulness of the egpu and FCPX, and this is his words: "out of the box the mac will not provide egpu resources to final cut pro, if you run the app on an external display connected to the blackmagic egpu it will not make any difference compute wise-this has been a disappointment to for every final cut pro user who expects the egpu will help put in their workflows"

Is this correct...gee, funds allowed, I was expecting to go out, buy the laptop, buy the egpu, and have boosted egpu support, according to 9to5mac this is not the case...wow if this is the case...not sure what the point of the egpu sold by apple in apple stores is if it does not support the product sold in the store...strange!!

MsJustine wrote:

...not sure what the point of the egpu sold by apple in apple stores is if it does not support the product sold in the store...strange!!

Blackmagic offers a eGPU, which supports Blackmagics DVR, both avail in Apple (App) Store.-

MsJustine wrote:

I just watched the video on 9to5mac about the egpu and I am confused, it works with Resolve, to quote the presenter when discussing the usefulness of the egpu and FCPX, and this is his words: "out of the box the mac will not provide egpu resources to final cut pro, if you run the app on an external display connected to the blackmagic egpu it will not make any difference compute wise-this has been a disappointment to for every final cut pro user who expects the egpu will help put in their workflows"

Is this correct...gee, funds allowed, I was expecting to go out, buy the laptop, buy the egpu, and have boosted egpu support, according to 9to5mac this is not the case...wow if this is the case...not sure what the point of the egpu sold by apple in apple stores is if it does not support the product sold in the store...strange!!

As expected to be honest. Many people said FCPX is not yet optimised for eGPU. So a newer hardware won’t make a difference if the software remains the same. I think 9to5 jumped the gun and did this test a bit too early. Wait until Mojave comes out. And a new FCPX update. Then I guess we can see a difference.