My biggest gripe, however, is the sudden loss of Magsafe in favor of USB-C charging only. This is a huge step backwards as Magsafe was developed to protect the computer and the charger from damage in case of a sudden, omni-directional tug. I can't imagine the internals of a USB-C connector holding up to that abuse. While they say you wont need to charge it as frequently, I don't buy that this will always be the case, not to mention it is very difficult to change user behavior and people will still attempt to charge it casually.
In 3 years when you still own the machine and almost everything is USB-C, you'll probably feel differently about the ports.
> My biggest gripe, however, is the sudden loss of Magsafe in favor of USB-C charging only. This is a huge step backwards as Magsafe was developed to protect the computer and the charger from damage in case of a sudden, omni-directional tug.
This is my biggest gripe, too. Magsafe saved my ass more times than I want to think about.
At this point, many new computers have USB-C, and a growing number of computers have only USB-C. So there's a market of people who need USB-C connectors, and untapped markets with a strong demand and a proven willingness to spend premium money attracts device manufacturers heavily. So maybe I'm being optimistic, but I don't think overwhelmingly so.
I'm actually really surprised Apple didn't make it themselves.
Then why not include it in the box?
Apple increased the price and removed the mains extension cable, surely they could have done something to make the transition easier?
We've been told that early Thunderbolt 3 compatibility is not consistent. So at this stage it's probably safer to stick with Apple branded dongles and adapters.
Something as simple as connecting my existing monitor through Display Port now needs an adapter. £30 [1]
As it stands it's not even clear yet what will and won't work with the new machines.
E.g. do I need to buy another USB-c Superdrive for the 2 times a year I have to burn a DVD for someone? £79 [2]
The existing USB-A Superdrive won't even work through a generic USB hub, will it work through a USB-A to USB-C converter? £9 [3]
I don't use HDMI very often except when I'm doing presentations but that's another £49. [4]
Not to mention I now need to spend £19 to connect my iPhone and another £19 to replace the extension cord they were too cheap to include.
It all mounts up; nickels and dimes.
[edit] I should probably add that, yes, I can expense this stuff to my business but it's still, it's a pain on a such a high end product.
[1]: http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MMEL2/thunderbolt-3-usb...
[2]: http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-sup...
[3]: http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MJ1M2/usb-c-to-usb-adap...
[4]: http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MJ1K2ZM/A/usb-c-digital...
The rest of your points are pretty funny e.g. no glowing apple logo!
[edit] For comments to this post, I add Apple is known for eliminating clutter before the industry does, without regard to cost. By making every user specifically buy adapters if they need it, they are simplifying the product, conserving resources, and making money too. Win, win, win.