Folks who want an SD card reader or HDMI should carry around SD card readers and HDMI cables. People who don't want those things shouldn't have to carry them around.
I modernized all my accessories years ago. USB-C is all I or, I would argue, nearly anyone needs. I'm truly sorry that your job requires you to carry a little extra gear, but it's not my job, so don't burden me with it. (If you disagree, then explain why the MBP shouldn't have compact flash, micro SD, etc.)
Some might say your narrow definition of dongle was an attempt at being pedantic.
>> I think the real point is being overlooked here.
The real point being overlooked isn't the dongle issue, or being minimalist. It's a product line diversity issue.
You have to be aware that a lot of people who won't switch away from Mac are doing it because of love of the OS, and not necessarily the love of the hardware itself.
Apple has basically decided to make all of their laptop lines ultrabooks (as is their right).
If you look at all the other companies who make laptops, they have non-ultrabook lines for people who need ports, etc. Apple has chosen not to cater to those people, and those people, whose requirements used to be satisfied by previous iterations of Macbooks, are now complaining.
The amount of metal removed from the case is heavier than the connector and PCB traces.
Don't carry around the cables if you don't want to, but your argument is ridiculous.
Ultrabooks exist for a reason, and my personal opinion is that it’s a bummer that the “pro“ offering is less capable and more annoying to use for media editing than it used to be.
Apple didn't handle the recall for the 2011 MBP problems very well.
This was incredibly problematic for me, considering Apple's fantastic reputation for customer support. After that experience, I basically went back to Windows, and the transition was surprisingly smooth.
Noun: A thing I have to carry around to use my new device that I didn't have to carry to use my old device.
Pretty much 'a small thingie' that has to be attached to a computer for the latter to carry some specific task. Hence, a card reader fits the dongle definition and it should be part of any laptop...
There used be dongles that served copyright protection.
Which card reader? SD? Micro SD? SD and Micro SD? Any of the half-dozen other standards that some cameras still use?
Nothing else that's port-sized gets enough use to care about.
Second, this is a step forward. Previously, people who didn't need to carry around SD card readers had to, in the form of bulkier laptops with smaller batteries. Now, only folks who need readers have to carry them around. That's a win.