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Re:Why apple did this, why single port? by runjake on Monday March 16, 2015 @11:29AM (#9211952)
> I really hope Apple isn't going to make this a trend across their line

This model is a shot across the bow from Apple, but this model also isn't intended for programmers and IT professionals. It's meant for grandparents and a "lay about the house as needed" computer for (currently, rich) people. Apple differentiates things with a Pro line on purpose.

The original MacBook Air had a serious lack of ports and that didn't really trend across their line. It did not come with an Ethernet port, which instilled some major, major outrage. But since then, some of those bowshots have gained a foothold in the industry.

I have a MacBook Pro, and now it doesn't have a built-in Ethernet jack. But it's not a big deal at this point. Even as a network engineer, I only pull out my TBolt Ethernet adapter a couple times a week. The end effect is that I have less cables to deal with on a daily basis and I'm more mobile. I can plop down anywhere at work, open the laptop, get on wireless, and get chucked onto my special VLAN. This is way better than before.

Re:Why apple did this, why single port? by davismwfl on Thursday March 19, 2015 @11:01AM (#9232383)
Yep, I can see your points. My MacBook Pro is slightly older so I still have a ethernet port, but I can't remember the last time I plugged it in so its basically a waste of space. So it makes sense they are really looking at what's used etc.

Where I get nervous is things like USB, if you blow out one port you are ok if you have 2-3, but if you only have 1 its a bad day. Not that this is some regular or common occurrence, and typically I use a hub when connecting custom hardware, but it would suck if something failed and it blew out my only port on a machine. Hence my reason for hoping they keep the Pro series a little more flexible.