No More Target Mode for New MacBooks, 2008-10-15 - Your reactions

[linathael]

With the lack of FireWire in the new MacBooks, it will now be impossible to use such notebook in Target mode. Indeed, we received confirmation that a similar system can not be obtained via USB2.0. So, only the network disk mode introduced with the MacBook Air would be available.

[translation by Linathael]

[okeribok]

SUCK!
target disk mode is still the fastest and easiest way to transfer large files. I came from scsi to firewire, and now it's gonna die? Especially consumers could benefit from an easy way to transfer their files...

[Boomer]

sure its a shame to loose it, but with the easy way to remove the HD you can just pop it in an external case for either testing or copying.

Other option is still to do the file transfer via Ethernet.

A bigger problem is the missing Firewire for people who need this option, like video or audio pros, or if you like me have only bought Firewire external HDs.

This post has been edited by Boomer: Oct 15 2008, 03:30 PM

[Metalizer]

sure its a shame to loose it, but with the easy way to remove the HD you can just pop it in an external case for either testing or copying.

Other option is still to do the file transfer via Ethernet.

A bigger problem is the missing Firewire for people who need this option, like video or audio pros, or if you like me have only bought Firewire external HDs.

…begs the question as to whether it can/will be modded by a third party to provide firewire?

I note that many of the good audio interfaces, these days, require firewire. Some musicians, just about to put a system together, must be scratching their heads!



what makes it even more bizarre is that Apple uses Garageband Track/instrument benchmarks to show off the new nVidia graphics!

[linathael]

…begs the question as to whether it can/will be modded by a third party to provide firewire?

I note that many of the good audio interfaces, these days, require firewire. Some musicians, just about to put a system together, must be scratching their heads!



what makes it even more bizarre is that Apple uses Garageband Track/instrument benchmarks to show off the new nVidia graphics!

Apple wants them to buy a MacBook Pro, not a MacBook
Apple's margin is more important on MBP than on MB. So MB are oriented for mass market.

[Boomer]

Guess so, but for a DJ or performer who carries around lots of equipment, every little bit counts, so the 13" Macbook was nice to have.

I am not too concerend as for me 15" is the smallest I want to go, I am more concerned about not having a matt display anymore.

[jwa]

this is certainly a big loss. I can't count the number of times that I've had to use it for a friend, and when they saw that they were just amazed that the computer could do that.

[Metalizer]

this is certainly a big loss. I can't count the number of times that I've had to use it for a friend, and when they saw that they were just amazed that the computer could do that.

Firewire can be great for launching repairs and troubleshooting. Oh well, the price of getting the new nVidia graphics. I think it's a worthy sacrifice, at least for the MacBook.

[cheerful]

The greater concern for me here is how Apple is phasing out Firewire.

I wouldn't mind if esata replaces firewire but to put out the fire and not introducing the "future" (term intended for every reason since Apple is so into the future with the display ports ...)

Would we see firewire being removed completely from our macs in a years time?

I do recall reading articles saying Apple may have TDM thru' esata but until that is realised, it certainly isn't welcome by most if not all of us that firewire is removed.

that said, there're a good numbers of users who don't even touch firewire at all namely i believe, most of the switchers. usb on the other hand, has gain so much more recognition.

[jwa]

I wouldn't mind if esata replaces firewire

That is one thing I don't understand, Apple always used to be on the forefront of external ports, but now most of the new PC motherboards come with at least 1 eSATA port, and most external drives (at least the cheaper ones) come with USB and eSATA. Fortunately for MacBook Pro owners they can buy a cheap eSATA express port card (I've got one from Apiotek, which works great). But for MacBook owners they are out of luck.

[cheerful]

jwa, from what i recall, esata doesn't power up the hdds, or are they now able to do so? one other question, are you able to boot up via esata via the express port?

i would've thought esata (external ports) found its way into the macbook pro and mac pro by early 2008 but guess not. probably we'll see these in 2009.

[jwa]

jwa, from what i recall, esata doesn't power up the hdds, or are they now able to do so? one other question, are you able to boot up via esata via the express port?

i would've thought esata (external ports) found its way into the macbook pro and mac pro by early 2008 but guess not. probably we'll see these in 2009.

no, it doesn't provide power. but that's not what's powering your system when in target mode anyway.