Comments on: Whither, FireWire? What the New Apple Laptop Port Changes Mean for Audio

By: SnoBird

SnoBird — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:35:35 +0000

I’m so angry. I ran out and bought the new MacBook because I was so excited about the beauty and simplicity of the design. Several months later I realized that not only will I not be able to import video to my computer, I can’t use the Midi Interface that I used to use for my electronic music. And by the time I realized it, I was out of the return period. As soon as I have the money I’m going to sell it and buy an older MacBook Pro. Apple has lost my business on first gen hardware with the iPod and iPhone, and now they lost it on computers. FUÂ¢KER$!

By: muser

muser — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:04:58 +0000

@zenzen’s Simpons quote LOL.

Personally I think it is a mistake. There are literally millions of Firewire MiniDV cams out there. Sure they’re are slowly being replacde but don’t forgot USB cams have only been the more popular choice for a few year now. So if you for example have a video camera from 06 or before it’s probably Firewire. And people who want simplicity and video editing use Macs.

So if I want to get another Mac notebook I have to buy a freaking $2000 Macbook Pro just so I can use Imovie on a better Mac notebook.

I think this was Apple being cheap and thoughtless and not simply a reaction to market forces. Non editors probably won’t miss it but don’t forgot who still makes up a big chuck of Apple’s audience.

By: HappyJack

HappyJack — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:59:54 +0000

These days Apple is all about looks and zero about substance.
Less ports than a netbook, for Christ’s sakes!
But as long as it looks good, who’s gonna notice, right?
Apple is all about the iphone and iPods, and I for one wish
they would spin off their computers and software division (or at least their software division).
I really like the OS, but the hardware is not good value for money anymore.
Time for you to go, Steve-o.

By: Hidden Place Blog » Blog Archive » Respuesta a la falta de firewire en las nuevas Macbook

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:34:49 +0000

[...] otra vez leia un articulo sobre lo que implica quitar el puerto firewire e las macbook para quien hace audio, gran parte del equipo (secuenciadores, interfaces, controladores) son manejados con firewire, pero [...]

By: Apple’s New MacBooks not so friendly towards Audio Community | Newbornyeti.com

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:04:40 +0000

[...] But aside from a heap of fancy new design features and updated hardware improvements, there’s something that has all but disappeared from the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros… The Firewire 400 port… But let me be clear: thereâ€™s really, really bad news for the MacBook. FireWire 400 is gone. Thereâ€™s no way to add it back, because the non-Pro models lack ExpressCard. You canâ€™t edit video from a DV camera, you canâ€™t plug in audio interfaces from the likes of MOTU and RME, and youâ€™ll have to do all audio, MIDI, and external storage through two USB 2.0 jacks. Oct, 14 2008, By Peter Kirn. Read more… [...]

By: zenzen

zenzen — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:20:48 +0000

I sympathise with all the disappointed and disaffected. However, my reaction was “Meh” (that’s right children, I think words I would never actually say out loud). Lack of FW is not a deal-killer for me.

But this comes after frustration using my (old white) macbook as a music machine. My fw interface (fireone) had crackling and latency problems. The display is and was a terrible, flickering TN panel limited to 1280×800. I had to use one of Apple’s stiff short adapter cables to attach a DVI monitor. In the end, the Macbook became this ungainly Frankenspud. Replacing the whole mess with a Mac mini and a 24″ nice LCD has made everything better. Audio is via a 4-year-old edirol UA-25 (USB 1.1!). The Mini has 4x USB 2.0 and 1x FW400, BTW.

If I have to gig with the (old or new) Macbook, I would happily use the edirol or simply the line-out (high fidelity not being a priority over a PA) and rely on USB for controllers and MIDI IO.

I realize that we all have different gig/studio needs and work habits, so YMMV.

By: bye bye apple

bye bye apple — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:10:16 +0000

forget it. we are done.

By: box guy

box guy — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:49:35 +0000

I’m having a hard time comprehending this… I’m certain I’m not the only one here who runs protools/Digi02 with their laptop. Does this mean I have to buy a Mac Pro to upgrade?

Or is this some kind of plot by Apple to get people to spend $10 or more on adapters that take 15 cents to make. I’ve never even heard of a FW800->400 converter.

By: U.S.O. Project

U.S.O. Project — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:38:27 +0000

Special message from Apogee…

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/ensemble-duet_compatibility.php

[via http://www.macmusic.org/news/view.php/lang/en/id/7082/

By: CNek

CNek — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:04:27 +0000

Don’t forget S/PDIF mini-jack plug (to toslink with cheap adapters) to connect high end cards.
Using mindprint trio S/PDIF and eSata card for external drivers, no need for firewire BUT I sometimes use a DV capture box and a external firewire burner …
Most of good cards have S/PDIF, more reliable, no drivers needed…