MacBooks and Firewire
I was initially excited about the new MacBook and MacBook Pro models from Apple. Then I noticed that the new MacBook doesn't include a Firewire port. This is a bit of a big deal for me. My Panasonic video camera requires Firewire to download videos to the computer. I like using my MacBook to download and edit videos while on vacation. If I decide to buy one of the new MacBooks, I'll no longer be able to do that.
Now AppleInsider is reporting that Steve Jobs himself has replied to an irked Apple customer. Says Uncle Steve:
Actually, all of the new HD camcorders of the past few years use USB 2.
The new HD camcorders start around $500.
He has a bit of a point. I would like an HD camcorder. But my wife needs a new laptop now and I'd prefer that it be compatible not just with our future camcorder but also with our existing camcorder. Was now really the right time for Apple to remove a port that many of its users still need?
(Yes, I'm whining a bit. Sales of the new MacBook will probably be spectacularly good anyway. It's a good machine. But I wanted to have both my bread and my cake.)