Mac Media Creators: Apple’s Decision To Kill Off FireWire Is “A Colossal Blunder”
Oct 16th, 2008 | By James Lewin | Category: Computer Hardware, Podcasting Hardware, Video 
Tuesday, we noted something that didn’t get a lot of attention in the hype surrounding Apple’s introduction of new MacBooks: Apple is killing off FireWire.
Apple’s decision to eliminate FireWire connections in its MacBook lineup has angered legions of Apple fans that use Mac laptops for creating music, videos and new media. The lack of FireWire connectors means that many Mac users won’t be able to use their audio interfaces, audio mixers and video cameras with Apple’s latest notebook computers.Â
There are now hundreds of posts in Apple’s Discussion Forums criticizing the move. Here’s a taste of the feedback Apple is getting on the move:
- “Apple really screwed up with no firewire port” – Russ Tolman
- “I’ve been waiting months for a MacBook Pro for myself and a MacBook for my daughter. I won’t use a Glossy Screen. She wants it for video and won’t buy a new camera. Apple just lost two very long time customers with these decisions.” – Bud Kuenzli
- “I cannot believe that I would ever say this, but I am seriously considering buying a cheap Dell, and creating a Hackintosh.” – Scott 14o
- “Weak Apple, very weak. A colossal blunder that will come back to haunt you, mark my words. Also, nice job on changing the display adapter AGAIN, so that all of our connection peripherals are rendered useless yet again. I am always impressed and amazed by Apple’s ability to nickle & dime their most loyal customers to death.” – Ric Perrot
- “Sorry, Apple, but it’s the truth. Your most hardcore, avid supporters, the ones who evangelize the Mac to the unwashed masses, are very upset about this. That can’t be good for business.” – srjmac
Apple’s move looks like a calculated ploy to push media creators to buy more expensive MacBook Pro computers – and it looks like it’s backfired.Â
[…] This alone is not going down well within that community. […]
As I’ve said in a few other places, it has also upset a few of their more recent converts. The problem Apple faces here is that we are less dedicated, and will have an easier time switching back to Windows. My current mac is the first Apple computer I’ve ever owned, and I love it – but I’ve been using firewire for years now, and I’m not going to give it up just because Job’s got a bright idea about how to squeeze more money out of me. Likewise, I’m just not in the market for a laptop that will end up costing over $2000 (after drive upgrades, applecare, etc.). So, when I replace my machine early next year, it probably won’t be with a mac. Too bad.
Daniel – you’re one of many angered by the move.
I’ve got a semi-pro HD video camera that this will give me grief over.
You gotta wonder how much a Firewire port costs to put on a logic board, don’t you?