MacBook Pro 2016: The good,The bad, and the Touch Bar

The recently released MacBook Pro 2016 has been received with mixed thoughts. While some are into the design updates, Apple's new device is taking a lot of heat due to several of its features.

The MacBook Pro 2016, which comes in 13-inch and 15-inch variants, marks the first time the line had a facelift since 2012. The 2016 version has a thinner, lighter and a more compact look than its predecessors. Performance-wise, apart from the expected upgraded processors and graphics, it also introduced the "Touch Bar" feature for both variants. Found at the upper part of the keyboard (where the function keys were once seen), the 2170x60 strip contains several options, which, as Engadget explains, change depending on the application being used.

One of the major gripes consumers have, though, is its lack of upgrade capabilities. The Touch Bar variants do not have removable Solid State Drives (or SSD's), which means consumers could not upgrade after purchase. The entry-level 13-inch, which opts for the function keys than the Touch Bar, does have a removable SSD, so it could translate to upgrades in a later time.

Some also complain about the lack of a real touchscreen feature for the MacBook Pro 2016. While Apple did include a Touch Bar, it was not enough to compare with some other devices that have touchscreen displays.

The external ports also seem to be quite lacking for the devices. While the 15-inch comes with 4 ports, the 13-inch has 2 ports available for use. Not only does it make matters worse that it uses a USB-C port, but also the fact that one of the ports would be needed for charging, as the charger uses the same port. 

Another issue that was pointed out by The Bit Bag is its battery life. Apple boasted that the new MacBook Pros will last up to 10 hours of continuous usage. However, several tests indicate that it could only go as far as six hours before refill, comparing to the previous iteration that could reach that 10-hour threshold. It could reach the 10-11 hour mark, though it meant changing the settings and usage to achieve that long battery life.

Needless to say, it seems that the new MacBook Pro may have over-promised and under-delivered on some of its statements, though it provides a sleeker, simpler laptop none the less.