MacBook Pro 2016 ‘Touch Bar’ Review And Verdict After 2 Weeks Of Use: Is It Really Useful And Innovative?
The new "MacBook Pro 2016" was released on Oct. 27 with a two additional features that were not seen in Apple laptops earlier. An improved "Touch Bar" was intended to replace the requirement of a touchscreen, which the firm believes not very important and "Touch ID" to scan the fingerprint and control the access to the device. The Touch Bar introduced in MacBook Pro 2016 raised a lot of questions about the options it offers, usability and usefulness.
A 2-week usage and review of Touch Bar in MacBook Pro 2016 has revealed many useful tips for the tech enthusiasts. The Touch Bar option is found to be highly useful in place of some functions, whereas it doesn't give a good feel for some other. In precise, Apple tried to make an attempt that can transform as a future requirement with increased feasibility and customization.
#MacBookPro 2016 with #TouchBar review: Read @reneritchie's take on the love/hate future of laptops! https://t.co/aeOX4xqiK2 pic.twitter.com/FiSJpnUBej
— iMore (@iMore) November 14, 2016
The thin strip of Touch Bar in MacBook Pro 2016 has either side contain the standard function keys that are easy to use and simple except screen brightness and volume adjustment. Both are launching a bar strip with the pointer in Touch Bar and the user has to manually adjust it using fingers. It can't be said that an annoyance but for sure not a smooth experience.
But, people can customize these fixed buttons in MacBook Pro 2016 and swap it with other frequently used functions. The escape button is well placed on the left side of the Touch Bar. While coming to the center of where users would get all the frequently used controls and options of any app the user opens, would work greatly if the user customizes it. It works with Apple's apps but support is not given for other apps like Office, Photoshop, Pixelmator etc., but plans are there to bring them onboard.
This is the new MacBook Pro with OLED Touch Bar https://t.co/MjZfW9javo #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/VuTODbocPK — The Next Web (@TheNextWeb) October 27, 2016
When coming to the buttons, the simplest functions work greatly, while complex functions drag sometimes. In the case of Mail, Spam, and Achieve buttons work perfectly, but the formatting buttons are not very smoothly operated and open adjusters like screen brightness. The emoji option and buttons in Touch Bar is another great help and give greater accessibility than even touchscreen sometimes.
The final verdict about the Touch Bar in MacBook Pro 2016 is that it works well for simple functions. For complex functions, it opens out adjusters in the Touch bar which can be awful sometimes. Users' careful customization can make the smoothness better; prioritize frequently used functions. But, keep in mind that Apple has just introduced an option through its MacBook Pro 2016, which can have unlimited possibilities in future.
