No media/SD slot? Still?

Why hasnt Apple added a media card slot? Arent Apples suppose to be for the artsy/non-buisness kind of people? Is it THAT hard to put in a SD card slot?

I'm in an art school, so everyone here looooves macs, but why would I wanna switch to a computer that I would have to use a usb cord to transfer pictures to my laptop? Apple needs to wake up and realize its not 2001.

just my two cents...

 

Well, you don't really need a USB cord to use a card reader. Take Sandisk's Mobilemate range for example: http://uk.sandisk.com/Products/Catalog(1115)-SanDisk_MobileMate_Readers.aspx
But yeah, I do agree that Apple should put more ports on their machines.

 

well if I am already spending alot more for an Apple, I'm not going to spend even MORE for a card reader, thats insane.

 

Well, it would have been nice. But not much of an issue in my book.

I have a cheap $20 (if I spent that much on it) SD card reader.

 

Frankly, I don't think its a big deal. The MacBooks and MBPs are quite tight already in terms of ports, and having another port to fit in just makes things harder. Especially with the readily available USB card readers out there that are very cheap already.

 

Yeah, and seeing as the macbooks have plenty of usb ports, there shou.... wait, what?

 

How is having a built-in memory card reader bad?

You look at PC notebooks and they are true all-in-one machines with memory card readers, fullsize ExpressCard, video connectivity that doesn't require expensive adapters, standard ports like eSATA (funny how PC notebooks now have Firewire while Apple's consumer line does not).

 

I'm totally in your camp - it's absurd, but in the race towards small sizes, it seems as though fairly standard PC component isn't being included.

 

I'm not saying its bad, I wouldn't mind a SD card slot either. But I'm surprised at the negative response towards what I personally think is a very trivial thing. How often are SD cards used, and how expensive USB card readers now anyway?

 

Really don't care for the media card reader.
You have your camera, you have your usb cord. Everything else is useless IMO.

 

how often do people use a card reader quite honestly, it is a nice thing to have, but even for people that use it a lot, plugging in a camera through USB is not a big deal.

and probably the main reason is that there are not very many card readers out their that are actually worth a ****, as soon as a new larger SD card comes out, it won't work with a that Card reader, it always seems to work like that with card readers.

they are spending that extra cost much more wisely.

 

I personally have an usb SD card reader that came as a combo with my SD card so it's not a real big deal for me. I also don't see myself using the SD that often also, but I can't say that for anyone else.

 

Well macs are aimed towards artists, and the average computer user (because of its simplicity). Photographers, like me, transfer pictures to laptops ALOT. When I was on the market for a laptop, a card reader was a MUST have.

Now, average computer users, we'll say the older parent generation, takes alot of pictures, and emails them to the family (isnt that what apple advertises too?). Personally, I know my mom wouldnt know what the hell do to with an external card reader and she would probaly never figure it out, but if there was a built in one, she could just slide it in and the pictures pop up, like what PCs do.

Besides, MBPs only have 2 (or is it 3?) usb slots. I set my XPS m1530 up on my desk and hook it up to an exteral display, mouse, keyboard, and HD. How am I gonna use a card reader when all my ports are taken already? buy even MORE hardware, and get a usb hub?

If Apple wants to charge $1000 more for their laptops, its absurd to not have a basic piece of hard ware in it such as a card reader!

 

They're kinda ugly that why...just my opinion and apple likes to keep things simple?

 

What the hell are you talking about? The SD card has been in use for 9 years, and thats what most things use these days (cameras, cell phones via micro SD adapter)

 

Hes talking about SDHC. Way more capacity in those cards then the current SD cards.

Most card readers will need a firmware update, if it's possible that they can get one.

Not 100% sure on this, but yea.

And yea, technically if you were to use the argument that professional photographers need to connect their cards to their laptops, that doesnt really work. Most photographers use SLR's. What have slrs used for a very long time? (and probably for a while to come) Compact Flash.

Personally I've never seen a laptop with a compact flash reader, but they may be out there. But the majority of the mainstream laptops ive seen havnt had it. But yea, thats the "professional photographer" field, and yea.

Sure SD is what most people use in their digicams, but honestly, I just plug my camera into my laptop. Or use a card reader. not that big of a deal to me, obviously it is for others.

 

ever had a card reader in your laptop? or an external card reader, or an express card reader?

very frustrating sometimes for reasons mentioned above. an avoidable issue, you should watch the MacBook video for more explanation. ^_^

 

Yes, I have worked with SLRs for many years, and all the ones I've used use SD, not CF. I personally know professional photographers, and their cameras dont use CF. Sure theres pros that use CF, but theres plenty that dont, so an SD reader would great for them

I also used an acer laptop for almost 3 years with a card reader and never had a problem with different formats of SD cards. my current laptop is an XPS m1530, and ive used several kinds of SD cards with it, new and old, and I havent had a problem

The point is, i wouldnt wanna plug my camera into a macbook pro, because theres only 2 usb ports which are usually being used. Why cant apple put a card reader in their laptops that are already $1000 more then they should be?

 

I don't think there are man "Pro DSLRs" that use SD, consumer, pro-sumer, sometimes, Pro, I don't think so, atleast from Nikon and Canon's offerings.

you can buy an express card reader from many companies to add a card reader to a MBP, I have one for my MBP, works ok, I will sell it to you for a great price ^_^

 

lol thats not the point! if im spending $1000 more, not getting blueray, HDMI or firewire, there should at LEAST be a sd card slot! my usb ports are all full

 

I totally feel your pain. ThinkPads like Macs until recently didn't come with card readers either. The point of having it on the machine is so you don't have to carry it around with you. You buy a $400 notebook and it has a card reader. I dunno why Apple forgoes this.

 

I think it has become something people think they need because so many laptops come with them standard for some reason. If you really look at it though, I would imagine they don't include because it is their opinion, that it is not really a necessary feature, and something that won't even be relevant in the future.

Apple has a pretty long history of skipping features that become standard on other machines.

 

thank you Zaz, exactly

I dont see the consumer level camera and the SD card going anywhere Circa. Apple people probaly dont know what their missing because they've never had one =P

 

it is Apple fishing for a simple standard. to me it seems a more elegant and simple solution, to use a port like USB, that has nearly infinite uses, to transfer data from a camera. they have trained people for years on the idea of transferring data through cable and usb (or firewire).

when it really comes down to it the only real benefit to a card reader is that it may be slightly easier to use to the extent of having a USB cable is more difficult. (slighlty harder if you look at from the point of having to remove the card from the camera, dropping it with your fumbling clumsy hands, having to pick it back up, put it in, hope it works like it normally does, transfer the files, and repeat) ^_^

I still think it is wise, to the average consumer, how is data transferred to a computer? USB, people know what it is, how it works, how it doesn't. Not a part where driver issues will need to be worried about, no extra part to possibly have to service, no extra part to need to explain.

what is this slot for? oh that is for transferring data from a memory card to your computer and back, can't I just do that with a USB cable, yes, yes you can.

I know what you are saying, I have a camera that specifically used a MS to transfer images, no USB cable unless plugged into a dock, that is why I have an express card card reader where a USB cable would be much simpler/cheaper. That is the cameras fault not the computers.

 

Yea Circa is right, consumer and a few prosumer slr's all have sd slots.

Professional cameras, like anything from canon above the 40d/50d, all use and atleast have a CF slot.

I guess it all comes down to user preferences. I've only had to use my card reader not that often, and even then I could have probably just connected the camera or device to my mbp.

 

I haven't touched an SD card or my Camera's Memory Stick in probably a year. Everything gets transferred through USB.

Personally, I think a card reader on a laptop is an absolute waste. Too many people get fooled into thinking they absolutely need one, and then barely use it. I applaud Apple for not sticking everything and the kitchen sink into their laptops.

 

Most Apple users are complacent with their Macs. People do not buy Macs for features and cost. Most people buy it because of hype and image..

 

And that's where you're completely wrong.