We’re reviewing two very different computers right now: the new 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro and the new 2020 Surface Go 2. You can click the links in the previous sentences for some first impressions and if you’ve got specific questions for the review, feel free to email me and I’ll do my best to address as many as I can later this week.
These are very different computers because the MacBook is powerful and meant for “pros” (whatever that means anymore) and the Surface Go is itty-bitty and meant to maximize portability for when you are out and about (whatever that means anymore).
Highlights:
- The New 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro and the new 2020 Surface Go 2.
-
S Mode and constant permission requests ain’t it
In addition, they have totally different solutions to the age-old query, “the place does the pc go in a pc?” For the Mac, it’s beneath the keyboard; for the Floor, it’s behind the display. (The Floor Ebook three has a much more fascinating reply: each. And sure, for these of you who listened to the Vergecast final week, I’ve heard you and do consider there actually are individuals who separate the display.)
However, I’m simply as serious about one thing they share: they make an attempt to deliver their desktop working methods into the fashionable period of what I’ll name “Managed Working Programs.” I’ve written and made movies about this earlier than, so you might know the place that is going: I’m fascinated by the spectrum that runs from the iPhone and iPad on one finish to wild and woolly open PCs on the opposite finish.
As a substitute for a fence blocking the trail, I’d like guardrails alongside it. I’d prefer to consider that it’s attainable to provide me the choice to make use of the ability I want whereas tamping down on the worst excesses of the apps that present that energy. I’d prefer to unencumber the part of my mind that shops the guidelines of locations to poke at after I assume my laptop is operating sluggish or scorching.
I don’t assume Catalina or S Mode get that stability fairly proper — however, I’m genuinely glad each firm is attempting to determine it out.
There’s at all times subsequent yr. Or this yr, really. Microsoft appears to be taking yet one more crack at it with Home windows 10X. We do not know Apple’s plans but, however on condition that the OS Catalina is most frequently in comparison with is Home windows Vista, you must assume some adjustments are coming.