In addition to apparent GPU problems, more flaws are appearing in the new MacBooks Pro [atualizado 2x]

If you are eager to buy the new MacBook Pro launched last month, I suggest you wait a little longer until everything is settled. I am referring to the various problems already reported by those who preferred to run ahead and purchase the new Apple computer in the first few weeks.

One of the readers of MacRumors, Jan Becker, whose GPU problem we’ve already told you about, reported that Apple experts contacted him to recreate the bug and submit the bug report. He also said that they still want to collect his MBP with all the files to assess the problem.

Unfortunately, Becker was not the only “winner”; other users also shared reports and videos showing problems similar to his. Jayselle also posted on the MacRumors the video below, demonstrating the flaw in the new 15-inch MBP with the AMD Radeon Pro 455 GPU, while connected to two external screens:

Similar problems are also affecting 13-inch models with the Intel Iris 540 and Intel Iris 550 (without the Touch Bar).

Although many claim that the problems appeared after trying to perform a task that requires more of the computer or running some heavier software such as Adobe Media Encoder, Photoshop, etc., some say that the flashing on the screens and color distortions started without there was heavy processing on the computer. Still others show images of problems on the home screen, as well as in the video above.

Even so, as can be seen in the following video, some color problems seem to return to normal the moment the user goes to the system’s color selection option. However, the problem seems to return after a while.

One user said he recorded the problem on video (below) while running AppleCare over the phone. So, as many users have stated, Apple is certainly already aware of all these problems; however, no official statement has yet been made.

Battery concerns

Some users are also experiencing battery problems with their new MacBooks Pro. Unlike the 10 hours of battery life Apple has promised, many are using their computers for only 3-6 hours.

I’m currently powering an external 1080p monitor and browsing casually with Chrome. At full charge, I’m getting an estimated 3 hours of battery life. Playing lasts even less.

–SRTM, forum user MacRumors.

I bought one [MacBook Pro] 13-inch with Touch Bar and use for a week. With a light usage, I can get about 5 to 6 hours when I am surfing the internet. Apple says it is possible to get 10 hours connected to the wireless internet, but my battery never came to that.

–Aioriya, forum user MacRumors.

Several users have appeared on the site forum complaining about the battery, including Scott, who showed images of a 5% battery drop in just 12 minutes:

MacBook Pro 2016 battery

Despite these reports, many other people say that the battery of their MBPs continues with the performance presented by Apple. This was also attested by websites like TechCrunch, The Wall Street Journal and Engadget, who registered autonomy of 9-10 hours in normal use.

For these other reports, it is not known if there is really a problem with the battery of new computers or if it is just a misuse by users [Chrome, o culpado Ă© vocĂŞ?]. If this is the case, Apple itself provides tips on its website on how to save the battery of your devices to the maximum.

File transfer by turning off MBPs

It is already hard to convince someone that it is worth buying the new MBP * today *. However, there are still more problems appearing.

A publication on the website TidBITS reported problems when trying to transfer a large amount of files between two external HDDs connected through the new MacBook Pro’s Thunderbolt 3 ports. When trying, the computer shut down several times, with the following messages: CPU Machine Check Architecture Error Dump and CATERR detected! No MCA data found.

On the website the user says that even after changing the machine at the Apple store, the problem persists. Some Genius Bar attendants said that the problem may be due to a large “battery consumption” on the USB ports. As he says, this “theory” may have arisen from the report that, when plugging in his Nexus 5X, the message appears on the computer USB Accessories Disabled, asking that the accessory be removed because it was consuming a lot of energy.

A similar problem occurs when trying to send a Time Machine backup to an external HDD, as discussed in a forum thread. MacRumors.

If you already have one of the new MBP models and have experienced any of these problems, follow the tips: use Time Machine only with an external HDD connected or try to transfer files over Wi-Fi; another tip is to disconnect all devices from the USB ports when not in use.

This problem was also not recognized by Apple as something that is affecting all machines. But in all cases of problems, it is always advisable to speak directly with Apple and / or go to an authorized store / service to make repairs or exchanges.

[via[viaMacRumors: 1, 2; The Loop]

Update · Dec 07, 2016 at 18:40

THE 9to5Mac conducted some tests to ascertain the battery problem and found that possibly the new MacBook Pro would have battery estimate error. What happened is that, running Photoshop and at 100% load, the estimate was 3 hours and 49 minutes; already with 95% load but no applications being run, the estimate was 3 hours and 22 minutes. Despite this, it was possible to remain using the computer for a little over 6 hours (!). So in this case, the problem is clearly on the estimate display.

However, of course, the possibility that there is an additional error in the software or even in the hardware has not been ruled out, as clearly the complaints of the users show * real * use of 3 hours.

It also emerged through the MacRumors an answer from sir Craig Federighi – senior vice president of software engineering at Apple – to an email from one of the users suffering from graphics problems. In the email, he said that in the latest update to macOS Sierra 10.12.2 this would be fixed but, as the second video we posted above points out (and the various tests this same user did), nothing was really repaired – unless he is referring to a new build of the operating system.

That is, more problems and less repairs.

Update II · Dec 08, 2016 at 10:36

Apparently, the email from Federighi above was right about at least one of the problems: some users who received the error message when trying to back up the Time Machine reported that with the latest beta build of macOS Sierra 10.12.2, they are no longer experiencing the same problem.

At least that, right? ?

[via MacRumors]