Last October, when Apple unveiled the redesigned MacBook Pro, I wanted one immediately (see New MacBook Pros Add Context-sensitive Touch Bar, 27 October 2016). Practically speaking, I needed a second Mac, and a portable one at that. But I was mostly lured in by the Touch Bar, both for its novelty factor, and because, as a technology writer, I like to have experience with each unique Apple device to inform our articles.
Alas, closing in on a year later, Ive found that I dont use the Touch Bar much. I was forced to confront this unhappy fact when Adam suggested that I write an article about interesting uses of the Touch Bar. After some research, we agreed that there wasnt enough there to warrant an article. Although there was a flurry of fascinating developer projects after launch, nothing significant ever shipped.
Im not saying the Touch Bar is useless, because that isnt true. At least in theory, its more capable and more flexible than a row of physical keys. And Touch ID is fantastic for logging into my MacBook Pro and authenticating 1Password. But if you were to ask me today if you should spend the $300$400 extra on a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, I would say no for two reasons...
