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OWC “DEC” for 2016 MacBook Pro
Related: 2016 MacBook Pro, 2017 MacBook Pro, laptop, MacBook, MacBook Pro, Other World Computing, SSD, USB
Update 4 Jan: I’ve seen the prototype of the OWC DEC first hand. The DEC bolts onto the bottom of the MacBook Pro after removing the bottom shell of the case. The result is a seamless integration with all the key ports I need (gigabit ethernet, USB-A 3.1, SD card slot), delivering what feels in the hand very much like the 13" 2012 MacBook Pro in thickness (but in 15" size).
The convenience of this form factor should not be underestimated by any power user: no dongles, the classic ports right built-in, and from what I understand—potentially configurable for all sorts of things like extra battery power, gobs of SSD storage, possibly even hard drives. In short, a really powerful platform could make a MacBook Pro into a portable desktop grade machine, particularly if/when Apple introduces the Kaby Lake chipset to the MacBook Pro line.
Another factor is data safety: by having a 2nd (or 3rd drive) in the DEC, pros that cannot lose data can backup the internal drive conveniently (think video footage that cannot be re-shot and whose loss could break a reputation after ruining that wedding or whatever)—remember the soldered-on SSD is a lot of downtime if the MBP goes down. Of course, an external backup should also be used, and there the OWC Envoy Pro is ideal.
The conceptual design is just about limitless, affording possibilities for huge SSD storage (my guess is that up to 8TB will be possible before long, OWC says up to 4TB initially), extra battery power should be configurable too—how about 20 or 30 hours of battery life? That too is my guess but the volume of the DEC should be able support something like that and/or a mix of SSD and battery boost. Other potentialities are there too. I don’t see anything that precludes all sorts of terrific expansion capabilities, all by extending the thicknesss of the MacBook Pro to a total height little different from what used to be the standard thickness.
The OWC DEC will be available for purchase in Spring 2017, according to OWC.
Form factor of the OWC DEC is little different from what used to be the standard MacBook Pro thickness. Connector at right (prototype, final will be more elegant) couples the Thunderbolt 3 port of the MacBook Pro to the DEC.
Later units (not prototypes) will have an SD card slot and USB port on the right side, and other ports (gigabit ethernet, more USB ports) on left side. OWC hints at other potential ports as well.
Production version to polish fit and finish, plus space gray or silver options
…
Sleek enough to travel with because the form factor is little different from what used to be the standard MacBook Pro thickness.
OWC Makes MacBooks ‘Pro’ Again With Game-Changing OWC DEC
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017
OWC today announced the OWC DEC, the first-ever expansion solution designed specifically for the 2016 Apple MacBook Pro. The OWC DEC is the finishing touch to a MacBook Pro, allowing users to take their laptops to the next level, extending the life and the functionality of the already-exceptional 2016 MacBook Pro. The DEC is the latest in OWC’s long line of upgrades for nearly every Mac made and continues the company’s legacy of providing the best solutions for Mac owners.
The OWC DEC attaches completely flush to the bottom of the 2016 MacBook Pro, providing additional flash storage and connectivity, ultimately increasing the performance of MacBook Pros. With the OWC DEC, users will get an enhancement path for their 2016 MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro with Touch Bar to keep their system upgradeable for the long term in a clean and integrated fashion. On top of the core functional benefits, the OWC DEC also touts a sleek design. When installed, the OWC DEC and MacBook Pro will be as thin as a 2012 MacBook Pro, allowing this advanced solution to retain the attractive light weight design that users favor.
This patented solution has a range of features, which include:
- Up to 4TB of additional Flash/SSD storage (for a maximum of 6 TB, including factory capacity)
- SD Card Slot/Multi-Media card slot
- USB 3 Type A Ports for standard USB cabled devices
- Gigabit Ethernet
- And other features to be announced at a later date
Larry O’Connor, OWC Founder and CEO, will personally showcase the OWC DEC prototype in Las Vegas this week. The OWC DEC enables the new MacBook Pro to be updated and expanded in order to operate at peak performance and ultimately be relevant for years longer than may otherwise be expected.
“We’ve been developing this concept for over three years and feel now is the perfect time for this ground-breaking product,” said O’Connor. “Storage space is always at a premium on a laptop and without the potential to upgrade the factory drive, the OWC DEC brings that option back in addition to cleanly supporting the gear we all rely on.”
The release of the OWC DEC comes on the heels of a significant year of new product announcements from OWC, including the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock, OWC USB-C Dock, Aura SSD and the newly released Mercury Elite Pro Dual mini and Mercury Elite Pro Dual.
OWC will ship the highly-anticipated OWC DEC in Spring 2017. OWC Upgrades are available from MacSales.com and other fine retailer and e-tailers in the U.S. and around the world. For more information, please visit www.owcdigital.com/DEC.
