[heavymark]

If they don't have the notch, then you get the same real estate as of the current macs. Instead with the notch they are able to cut out more space out of the top bezels that can now be used for the menu bar. So you are just getting more available space than you would have otherwise. The didn't add a notch that goes down further than existing MBP bezels go, so they didn't add it to add more things such as Face ID. They just simply removed the bezel from the left and right.

[salamandersauce]

There's other options. The Dell XPS has top bezels smaller than the previous MBP while still having a front facing camera up top. I think it's an extra 1 mm across the top compared to the notchless part of the new MBPs. Based on my shitty photo measurements the notch actually takes up MORE surface area than just having a consistent slightly thicker bezel across.

Or perhaps they could have opted for an underscreen camera like the Fold 3 or something else?

I feel like this was done for branding to tie it into the iPhone.

[slantyyz]

I think what's happening here is "if you're going to give me 75 cents, you may as well have given me the full dollar".

For most people, that notch tradeoff is fine, but there will be a segment of people who care more about having those extra pixels.

[greenwoman]

I get that, but what about aesthetics? I stare at that part of the screen every time I use the computer. Now I'm looking at a black square hole.

[dylan604]

You stare at the bezel all day long? Or you stare at the empty spot in the menu all day long? Either way makes no sense to me. What is it you are staring at all day long?

[drcongo]

99% sure this user is just trolling you.

[Jtsummers]

Most of the hyperbolic Apple complainers seem to be trolls to me. "But the notch!" You mean, the option they chose which gives you more screen real estate (if you show your menu bar) and no loss of screen real estate (if you default hide it, like me)? "But USB-A!" You mean the port that doesn't support as much throughput (power or data) as USB-C? The one you can get a cheap adaptor for if you really need it? The one you haven't had on your MBP for 6 years anyways?