14 inch MacBook Pro - is it overkill?

[SpotOnT]

The other consideration is a 2 yo machine vs a 4 month old machine relating to a $500 difference.

Well they are only one year apart in terms of macOS releases. So while it is possible that the 14 inch MacBook Pro will get one more year of software support compared to the M1 MacBook Air, it is also entirely possible that Apple will end software support for the entire M1 generation at the same time. So in terms of support, I am not sure that is a huge deal.

In terms of design language though, the 14 inch MacBook Pro is definitely the next generation, whereas the MacBook Air is the previous generation. If that is better or worse though, largely depends on personal preference.

Is there anyway you can try the two devices out? The screen makes a pretty big difference. There is also quite a bit of weight difference, in terms of feel on your lap. If you can see them both side-by-side in a store, that might make your decision a little easier.

 

[Danfango]

On the weight difference, I have really skinny legs so the MBP wobbles less

 

[UltimateSyn]

Nah, I don't think so. And even if it is.. not enough that I think it matters as long as it's not going to put financial strain on you. I use my computers in a very basic manner as well, mostly minor productivity apps and a lot of content consumption, and I'm overjoyed by the 14" MBP. The other 'creature comforts' that it offers over the MBA / 13" MBP - incredible speakers, MagSafe, more screen real estate, higher brightness, mini-LED contrast, 120Hz ProMotion, better webcam, etc. - are WELL worth the few hundred $ extra.

If you were looking for an M1 Max machine with 64GB RAM and a 4TB SSD I might advise that you slow down and consider your needs, but an M1 Pro / 512GB / 16GB 14" MBP is not an insane purchase when put into perspective with the rest of their laptop lineup.

 

[Misheemee]

Well they are only one year apart in terms of macOS releases. So while it is possible that the 14 inch MacBook Pro will get one more year of software support compared to the M1 MacBook Air, it is also entirely possible that Apple will end software support for the entire M1 generation at the same time. So in terms of support, I am not sure that is a huge deal.

In terms of design language though, the 14 inch MacBook Pro is definitely the next generation, whereas the MacBook Air is the previous generation. If that is better or worse though, largely depends on personal preference.

Is there anyway you can try the two devices out? The screen makes a pretty big difference. There is also quite a bit of weight difference, in terms of feel on your lap. If you can see them both side-by-side in a store, that might make your decision a little easier.

Agreed on both points. 1 of the other things that bit consideration for me (aside from the obvious power and processing differences) is the screen brightness, how it responds outside (I work while waiting for the kids when they do sports - and I do this ALOT) - 1000-1600knits is next level. I also use a 12.5 Inch (or Thereabouts) screen on my work laptop and it drives me insane because I can’t see anything when working on spreadsheets, which is also why I’m leaning towards the bigger screen.

I’ve been to the apple store a few times and looked at all 3 side by side (MBA, MBP 13” and MBP 14”), played with them etc. I love the form factor and feel in hand of the MBA and MBP 13”, but I love everything else about the MBP 14” (bar the price ?). I didn’t try them out on my lap, but have watched Youtube videos stating the MBA is a clear winner here - but this is a valid point. I did like that the MBP and MBA were lighter in hand - but I‘m tiny and have a 12.9 inch IPad Pro and an iphone 13 Pro Max - so I’d get used to the bit of extra weight quickly.

 

[Misheemee]

On the weight difference, I have really skinny legs so the MBP wobbles less

Best answer on this thread ?. But while I laugh - I value it because it makes a difference!!!

 

[Misheemee]

Nah, I don't think so. And even if it is.. not enough that I think it matters as long as it's not going to put financial strain on you. I use my computers in a very basic manner as well, mostly minor productivity apps and a lot of content consumption, and I'm overjoyed by the 14" MBP. The other 'creature comforts' that it offers over the MBA / 13" MBP - incredible speakers, MagSafe, more screen real estate, higher brightness, mini-LED contrast, 120Hz ProMotion, better webcam, etc. - are WELL worth the few hundred $ extra.

If you were looking for an M1 Max machine with 64GB RAM and a 4TB SSD I might advise that you slow down and consider your needs, but an M1 Pro / 512GB / 16GB 14" MBP is not an insane purchase when put into perspective with the rest of their laptop lineup.

I got a bonus at work which will fund this purchase - so no financial strain on this one

Great advice thank you!!

 

[mi7chy]

Whatever you decide on come back with your impressions after a thorough shake and bake.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I got a bonus at work which will fund this purchase - so no financial strain on this one

Great advice thank you!!

No problem at all. I just saw your last question about the 12.9" iPad Pro so I'll try to provide some useful perspective there:

Prior to purchasing my 14" MBP I used a 12.9" iPad Pro as my daily driver. I absolutely loved it, but found myself very rarely ever taking it off its Magic Keyboard - I mostly used it as I would a laptop... When the new MBPs released I figured 'what better device than an actual purpose-built laptop to replace the tablet-playing-laptop device I use now?' Bigger screen, bigger/better trackpad, better speakers, better keyboard w/ function keys, about the same weight. Awesome.

At that point I sold my iPad Pro because I couldn't foresee many use cases left for it - most of the things I used it for would now be better performed on the MBP. Personally I haven't regretted that decision, and have found the 14" MBP + iPad mini to be a stellar and extremely versatile combination. I do, however, really miss ProMotion on my tablet. There's something inherently special about interacting with a larger tablet screen running at the beautifully smooth 120Hz. So when the next iPad Pro comes out, presumably this year, I'll be buying the 11" variant. That way there's not as much overlap with my MBP and I still get to enjoy iPadOS on Pro-level hardware.

 

[SpotOnT]

Agreed on both points. 1 of the other things that bit consideration for me (aside from the obvious power and processing differences) is the screen brightness, how it responds outside (I work while waiting for the kids when they do sports - and I do this ALOT) - 1000-1600knits is next level. I also use a 12.5 Inch (or Thereabouts) screen on my work laptop and it drives me insane because I can’t see anything when working on spreadsheets, which is also why I’m leaning towards the bigger screen.

I’ve been to the apple store a few times and looked at all 3 side by side (MBA, MBP 13” and MBP 14”), played with them etc. I love the form factor and feel in hand of the MBA and MBP 13”, but I love everything else about the MBP 14” (bar the price ?). I didn’t try them out on my lap, but have watched Youtube videos stating the MBA is a clear winner here - but this is a valid point. I did like that the MBP and MBA were lighter in hand - but I‘m tiny and have a 12.9 inch IPad Pro and an iphone 13 Pro Max - so I’d get used to the bit of extra weight quickly.

Hrmmm that is tricky - based on how much you use the laptop out and about, it sounds like the MBA might be a bit more convenient. One final idea is to just buy the cheapest, stock 8GB MBA you can find now and then when the redesigned M2 MBA gets released (probably in Oct) sell the old MBA and upgrade to the redesigned MBA. It just seems like if you are used to the miniLED screen on your iPad Pro now, you might be a bit disappointed moving to the MBA which has a worse screen. On the other hand, the larger 14” MBP doesn’t sound like the most comfortable thing to lug around. But if they come out with a M2 MBA with Mini LED screen, that might be ideal.

Also worth noting, that you only get 500 nit brightness when doing work on the MBP. The 1000+ nit brightness is only when watching HDR video/movies.

Personally, I use my MBP as a portable desktop, that I lug from room to room. When I am out and about I do everything on my phone. So in terms of the joy of using a Macbook outside in the sun - I don’t have much personal experience ?

 

[Analog Kid]

So….I’m not a power user, I don’t use heavy programs like Final Cut Pro, photoshop etc, I don’t video edit, and I may not use this machine to it’s full potential

But…….I do work on my machines (mostly office suite) as use them as a multimedia device. I have an IPad Pro 12.9 that I use for everything - but I find that apps are limiting, especially when trying to use programs like excel. I have a work computer, the MBP would be my personal computer to work on, and when i work, I have a million tabs and a million programs running at the same time, and a pet peeve is when a computer can’t handle multitasking (My work computer sucks at this)

I do really enjoy working on capable equipment that I feel I won’t outgrow and still have an 27 inch iMac from 2009 so don’t switch up my devices all that often (while slow, is still a fine desktop for the kids to watch Netflix and play Minecraft on and supports 1TB storage of which only 200GB is filled).

So, what I do love about the MBP - great base model (I’ve specked the air and 13“ MBP to include 16gb RAM and 512GB SSD and both aren’t that far off the 14” MBP), big and beautiful screen, promotion (which i have on my IPP and couldn’t live without now), multiple monitor support, MagSafe charging, and the fact that there’s no way I’d have an issue with multitasking or a end up with a laggy computer

so, I’m thinking the MBP may be overkill - but i have access to a discount, and there’s an awesome additional promo on atm.

so….overkill, or go for it?? I’m looking at the base model 14” MBP (2021) with 16GB RAM/512GB HDD

Or, is it worth waiting sitting on my hands and waiting for the Apple event (suspected March 8) to see if they release a new 13” MBP?

last question - do i trade in the iPad Pro against it, or do i keep my 12.9IPP? Those of you who have MBP’s and IPP’s - do you still use both?

Is it overkill? Probably, but if the extra cost isn't too painful then you'll love using it.

For what you're describing, I don't see a reason to consider the 13" MBP (actually I don't see a reason for the 13", period, but that's a topic for a different thread). I think you're looking to choose between the lighter weight, slightly less performant Air versus the 14" pro with all the fancy.

I think you laid out your choice pretty well:

So, what I do love about the MBP - great base model (I’ve specked the air and 13“ MBP to include 16gb RAM and 512GB SSD and both aren’t that far off the 14” MBP), big and beautiful screen, promotion (which i have on my IPP and couldn’t live without now), multiple monitor support, MagSafe charging, and the fact that there’s no way I’d have an issue with multitasking or a end up with a laggy computer

As far as whether to keep the iPP, that's less clear. I have a 16", and keep my iPP because it's more portable, easier to use on a plane, easier to handhold for certain tasks, and can act as a second monitor to my MBP when I'm portable. I intentionally went big screen Mac, knowing I'd have something closer to a 13" when I needed it.

The difference in size isn't as great between the iPP and the 14", so you might make a different decision. Another possibility is to downsize to an 11" iPP either now or when the next gen comes along.

 

[vmistery]

I’d either go basic and get the air or get the base 14” pro. The 13” to me is a weird one in the range, not enough extra over the air and too close to the 14” in price when upgraded. I genuinely would not worry about the ram especially if you go for the 14” as the RAM goes further with the M1s with its ‘unified’ memory approach so 16GB would be loads for you and honestly my bet is you’d get away with 8. If I had to lean towards one I’d go for the 14” MBP as it’s got the better screen which you like and frankly means you won’t have made any compromises. If you do want to save the money I’d hold out for a few weeks and see what the M2 Airs / 13” pros look like.

 

[TracerAnalog]

So….I’m not a power user, I don’t use heavy programs like Final Cut Pro, photoshop etc, I don’t video edit, and I may not use this machine to it’s full potential

But…….I do work on my machines (mostly office suite) as use them as a multimedia device. I have an IPad Pro 12.9 that I use for everything - but I find that apps are limiting, especially when trying to use programs like excel. I have a work computer, the MBP would be my personal computer to work on, and when i work, I have a million tabs and a million programs running at the same time, and a pet peeve is when a computer can’t handle multitasking (My work computer sucks at this)

I do really enjoy working on capable equipment that I feel I won’t outgrow and still have an 27 inch iMac from 2009 so don’t switch up my devices all that often (while slow, is still a fine desktop for the kids to watch Netflix and play Minecraft on and supports 1TB storage of which only 200GB is filled).

So, what I do love about the MBP - great base model (I’ve specked the air and 13“ MBP to include 16gb RAM and 512GB SSD and both aren’t that far off the 14” MBP), big and beautiful screen, promotion (which i have on my IPP and couldn’t live without now), multiple monitor support, MagSafe charging, and the fact that there’s no way I’d have an issue with multitasking or a end up with a laggy computer

so, I’m thinking the MBP may be overkill - but i have access to a discount, and there’s an awesome additional promo on atm.

so….overkill, or go for it?? I’m looking at the base model 14” MBP (2021) with 16GB RAM/512GB HDD

Or, is it worth waiting sitting on my hands and waiting for the Apple event (suspected March 8) to see if they release a new 13” MBP?

last question - do i trade in the iPad Pro against it, or do i keep my 12.9IPP? Those of you who have MBP’s and IPP’s - do you still use both?

Wait for the Apple event, keep your iPad and buy the new Macbook Air. ?

 

[MrGunnyPT]

I really think the issue right now is that both Air and MBP 13" are using old chassis, the problem is not the M1 chip but the rest of the device that has been the same sine November 2020.

Hopefully they can get the new Air out there sooner than later this fall, would be a great purchase for those who will be interested in getting a new device before September.

Try to get the base 14" on a discount... It's a hell of a device I'll tell you that I got the 14" 1TB and I'm quite happy about it, I'm a Cloud Architect and I fully use the device with the amount of stuff I got going on even without using local VMs.

 

[TopToffee]

Do you mean the base 13” or the base 14”?

Concern with the base 13” M1 at this stage is that it’s a 2020 model which makes it 2 years old. While still no doubt a fabulous computer, I’m not sure about parting with that much money for it. If it was just released like the 14”, I’d agree with you

2 weeks isn’t a long wait, but the promo may expire in that time

While it is a 2020 model, it’s certainly not 2 years old. It’s significantly nearer to 1 year old than 2.

 

[jOlivier]

I recently bought a refurbished M1 MacBook Air with 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD for work (I code JavaScript for a living) and prefer to spend my money on more important things.

Friends and colleague splurged and bought specced out 16" MBPs and when we run tests relevant to our work, my machine keeps right up with theirs. In the end, they paid +2x for a few inches of screen size and bragging rights.

The pro machines are for multimedia production. Unless you're cutting video and exporting huge prores files, you're buying the wrong machine.

 

[MacRazySwe]

Even the base M1 MacBook Air with 8GB RAM would be more than sufficient for your needs.

...However, sounds like your heart is set on the 14" MBP. Do what makes you happy!

 

[pow-spectral-let]

So….I’m not a power user, I don’t use heavy programs like Final Cut Pro, photoshop etc, I don’t video edit, and I may not use this machine to it’s full potential

But…….I do work on my machines (mostly office suite) as use them as a multimedia device. I have an IPad Pro 12.9 that I use for everything - but I find that apps are limiting, especially when trying to use programs like excel. I have a work computer, the MBP would be my personal computer to work on, and when i work, I have a million tabs and a million programs running at the same time, and a pet peeve is when a computer can’t handle multitasking (My work computer sucks at this)

I do really enjoy working on capable equipment that I feel I won’t outgrow and still have an 27 inch iMac from 2009 so don’t switch up my devices all that often (while slow, is still a fine desktop for the kids to watch Netflix and play Minecraft on and supports 1TB storage of which only 200GB is filled).

So, what I do love about the MBP - great base model (I’ve specked the air and 13“ MBP to include 16gb RAM and 512GB SSD and both aren’t that far off the 14” MBP), big and beautiful screen, promotion (which i have on my IPP and couldn’t live without now), multiple monitor support, MagSafe charging, and the fact that there’s no way I’d have an issue with multitasking or a end up with a laggy computer

so, I’m thinking the MBP may be overkill - but i have access to a discount, and there’s an awesome additional promo on atm.

so….overkill, or go for it?? I’m looking at the base model 14” MBP (2021) with 16GB RAM/512GB HDD

Or, is it worth waiting sitting on my hands and waiting for the Apple event (suspected March 8) to see if they release a new 13” MBP?

last question - do i trade in the iPad Pro against it, or do i keep my 12.9IPP? Those of you who have MBP’s and IPP’s - do you still use both?

I still use my maxed-out 2012 MBA i7 which at the time was overkill for me, but now I’m glad I went for the higher spec, as it’s still powerful enough for my normal tasks.

 

[Mr. Dee]

If I did not buy my M1 MBP 2020, I likely would have bought the M1 Pro 16 inch base model even though it would be overkill for what I do. The M1 MBP has performed quite well even though its a base model with 8 GBs of RAM. Yes, it does slow down but I usually have three different web browsers open with multi tabs, Music playing in the background and some productivity apps. But it has held up quite well and I don't see myself in the market for another notebook until 2025. Laptops last so long these days, its amazing how far you can go with them. My 2015 13 MBP itself is still chugging along, but I have left it on Mojave so I don't lose my Photoshop CS6.

As others have noted, you clearly keep your devices for a long time, which likely means, a 14 inch MBP would likely still be around at the end of the decade. You could even end up handing it down to a family member and upgrade again at the middle of the decade.

 

[golfnut1982]

My wife uses a base 14" MBP for things that it is totally overkill, but enjoys the size, the screen, and the quick responsiveness.
I agree, we got it because it is not much more than a similarly spec'd Air or 13" MBP. It is a bit heavier though.
If you can afford it go for it. Who cares if it is overkill.
I suggest don't get sucked into getting unnecessary spec upgrades, from reading too many MacRumors posts from people who are happy to spend your money for you.

Just got my wife the same one. $200 off. $1799 on amazon. Could careless if its overkill. It won't be in a few years.

 

[now i see it]

I have NEVER used (no less owned) a Mac that was overkill. I don’t think that’s possible.
While the top spec Mac Pro at over $60K would be considered “overkill” to watch Netflix or check email, it’s not overkill as far as performance is concerned.
Even with that obscenely overpriced behemoth, you still have to wait for stuff to finish.

So to get back to the topic at hand- 14” MBP. Is it overkill?
Heck no. And it’s not that expensive either.
If you’re attracted to it, get it.
There’s not much fun buying a new computer and being bored with it in a few weeks.

 

[jdb8167]

I recently bought a refurbished M1 MacBook Air …

Friends and colleague splurged and bought specced out 16" MBPs and … my machine keeps right up with theirs.

The pro machines are for multimedia production. Unless you're cutting video and exporting huge prores files, you're buying the wrong machine.

The 14” & 16” MacBook Pros also have much better screens than the M1 MBA. That might also influence a buying decision without needing to be a multimedia pro.

I don’t watch too much video on my M1 MBA internal screen but a lot of people do.

 

[Toonartist]

Because of the improvements made in terms of the keyboard, screen, performance while remaining cool to the touch.... and completely silent, the 14" MBP is a great option even if it is overkill... just such a great laptop to use. The 16gb memory goes a lot further than 16gb on an intel machine and will be more than enough for what you intend to use it for. If the money's there, just go for it as they're great machines. If I was to upgrade anything, go for the 1tb drive.

 

[Billiejoe87]

The 14" Macbook Pro was total overkill for my needs, but I work in tech and after buying OLED TV's for my living areas at home, I could never use an IPS screen for my day to day use again.

Mini LED on the 14" Macbook Pro is worth the price increase on it's own if you have the cash to spare.

 

[Billiejoe87]

Because of the improvements made in terms of the keyboard, screen, performance while remaining cool to the touch.... and completely silent, the 14" MBP is a great option even if it is overkill... just such a great laptop to use. The 16gb memory goes a lot further than 16gb on an intel machine and will be more than enough for what you intend to use it for. If the money's there, just go for it as they're great machines. If I was to upgrade anything, go for the 1tb drive.

This is exactly what I did. Base 14" Macbook Pro and just upgraded to a 1TB SSD and the 96W Power Adaptor. For the vast majority of people I think they'd be surprised how powerful the 14" Base actually is.

 

[AVBeatMan]

This is exactly what I did. Base 14" Macbook Pro and just upgraded to a 1TB SSD and the 96W Power Adaptor. For the vast majority of people I think they'd be surprised how powerful the 14" Base actually is.

Me too ??