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And so it begins, MBP 8GB M1

ivanwi11iams

ivanwi11iams

Contributor
Original poster
Nov 30, 2014
4,507
3,066
Georgia, USA
Some of you may have seen my other posts, in the Mac Mini section.
I have since returned that model, and I am now trying the MacBook Pro M1 (8GB/256GB).

I also purchased a Hyper-Drive Viper dock. Now to get it connected, and such.
Any other 'better' recommendations for a dock (reasonable price)?

Connections:
- HDMI monitor
- RG45 for networking (rather not use WIFI, as this will be my main computer)
- Sound cable 3.5MM)
- Unifier, USB A
- BlueYeti, USB A

PS: If the laptop is in clamshell mode, and in sleep mode, will moving a mouse connected to a unifier, wake it?
 
any particular you moved on from the mini? Its a beast and does dual screens natively.
 
applesed said:
any particular you moved on from the mini? Its a beast and does dual screens natively.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, countless issues; to name a few...
- HDMI connection, would not always show content on restart
- Keyboard and mouse intermittent connection (via Unifier, did not bother with Bluetooth, as when the M1 was first released, I tried it and it was awful)
- random restarts; not even Apple could confirm why either
 
circatee said:
Unfortunately, countless issues; to name a few...
- HDMI connection, would not always show content on restart
- Keyboard and mouse intermittent connection (via Unifier, did not bother with Bluetooth, as when the M1 was first released, I tried it and it was awful)
- random restarts; not even Apple could confirm why either
Click to expand...

Oh that stinks. btw i had issues with the bluetooth until I did the latest update.
 
I am ready for the new M1 show.
 

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Considering I wanted to use a MacBook, like a 'desktop', I did not realize that so much was involved, in relation to docks for Macs. The types, and the various type NIC/GPU within the docks.

All that to say, after spending so much on a MBP M1, spending an additional $99 for a Hyper Viper dock, was really pushing it. And, even then, I still could not get the MBP to work at its best. More than likely due to the dock.

With further research and conversations, it seems the likes of CalDigit docks, is the way to go. But, honestly, have you seen those prices? Well, I have...

Short version, MBP M1 returned. Oddly, while using the MBP as a standalone, it was slower than using a Mac Mini M1. Browsing via the LAN was awful. Just weird really.

I know, some are probably thinking user error. Personally, I do not think so in this instance. Then again, anything is possible.
 
wow. after reading this I'm staying Intel. Maybe Hackintosh, AMD even.

I bought a M1 Mac mini 8GB for $579 refurb. Never even opened it. returned it due to all the horror stories of not having enough ram to do serious work. Never paid the extra money for the 16GB either.

I was gonna wait for the M1X Mac mini but WOW! may not make a difference.

And I love bootcamp and booting Windows. To use Wavelab and Sound Forge 2 favorite PC Audio editors.
 
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Freeangel1 said:
wow. after reading this I'm staying Intel. Maybe Hackintosh, AMD even.

I bought a M1 Mac mini 8GB for $579 refurb. Never even opened it. returned it due to all the horror stories of not having enough ram to do serious work. Never paid the extra money for the 16GB either.

I was gonna wait for the M1X Mac mini but WOW! may not make a difference.

And I love bootcamp and booting Windows. To use Wavelab and Sound Forge 2 favorite PC Audio editors.
Click to expand...
I think you're taking the admittedly poor experiences a small number of people have had and over generalizing / worrying. Of course, everyone should have a good experience, and I'll agree with the OP that, yeah, it sucks that you have to get a dock (and a displaylink adaptor if you want more than one monitor) on top of your shiny new M1 MBA to get the most out of it.

That said, I was really skeptical of Apple Silicon (before) when it was first announced, but I've honestly been blown away by just how good it is. I have an M1 MBA and honestly it's a really nice machine. Fast, quiet, capable, the only real issues being the lack of IO.
Also FYI, the single core performance is literally on par with the fastest x86 processors on the market, the Ryzen 5950X / 11900K which is insane. The multi core performance is similar to an 8 core Ryzen laptop and just below a mid range 6 core desktop (which may not sound amazing until you remember the extremely low power usage and fanless design in the MBA).

I wouldn't dissuade anyone from building a hackintosh as I have one myself and they're great in their own right, but IMHO don't buy an Intel Mac right now (unless you have a specific use case that demands a Mac Pro.) I had nothing but problems with my 2018 13" MBP, so trust me Intel Macs are by no means free of problems.
Thats said, if you can wait for an M2 or M1X I'd recommend doing so as its clear Apple can do better 9 months out. If are going to buy an M1 now though, do yourself a favor and get 16GB of ram. I tried the 8GB Air and it was... not great (which is to say, neither is an 8GB Intel/AMD based machine)
 
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Freeangel1 said:
wow. after reading this I'm staying Intel. Maybe Hackintosh, AMD even.

I bought a M1 Mac mini 8GB for $579 refurb. Never even opened it. returned it due to all the horror stories of not having enough ram to do serious work. Never paid the extra money for the 16GB either.

I was gonna wait for the M1X Mac mini but WOW! may not make a difference.

And I love bootcamp and booting Windows. To use Wavelab and Sound Forge 2 favorite PC Audio editors.
Click to expand...
I will add, each users experience will be different. My suggestion would be to try the device of choice, for yourself...
 
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