Hi folks. I'm kind of torn whether or not to dive into M1 Macs or wait until Gen2. I was wondering if anyone thinks that there will be a Gen2 of any of the M1 Macs that were just release in 2021? Thanks in advance for comments.
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Does anyone think there will be a quick 2nd gen of the M1 Macs that were just released?
- Thread starter TheArgonaut
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I think its a certainty that there will be a newer version of the M1 used in the next laptops, primarily for more USB-C ports and improved support for multiple monitors. There will also be another version for the mid-range systems, and probably a third new version for the higher-end desktop systems.
The current M1's are great for the power vs heat / battery life and I don't think you will be unhappy with the current M1's. If you want to wait for the next releases, go right ahead but that's a never ending cycle you are following
The current M1's are great for the power vs heat / battery life and I don't think you will be unhappy with the current M1's. If you want to wait for the next releases, go right ahead but that's a never ending cycle you are following
Who knows for sure what Apple will do.....but my gut tells me that there will NOT be a gen2 of the Air or Pro 2 port versions.
I reckon there could be a higher end model of the Pro with 4 ports and possibly more core or higher clock speed and then there is talk of the new screen type too but who knows.
All I can say is that the base M1 Air is doing me very well and should see me through a good few years.
I reckon there could be a higher end model of the Pro with 4 ports and possibly more core or higher clock speed and then there is talk of the new screen type too but who knows.
All I can say is that the base M1 Air is doing me very well and should see me through a good few years.
Right. You are right I know this is a never ending chase . At this point I think I'm considering the new M1 Mac mini to replace my 2018 i5/8gb/256GB. I need more RAM and storage but I don't want to buy one now and a new one come out in 6 months with more ports because kind of bummed about the loss of ports on this first gen Mini. I'm interested in the Air as well but it's still on the old design and was hoping to get a new design. Torn on this. Thanks for the replies.
. At this point I think I'm considering the new M1 Mac mini to replace my 2018 i5/8gb/256GB. I need more RAM and storage but I don't want to buy one now and a new one come out in 6 months with more ports because kind of bummed about the loss of ports on this first gen Mini. I'm interested in the Air as well but it's still on the old design and was hoping to get a new design. Torn on this. Thanks for the replies.I suspect we will only see the 16" M2 MacBook Pro in 2021 with the M2 small laptops coming out next year. Theres not a lot Apple can do to redesign the Air's wedge shape. I doubt there is internal space for four ports considering everything everything inside is already pushed to the back, the Pro has space for four ports because its battery is under the palmrests.
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@TheArgonaut What is it you would like changed design wise on the Air? I personally think it's good, well built design that is tried and tested......although the only thing I miss is MagSafe charging.....I loved that on my previous 2015 MBP.
Based on the iFixit teardown of the Air, there would be room for up to four ports total, but I think Apple would have to use an upgraded M-series chip that is capable of supporting 4 Thunderbolt ports to make it work. Apple may also want to keep the Air at two ports because there isn't much to differentiate the Air and M1 Pro now (other than the fan and Touchbar).
It's a given that Apple will replace the four-port Intel models with Apple Silicon.
It's also clear that Apple split the Mini lineup into two tiers, echoing what they've had with the MBP 13" for some time now. Lower-tier fewer-port model and higher-tier more-port model. Presently only the new lower-tier Mini is using Apple Silicon, and the higher-tier remains on Intel for now - but will eventually be transitioned to Apple Silicon.
Only question is when this will occur, and 2021 is certainly a possibility.
The question you need ask yourself is three-fold:
#1 - Is there anything about the current M1 models which doesn't fit your needs/preferences?
#2 - What specific features/capabilities are you expecting new AS systems to provide you and are they critical to your needs/preferences?
#3 - do you need to buy a new computer now, or can use your current system for a while?
Answer those (to yourself if your wish) and it should be more clear what you might want to do.
Anything released 1st half of this year will probably have the same cores as the current M1. There might be more cores and it is very likely that there will be more GPU cores. But the single core speed isn't likely to change much before the end of 2021 IMO.
If the current M1 Macs meet your needs, it isn't likely that anything new for most of this year will make a lot of difference. If you need/want more graphics performance then wait. If you are someone who uses software that can make use of more than 4 performance cores, then wait. If you need a notebook that can drive more than one external display, then wait. Most importantly, if you are someone who doesn't like to work with the odd glitch or bug, then definitely wait. The current crop of M1 Macs have a fair share of issues and if you aren't tolerant of being an early adopter, you will go a bit crazy trying to get things to work (I find it kind of fun but then not everyone likes troubleshooting.)
If the current M1 Macs meet your needs, it isn't likely that anything new for most of this year will make a lot of difference. If you need/want more graphics performance then wait. If you are someone who uses software that can make use of more than 4 performance cores, then wait. If you need a notebook that can drive more than one external display, then wait. Most importantly, if you are someone who doesn't like to work with the odd glitch or bug, then definitely wait. The current crop of M1 Macs have a fair share of issues and if you aren't tolerant of being an early adopter, you will go a bit crazy trying to get things to work (I find it kind of fun but then not everyone likes troubleshooting.)
Your M1 Air will do you fine until you log into MR one day, and get upgrade fever due to Apple releasing a new M series Air.
I agree.
Magsafe connection was much safer for the longevity of the port in the case of the dog ripping the cable out in his rush to get to the front door
USB-C ports will be much more likely to be damaged in that scenario.
Admittedly that's not a concern for everybody ?
Haha we all want the latest and greatest tech....but I am defo more than happy with my base M1 Air so will not be changing it for years to come (unless a fault or something happens)....but I will say that my use case for a laptop is purely a glorified surfing machine....so defo not being run hard that's for sure. lolYour M1 Air will do you fine until you log into MR one day, and get upgrade fever due to Apple releasing a new M series Air.
I think the change to the M1 range of computers has been the biggest increase in performance for a long time.....think any newer models (as in the next Air, or the next 2 port Pro) will just be smaller bumps in performance.
The 1st 4 port laptop (of any size variant) or the 1st iMac will/should have a good performance bump over the intel version it replaces too.....but I don't think Gen 2's will of any M chip will have as big a jump.
I agree.
Magsafe connection was much safer for the longevity of the port in the case of the dog ripping the cable out in his rush to get to the front door
USB-C ports will be much more likely to be damaged in that scenario.
Admittedly that's not a concern for everybody ?
... and less a concern with the much longer battery life reducing the need for mains power in awkward locations where you can't safely route the cord to the outlet.
Especially since an inexpensive 20,000mah USBC-PD powerbank further lessens the need for accessing an outlet.
Indeed. Magsafe was just ideal in my circumstances. The 2012 rMBP was plugged in virtually all the time.
The dog ripped it out 2 or 3 times in its frantic struggle to get to the postman
No harm done though. Probably not the case now, so the extra battery life on the M1's will be more appropriately used now
Port or postman?Indeed. Magsafe was just ideal in my circumstances. The 2012 rMBP was plugged in virtually all the time.
The dog ripped it out 2 or 3 times in its frantic struggle to get to the postman
No harm done though. Probably not the case now, so the extra battery life on the M1's will be more appropriately used now
Postman. He doesn't like the postman at all. Even if he brings him toysPort or postman?
Maybe it's the bright red bag.
I remember reading that dogs sense the smell of other dogs on postmen and get territorial. Not looking good for that friendship.Postman. He doesn't like the postman at all. Even if he brings him toys
Maybe it's the bright red bag.
Hey, bud ... have you received your M1, yet?Postman. He doesn't like the postman at all. Even if he brings him toys
Maybe it's the bright red bag.
No, still showing 3 to 4 weeks.
Not great for a replacement really. We'll soldier on!
In 6 months there will be probably the 14” mbp
But if you want an mac mini then ..its harder to tell..probably small chances since apple for now is focused to bring all the macs to their SoC..that means 14 and 16” and the imacs are a priority and after that an refreshed m1 mac mini with new SoC
I ordered the mini cause I hated the 16" with a passion.
I believe this machine will last a while and if this whore arm eco does me well I will get the 16" down the road.
As for the OP. What is that you plan to use it for?
I see you have the base 2018 so it's super safe to say the M1 walks around it. If that's not enough for you then I'm pretty sure the next won't be either cause there's a next one coming.
My only concern with M1 was the "beta testing" phase. At this time, enough evidence points to a pretty awesome little lad so I pulled the trigger.
I believe this machine will last a while and if this whore arm eco does me well I will get the 16" down the road.
As for the OP. What is that you plan to use it for?
I see you have the base 2018 so it's super safe to say the M1 walks around it. If that's not enough for you then I'm pretty sure the next won't be either cause there's a next one coming.
My only concern with M1 was the "beta testing" phase. At this time, enough evidence points to a pretty awesome little lad so I pulled the trigger.
I think M2 will come in the fall. M1 variants on other 2020 releases (16”, iMac, etc).
If the 14” happens that may overlap the MBP. Maybe has the higher end, more expensive variant, with more cores.
If the 14” happens that may overlap the MBP. Maybe has the higher end, more expensive variant, with more cores.
Personally, I'd say skip the M1 as it is really a low-end chip.
The M2 and M2X that will go in the 14" MBP and 16"MBP in Q3 2021 should be far more interesting.