is it crazy to choose 13" macbook pro M1 over the new macbook pro 14?

[jace88]

I sold my 4 month old 13" MBP M1 to buy the 14" MBP with the 10core CPU/16 core GPU/1TB storage.

I found the 512GB storage limiting on my M1 model, and whilst I loved the form factor (and actually didn't mind the Touchbar), I did wish the screen was a bit bigger and had smaller bezels, and had a better webcam/speakers. So when the 14" came out and I was able to sell my MBP M1 for about $100 AUD less than what I paid for it (5%) I was happy to take that plunge and go for the 14".

I know I'm a "poser" because I don't actually need the power of the M1 Pro, but I do like the bigger screen/speakers a lot, and it's just a nice to have for me.

So back to the Op's point though, I don't think it's crazy. Some people like latest toys and are willing to pay for it, whilst others are happy with something which meets their needs. At the end of the day though, the 13" MBP has it's merits (and advantages over the 14"/16") so to each their own. As far as I'm concerned, both are going to be getting decent updates/support for the foreseeable future (unlike Intel Macs).

 

[Slitted]

I know I'm a "poser" because I don't actually need the power of the M1 Pro, but I do like the bigger screen/speakers a lot, and it's just a nice to have for me.

I'm still at this stage and leaning towards returning the 14", because while the screen is amazing (even with the smearing) and so are the speakers, it just feels like a waste to me because my workflow is pretty basic these days.

Not using at least 6 CPU performance cores and at least 8 GPU cores (of my 10c/16g config) just feels bad! In fact a setup of 4e/4c+8g of my M1 13" is already more than enough for me.
Also the 14" seems to get just 14hr of mixed usage for me, compared to 22–30hrs on the M1 13" with Low Power mode.

Again, the miniLED is the main draw of the 14", but given that the Air is rumored to get this display (minus ProMotion), I think that laptop may be a suitable upgrade/sidegrade.

I've still got a month left to somehow just the 14" purchase, because I can afford to keep both laptops, but it's not looking likely.

 

[GoztepeEge]

with the crazy deals 13" M1 MBP is getting nowadays, it's hard not to consider it over the newer 14". also 14" being the 1st year model, i'd expect it to have some kind of 1st year glitch if not already. the 13 chassis, screen and keyboard are tried and true, with the M1 processor, i think it'll be relevant for at least 5 years. has anyone chose the 13" MBP over the 14"?

I recently started using the 2021 MBP 14" base-model, it has been now 3 days.
First impression I would say that this device is damn fast! I changed it from an Early 2015 13" MBP base-model, and it feels now everything is smoother and flows flawlessly.

I also considered the 2020 M1 13" base-model MBPs, however there are some disadvantages that everyone should also think of it, I guess.
First thing is no support of 2 external displays. It is an important thing for me, hence I gave up having 2020 model. That model supports only one external display.
Port limitation problems. 2020 models have onyl USB-C (Thunderbolt 3, so to say) ports, which make us stuck at the dongles, hubs, converters etc. I hate this feeling. Whatever you need to use, you have to always use a dongle. For example, I always use a HDMI and a SD Card slot, which are possible in 2021 MBPs by default. However no chance with 2020 MBPs. Consider this as well.
Another point would be the Magsafe 3 ccharger. I allways hate USB C chargers as I find them no reliable and fragile. Hence a Magsafe charger is the perfect option, I assume. I have been using Magsafe 2 on my Early 2015, it has been always so great, and now to have the Magsafe 3 is the same as well.

Besides, there are some points more as well. Display difference? 2021 MBPs have a gorgeous display, makes a big difference. Touch bar? If you are a user who likes using TouchBar, which I hate, you consider the 2020 MBPs. However if you are someone who likes traditional physical buttons, like I do, then go with the 2021 MBPs.

Overall, I would not choose a 2020 M1 MBP. Especially the display support, internal display difference, and port differences make so much value for the 2021 MBPs. I am using for the last 3 days, and I definitely recommend. It is an extreme computer, I liked.

 

[kevjen888]

Just finished setting up my 14. The size is perfect, slightly larger than my wife’s dell XPS 13, but feels much more sturdy and yet feels a lot compact than my old MBP 15”. During the setup it asked me whether I want FileVault enabled, I chose yes. Can remember what I chose when I setup my 15 years back. Do you guys have that feature enabled?

 

[GoztepeEge]

Just finished setting up my 14. The size is perfect, slightly larger than my wife’s dell XPS 13, but feels much more sturdy and yet feels a lot compact than my old MBP 15”. During the setup it asked me whether I want FileVault enabled, I chose yes. Can remember what I chose when I setup my 15 years back. Do you guys have that feature enabled?

The size is perfect, I assume. It is because the 14" 2021 MBP is almost the same size with the Early 2015 13" MBP. I noticed that when I tried to put the 2021 14" into the travel bag of the Early 2015. It fits perfectly! The only difference I guess is the display borders. They have been decreased by 60%, if I am not mistaken. Hence it increased to 14" by not changing the overall dimensions.

By the way I highly recommend using FileVault. Please use it and create a password which you will never forget.
I learned a big lesson once Apple lost my Early 2015 device in transit to the repair center. That device had no password and FileVault was not enabled. Hence I am bit worried right now. If FileVaule would be enabled, then there would be no problem right now. It is because FileVault encrypts every data in the computer. No one except you reaches those.

The only disadvantage of FileVault is a bit less speed for the write and read of the SSD. However due to the fact that the 2021 MBPs are extremely fast (mine has almost 5GB/s read and write), it does not make a big difference to use the FileVault.
And also FileVault was not asked to the user in order to enable or not, by default. I guess it is a new feature to ask while setting up the MacOS.

 

[infernoguy]

Just did this! Went from M1 Pro 14 base model to M1 13 inch base model. Why?

1. Price - got a deal on an open box at Best Buy for the M1 13 inch at $967 ($1050 with tax).

2. Need - the M1 Pro 14 was nice but overkill for me. I reconsidered going back to the 14 after I returned it but with stock being low for the base model, I found a good deal and went with it.

Lesson learned: unless you’re a YouTuber (or anyone else) with high processor demand, get the M1. It’s plenty fast, efficient and the deals are aplenty right now.

 

[i4k20c]

I'm wondering if I should have waited for the new air but really want dual monitor support.

I was able to get the 14inch for $1620+tax so it makes it a little better of a deal, though wish I could have gotten a BTO with 32gigs of ram and 1TB SSD. Hopefully the $380 discount is worth it for the tradeoff.

 

[darkus]

I'm wondering if I should have waited for the new air but really want dual monitor support.

I was able to get the 14inch for $1620+tax so it makes it a little better of a deal, though wish I could have gotten a BTO with 32gigs of ram and 1TB SSD. Hopefully the $380 discount is worth it for the tradeoff.

As the saying goes with Apple products, there’s always going to be a new one around the bend. Just get what you need now and don’t worry about what’s coming, or you will never get anything ?.

With that said the bee MacBook Air sounds very interesting especially if they would offer a larger screen size

 

[capkapak]

Depends on your use case tbh. For my daily driver for emails, Microsoft Office, web browsing and portability I opted for the 13" M1 16GB over the 14". The form factor of the 13" along with the superior battery life suits my use case perfectly.

 

[cababah]

14”, better speakers, better display + ProMotion, more power for future proofing, 1080p webcam, and the convenience of ports. Battery life isn’t as great as 13” but it’s still fantastic in my experience (M1 Pro).

I always buy the latest - never spend money on an older model machine IMO.

 

[Marathonianbull]

The 13" is so slim and sturdy, its Touch Bar unique and fun!

 

[Hieveryone]

In my opinion it's not. I think there are some advantages. First of all, it is less expensive. Second, it is more portable. If i needed maximum performance I would get the 14" but if I'm just using it for regular stuff I would prob get the 13". Maybe even a refurb from apple if available

 

[Jack Neill]

The OG M1 is still plenty impactful and the comparable price point of one compared to the 14/16" can net you much more storage.

 

[mitchell88]

Just did this! Went from M1 Pro 14 base model to M1 13 inch base model. Why?

1. Price - got a deal on an open box at Best Buy for the M1 13 inch at $967 ($1050 with tax).

2. Need - the M1 Pro 14 was nice but overkill for me. I reconsidered going back to the 14 after I returned it but with stock being low for the base model, I found a good deal and went with it.

Lesson learned: unless you’re a YouTuber (or anyone else) with high processor demand, get the M1. It’s plenty fast, efficient and the deals are aplenty right now.

What’s your mbp 13 specs?
That sounds a great deal!

 

[LinkRS]

<snip....>

The only disadvantage of FileVault is a bit less speed for the write and read of the SSD. However due to the fact that the 2021 MBPs are extremely fast (mine has almost 5GB/s read and write), it does not make a big difference to use the FileVault.
</snip...>

Howdy @GoztepeEge,

Just an FYI, since Apple adopted use of the T2 chip as the SSD controller, FileVault encryption has had 0 impact to performance. The main CPU of your Mac is not taxed in anyway for this feature, and once it is unlocked (happens at boot), macOS runs just like it would without it turned on. The data on the disk is always encrypted by default, only becomes unlocked when the system powers on. With FileVault enabled, the disk only becomes unlocked, when a user unlocks it by typing in their password. It is a subtle difference, but there is no reason these days to have FileVault disabled (for most folks anyway). See here for more info:

How FileVault and the T2 Security Chip work together in newer Macs

Macs with a T2 chip always encrypt their drives. Why is FileVault necessary?rn

www.macworld.com

And

About encrypted storage on your new Mac - Apple Support

Learn about encrypted storage on computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip, and make sure that your data is fully protected.

support.apple.com

Rich S.

 

[IJBrekke]

Work just provided a 13” M1 MBP, I’m still setting it up. It’s wickedly fast compared to my 2017 15” model, but the reduction in screen size is pretty jarring. The 13” models just have a different feel and workflow than the larger screen models.

Speculating that the 14” model is theoretically the best of both worlds size-wise, at least until Apple releases a 15” Mac Air (fingers crossed here). But if the workflow of the 13” suits your need/preference, it’s definitely the better deal financially right now because of the regular discounts it receives.