Is the $699 MacBook M1 a big enough upgrade over my 2014 MacBook Pro?

[Lactoes]

I know it sounds laughable to even ask this - we're comparing a 10yr old machine to an M-series.

But I don't have real world experience with M's, so I’m wondering if this M1 really stacks up dollar-for-dollar considering it’s more than 3 years old itself. Should I save up a little more and go with the M2 refurb on apple.com for $999 (Refurbished 13-inch MacBook Pro Apple M2 Chip with 8‑Core CPU and 10‑Core GPU)?

Background:
My MBP is in flawless condition and only starting to get a little sluggish while editing video (1080 only). Big Sur is still killer on this thing. Honestly, if the battery was still in good shape I'd hang onto it a little longer. Portability/weight is less of a concern than buying a laptop that will last for a long time, relative to the money.

 

[russell_314]

If you’re happy with your current Mac and it’s working then why do you want to upgrade?

Yes it’s significantly faster but will that make a difference for you?

If you’re curious go to an Apple Store or anyplace that has one on display

 

[TurboJobo]

I had the 2019 16'' intel mac before getting my M1 and boy did i thought it was a big upgrade I cant imagine your 10 year old laptop. I would suggest getting a used m1 cheaper from facebook or offerup but the M1 is still a sweet machine for anybody.

 

[mmkerc]

Similar story for myself, but I upgraded a 2013 TrashCan Mac Pro 64gb for an M1 Mini 16gb and saw faster video rendering, graphic performance, photoshop editing improvement. Best was I was able to trade the Mac Pro in for about $100 less than the M1 costs me. An M1 today will easily last through this decade and likely longer biggest issue I see to upset that is AI development, though I think that is true with both the M2, and M3 machines.

 

[Moncler]

Since you keep your computers for so long, I’d really recommend getting 16GB of RAM, which raises the price of entry.

 

[BeatCrazy]

A $699 M1 Air will blow you away compared to your 2014 MBP. Go for it, and never look back.