Just got my 16" M2 MBP.

[maflynn]

I don’t even know what the weight differences are, between the three models. All I know is that the 16” Pro is much heavier than the M2 Air.

I 16" is big and bulkier - especially compared to the Air. Totally different machines, for different use cases.

I can’t imagine anyone buying such an expensive model for office work.

That's the great thing about life, everyone is different. While you may have trouble justifying spending them money, others do not. Why rain on his parade when he's clearly happy about the purchase.

I had the money, so spent it.

Indeed, you cannot take it with you, and if feel you could benefit from it why not. Congrats

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Carried my Air to my nan’s earlier, and it is MUCH more manageable than the 16” Pro.

 

[abruisedapple]

So, weight vs wrist height vs screen then?

good screen and don't care about wrist height = MacBook Pro 14"
weight, battery and M2 Air screen = MacBook Air M2

???

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Just a quick update:

Came to my nan's today, after a week or so, so I'm back on my MBA.

I can say, without doubt, that the keyboard on the Pro feels more solid.

Display is still beautiful on my Air, and funny enough, I think I actually prefer the smaller screen! I have apps set to take up the entire screen (not full-screen mode) and everything is good. I just use a Hot Corner to activate Mission Control, to switch between apps. Sure, the 16" is big and beautiful, but I think I like the size on my Air better? Just set the size, and forget.

Speakers, the Pro is on another level.

Pro-Motion: To be honest, can't really tell a difference? Maybe I'd need them side by side to see it?

The MBA is so much more portable, so if that is a big factor for you, I'd go with the Air.

Anyway, hope this helps someone out, who's on the fence.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Wishing you well.

 

[maka344]

Just a quick update:

Came to my nan's today, after a week or so, so I'm back on my MBA.

I can say, without doubt, that the keyboard on the Pro feels more solid.

Display is still beautiful on my Air, and funny enough, I think I actually prefer the smaller screen! I have apps set to take up the entire screen (not full-screen mode) and everything is good. I just use a Hot Corner to activate Mission Control, to switch between apps. Sure, the 16" is big and beautiful, but I think I like the size on my Air better? Just set the size, and forget.

Speakers, the Pro is on another level.

Pro-Motion: To be honest, can't really tell a difference? Maybe I'd need them side by side to see it?

The MBA is so much more portable, so if that is a big factor for you, I'd go with the Air.

Anyway, hope this helps someone out, who's on the fence.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Wishing you well.

What do you think of the battery life between the two?

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

What do you think of the battery life between the two?

I don’t think any are particularly special.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Came to my nan's today, after a week or so, so I'm back on my MBA.

I can say, without doubt, that the keyboard on the Pro feels more solid.

Display is still beautiful on my Air, and funny enough, I think I actually prefer the smaller screen! I have apps set to take up the entire screen (not full-screen mode) and everything is good. I just use a Hot Corner to activate Mission Control, to switch between apps. Sure, the 16" is big and beautiful, but I think I like the size on my Air better? Just set the size, and forget.

Sounds like the 14" MBP may have been perfect for you? Could consolidate those two devices into one.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Sounds like the 14" MBP may have been perfect for you? Could consolidate those two devices into one.

I didn’t want to have to carry a laptop between the two addresses I stay at, every week.

I’m not driving at the moment.

 

[chrismu]

Just a quick update:

Came to my nan's today, after a week or so, so I'm back on my MBA.

I can say, without doubt, that the keyboard on the Pro feels more solid.

Display is still beautiful on my Air, and funny enough, I think I actually prefer the smaller screen! I have apps set to take up the entire screen (not full-screen mode) and everything is good. I just use a Hot Corner to activate Mission Control, to switch between apps. Sure, the 16" is big and beautiful, but I think I like the size on my Air better? Just set the size, and forget.

Speakers, the Pro is on another level.

Pro-Motion: To be honest, can't really tell a difference? Maybe I'd need them side by side to see it?

The MBA is so much more portable, so if that is a big factor for you, I'd go with the Air.

Anyway, hope this helps someone out, who's on the fence.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Wishing you well.

I agree with your point about ProMotion, but if you are a Mission Control user, I find it really noticeable there, so maybe try to compare that You can activate it for Safari in developer options as well, but it really isn't that noticeable on the Mac somehow.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I agree with your point about ProMotion, but if you are a Mission Control user, I find it really noticeable there, so maybe try to compare that You can activate it for Safari in developer options as well, but it really isn't that noticeable on the Mac somehow.

Ah, but here’s a wired one for you to try:

If you invoke Mission Control, via the finger swiping/gesture, yes, it’s definitely noticeable.

However, if you invoke Mission Control via a Hot Corner (which I do) it’s as smooth as butter, even on the Air.

Give it a try, and let me know what you think.

 

[chrismu]

I tried it, you're right! I think through the Hot Corner, the animation is faster, that might be why... I always do it with the trackpad, therefore I felt like it was very noticeable 😄

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I tried it, you're right! I think through the Hot Corner, the animation is faster, that might be why... I always do it with the trackpad, therefore I felt like it was very noticeable 😄

Are you staying with the Hot Corner method?

I have mine set to bottom right. Just a flick of the wrist & you're in Mission Control.

Believe me, if the animations were like that (jerky) throughout the OS, this computer would have been returned immediately.

But I have to say, I love this little computer.

 

[chrismu]

Are you staying with the Hot Corner method?

I have mine set to bottom right. Just a flick of the wrist & you're in Mission Control.

Believe me, if the animations were like that (jerky) throughout the OS, this computer would have been returned immediately.

But I have to say, I love this little computer.

I can't 😂 I use the bottom right for "show desktop" and it would take a while for me to adapt, also my muscle memory for Mission Control with the trackpad is too strong already...

I now have a 16 inch MacBook Pro as well, so it looks smooth even when I use the trackpad, but I agree, the Macbook Air M2 is a wonderful machine. I had it before switching to the 16 inch, but I am moving and won't be able to have a desk setup with monitor, which is why I had to get something with a bigger display. Still feels pretty heavy and big though, I gotta say, but it's only been like 4 days, I am sure I'll get used to it.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I can't 😂 I use the bottom right for "show desktop" and it would take a while for me to adapt, also my muscle memory for Mission Control with the trackpad is too strong already...

I now have a 16 inch MacBook Pro as well, so it looks smooth even when I use the trackpad, but I agree, the Macbook Air M2 is a wonderful machine. I had it before switching to the 16 inch, but I am moving and won't be able to have a desk setup with monitor, which is why I had to get something with a bigger display. Still feels pretty heavy and big though, I gotta say, but it's only been like 4 days, I am sure I'll get used to it.

Bottom-left for me is show desktop .

What model of the 16" did you go with?

I got the M2 Pro, 16GB, 1TB.

 

[chrismu]

Bottom-left for me is show desktop .

What model of the 16" did you go with?

I got the M2 Pro, 16GB, 1TB.

Yeah I think it's whatever you're used to, it's really hard to change it. 😄

I got the M1 Max, 32GB, 1TB, got it new for about the same price as the base model M2 Pro 16 inch, so it didn't make sense for me to get the newer model. Also, for video editing, which is a lot of what I do, the M1 Max seems to perform pretty similar to the M2 Max. That being said, for a test export I did in Final Cut, the difference vs my Air was not as noticeable as I would've expected: The Air finished in 9:14, the Pro in 4:45. Which IS a big difference, but I was expecting it to be even quicker tbh.

If you had to pick only one of your laptops, would you take the Air or the Pro? Or a 14 inch Pro?

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Yeah I think it's whatever you're used to, it's really hard to change it. 😄

I got the M1 Max, 32GB, 1TB, got it new for about the same price as the base model M2 Pro 16 inch, so it didn't make sense for me to get the newer model. Also, for video editing, which is a lot of what I do, the M1 Max seems to perform pretty similar to the M2 Max. That being said, for a test export I did in Final Cut, the difference vs my Air was not as noticeable as I would've expected: The Air finished in 9:14, the Pro in 4:45. Which IS a big difference, but I was expecting it to be even quicker tbh.

If you had to pick only one of your laptops, would you take the Air or the Pro? Or a 14 inch Pro?

You know what?

I love them both.

Not wanting to sit on the fence, but when I leave one behind (I stay between two addresses) I miss it!

At the moment, I'm using my MBA and I'm loving it. When I get home, I'll be using my 16" Pro, and I'll love that equally!

How about you? If you didn't need the speed gains for your "pro" use, which machine would you choose?

I don't use my machines for pro work, just general stuff, so I don't really see a speed difference. Apart from starting up, I think the Pro is just a bit quicker.

Both lovely machines, without a doubt.

 

[chrismu]

You know what?

I love them both.

Not wanting to sit on the fence, but when I leave one behind (I stay between two addresses) I miss it!

At the moment, I'm using my MBA and I'm loving it. When I get home, I'll be using my 16" Pro, and I'll love that equally!

How about you? If you didn't need the speed gains for your "pro" use, which machine would you choose?

I don't use my machines for pro work, just general stuff, so I don't really see a speed difference. Apart from starting up, I think the Pro is just a bit quicker.

Both lovely machines, without a doubt.

Yeah I get that, they are both really nice in their own way!

I don't really know, for now, without an external display, I feel like the 16 inch is the best choice for me, but my wish would be to get a 14 inch and a Studio display in the future, because the speed gains are very nice still. If I wouldn't need the speed, for general tasks, it would be hard to justify the extra weight of the 14 inch MacBook Pro compared to the Air, so I would probably get that.

 

[olindacat]

I have been waiting for the M2 thinking the newer chip might be an improvement over the M1. I think I've read this whole thread but might've missed a few posts. I'm gathering, then, that there is little difference between the M1 and M2 machines, is that about right?

Since I put in a 1TB SSD my 2015 MP 15" battery is useless. If my plug falls off even for a few seconds my machine powers off totally. So, I need to dump this thing, which is a bummer since it is fine otherwise.

Am I right in gaining from all of this that the M1 and M2 machines are not much different, and that the 350 I save on the M1 can go toward AppleCare? Are people buying AppleCare anymore? (Sorry, I know I'm semi-hijacking this a little with the side-questions, it has been a while since I had time to be on this forum.)

 

[petvas]

I have been waiting for the M2 thinking the newer chip might be an improvement over the M1. I think I've read this whole thread but might've missed a few posts. I'm gathering, then, that there is little difference between the M1 and M2 machines, is that about right?

Since I put in a 1TB SSD my 2015 MP 15" battery is useless. If my plug falls off even for a few seconds my machine powers off totally. So, I need to dump this thing, which is a bummer since it is fine otherwise.

Am I right in gaining from all of this that the M1 and M2 machines are not much different, and that the 350 I save on the M1 can go toward AppleCare? Are people buying AppleCare anymore? (Sorry, I know I'm semi-hijacking this a little with the side-questions, it has been a while since I had time to be on this forum.)

You get about 20% more performance and a bit better battery life with the M2 Macbook Pros. Apart from that and the HDMI 2.1 port, there are no other differences. Design, Display, Keyboard, all the same.

 

[olindacat]

It's overwhelming to buy a new machine for me, as whatever I get will be all I have. My iMacs are all dead now. Thanks for the help.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

It's overwhelming to buy a new machine for me, as whatever I get will be all I have. My iMacs are all dead now. Thanks for the help.

I'm sure I'm not alone, in saying that I'd never buy a previous gen anything, when a new machine has been launchd.

 

[maflynn]

I'm sure I'm not alone, in saying that I'd never buy a previous gen anything, when a new machine has been launchd.

I've certainly eschewed prior gens, in my past buying, but at this point people need to ask themselves what are they getting that's markedly different? When you look at the M1 16" and M2 16" MBP, there are certain advantages the M1 holds over the M2.

The speed and performance (particularly with the GPU) is something to consider [in the M2], but the counter balance to that argument is the the price and slower SSDs for lower capacities SSD.

If I were in the market today, I would very much consider the M1 machines, either discounted via amazon (or other retailers) or refurbs and save myself a fair amount of cash, while still getting an incredibly quick machine.

I can't say for all buyers, but I think many people buying MBPs probably don't need all of the horsepower that the MBP provides and so the M1 in this case is an attractive purchase. Just my $.02

 

[chrismu]

I don’t feel the difference in Single Core performance going from a M2 to the M1 Max. I would say it depends highly on the price difference you’re looking at.

A 16“ MBP M1 Max new right now in Germany is 3000€, with a Cashback offer I got mine for 2800€. The M2 Max 16“ with Education pricing is 3789€. In that case, the difference is close to 1000€, therefore I felt like it wasn‘t worth it.

The 14“ M1 Max on the other hand is 3000€, while the education price for a 14“ M2 Max (30 core, but for me it’s only about the video encoders in the Max, so it doesn’t matter between 30 and 38 cores) is 3339€. There, I would go for the new one.

So I would look at the prices and generally pay about 15% more for the new one, if it’s more than that, go for the M1.

For Apple Care: I buy it, for peace of mind mainly. I like to know that when accidents happen, it won’t ever be more than 259€ to get it back up and running. Also, I don’t have to stress about battery health, because if it drops below 80% I can get it replaced for free, which is likely in 3 years for me, because I put about 25 battery cycles per month on my laptop, which means 900 cycles in 3 years.

 

[chrismu]

Missed one thing: it also depends on your usecases. The performance in Blender and on Multi-threaded CPU intensive tasks is significantly better with the new chips, while other things, especially video editing, seem to be very similar between M1 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Missed one thing: it also depends on your usecases. The performance in Blender and on Multi-threaded CPU intensive tasks is significantly better with the new chips, while other things, especially video editing, seem to be very similar between M1 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max.

I don’t feel the difference in Single Core performance going from a M2 to the M1 Max. I would say it depends highly on the price difference you’re looking at.

A 16“ MBP M1 Max new right now in Germany is 3000€, with a Cashback offer I got mine for 2800€. The M2 Max 16“ with Education pricing is 3789€. In that case, the difference is close to 1000€, therefore I felt like it wasn‘t worth it.

The 14“ M1 Max on the other hand is 3000€, while the education price for a 14“ M2 Max (30 core, but for me it’s only about the video encoders in the Max, so it doesn’t matter between 30 and 38 cores) is 3339€. There, I would go for the new one.

So I would look at the prices and generally pay about 15% more for the new one, if it’s more than that, go for the M1.

For Apple Care: I buy it, for peace of mind mainly. I like to know that when accidents happen, it won’t ever be more than 259€ to get it back up and running. Also, I don’t have to stress about battery health, because if it drops below 80% I can get it replaced for free, which is likely in 3 years for me, because I put about 25 battery cycles per month on my laptop, which means 900 cycles in 3 years.

I tend to think the best time to buy a product is when it's just released.

That way, you have the "latest and greatest" for the most amount of time, making it a better investment.

I get student discount, so I always get a couple of hundred quid discount. If that wasn't the case, I'd maybe think differently.

I think you know when you've made the right decision: It just feels right, in your heart.

Wishing you all well, and happiness.