M1 Pro, M1 Max MBP owners are you going to M4?

[codemaster1010]

My 2021 M1 Pro 14" is at 83% of the original battery capacity so a new MBP would be the expensive way to get a 17% improvement in battery life. Replacing the battery is the cheaper way.

The M1 is already really efficient. It idles at 2 watts with the brightness at 1 click. I am generally curious how much more efficient the M4 is when both doing nothing and running apps. I try to keep the battery between 20-80% which means I only get 60% of the total battery capacity. Going from 2-10 watts on M1 to possibly 1.6-8 on M4 might actually be noticeable, above what I get back with the new battery. But I would need to buy one and then find out what the actual real world difference is.

Are we at a point where the screen power efficiency improvement has more of an effect on battery life than the processor efficiency? If so, OLED might be a more noticeable change than upgrading to M4.

I hope Apple doesn't downsize the battery drastically in the future because I sometimes use the laptop to charge my other devices like my phone and AirPods.

And now for the joke part of my post: I should probably just quit my job and then I don't need to use my laptop at all and definitely don't need to worry about battery life.

 

[sevoneone]

Going to wait to see what real world improvements are in Video editing. I don't do 3D or anything with Ray Tracing, so interested to see what day to day improvements are like before upgrading my M1 Max.

 

[AFPoster]

I'm upgrading as well. Already placed my order for the new M4 Max MacBook Pro. I have the M1 Max and it's very fast, literally have no issues with it aside from a battery that drains relatively quickly at times. My upgrade was a mixture of performance, battery, screen. I normally have 3 different browsers open at a time with 20+ tabs in each, a few intense applications, a lot of excel, more than I want, and emails galore. Anything I can do to get an edge, even a few seconds is vital. I also am pulling 8-10 TBs of data a day, so I'm hoping Thunderbolt 5 takes off the way we all hope it does because I want those transfer rates.

 

[AFPoster]

I'm using the MPB 16 M3 Max 16/40 48GB 1TB, I'm now waiting for an oled screen, this configuration is already too powerful to use Lightroom and photoshop.

I wish they launched OLED and Wifi 7. I understand the desire for best in class quality and reliability which is a reason they held off, plus Apple is good at making an outdated feature incredibly powerful due to their strict quality requirements. But we're now behind on the screens and it would be a wonderful add. Until then, I did the Nano screen to test it out.

 

[Chevysales]

I'm keeping my current:

M1 Max 16" space grey...

2TB ssd
64GB ram
10-32 Max Chipset

But I am ordering 14" Black MBP nicely equipped for my daughter who was still rocking my 15" 2013 rMBP maxed out for its day. Being a teacher we get the Education discount.

 

[Zaydax333]

TBH the only reason I got the 14 inch M1 Pro was because I wanted the 120Hz display and the dedicated HDMI port and the ability to output to 2 displays.

I don’t really use the extra performance of the Pro chip day to day, sometimes when playing some games.

Now that the base model has those things as well I’m struggling to decide whether I need to buy a pro chip model.

 

[triton100]

Already preordered a M4 Max Macbook Pro to replace my M1 Max 16"Macbook Pro. My current M1 Max is really taking a sweettime just to perform prototype machine learning tasks and running larger LLMs !

I guess my upgrade cycle is whenever my machine's Applecare expiring soon !

Will you trade in the M1 with Apple or sell on eBay where you can get up to three times more?

 

[DeMagguz]

TBH the only reason I got the 14 inch M1 Pro was because I wanted the 120Hz display and the dedicated HDMI port and the ability to output to 2 displays.

I don’t really use the extra performance of the Pro chip day to day, sometimes when playing some games.

Now that the base model has those things as well I’m struggling to decide whether I need to buy a pro chip model.

Same here, I decided to go for the base model and save the cash. CPU performance will be much better. Only GPU might be same or slightly worse depending of use case but to be honest I am not doing GPU related tasks such gaming or video exports etc...

 

[RumorConsumer]

I am torn. I have the need for speed but really my M1 Max is still killing it. If this thing was a pound lighter I would pull that trigger in a heartbeat and I just dont really do anything that will use more speed, as much fun as it would be. Kind of looking for a reason, kind of thrilled that Apple makes good enough computers now that 3 years on I feel comfortable with it.

 

[sdante]

Same here, I decided to go for the base model and save the cash. CPU performance will be much better. Only GPU might be same or slightly worse depending of use case but to be honest I am not doing GPU related tasks such gaming or video exports etc...

I wonder how much base MBP M4 CPU memory bandwidth 120GB/s will be limiting compared to MBP M1 Pro where memory bandwidth is much faster (200GB/s)? That shows up in some cases like in LLM where already M1 Pro (200GB/s) could be performing better than M3 Pro (150GB/s) in certain tests. So considering this I think M4 Pro CPU would be a true upgrade in every way with 273GB/s memory bandwidth. But in many use cases base M4 is much faster than M1 Pro. I wonder how much faster single core speed would show in everyday use?

 

[diegotheplantboy]

Not until OLED screens comes around.

Yeah I feel similarly. I'm also trying to withhold from buying until perhaps the moment that the M1 no longer receives any new MacOS major release.

The 1000 nits as a stock option is very tempting since I tend to work outside, but I also just use the Vivid app when needed so I don't feel justified to get a whole new computer.

 

[DeMagguz]

I wonder how much base MBP M4 CPU memory bandwidth 120GB/s will be limiting compared to MBP M1 Pro where memory bandwidth is much faster (200GB/s). That shows up in some cases like in LLM where already M1 Pro (200GB/s) could be performing better than M3 Pro (150GB/s) in certain tests. So considering this I think M4 Pro CPU would be a true upgrade in every way with 273GB/s memory bandwidth. But in many use cases base M4 is much faster than M1 Pro. I wonder how much much faster single core speed would show in everyday use?

Totally agree, it depends what you are doing with the machine. In my case CPU as specially single thread is the most important one, second multi thread as I am doing only normal office work. I do not even use the GPU... therefore for me the M4 would be an upgrade same as for you.

If I would play games or do 8k video editing and exporting it would be a downgrade and only upgrade would be the M4Pro.

Thats why I decided to go with the regular M4 as I am not a pro user from the performance, but I like the features like 120hz display, SDR brightness etc....

 

[sdante]

Totally agree, it depends what you are doing with the machine. In my case CPU as specially single thread is the most important one, second multi thread as I am doing only normal office work. I do not even use the GPU... therefore for me the M4 would be an upgrade same as for you.

I wonder if faster single core speed actually gives noticeable difference in app loading speed or usage, like when browsing web on Safari etc.
From what I have tested shop demo models of MBP M3 variants it is hard to notice much difference but again M4 is much faster than those. I can't really make up my mind whether to upgrade from MBP M1 Pro to MBP M4/M4 Pro. I guess I'll wait and see until I get to test shop demo models and see it for myself.

 

[Fred Zed]

Nope. My 14” M1 Pro 16GB is running just fine for the tasks I use. Ain’t worth another grand or so after trade in to get “upgraded” as I won’t see any difference for my case usage.

 

[Timpetus]

M1 Pro and Max owners with 14/16 inch MBP's, with the announcement of the new M4 Pro and M4 Max models do you feel the need to upgrade or are you happy with your M1 based model?

Anyone think its still too early to upgrade or hold out for M5?

Thoughts, comments?

I have a 14 inch MBP M1 Max with 64GB/2TB that I bought discounted from BH Photo. It's still working great, and my needs are more in the RAM/SSD area than CPU/GPU speed. The M4 Pro does look like a great machine for the price, and I wish it had been around when we bought my wife's M2 Max Studio... she could consolidate everything into one machine instead of having a desktop and a MBP. That said, I don't have any real need to upgrade, so I'll be waiting a few more years.

 

[jgbr]

Interesting report by MR which demonstrates what you'd be getting for paying for a new machine, raw numbers in benchmarks, but beyond certain specific programs...question mark?

M1 vs. M2 vs. M3 vs. M4 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide: 30+ Differences Compared

Apple this week refreshed the MacBook Pro with its latest Apple silicon chips, but what exactly do the latest machines bring to the table and is it...

www.macrumors.com

 

[EssentialGadget]

The 16" inch costs much the same in that very high specification, and has two fans rather than one, and the 16" has been shown to have considerably better cooling. Despite the extra bulk, for desktop use the 16" makes more sense IMO. It would run quieter too because of its better cooling.

You might also consider OWC's announced and costed Envoy Ultra drive, with speeds of 6,000 Mb/sec. Apple's internal drive speeds with M1s were around 6,000, but dropped to half ie 3,000 with the M2 series, due to using more storage cards. So 6,000 external speed is pretty fast.
https://www.reddit.com/r/macmini/comments/10ns2jg
OWC is taking orders: "The First and Fastest Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD", and 2 TB costs $399 and 4 TB costs $599. Apple's upgrade from 2 TB to 4 TB costs $600. Apple's price for 8 TB is $2,200. Yet 2 of OWC's 4 TB T5 drives would cost $1,200 - half the price.

Great info - thank you.

The 16 is too big and heavy for me. Doesn't fit on the tables in the other rooms I spend time or for travel/offsite.

I have about 700GB left on my 4TB so the 8TB should hold me for some time. The least I have had is 250GB when I am idevice backup heavy.

I will be picking up an external 8TB ssd at some point when I crossover. Maybe something like the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB.

I do have a ton of old Apple devices that I need to sale!!!

 

[Melbourne Park]

Great info - thank you.

The 16 is too big and heavy for me. Doesn't fit on the tables in the other rooms I spend time or for travel/offsite.

I have about 700GB left on my 4TB so the 8TB should hold me for some time. The least I have had is 250GB when I am idevice backup heavy.

I will be picking up an external 8TB ssd at some point when I crossover. Maybe something like the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB.

I do have a ton of old Apple devices that I need to sale!!!

I myself found the 16" much more bulky than my 15.4", but I did have a plastic case on the M3 Max 16". But once it's moved it's not too different. The 15.4" also gets almost hot (being Intel) so it's rarely on my lap. For me, there was a price difference between the 14" and 16" Max M4 of $US 500. But for the M4 Pro the price difference was between 14" and 16" was only $US200. So for the less processor, it made more sense to buy the 16". Aldo Nano screen cost was the same for the 16" as it was for the 14". The 14" makes much more sense for my pricing, to get the 14". I need to go down and see if the 14" would meet my needs, because in the case of the Max, the 14" is much better value. My eyes are not very good though, I'm retired and planning on a year touring, and I suspect the 16" will be easier to edit videos on than the 14". At a desktop though, the 14" screen would be turned off.

About your drives - filling up 8 TB - backing up must be a big deal for you!! Eventually there will be thunderbolt 5 RAID boxes which you'll be able to not only fill with NVME drives, but also boot of and run efficiently.

 

[Orangeman13]

OG orange on black ultra 2!

 

[loby]

I need more memory more than I need more power. My M1 Pro MacBook Pro is still a beast, and I use it all day, everyday for work (I'm a 2D designer and graphic artist). So my next machine will probably be a M4 Pro Mini instead of another MBP. Load it with 64GB of memory and I'm off to the races. I'll keep my MBP for the rare times I need to be mobile. Having only one machine felt like a compromise when I got the MBP, I like the idea of having a desktop + laptop again.

But, no rush for now. Maybe early next year. Would like to see some in-depth reviews of the new Mini first.

I too am in similar thoughts. Have a 16” Macbook Pro 2021 (32GB RAM & 2TB SSD) and is my main computer for video editing (came from a Mac Pro 2013). Mac Studio was not in existence or I would have bought that at the time.

No regrets. 16” Macbook Pro 2021 is still a good machine for video editing and can say the best computer I have ever had (and I have had many). Of course I would love to have a Mac Studio, but shelling out the funds for it after my hefty purchase of the Macbook Pro just a few years ago at the time doesn’t cut it currently.

But..the mac mini has a decent price range for what you get, plus I am a Laptop and Desktop workflow old school guy and I like to have both, so I am debating too.

If I get the mac mini or save more money and get the M4 Mac Studio (which would be a beast) NOW my Macbook Pro 2021 would probably not be used anymore and just sit and waste away. I have a Studio Display to use with the Macbook Pro 2021, so I can see not using the Macbook Pro any more.

So like you, I will probably wait until next year to consider, but right now the temptation and desire is killing me.

 

[Stevenyo]

Holding off. Definitely getting ready to move on from M1 Max, I specced it with 32gb ram and 1TB knowing it was more likely to be a 3-4 year machine than my normal 6+ year laptop lifecycle (2001-2006 Ti book; 2006-2013 15" MBP 2,1; 2013-2021 15" rMBP; 2021-? 16" M1 max), but I spent my MBP money on VisionPro this year and don't regret that. Plus, really want AV1 encoding in a long term machine, don't want to do another "bridge" machine, and am hoping by the time I actually upgrade my MBP to go either headless "desktop" plus headset (even just like high res nreal type glasses if VisionOS doesn't make HUGE strides in a couple years) or at the very least shifting from Max MBP + base Mac Mini to MBA/Base MBP + Mac Studio. When an Ultra-powered Studio costs less than a Max Powered MBP and I've already got a $4k display for my Macs (really all the VisionPro is useful for still, ugh), I'll save my $4500 or so for an M5 Ultra machine vs spend $5k+ on an M4 Max.

I did order an M4 mini though to replace my M1 mini. M1 trade in value was so good compared to the price I paid for it and the M4+16GB RAM are huge upgrades. Slight debate on whether to spring for 32GB RAM and 10gig ethernet, but I still see this as very much a bridge machine until we see a bit more of the future of HMDs and Apple Silicon, and for the net >$300 my 3 generation upgrade costs me, I'll be happier from now until 2026/2027 when I think about mac hardware again. (Unless I hit the lottery, then why not fully loaded everything all the time, lol)

 

[laliastudiocedric]

I just

Hi

I M graphist and frontend developper .
I use vscode mamp adobe cc for je react coding
I use a MacBook Pro 2019 2,6ghz Intel 16go
Would the m4 pro be a good deal ?
What about performance for my usage?
Thanks

i just decide to get my new MBP to replace my old one.
You succed in convince me that it would be more confortable to get a more powerfull machine with so much more battery.
So I am pleased to present my new MBP
MBP 16
M4 PRo - 14/20
48go unified memory
512 SSD
What do you think out it ?

 

[Natzoo]

Just renewed ac+ for the first time on my 16 M1 Pro for $165 😭. Definitely cheaper than buying a new MBP though.

 

[trifero]

I'm keeping my current:

M1 Max 16" space grey...

2TB ssd
64GB ram
10-32 Max Chipset

But I am ordering 14" Black MBP nicely equipped for my daughter who was still rocking my 15" 2013 rMBP maxed out for its day. Being a teacher we get the Education discount.

Your M1 Max s really a piece of hardware. I understand full what you mean.

 

[caskibum]

M1 Pro and Max owners with 14/16 inch MBP's, with the announcement of the new M4 Pro and M4 Max models do you feel the need to upgrade or are you happy with your M1 based model?

Anyone think its still too early to upgrade or hold out for M5?

Thoughts, comments?

M1 Max 64GB / 2T, used mostly for lightroom / PS / ID and an occasional bit of FCP, usually just generating timelapse videos, etc. Figure I’m good until about M8, although my workloads would run really nicely on a new mini “beefed up” to max cpu and ram. Maybe m5 / m6 mini will entice me if the release an updated studio display…