MacBook Pro 2021 M1 (18,3) - Quick opinions: Apple Silicon, 14" Retina display, 10 core CPU, 32GB, 16 core GPU, BTO

[henryseiden]

I waited on upgrading my MBP2019 as long as possible hoping for 2023 M2 machine. Alas, it looked like a M2 processor for MBP was longer way off than what I expected.

Glad overall that the wait is now over for me. The new machine had some speed bumps with MacOS 12.6 upgrades and installing non-upgraded apps and even upgraded Mac apps. Finally the dust has settled, more or less.

Pro:

• Configuration is great. Memory config, Pro M1 would have been more expensive in a new, unproven in the filed M2 CPU/processor.
• M1 Pro 10 Core CPU, 16 Core GPU has been proven in previous versions of MBP, IMO.
• Very fast scores. SFAIK the difference for me is mainly notices in boot times, photo editing apps.
• T4 Hub a necessity for expansion on the desktop. I find using a hub to be essential for my devices. Previous hub NG.
• Using a smaller screen was not as big of a challenge for me (Had a 15.4" screen with a much bigger footprint).

CON:

• M1 configuration issues coming from non-M1 machine.
• Updating software.
• Reconfigurations for hardware and maximizing throughput.
• Going from desktop use to mobile use a bit of an issue. Went to a completely closed cover operation to maximize desk space worked well in the end.

Your thoughts?

 

[jav6454]

As of right now, rumors are swirling about a new MBP around the corner with the M2 Pro. If you can wait until mid-November, wait.

As per "unproven" M2 Pro, I would argue against that. The M2 Pro takes up after the M2 which, while is a hotter chip, still provides a nice bang for buck.

If there is a budget, it might help us understand which recommendation to fully endorse. But as of right now, I'd say wait and get a nice M2 Pro Mac.

 

[Mike Boreham]

I waited on upgrading my MBP2019 as long as possible hoping for 2023 M2 machine. Alas, it looked like a M2 processor for MBP was longer way off than what I expected.

Glad overall that the wait is now over for me. The new machine had some speed bumps with MacOS 12.6 upgrades and installing non-upgraded apps and even upgraded Mac apps. Finally the dust has settled, more or less.

Pro:

• Configuration is great. Memory config, Pro M1 would have been more expensive in a new, unproven in the filed M2 CPU/processor.
• M1 Pro 10 Core CPU, 16 Core GPU has been proven in previous versions of MBP, IMO.
• Very fast scores. SFAIK the difference for me is mainly notices in boot times, photo editing apps.
• T4 Hub a necessity for expansion on the desktop. I find using a hub to be essential for my devices. Previous hub NG.
• Using a smaller screen was not as big of a challenge for me (Had a 15.4" screen with a much bigger footprint).

CON:

• M1 configuration issues coming from non-M1 machine.
• Updating software.
• Reconfigurations for hardware and maximizing throughput.
• Going from desktop use to mobile use a bit of an issue. Went to a completely closed cover operation to maximize desk space worked well in the end.

Your thoughts?

You don't say what your usage is, and in what way is the 2019 MBP falling short. Also how will you use the 14" MBP in conjunction with the 2020 iMac and M1 Mini you also own.

I am guessing that the MBP's role is to be your portable computer, in which case an M2 MacBook Air might be the better option. Hence asking what are you going to do with it? Unless you are doing sustained high load tasks every day I would think a M2 MBA would do nearly anything a 2019 MBP could do.

 

[benwiggy]

Yes, you don't say what you plan to do with it; but I'd argue that for most uses, the M1 Pro is an insanely fast CPU, and if you're not pushing it to the limits, then the slight increase of M2 is 'nice, but not essential'.

I have the 16" M1 Pro, and I'm barely troubling it. My 2018 6-core Intel Mini was struggling in a number of aspects: graphics, audio production work -- but the M1 just gets the job done without any problems (or heat!).

Answering your "Cons":

1. You don't have to 'configure' your M1 machine any differently. If at all.
2. Software always needs updating. Intel versions still run well on Rosetta.
3. Don't know what this means.
4. I'm now using the laptop as my main desktop machine. No issues here. I have it in a stand to minimize space.

 

[maflynn]

its really hard to say what would work best for you without knowing your intended usage.

Pro:

• Configuration is great. Memory config, Pro M1 would have been more expensive in a new, unproven in the filed M2 CPU/processor.
• M1 Pro 10 Core CPU, 16 Core GPU has been proven in previous versions of MBP, IMO.
• Very fast scores. SFAIK the difference for me is mainly notices in boot times, photo editing apps.
• T4 Hub a necessity for expansion on the desktop. I find using a hub to be essential for my devices. Previous hub NG.
• Using a smaller screen was not as big of a challenge for me (Had a 15.4" screen with a much bigger footprint).

I'm not understanding your pros.
All configuration upgrades are going to be expensive, since you can only buy them from apple and they're soldered onto the logic board - no changing anything after the sale.
M1 Pro is an excellent version, I have the M1 Pro 14" MBP

CON:

• M1 configuration issues coming from non-M1 machine.
• Updating software.
• Reconfigurations for hardware and maximizing throughput.
• Going from desktop use to mobile use a bit of an issue. Went to a completely closed cover operation to maximize desk space worked well in the end.

What issues are you facing, we all at one point or another were coming from an intel platform and faced similar questions once we decided to buy the M1

Updating software is an ongoing move regardless of a platform move, but yes moving to a different platform (intel to Arm) means finding replacement software at worst, upgrading existing apps at best.

Bullet 3 is the same as bullet 1 of both your Pro and con list - what do you mean?

If your used to a desktop sitting there, yes it's a different mindset to be sure, but not a bad mindset.

My suggestion is to go to an Apple store try out the 14" and 16" MBPs and see which one feels the best, also see what apps you use, are they compatible and then determine the best configuration that best fits those needs.

In one sense the configuration of the laptop is no different now then it was when Macs had Intel. Buying the most comptuer your budget will allow is generally sound advice. I would look to maximize ram first, then storage. If the 14" screen is too small (And it can be), then think about the 16" model.

 

[tstafford]

Your poll asks if it was a good buy for you. Depends on what you paid and what you want to do with it.

I fully expect the M2 Pro model will be released later this month. However at $1599 (current sale price) the MBP M1P is unbeatable IMHO and I'd buy one today if I didn't already own one. I can't imagine that the newer model would be worth $400 or more over the current for what I do.