Why I returned a 13” M1 MBP Turd

[jerryk]

Ha, I think he said $15-thousand, but he might have gotten the optional solid-gold power cord!

Yeah, it's not even close, which makes me think there is hardware acceleration for the codec. But I haven't looked into it further.

Does the gold power cord come with the $999 monitor stand?

 

[UBS28]

there are definitely a lot of compatibility issues. rosetta is nearly non-existent outside the popular apps.

Is there a list of what is supported by Rosetta?

 

[richard371]

15k MacPro.

 

[richard371]

OP can we remove the word Turd from the title? Every time I see it, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[CNebs]

First thing that came to mind from this title, thanks for the memories.

 

[bb_mac]

I think setting up as new is a fine call to make. Why not, right? New architecture, new setup. I’m sure some crusty troll will weigh in to say how stupid we both are for thinking this way. Please let us know how things work out for you when yours arrives.

+1 for setting up new.

Decided to go through the pain barrier of manually picking what I wanted from my old intel Mac.
I was somewhat surprised at the amount of apps I had installed I haven't used in *years*.

It's a great opportunity to do a 'spring clean' on data too - I got a bit brutal and hosed a bunch of data I'd had for years - mostly photo's and video clips. Silly stuff, like 20 crap shaky cam movies of a Chinook flying near my house

The biggest issue is going to be app preferences, but I'm prepared to go through that pain barrier too.
For instance, Logic Pro X - that is going to take many hours to pull in various plugins etc. - I do NOT want to be migrating ANY data automatically. No sir!

My wife is plagued with 'slow' Mac problems and has been for years. I keep telling her to stop auto-migrating her data over - I think she's onto something crazy like 14 years of doing this, for the last 4 Macs she has owned.
Imagine all the cruft 14 years of data will add to a system!

Not saying OP is in this position, does sound like a dud purchase.

 

[RigSatMe]

How sure are you of that? This test seems to work well enough with HEVC 10-bit. Starts around 9:00.

Thank you! I have seen this review. At that time, frankly speaking, I was astonished. So, to get double assurance, I went to apple store and carried a test myself with my typical workflow. Unfortunately, the results were deeply frustrating. Here is workflow details:
1. Shot video clip #1 25 seconds long on iPhone 12 Pro Max in 4K HDR Dolby Visions 24 fps
2. Shot video clip #2 25 seconds long on iPhone 12 Pro Max in 4K HDR Dolby Visions 60 fps
3. Dropped both clips to M1 MacBook Air.
4. Opened latest version of Compressor 4.5
5. Drop both clips in Compressor 4.5
6. Applied built-in preset for both clips, without any tweaks: Apple Devices 4K (HEVC 10-bit, HLG, Dolby Vision 8.4)
7. Result #1: export of clip #1 of 25 seconds length took to export 2m 13sec
8. Result #2: export of clip #1 of 25 seconds length took to export 5m 42sec

I was shocked with these results to be very slow. Checked Compressor 4.5 built-in setting Apple Devices 4K (HEVC 10-bit, HLG, Dolby Vision 8.4), and found out that by default Encoder type set to (Slower, higher quality). So, decided to switch to Faster (standard quality). Voila: it took both clips to export around 5 and 10 seconds, accordingly. However, I have the same results on my current machine: MacBook Pro 15 (2019).

Should you require one of the video test evidence, no problem here, I will upload it, just lemme know.

 

[NLLV]

It’s been YEARS since I started a thread on this forum. So for what it’s worth, I’m rarely so fired up. Here’s why:

I rarely ‘early adopt’ but decided to break my rule and buy a 13” MPB, M1 laptop (16GB RAM, 2TB drive).

In the last three days, it’s been a Beach Ball Hell. I thought it was just Adobe apps (as usual, Adobe’s apps appear to be developed in silos and currently not written for the M1 architecture), so I deleted ‘em, reinstalled ‘em. Still lots of lag and beach balls. Especially Illustrator (and the files were simple/small).

What was more troubling was the general lag, beach balls and “Application not responding” issues with Apple native apps: Mail, Safari, Notes, etc.—even the Finder kept hanging. After three Apple Support calls, reinstalling Big Sur, more troubleshooting, I boxed this turd and sent it back.

I wish Apple would spend less on glitzy marketing presentations and more on real world testing before shipping product. I hope your experience has been better than mine. But at this point, I’m buying the latest 16” MBP, spending nearly twice as much, and hoping it’s not another beach ball-inducing, overhyped handwarmer.

EDIT: To confirm, the turd shipped, but I’m willing to try the M1 again. Cancelled the 16” order and opted for Round 2 of a 13” M1 MBP.

Your experience seems like an outlier. You might wait for the replacement before posting but then I'd that worked you would not have all these people giving you attention for posting you like the machine.

 

[Sanpete]

Thank you! I have seen this review. At that time, frankly speaking, I was astonished. So, to get double assurance, I went to apple store and carried a test myself with my typical workflow. Unfortunately, the results were deeply frustrating. Here is workflow details:
1. Shot video clip #1 25 seconds long on iPhone 12 Pro Max in 4K HDR Dolby Visions 24 fps
2. Shot video clip #2 25 seconds long on iPhone 12 Pro Max in 4K HDR Dolby Visions 60 fps
3. Dropped both clips to M1 MacBook Air.
4. Opened latest version of Compressor 4.5
5. Drop both clips in Compressor 4.5
6. Applied built-in preset for both clips, without any tweaks: Apple Devices 4K (HEVC 10-bit, HLG, Dolby Vision 8.4)
7. Result #1: export of clip #1 of 25 seconds length took to export 2m 13sec
8. Result #2: export of clip #1 of 25 seconds length took to export 5m 42sec

I was shocked with these results to be very slow. Checked Compressor 4.5 built-in setting Apple Devices 4K (HEVC 10-bit, HLG, Dolby Vision 8.4), and found out that by default Encoder type set to (Slower, higher quality). So, decided to switch to Faster (standard quality). Voila: it took both clips to export around 5 and 10 seconds, accordingly. However, I have the same results on my current machine: MacBook Pro 15 (2019).

Should you require one of the video test evidence, no problem here, I will upload it, just lemme know.

I think the concern you expressed originally (in a different thread) was that the M1 doesn't have hardware acceleration for HEVC export, while the 16" does, so the M1 won't do as well as the 16". Have you done the same tests on the 16" to confirm the difference?

It's impressive that the Air can match your recent 15", at least. You said elsewhere it was actually faster than your 15" in the high quality export. Both machines have some kinds of HEVC acceleration, but I gather it's complicated which kinds apply for different machines and tasks.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

What was more troubling was the general lag, beach balls and “Application not responding” issues with Apple native apps: Mail, Safari, Notes, etc.—even the Finder kept hanging. After three Apple Support calls, reinstalling Big Sur, more troubleshooting, I boxed this turd and sent it back.

Calm down, you clearly got a faulty unit. It happens. No need to throw the toys out of the cot.

 

[RigSatMe]

I think the concern you expressed originally (in a different thread) was that the M1 doesn't have hardware acceleration for HEVC export, while the 16" does, so the M1 won't do as well as the 16". Have you done the same tests on the 16" to confirm the difference?

It's impressive that the Air can match your recent 15", at least. You said elsewhere it was actually faster than your 15" in the high quality export. Both machines have some kinds of HEVC acceleration, but I gather it's complicated which kinds apply for different machines and tasks.

Unfortunately, I've got no MBPro 16. Comparing 15" 2.9 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i9 with M1 MacBook Air, both in Compressor under Apple Devices 4K (HEVC 10-bit, HLG, Dolby Vision 8.4) hight quality, performed slow. Sure, M1 was faster by factor 1.5x (24fps) and 1.8x (60fps), which is logical, 'cause M1 has 8 cores and better optimization, but, neither 2.9 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i9 nor M1 can quickly export under hight quality.
However, both 2.9 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i9 and M1 under the same preset but with standard quality have almost the same speed, where it took to export clips of 25 seconds in about 5-10 seconds, for 24fps and 60fps, accordingly.

 

[No. 44]

Again, that's not actually true. It's well known that forums like this attract far more complaints than are representative, so you have it backwards from how it usually is. You're citing minority views when it comes to the performance of these machines, as you have ever since they were announced, even before you had any facts about their performance.

LOL, you used the same absurd argument to defend the now discontinued butterfly keyboard, i.e.
that the problems were only experienced by a "minority" of users and that opinions voiced on
internet forums should be ignored because people only post to complain.

I don't think you're fooling anyone with your tired rhetoric...

 

[Sanpete]

LOL, you used the same absurd argument to defend the now discontinued butterfly keyboard, i.e.
that the problems were only experienced by a "minority" of users and that opinions voiced on
internet forums should be ignored because people only post to complain.

I don't think you're fooling anyone with your tired rhetoric...

Never ever suggested complaints should be ignored, but nice try. If you disagree with anything I've actually said, try giving a real reason.

 

[richard371]

Im still trying to understand if many of these issues are from people that migrated? I decided to set my MBP 16/1TB up as new as its time to clean house from my 2014 iMac that's has so much stuff on it I don't use. I have everything installed I want and its fine. Bluetooth seems fine with my AirPods and ext Personus speakers. Only thing that doesn't work is my pioneer DDJ-800 controller as it needs a driver that has to be updated. Rekordbox seems to run great and its not recommended to be used yet on BigSur let alone M1. Pioneer says its in testing and hopefully done in dec sometime. My setup will be complete and I can ditch the huge non portable iMac 27. This thing flies and is a joy to use. Love the Touch Bar that many hate.

 

[circatee]

Maybe I missed it @mangoman, when will you receive your new unit?

 

[MK500]

Maybe take it a little easy on the OP for saying he got a turd and explaining his situation. It was indeed a turd. Apple sometimes ships turds. The fact that probably 99%+ of M1 machines are awesome as shipped is beside the point.

It is useful information that he posted here, and might even save someone else who is confused by issues with a new M1 and isn't sure if they should return it. Definitely return any Apple product that is wonky out of the gate. Better to get a non-lemon because it's likely going to last a long, LONG time.

This is the right forum to be posting M1 problems.

 

[jazz1]

It will be interesting to see when M1 refurbs show up on the Apple website.

 

[Luposian]

It will be interesting to see when M1 refurbs show up on the Apple website.

That will likely be a good gauge of how many "turds" were shipped out by Apple and/or how many turds (dumb or impatient users) gave up because everything just didn't quite live up to their hyped up expectations, OOTB (Out Of The Box). Might be able to get some (delivered quickly) deals with those, eh?

 

[jazz1]

That will likely be a good gauge of how many "turds" were shipped out by Apple and/or how many turds (dumb or impatient users) gave up because everything just didn't quite live up to their hyped up expectations, OOTB (Out Of The Box). Might be able to get some (delivered quickly) deals with those, eh?

I wonder if Apple blocks you from buying your own new return when it becomes a refurb

Of course some people just change their minds, and return computers that have no issues. Are those refurbs too? Not just computers with issues?

It would be interesting to know the full journey of a refurb, from beginning to end. I wonder if they offer refurb deals to education first?

Oh well. As I await the delivery of my MacMini I hope it doesn’t become a future refurb.

 

[Maconplasma]

Maybe take it a little easy on the OP for saying he got a turd and explaining his situation. It was indeed a turd. Apple sometimes ships turds. The fact that probably 99%+ of M1 machines are awesome as shipped is beside the point.

Well to be honest about it, nobody really knows it's a "turd". From what I've read the OP appeared to have to dumped all his previous files onto it and it sounded like his M1 Mac was attempting to index the system. That generally leads to beachballs and laggy performance. Might have been to his advantage to fully erase the drive and reinstall Big Sur, then run it without installing extra apps. Then he would know for sure if he got a "turd".

 

[Sanpete]

Well to be honest about it, nobody really knows it's a "turd". From what I've read the OP appeared to have to dumped all his previous files onto it and it sounded like his M1 Mac was attempting to index the system. That generally leads to beachballs and laggy performance. Might have been to his advantage to fully erase the drive and reinstall Big Sur, then run it without installing extra apps. Then he would know for sure if he got a "turd".

Possible it was indexing, but he did work with Apple support, so if they missed that, there's the turd.

 

[Maconplasma]

Possible it was indexing, but he did work with Apple support, so if they missed that, there's the turd.

Ha, as a Mac user dedicated for the past 26 years I can say with conviction that my issues where hardly ever resolved with Apple Support over the phone. I wouldn't necessarily use Apple's phone support as the final road to success.

 

[Sanpete]

I wouldn't necessarily use Apple's phone support as the final road to success.

Right, they should be able to tell someone to open Activity Monitor and see what's hogging resources. Missing that essential step would be on Apple.

 

[mangoman]

Your experience seems like an outlier. You might wait for the replacement before posting but then I'd that worked you would not have all these people giving you attention for posting you like the machine.

I'm very convinced that my experience is indeed an outlier. Not solely, but also far from the norm. I'm looking forward to the new 13" M1 machine, due the end of December. And looking forward to updates to Big Sur and Adobe apps.

 

[mangoman]

Maybe I missed it @mangoman, when will you receive your new unit?

Slated to arrive December 29th.