In November, Apple launched the 2021 MacBook Pro. Available in two sizes (14- and 16-inch), the company also introduced two new chips, the M1 Pro and M1 Max. While I thought this new Mac would be overkill for me—I didn’t need the Port, Promotion, MiniLED, or processor—I recently broke my 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro and needed a replacement.
Between buying the entry-level 2020 M1 MacBook Air and the new 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro, I decided to go with the latter. here’s my review of this computer from a heavy but non-pro user perspective.
First impressions on the design of the 2021 MacBook Pro
At first glance, I wasn’t a big fan of the notch on the MacBook Pro. When I saw it at the store I also found the full black keyboard strange. Plus, I really loved the Touch Bar (for the wrong reasons — it’s so convenient to send emoji with it). But as the days go by, I’m just super into this new design.
Coming from 16 inches to 14 inches is not a big deal. The screen is big enough that I can have two Safari windows open and work side by side. Not only that, weight was very important in my decision, and the 14-inch is lighter than my previous Intel Mac.
I find the keyboard and trackpad very reliable, Touch ID always works fine, and I’m really into this MiniLED display with Promotion. It’s actually very easy to switch between my iPhone 13 Pro and this Mac.
Last but not least, the reason I am no longer typing from an Intel Mac is because I stumbled upon the charger and completely destroyed the computer. With the new MacBook Pro, it adds the MagSafe connector back, and wow, I didn’t realize how much I missed the feature that was once available on my 2010 MacBook Pro.
Is the entry-level M1 Pro enough for me?
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As I told you at the beginning of the article, I was in between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The difference is wild: The MacBook Air comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, while the M1 Pro Mac comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
If Apple had introduced the already rumored new MacBook Air, I probably would have gone with that instead, but between these two current models, I decided it was worth the extra effort to have the latest and greatest technology with the new MacBook Pro. Worth spending $1,000.
I am not a pro user, but I am a heavy user. This is why I recommend Jeff Benjamin review On a 2021 MacBook Pro (if you want to talk specs). Here, I want to give you the perspective of someone who types all day, occasionally edits images with Pixelmator Pro, and needs to have iMessage, Mail, Slack, and WhatsApp open all the time.
For these tasks, I need not say that everything works like a breeze for a computer this powerful. Not only that, but it’s also very quiet, doesn’t overheat (at least with these functions), and opens everything up in the blink of an eye.
It’s important to say that I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to do the same with the M1 MacBook Air, but I’ll be upgrading it with double the RAM and storage to feel more secure with it throughout the years. That said, these were the reasons why I didn’t end up with the Air version:
- old design;
- lack of MagSafe connector;
- awesome webcam;
- The display seemed a little too small.
Last question: Does this MacBook Pro have a battery that lasts all day?
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While the first batch of M1 MacBooks were praised for their ever-lasting battery life, I worried that a Pro chip would consume more energy and require me to charge the Mac more than once a day.
To my relief, the entry-level 2021 MacBook Pro is great when I’m using it for the tasks mentioned above. That said, it can easily handle 10 hours of nonstop use, but I think it’s possible to stretch it out for a little more 12 hours.
Again, having both MagSafe and USB-C options for charging this machine is also a convenient experience.
Wrap and Final Thoughts
There’s a lot in this Mini that I wouldn’t mention-review Entry-level 2021 MacBook Pro. The reason is simple: We’ve already reviewed this machine. If you want an in-depth look, you can find it here.
For this piece, the answer I’m trying to answer is whether this MacBook Pro is a good deal for a heavy (but not pro) user. To which I say, yes, absolutely. Mini LED display with promotion is gorgeous. You honestly don’t even notice the notch – just like when Apple introduced the iPhone X. Having more ports is great, although having a MagSafe connector is a big deal. The keyboard, trackpad and Touch ID are as reliable as ever. Last, but not least, the battery life is great, which worked well for me as it was another feature I really needed.
Will I change my mind when Apple releases a new MacBook Air? maybe. But as we can’t predict when or exactly what this MacBook Air will feature, I can say that, right now, if you need the machine and want it to last for years to come, the entry-level M The 1 Pro is more than just a MacBook.
Tweak it if you need a little more power or storage, but relying heavily on iCloud and only using essential apps, I don’t see why I’d need more RAM or storage at the moment – or to come. in the following years.
You can find the 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro on Apple’s Amazon Store here.
Do you have this computer or are you planning to get one? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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