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When Apple released an updated pair of MacBook Pro models. I use a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Max processor every day. I was amazed at how well it fit into my workflow.
For recording, the 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with two processor options, like the 14-inch. Users can choose between the M1 Pro and the M1 Max SoC from the inside. I chose the latter.
These new chipsets boast a 10-core processor with a 16-core Neural Engine, memory bandwidth increased to 200 GB / s in the M1 Pro and 400 GB / s in the M1 Max.
Each also includes a new Media Engine as part of the SoC project, which allows hardware to accelerate H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW decoding and encoding. The M1 Max Media Engine has been further enhanced, including two video encoding mechanisms and two ProRes encoding and decoding mechanisms, making it even better for video production.
All these improvements take place before you take into account the power of the built-in video card. The M1 Pro is only available with a 16-core GPU, but the M1 Max starts with a 24-core GPU and moves on to the 32-core version I used here.
The new chips also provide additional memory options in addition to that supported by the M1. Instead of being limited to 16 GB, the M1 Pro starts with this single memory level with a 32 GB option.
On the M1 Max, the starting point is the same 32GB limit, but you can increase it to 64GB if you want. The GPU also uses unified RAM, which makes sense to use all of your memory when setting it up when you buy it.
As my workflow progressed, I became more inclined to use the iPad Pro computer solution for work on the go. I started using the latest Mac Pro for everyday work, and iPad Pro – for specific tasks and work on the go. I liked the Mac Pro for its modularity, and over time I got a lot of internal memory options, more RAM and a new PCI-E graphics processor.
The Mac Pro was great. iPad Pro is still an invaluable technology, but I’m tired of waiting for Apple to expand iPadOS before that.
My daily work ranges between extensive photo editing, video production and a lot of writing. The 16-inch MacBook Pro has proven itself in all these features in one product. So I turned to the 16-inch Mac Pro with the M1 Max full-time.
True to form
The update is the first MacBook Pro in five years to show any changes. The square look returns to the overall design of the 2008 MacBook Pro with a modern twist.
It goes better with other devices, but neither we nor Apple recommend it.
HDMI and SD card reader
There is no doubt that the return of the ports has benefited. We like the array that Apple chose, from HDMI to a card reader and USB-C tons. Apple may have done with another Thunderbolt port on the right, but overall it’s a reliable choice for the average user.
The HDMI port and SD card reader are weak, and I haven’t used them in my workflow since receiving the device. Apple has chosen the HDMI 2.0 port, and the SD card reader is close to the promised maximum UHS-II transfer rate.
I’d be happy if they weren’t and replaced with another Thunderbolt port, but I know why Apple added them.
I use the Thunderbolt 4 dock every day, but mostly because I don’t have to plug in and unplug a lot of accessories every time I move my Mac. Just as we return home, Apple’s idea of a “single cable” is when everything is connected to the machine with a single cable that it has tested and plugged in for three decades.
And after months of setup, I still have a problem with the Touch Bar. Every time I have to enter delivery information on a website, switch from keyboard to mouse, and select different parts of our address, I remember how much simpler the touchpad was.
The same goes for opening the last file in Affinity Photo or going to a certain point on the timeline in Final Cut Pro. Its existence caused controversy, but it was a shame to see it work for those who used it, including me.
Battery and charging
Along with the latest MacBook Pro, Apple has provided users with options. They can be charged via USB-C, as in years, or using MagSafe. Apple has returned MagSafe, and now it can charge quickly with enough power.
In my 16-inch MacBook Pro, a 140-watt GaN power supply can provide 50 percent of its power in just 30 minutes. I find this extremely useful, and I use my Mac more often away from electricity. I can charge quickly and then go to work wherever I want.
It depends on our employees. Mike Wurtele does not use it and does not intend to do so.
As the weather improves, I can happily go outside to write and edit in the sun.
Battery life is excellent, lasts many hours between charges. Depending on how many videos I edit, I can go almost full time for free.
MagSafe on a 16-inch MacBook Pro
MagSafe also proved to be safer, depending on the angle. Because the MagSafe connector is so long that you need to pull it off, you need to apply a lot of force when pulled from side to side. If you pull down, it is released much faster.
Although I enjoyed returning the MagSafe, it means I’m packing an extra charger. I can still use USB-C like on my iPad, but I need the extra speed that MagSafe offers. The good news is that there are options and users are free to choose.
What do we want next?
Using the current generation 16-inch MacBook Pro over the past few months has given me the perspective of how I would like to see iteration of Apple in the future. Some new generation features are provided. There’s no denying that we’ll see new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips – or other variations – that will further increase performance. Other changes are not so specific.
It would be nice if Apple finally adopted Wi-Fi 6E. This new standard opens up an additional frequency range. Wi-Fi 6E routers will be able to operate in the 6 GHz band, which can be useful in cities or apartment buildings where the spectrum is crowded.
This could be one of the biggest Wi-Fi upgrades in a while. However, Apple has not implemented it, and does not have particularly cost-effective wireless access points. This new technology supports the Mac laptop well to protect itself for the future.
I would also like to, although I don’t expect Apple to lower storage and memory upgrade prices. Apple charges $ 400 for the transition from 16 GB to 32 GB of unified memory and even $ 200 for the transition from 512 GB to 1 TB of internal memory. Apple’s individual options were often expensive, but expanded the limits of acceptability.
Modern 16-inch MacBook Pro
It is said that Apple will add Face ID to the future MacBook Pro, and I can accept or reject it. Touch ID is good, and Face ID would be an easier option for authentication, but I use my Mac in rollover mode with an external display, which makes adding Face ID questionable.
Every Mac, every project, every piece of hardware ever created by any manufacturer, is an exercise in compromise. With the 16-inch MacBook Pro 2021 and M1 Max inside, this list is incredibly short. This machine is fast, elegant, efficient, full of ports and has a great battery.
The biggest change I’ve gotten used to is relying on external memory, not internal memory, but that’s not a new issue for Mac users focused on mobile devices. As long as I’m aware of the architectural differences and fundamental trade-offs between desktop and mobile computers, the MacBook Pro can withstand all the challenges I’ve faced.
After months of use, I think Apple has created an almost perfect mobile Mac. But this Mac Studio is calling me.
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