Hello SigForum Apple users. As many of you probably know, Apple released the 14" and 16" units early last week. Both sizes, in their base configuration, have the same specs - which for my job means I can trim my fleet notebook offerings to a single Apple MacBook Pro (14") across both the sales-level and engineer-level users.

If you've seen the pictures, you've seen that they've redesigned the exterior and from the pictures on the web, it looks a little chunkier than it's 13 and 16" predecessors.

I received my 14" base-configuration MacBook Pro yesterday and I'm here to tell to you that (in my opinion) it's worth the money they're asking ($1999).

Initially it looks and feels like a Dell Inspiron, but that's really where it ends. Once you pick it up and carry it around, you can tell why they made the changes. The harsh edges of the aluminum on the lid are gone and it doesn't "feel" as heavy as the previous 13" MacBook Pro.

It's easier to grip and easier to open. The lid feels sturdier and the base doesn't slide around on your lap like the previous 13 and 16" models. I assume that some of this is due to the overall shape of the new design, versus the way the older units curved up near the sides on the bottom. Also I can see where those edges won't get dinged up quite so easily, because they have the curve now instead of the sharp edge.

It feels lighter, and whether it is actually lighter I don't know, but because of the new case design, it feels lighter.

Beyond the case, the screen is fantastic, the bezels are tiny, and the notch is forgettable. The keyboard types like the scissors-key versions of the previous generations. The touch-ID button feels better with the beveled circle, and the removal of the emoji-bar is great. It's easy to get to your function keys, like the olden days.

While the M1 base MacBook Pro was a sporty, zippy little machine, there were times when Outlook would lag out, or Google Chrome would hesitate. I can't speak to whether that was hardware or application issues, but none of that has shown up on my 14" MacBook Pro yet.

The magsafe power adapter is a god-send. I'll probably order a few of those magsafe->USB-C cables just to have them in strategic spots in my house, connected to old 87w power adapters I have laying around. Also, HDMI is a nice thing to have again. They never should have removed it, IMO. Keeping USB-C to HDMI dongles around in all of our buildings, specifically for Apple and some Dell Precision/XPS users was stupid and unnecessary IMO.

Overall I can't wait to use this thing more.

If you were on the fence, or considering updating to the 14 or 16" M1 Pro or Max notebooks, I can HIGHLY recommend getting one. It really does feel like a step forward this time.

Thanks for your initial impressions and review

I’m waiting for a 16” M1 max, 32G. Supposed to be delivered by 11/3

Applied my Apple Cash to the purchase. I’ll trade in my old MBP for credit. Brings my purchase price to about $1000.

I cant wait til my company upgrades and i can have mag-safe again. So probably 3-5 years?

Great news all around from your words. Sounds like an improvement for sure?

quote:

Great news all around from your words. Sounds like an improvement for sure?

Big enough to warrant the upgrade, IMO. I just double-checked the 16" unit I have, to make sure our DEP enrollment was in place, and it feels VERY similar to the 14" except wider.

I should reiterate: It does not feel fat or chunky in-hand. It looks like it's thicker than the previous generation, but that perception is where it ends. If I had a photo account somewhere, I'd put a picture up with it stacked up against all of our fleet machines, including the previous MacBook Pros. Dell XPS (13/15"), Lenovo X1 Carbon, T490s, T14s, Dell Latitude 3, 5, and 7000 series, and (until recently) Microsoft Surface Book 3 and Surface Laptop 3.

I really felt like the 13" MacBook Pro was close to the sweet spot, and the 14" version seems like it sticks the landing in that spot.

(I don't work for Apple, and I'm not an Apple fanboy. I tell all of my users and family that I'm a "hammer is a hammer" guy: Give me the tool that gets the job done no matter what label is on the lid. I want the tool that fits the job. In this case, if I need a Mac to do Macky things, I'm going to reach for the new 14" MacBook Pro. If Apple and VMware/Parallels can get x86 emulation working perfectly, it'll be an even more versatile tool.)

Sorry for being so wordy.

I have a Mac Mini with the M1 chip and have been impressed. Went from a Hackintosh I built about 8 years ago, the only downside was the number of drives I had, so ended up spending some on usb-c cases and some new drives for back-up and other materials. OS has been great, speedy, and no real isssues. Impressed with the chip and form factor. Thinking about a new Mac Pro 16 inch since my daughter commondered my older one. Thanks for the review

Back to the Future

The most important aspects of this upgrade exsisted in MacBooks 5 years ago. Welcome back decent keyboard, HDMI and MagSafe! I've missed you.

Unfortunately my butterfly equipped, can't recognize the monitor coming off of sleep USB-C only laptop will have to do for a while.

It’s nice to see hdmi and card slot back on the side. I also never cared for the Touch Bar. Suddenly my 2015 model looks new. Well, except for the touchpad on the new ones. Touch pads are growing bigger faster than a BMW grill.

I have serious fears of the screen notch.

Otherwise I am sold on the design.

I'll be ordering one, but I want to see them first to decide which one to get.
I will probably go for a 2T SDD and the M1 Max chip.

quote:

Originally posted by KCFormula:
I have serious fears of the screen notch.

The notch is unsightly to some. But the thing is, it does not take any screen space. They increased the screen height by 74 pixels to accommodate the notch, so you still have a full 16:10 screen below the notch.

Seems mine got held up in Shanghai for a few days. Probably because of UPS transport issues. Looks to be on the move again. Went to Korea then Anchorage and departed AK since I last checked

No delivery date from UPS. Apple still says 11/3-5

Ordered mine today. 4-6 weeks for delivery.

I went to the Apple Store today to look at the 14 vs 16 inch MBP.
First of all, I am not at all fond of their looks.
The screen looks great, however.
Having read about the choice of chip online, I have decided I don't want the Max chip: don't really need the speed for my amateur video rendering; and prefer longer battery life over higher speed.
So I plan to order a 14 inch (I use the computer either in an easy chair or hooked to a big monitor); 10 core M1 Pro; 16 GB RAM; 2 TB SSD.
I'm also going to push the Apple Support people about the repair on my 2017 MBP which was a major repair (replaced the motherboard, keyboard, and battery IIRC), but they did not address the original problem, which seems to be the Time Controller board/chip which is located under the TouchBar, and causes the screen to go black.
I'll probably get nuffin for my trouble, but it's worth a try.

WOW!!! got delivered today

I like the form function. Getting latest updates done and info transferred onto it

It looks like you can charge the new Macbook Pro from one of four ports (3 USB-C + Magsafe), although only the Magsafe port supports the ultra fast charging.

It's cool that you can still charge the laptop from a USB port even with the addition of the Magsafe charging port. Does anybody know what happens if you hook a charger to both a USB-C port and the Magsafe, or two chargers to two USB-C ports? Will it charge faster, or will it just pick one port as a charging port and ignore the others?

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
It looks like you can charge the new Macbook Pro from one of four ports (3 USB-C + Magsafe), although only the Magsafe port supports the ultra fast charging.

It's cool that you can still charge the laptop from a USB port even with the addition of the Magsafe charging port. Does anybody know what happens if you hook a charger to both a USB-C port and the Magsafe, or two chargers to two USB-C ports? Will it charge faster, or will it just pick one port as a charging port and ignore the others?

my understanding it will choose one to charge with

magsafe will be charge priority because the wattage is higher