Why I Chose the 14” MacBook Pro M1 Max (and Don’t Recommend It)

title: 'Why You Keep Getting Ghosted' date: '2023-06-21' author: 'Trever Parish' image: why-you-keep-getting-ghosted.webp excerpt: Let ghosts haunt nothing link: https://unsplash.com/photos/JA-SFjT1FS0 linkAuthor: Photo Unsplash Link

isFeatured: true

Upon seeing the redesigned MacBook for 2021, I knew Apple had finally created something we all wanted. Not only were the machines more powerful than ever, but the reincorporation of the missing ports and the removal of the dreaded Touch Bar made the machine truly suitable for pros.

My 2015 15” MacBook Pro was showing its age, and being that I needed a beefy machine for my work, an upgrade made sense for the first time in years. It seemed the kinks of the last generation were finally worked out by simply going back to the basics, and using the the philosophy of the old hardware — simple but powerful. The Price

These silicone queens are not cheap, with even the 14” base model coming in at $2000, while the higher-end models can equate to a used car. The base models were tempting and looked like a great way to get into a new computer, but future proofing with the higher-end CPU, GPU, and RAM would mean I could use the computer for years to come. The Specs

I wanted the best features to ensure the MacBook would be usable and able to keep up with whatever I threw at it. Yes, it’s terribly expensive, but if you make money from it and you want the premium experience, it may be worth it.

As for why I went with the 14”, I wanted something portable I could take to a coffee shop and other remote places without lugging around that behemoth 16". A laptop should be compact and light. It is a joy to sit on the couch with this thing and work while nonsense plays on the TV.

I wanted the best and this meant I was getting the M1 Max with a 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine(whatever the hell that is). For the RAM I followed my lead and got the 64 GB version. I was still unsure on what size hard drive to get and I still had to wait to get it. I hate waiting, but I did not want to compromise specs for brevity’s sake.

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

These machines are not always readily available and can take up to 2 months to receive; this was an issue for me as I kind of needed one soon and didn’t want to wait long for it. Playing around with the different specs on the website I was able to find a maxed out MacBook with a 2 TB hard drive that was available for pick up the next day from my local store. I lucked out big time. I purchased the machine that night and picked it up after work the next day.

I’m not someone who ever wants to be in an Apple store, but the experience was actually quite pleasant. I looked at the new Pro Display and chatted with the employee about what we use these machines for. Walking out of the story with the new MacBook was a decent feeling. Since I was a kid I have always loved getting a new piece of tech. A new video game or hardware would enchant me for days, and this new acquisition remind me of my salad days.

The Setup

I had a blast setting it up for the first time and creating my work environment. I loved the keyboard and the overall aesthetic of the machine right out of the box. The square edges look industrious and elegant and due to the compact nature of the 14”, it sits in the lap like a shaking chihuahua. Any hesitation I had about spending this much on a computer had subsided. Some Laptops Are Bigger Than Others

I want something that feels like it can take a beating. Ironically I baby my computers to no end, but I like this quality. The new MacBooks feel much more solid than the previous generation. They are obviously very reminiscent of my trusty 2015 MacBook, of which I love the design of. The generation before was too sleek and slender, they looked great but something about the new MacBooks speaks to me. The square design is retro in spirit but feels more premium; something that will last longer. Apple seemed to have taken function over form, something that has been seen as the antithesis of their existence, but it was the right choice.

It fits so well in my backpack that taking it places is easy and I don’t feel like I’m lugging around a secret military project. Being apple to sit on my balcony while I work is great and coffee shops are more enjoyable as well. Some folks say you should get the 16” as it is the true “pro” option, and there are some added features, but I don’t miss having a bigger laptop at all. Yes, you are sacrificing performance, but at the cost of a lighter machine with incredible ergonomics. I’ve typed just about this entire article on while lounging around the apartment and it was an enjoyable experiment.

The Keyboard

I am a mechanical keyboard fan that has been slightly reformed by the beauty that is the Logitech MX mini keys, but taller keys with a defining click are what I’d get if I had my druthers. The keyboard on these Macs are fantastic.

I love the contrast between the black keyboard and the silver chassis. One YouTuber tech guy said the keyboard felt mechanical, which I see as some sort of psyop. Yes the keyboard is clicky with a fantastic feel, but definitely not comparable to a mechanical keyboard. That being said I love typing on it. The layout feels perfect on such a small laptop. The keys themselves feel concave and smooth. The black inset for the back of the keyboard is simply one of the best aesthetic ideas they have ever done.

Final Word

I have no regrets about buying this machine at such ridiculous specs, and I have already started using it for business, but it’s not the route for everyone. If you don’t make a living by using a computer and simply need one for basic needs, the MacBook Air may be the better options. It has enough to get the job done while not getting one red in the ol’ bank account. I knew that I was going to need the higher end specs so the Pro was the logical choice for me because I wanted the “best” thing. The base model m1 MacBooks are also incredibly fast. However, I do not recommend the 13” MacBook Apple has in their store. The specs are pretty weak and you may be better off going for the base model 2021 MacBook. Getting a used or refurbished one is also an option if you need Intel architecture, but there’s something fantastic about getting a new machine that made the price worth it in my mind. I will also add that Apple has started adding refurbished 2021 MacBooks to the store, adding an option for those that want a machine at a better price and reduced waiting time.

To end this article off I will talk about the dreaded notch: I downloaded an app called TopNotch and now I don’t see it at all. Some people are bothered by the notch but I can’t say it changes my opinion on the machine at all.