Apple’s new MacBook Pro laptops are gathering critical acclaim for the raw performance of the hardware – the jury is still out on the software’s quality control – and the reviews will be tempting many towards Tim Cook’s supercar of a laptop. These are, right now, objectively “the best” laptops from Apple if all you want is the biggest number. But you don’t want the biggest and best number, you want the best laptop for your needs.
Do you really need a digital supercar for your day to day computing?
Let’s face it, if there’s one thing you can expect from Apple with a new high-end product, it’s that the pricing is going to be high. That’s true with these new MacBook Pros. While Apple has worked hard to bring an entry-level model $1 under the psychological barrier of $2000, that model has been pared back; there’s no fast charging mains adaptor, the M1 Pro is pared back from a 10-core CPU to an 8-core, and from a 16-core GPU to a 14-core, presumably through chip binning.
An equivalent starter 14-inch MacBook Pro to the 16-inch MacBook Pro comes in at $2300. That 16-inch Pro is $2500. while the differential of the display size at $200 feels fair, the Apple’s trimming of the package to get to the $2000 is severe.
If you’re going to decide to make some compromises to get yourself a new MacBook, then this stripped back 14-inch MacBook Pro is the one that Apple clearly wants you to consider.
I’d suggest you look further into the portfolio as well as stopping to think exactly what you need your new laptop to do. Even though it is the first Apple Silicon chip for the Mac platform, Apple’s M1 processor currently shipping in the Mac Mini and MacBook Air offers a significant amount of power and capability, far more than you would have expected from the equivalent Intel-based MacBook Air and Mac Mini hardware.
There are computing tasks that need powerful CPUs and GPUs, and in previous years developers and media creators would naturally be looking at the top end of a company’s portfolio to find the laptops that would be portable enough and still have the power needed to be creative while travelling. Apple Silicon has brought that hurdle down the platform. The M1 can comfortably handle much of this workload – I doubt you’re going to edit a Hollywood blockbuster on a MacBook air, but a long-form 4K YouTube video? Not a problem.
Getting out of the frame of mind that you need to hit the top end of the portfolio to get the power you need? That bit of psychology hasn’t changed, even if the silicon has.
This doesn’t mean buy automatically buy the entry-level MacBook Air, but do give it serious consideration alongside a list of things you will do with the laptop.
One thing that has become clear from reading community forums and groupsis that the limiting factor on the first M1 enabled Macs – be they the MacBook Air, low-end MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini, is RAM.
For those looking for solid video editing, 8 GB of RAM is providing to be the actual limiting factor rather than the processing power. If you’re looking to work on your own YouTube channel, online projects, or other multimedia that don’t need an excess amount of professional power, then the M1 Macs are going to be more than sufficient… as long as you go for 16 GB of RAM when you order your laptops.
NEW YORK – MAY 10: (L-R) Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, and Keith Richards of The Rolling … [+] Stones pose for a photo during a press conference to announce a world tour at the Julliard Music School May 10, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
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The easiest way to think about this is to go to The Rolling Stones. When you’re looking for a new MacBook, you can’t always get what you want.; but if you try sometime you find you get what you need. You might think you want the MacBook Pro with all the big numbers, shiny promises, and intoxicating benchmarks.
What you need is something that does what you need it to do, with enough headroom it can do that job for many years to come, at an affordable price.
For some, that means a supercar of a laptop. For everyone else, the MacBook Air is what you need.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
