Are the new MacBook Pro laptops really your best choice, or does Apple have something better coming up?
While the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro designs certainly update the macOS platform, Apple has focused on creating a machine better suited for professionals needing power and flexibility – the “Pro” moniker feels relevant again. More than ever, these high-end laptops are not for everyone. Put aside the “new and shiny” thoughts and you’ll find some better choices in Apple’s portfolio for an all-rounder macOS laptop.
First up is the price. The entry level 14-inch MacBook Pro comes in at $1999 plus tax for the model with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. As always you can bump up both the processor speed and the processor architecture (from the M1 Pro to the M1 Max), the available memory, and available storage. Max out all your options and you are looking at $5,899 with M1 Max and 32-core GPU, 64 GB of RAM and 8 TB of storage.
Keep that in mind, because these MacBook Pro laptops are very much targeted towards users who need an excess of power – media professionals and developers being two of the markets. They are going to look at those base specs and think “nope, I need more”.
If you’re looking at those specs and thinking they are more than enough for the job you want, then perhaps the new MacBook Pro hardware is simply overpowered. The current M1 powered MacBook Air, with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage comes in at $1,399. Is the extra inch of screen and spare headroom in the processor worth $600?
You also should think about the future of the MacBook Air.
Information from the supply chain suggests that the new design and technology in the MacBook Pro – most notably the miniLED screen with the curious choice of a notch – is destined for next year’s MacBook Air. Given Apple’s historic trend of keeping the ‘first’ MacBook in the portfolio at $999, I’d expect the next Air, with all the design benefits (and the notch) in the MacBook Pro to match that price.
Don’t forget just how accomplished the M1 powered MacBook Air has been. It has been more than enough for an army of early adopters, even in the entry level 8 GB RAM 256 GB storage version. Now take that, add in the new features on show in the MacBook Pro, and’ve got yourself a combination that feels perfectly suited for the consumer market.
Finally, on a more practical front, the new MacBook Pro laptops are already listed as being on backorder (ie out of stock) for up to six weeks. You already have a built in buffer to take your time and carefully consider if the new MacBook Pro laptops are right for you.
If you don’t need the excessive levels of power, if you are looking for a more affordable MacBook laptop, and if you need a new MacBook right now, the MacBook Pro is not for you. Whether you go with the current MacBook Air, or wait to see just how much of the new technology and design shows up in the next-generation Air, the answer is not always to go for a Pro.
Now read about the MacBook Pro’s stramash over SD card, HDMI ports, and fast chargers…
