Last year, towards the end of the year, I bought a new MacBook Pro M1 16” with 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM. As a self-employed developer primarily working on websites but also dabbling in Node.js, mobile apps, Python, and Perl, I needed a reliable and high-performing machine. My previous Windows laptop, a Gigabyte Aero 17”, was far from ideal. It took four months to fix the motherboard and screen, the battery life was abysmal at two hours tops, and it ran hot and loud with poor off-battery performance. After two years, I decided to switch to the new M1 Pro 16” due to its reputed great screen, battery life, and performance. Here’s how it’s been so far.
The Positives
Performance:
•The performance on and off battery is outstanding, with no noticeable difference between the two modes.
Display:
•The screen is excellent, crucial for my work as a web developer and amateur photographer.
Operating System:
•macOS is cleaner and more stable than Windows, although Windows does have its strengths.
External Monitors:
•My 2 x 4K LG external monitors look fantastic, regardless of the scale setting.
Audio Experience:
•Apple Music paired with my Sony MX4 headphones offers an amazing audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Lossless support.
Trackpad:
•The trackpad is very usable and efficient, a significant improvement over my previous frustrations with trackpads.
Charging:
•I can charge my MacBook with a power bank, which adds convenience.
Speakers:
•The speakers are the best I’ve heard on any laptop and rival my desktop speakers.
Sleep Mode:
•The close lid and sleep function works seamlessly, with no lag when reopening and minimal power usage.
Development Capabilities:
•I can develop both Apple and Android apps on this single laptop.
The Struggles
Shortcuts and Replacements:
•Adjusting to macOS shortcuts and replacements took some time.
Python Installation:
•Installing Python was a challenge until I opted for Anaconda, which simplified the process.
Lack of USB-A Slot:
•The absence of a USB-A slot is inconvenient, although the other ports are sufficient. Initially, I had issues with the card reader, but they seem to be resolved now.
Oracle Compatibility:
•Anything related to Oracle is problematic. Even with Parallels Windows, it didn’t work properly. I now use a separate Windows laptop for developing Apex applications and Oracle Functions.
Physical Keyboard:
•While functional, I’ve used better keyboards.
Rosetta Apps:
•Some apps still require Rosetta, and waiting for native app updates can be tedious.
Cloud Storage:
•I gave up on Dropbox and OneDrive clients due to their poor performance and memory usage. I now use Apple iCloud, though it sometimes has slow upload speeds.
Cleaner Software:
•To manage space effectively, a cleaner app like MacPaw CleanMyMac is essential.
The Dislikes
Cable Variety:
•Needing three different cables to charge my Apple products (Lightning for the phone, MagSafe for the laptop, and USB-C for the iPad) is annoying.
Photo Management:
•Tags and smart albums on the MacBook are not viewable on the iPhone and iPad.
Music Library:
•You cannot view your liked songs unless they are added to a playlist.
Model Availability:
•In South Africa, we have limited options. A MacBook Pro with 32GB memory and 2TB SSD would be ideal, but it’s not available.
Conclusion
Overall, I am very pleased with my transition to the MacBook Pro M1 16”. The positives far outweigh the negatives, addressing my main concerns about power and battery life. This laptop meets my needs perfectly, and I don’t plan to upgrade for a while, given the cost of a new one. If you’re considering making the switch, I highly recommend it.
