2021 MacBook Pro review: Yep, it’s what you’ve been waiting for | Hacker News Reader

2021 MacBook Pro review: Yep, it’s what you’ve been waiting for

arstechnica.com

54 pointsrobin_reala30 comments

We have different users ( at least those that cared ) getting a new M1 MacBook Pro points out how the keyboard is slightly different to the Magic Keyboard in MBA M1 and 2020 x86 MBP.

But not a single review has pointed out or went to enquire Apple about keyboard improvements.

Can confirm; I personally like the MBA M1 keyboard better than the MBP M1 keyboard; the MBA feels like the keys need a little more effort to press, and are a bit squishier/softer, which I like. Overall, the MBP keyboard is acceptable, though, as long as it continues to work properly. :-)

The black keywell looks fine, but I noticed that it actually makes it harder to use, because there’s no contrast to visually show where the keys are. Oh well. Maybe someone will make a die-cut overlay that fits in the well.

Or just touch-type

Just got my MBP 16" today. I find it a bit too thick. It reminds me of the MacBook Pro 17" (2010). I liked the previous form factor better, don't need HDMI/SD, but I'm probably the exception.

(it is verrry fast) :)

How is the palm resting position? Given it is thicker, does the edge bite into your palm/wrist more?

Sorry for the late reply. I find it more comfortable than the previous generation when laying on the couch or actually sitting down using the machine on my lap. The sturdiness actually gives a more balanced feel.

I hardly ever use the laptop on a desk, then I tend to connect to a screen + external keyboard. I did give it a try just now, and it's pretty much fine. My 17" was thicker, which also wasn't an issue. Our bodies are quite adaptable.

How easily does it fit in a backpack?

I’m thinking about the 16” but am worried about the size to bring it to work.

Not an issue. It's a tiny bit heavier than the previous generation, but that's the equivalent of an additional sandwich in your backpack. Not carrying the charger will have a bigger impact :)

I felt exactly the same at first. But after using it for almost a week now, I got used to the thickness. The cooling and speed is absolutely amazing. I am never going back!

Somewhat unrelated, I was really on the fence between 16GB and 32GB of RAM. I ended up buying the 16GB because 32GB was a whopping $500 CAD extra. I’m happy to report that 16GB has been working extremely well. It’s almost as if the laws of RAM don’t apply to Apple Silicon. I can’t seem to max out the RAM, while I have and use 64GB of RAM on my desktop PC. It’s really odd.

macOS reports (and manages) memory usage a bit strangely; with 16GB and an appropriate workload, you’re certainly swapping. Though with a fast SSD, that’s less of an issue than in the past.

Re: the price.

It’s expensive at the top end, but Apple have cheaper laptops. If one doesn’t need two dedicated prores encoders and the ability to run a myriad of high definition screens - it’s really better to save money and buy a slower unit.

After all, it won’t be long before we look back on this laptop’s fast performance the same way we used to look at G5 powermacs.

It’s worth remembering that the M1s of last year aren’t a previous generation. They’re the same M1 chips with just fewer CPU and GPU cores. The external monitor limitation is the only thing holding me back from changing my final-gen Intel Air for an M1-based system.

What is the limitation with external monitors on the new M1 MBP?

The M1 laptop models introduced in 2020 (Air, 13" MBP) only support 1 external monitor. The Mini supports two, basically because it doesn't have one of its own.

The Pro and Max models (14/16") support more.

Pro = 2 external displays Max = 4 external displays

> Apple have cheaper laptops.

Yes, but only 1 of them is >15”. Due to that, for me unfortunately none of those are an option.

Same, I just want a huge Air.

A 15” air would be fantastic!

The function key alternates for keyboard lighting have been taken away. How does one change keyboard lighting now ?

It’s in one of the menu bar widgets, or you can remap the keys: https://old.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/jy5ry8/m1_macbook_ai...

Can I get one without providing a credit card number or creating an account with Apple?

Is it not possible to visit one of their stores and pay with cash?

I don't know. If I did that, won't it ask for a credit card when I try to update the thing?

you don't need a credit card to update macosx. You might need an apple login for some updates, such as for your appstore apps, since that's not operating system related.

You can also create an apple ID, and get no-cost software from their app store (and update preinstalled ones) without a payment method, according to this article which is pretty recent. I did this myself many years ago and it worked.

https://www.macworld.com/article/334285/how-to-set-up-an-app...

Thanks, will have to try that out.

i'd expect people to not want to carry such a large amount of cash, and it makes the shop a burglary target.

Credit card payment is likely the only form accepted in a store imo (not been to one physically myself, so i can only guess).

Your guess is wrong, physical Apple stores have no problem with large amounts of cash. :-)

You can pay cash, and tell them you don't need help with the setup.

You would be flushing most of the value proposition of macOS down the drain. You wouldn’t get any cross-platform features (iMessage, iCloud, photos, FaceTime, calendar etc etc) and you wouldn’t have access to the App Store. The biggest reason I see to use a Mac is that it’s part of the Apple ‘ecosystem’. You might as well grab something you can run Linux on, you’ll save money and keep your privacy.

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