My Life with the MacBook Pro M1
### Article: A Comprehensive Review of the New MacBook Pro 16-inch with M1 Pro Chip
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#### Introduction
In this detailed video review, we follow the journey of an avid content creator who has transitioned from a powerful PC workstation to the new **MacBook Pro 16-inch** with the **M1 Pro chip**. This individual shares their experience of unboxing, setting up, and using the laptop for various tasks, including video editing, photo retouching, and general productivity. They also discuss the challenges of switching from Windows to macOS, the performance of the new machine, and how it compares to their previous setup.
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#### Current Setup and Workflow
The reviewer currently uses an **ITX rig** built a couple of years ago for their primary editing and photo tasks using DaVinci Resolve, Photoshop, and Lightroom. For mobile work, they rely on a **Dell XPS 13**, which is portable but struggles with performance when running on battery power.
The main goal for this creator was to find a device that offers the best of both worlds: portability and efficiency, without compromising on productivity. After trying numerous Windows laptops, they decided it was time to explore Apple’s ecosystem and invested in the **MacBook Pro 16-inch** with the new M1 Pro chip.
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#### Transitioning to macOS
Switching from a PC to a Mac came with its own set of challenges, primarily adapting to the different operating system layout and keyboard shortcuts (e.g., using Command instead of Control). The reviewer mentions how they had to retrain their muscle memory to get used to the new workflow.
One of the standout features for them has been the **Command + Shift + 5** shortcut for taking screenshots and recording screen videos, which they use extensively for video production. They also highlight the ease of integrating with other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads using AirDrop and Sidecar, creating a seamless ecosystem.
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#### Unboxing and Setup
The unboxing experience was described as premium, with the MacBook Pro feeling sturdy and well-built. The laptop’s design, including its **mini-LED display**, **Touch ID**, and ** Thunderbolt 4 ports**, immediately impressed the reviewer.
Setting up the laptop involved transferring files from their PC to macOS, which required reformatting external drives from NTFS to macOS Extended format. Despite minor inconveniences, they found the process straightforward and were excited to get started with their new setup.
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#### Hardware and Performance
The **MacBook Pro 16-inch** is powered by Apple’s **M1 Pro chip**, which delivers impressive performance for tasks like video editing and rendering in DaVinci Resolve. The reviewer mentions that the laptop handles 4K footage effortlessly, with no noticeable fan noise or heat buildup—even when running on battery power.
The display is a highlight, featuring **mini-LED technology** that produces vibrant colors and excellent brightness. While it’s not OLED, the panel delivers stunning results for photo and video editing. The reviewer also notes that the **120Hz refresh rate** (up to 120Hz) adds smoothness to their workflow, though they mention some initial app compatibility issues with macOS updates.
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#### Accessories and Workflow Integration
To maximize productivity, the reviewer paired the MacBook Pro with a high-quality **Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock**, which powers their entire setup, including a monitor, keyboard, external hard drive, and audio interface, using a single USB-C cable. They also used a **Razer Pro Type Ultra Keyboard** and a **Razer Pro Click Mini Mouse** to enhance their workflow.
The dock’s three SD card readers were particularly praised, as they eliminate the need for additional external card readers. The reviewer also appreciated the convenience of having everything powered by one cable, making their setup cleaner and more efficient.
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#### Guest Experience: Matt’s Perspective
The reviewer invited a guest, **Matt**, who has been using the MacBook Pro 16-inch for a couple of months. Matt shared his experience, highlighting how the laptop’s quiet operation and lack of fan noise have allowed him to work without interruptions. He also appreciated the built-in webcam, speakers, and microphone quality, which he found superior to those on his previous Windows laptop.
While Matt acknowledged some minor software glitches when first using DaVinci Resolve with Apple Silicon, he noted that these issues were resolved with subsequent updates. Overall, he believes the MacBook Pro has been a game-changer for his workflow.
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#### Considerations and Conclusion
The reviewer acknowledges that the **MacBook Pro 16-inch** is not without its drawbacks. The most significant issue is its high price, which may deter some users. Additionally, the lack of user-upgradable RAM (soldered onto the PCB) and SSD limitations could be a deal-breaker for those who need more expandability.
However, for someone looking for a balance between portability, performance, and efficiency, the MacBook Pro 16-inch with M1 Pro seems to tick all the boxes. The reviewer concludes that this laptop fills the gap between their powerful desktop PC and the portable but less efficient Dell XPS 13.
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#### Final Thoughts
The new **MacBook Pro 16-inch** has exceeded the reviewer’s expectations in terms of performance, portability, and quiet operation. While there are some trade-offs to consider, such as cost and upgrade limitations, it appears to be a top choice for professionals looking to transition to Apple’s ecosystem.
As the creator continues to use this laptop for their daily tasks, they express excitement about exploring the future of Arm-based computing with upcoming releases from Intel and AMD. Stay tuned for more comparisons and insights!
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This article provides an in-depth look at the new MacBook Pro 16-inch, capturing all aspects of its performance, features, and user experience as shared by the reviewer.