MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max - 48 Hours Later...
**A Revolutionary Update: Apple's New MacBook Pro**
For those who have been eagerly waiting for an update to the MacBook Pro line, it seems that Apple has finally delivered on its promise. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is a powerhouse workstation that boasts impressive specs and features that will appeal to both professionals and enthusiasts alike. As I had the opportunity to get my hands on this beast of a laptop, I was excited to put it through its paces and see what makes it tick.
**A Struggle with H.264 Encoding**
One of the biggest challenges faced by content creators who shoot 4K 10-bit 422 H.264 footage is encoding. The codec is notoriously demanding on system resources, even for high-end hardware like my desktop PC with an RTX 3090. This is where the new MacBook Pro's media engine comes in, which handles H.264, H.265, and other popular codecs with ease. However, I still had to use proxies because of the codec's struggles, especially on my desktop PC. I was eager to see how the new MacBook Pro would handle this task.
**Instant On and Performance**
During my testing, I was impressed by the laptop's instant-on feature, which allowed me to get up and running quickly. The Pixel 6 Pro demoed at the event showed just how fast the laptop can boot up, leaving onlookers stunned. But don't just take my word for it – let's look at some actual numbers. Encoding 4K 10-bit footage took 23 minutes with the Intel i9, whereas the M1 Pro chip estimated to be around 43 minutes. This is a significant difference, indicating that the new MacBook Pro is indeed a powerhouse when it comes to performance.
**Battery Life and Cooling**
One of the notable features of the new MacBook Pro is its energy-saving mode option, which allows users to unlock some of the restrictions on the fans. However, this feature only applies to the 16-inch model, whereas the 14-inch version does not have this option. In terms of battery life, I was impressed by how well the laptop performed on both charging and battery power. The fast charger provided with the laptop can charge it up to 140 watts via Magsafe or USB-C, which is a significant boost from the standard 67-watt charger included with the 14-inch model.
**Improved Camera and Display**
The new MacBook Pro features an impressive 1080p Facetime camera, which offers improved quality despite the absence of Center Stage or Face ID. While it may not be as sharp as some other laptops on the market, the colors are natural and accurate, and there's minimal noise. The Mini LED ProMotion screen is also a notable feature, offering improved brightness and color accuracy. The notch has been tweaked to improve the overall design and functionality of the display.
**Keyboard, Speakers, and Ports**
The new MacBook Pro features an excellent keyboard without the Touch Bar, which should please fans of traditional laptop keyboards. The speakers have also been upgraded, providing better sound quality than previous models. While I was expecting more ports on the 16-inch model, the addition of two SD card slots and HDMI is a welcome upgrade. However, some users may still feel that these additions are not enough.
**A Revolutionary Update**
In conclusion, the new MacBook Pro represents a revolutionary update in laptop design and performance. With its impressive specs, features, and performance, it's clear that Apple has outdone itself this time around. While there may be some drawbacks, such as the lack of ports on the 14-inch model, overall, this is an exciting development for content creators, professionals, and anyone looking to upgrade their laptop experience.
**Will You Be Tempted to Buy One?**
So, are you tempted to buy one of these new MacBook Pros? With its impressive specs, features, and performance, it's definitely worth considering. However, with a price tag that may be out of reach for some budgets, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you're due for an upgrade or looking for a powerful workstation, this is certainly a laptop to consider.
**What Do You Think?**
Let us know in the comments below what you think about the new MacBook Pro! Are you excited about its features and performance? Have any questions or concerns about this beast of a laptop? Share your thoughts and let's discuss!