Any non-Pro users with a M1 Pro/Max?

[Moakesy]

I’m what you’d call an average user who sometimes becomes the occassional pro user. I currently have a 2016 MBP 15” (i5 @ 2.9Hz).

Every so often I’ll work on something of significant demand that it causes my current 2016 MBP to struggle (huge PDF’s or CAD drawings). However, my day-to-day workflow is more average user level….some big Excel files and running Window Virtual Desktop. I also have to use GoToMeeting, which causes the fans to spin up.

I’m tempted to update to a 16” MBP with M1 Pro. I know I get the better screen, battery life etc, but performance is my key thing I’m wondering about. I’m only hesitating because all YT videos show extreme benchmark tests, not just average joe improvements. If I‘m using a massive, complex Excel file, will I see a difference?

Anyone out there who can provide an insight into the improvements I may or may not see of average apps. Does Safari and Outlook zoom along, do all apps see a performance kick, or just those weighty apps that always struggled previously?

 

[aakshey]

Your usage is pro level. Exactly what MBPs are for.

 

[Jára Tyky]

I am nonpro with 16” Max 32/32/1TB

 

[Maxim Glukhov]

YouTube videos show those benchmarks because it's the easiest and that's what they usually do - edit videos. Unfortunately "Pro" is popular for video/photo workflows but I disagree.

There are obvious improvements for other types of work. You could definitely benefit from the new machines, just focus on the CPU and RAM upgrades and less on GPU if you don't need it.
Aside from that, don't forget the other benefits - better screen, larger if you go 16", better cooling, more ports and a great keyboard (what else am I forgetting?).
If you don't mind the price, I believe you will enjoy it.

Something else to consider, if you don't mind getting a smaller screen, I believe even the M1 machines might suffice - they are very capable. But they obviously have less performance, only support 1 external display and use an older design. If you do get the previous M1 machines I would suggest getting 16GB RAM.

Hope that helps

 

[bill-p]

Anyone out there who can provide an insight into the improvements I may or may not see of average apps. Does Safari and Outlook zoom along, do all apps see a performance kick, or just those weighty apps that always struggled previously?

Basically, the most immediate thing you and anyone should see is... the machines will simply zoom along and stay completely quiet. It won't make audible noise while it's indexing files and setting things up in the background.

Anything else is icing on the cake, but it's really the fact that these machines run very quiet for how much power they are packing that is the real highlight. The fan can still come on when the machine is stressed for too long, of course, but you have to really try hard to get the fan to even turn on to begin with.

 

[Moakesy]

There are obvious improvements for other types of work. You could definitely benefit from the new machines, just focus on the CPU and RAM upgrades and less on GPU if you don't need it.
Aside from that, don't forget the other benefits - better screen, larger if you go 16", better cooling, more ports and a great keyboard (what else am I forgetting?).
If you don't mind the price, I believe you will enjoy it.

Something else to consider, if you don't mind getting a smaller screen, I believe even the M1 machines might suffice - they are very capable. But they obviously have less performance, only support 1 external display and use an older design. If you do get the previous M1 machines I would suggest getting 16GB RAM.

Hope that helps

Thanks. Does help.

Main thing is knowing that I’m not just buying the latest thing because I can. Am I going to see a benefit in any app, rather than just high end apps.

In days past I’d have just gone and got it, but I’ve ended up underwhelmed. This latest release really does feel something special and a much bigger leap than we’ve seen in years.

 

[Maxim Glukhov]

Thanks. Does help.

Main thing is knowing that I’m not just buying the latest thing because I can. Am I going to see a benefit in any app, rather than just high end apps.

In days past I’d have just gone and got it, but I’ve ended up underwhelmed. This latest release really does feel something special and a much bigger leap than we’ve seen in years.

Even if you don't see an immediate improvement today, doesn't mean it's going to be the case in a year or so. Those machines are made to last. The nice thing about having a capable machine, is knowing that you can also try out new things that spark your interest.

From my experience with software development, over time it demands more from the machine it's using because the bar increases. More memory, more CPU usage, more network bandwith. This is mostly notable with mobile devices, when I started developing Android apps years ago it was ridiculously constrained. But look at apps today, you can do so many demanding tasks like video and photo editing, playing games and such.

 

[rMBP2013]

I'm the definition of the average user: Zoom, Teams, Outlook, Safari, YouTube, Netflix, and Photos are the extent of my actual usage.

I went ahead with the 16" M1 Pro, which replaced my 2019 16" Intel i9.

 

[Moakesy]

I'm the definition of the average user: Zoom, Teams, Outlook, Safari, YouTube, Netflix, and Photos are the extent of my actual usage.

I went ahead with the 16" M1 Pro, which replaced my 2019 16" Intel i9.

And what are your thoughts?

Seeing any performance gains?

 

[BoxerGT2.5]

And what are your thoughts?

Seeing any performance gains?

PronHub loads faster.

 

[JD2015]

YouTube videos show those benchmarks because it's the easiest and that's what they usually do - edit videos. Unfortunately "Pro" is popular for video/photo workflows but I disagree.

There are obvious improvements for other types of work. You could definitely benefit from the new machines, just focus on the CPU and RAM upgrades and less on GPU if you don't need it.
Aside from that, don't forget the other benefits - better screen, larger if you go 16", better cooling, more ports and a great keyboard (what else am I forgetting?).
If you don't mind the price, I believe you will enjoy it.

Something else to consider, if you don't mind getting a smaller screen, I believe even the M1 machines might suffice - they are very capable. But they obviously have less performance, only support 1 external display and use an older design. If you do get the previous M1 machines I would suggest getting 16GB RAM.

Hope that helps

As tempting as the new Macbook Pros are, I would concur with getting an M1 MacBook Air with 16GB Ram.

The only limitations are the lack of ports if that matters to you.

 

[rMBP2013]

And what are your thoughts?

Seeing any performance gains?

MASSIVE performance gains. Anything and everything that I've thrown at the M1 Pro, it has taken it with ease.

Best part? The amazing battery life. I'm legit getting 3x the battery life than the intel 16". I normally keep my laptops for 5+ years so it was a huge departure to get rid of a 2 year old laptop and lose $1K+ in the process, but this trade-up was definitely worth it for me.

 

[chengengaun]

Every so often I’ll work on something of significant demand that it causes my current 2016 MBP to struggle (huge PDF’s or CAD drawings). However, my day-to-day workflow is more average user level….some big Excel files and running Window Virtual Desktop. I also have to use GoToMeeting, which causes the fans to spin up.

The new MacBook Pros are really snappy and stable when using Excel, compared to 2019 16" with i9. I currently have five Excel files open with sizes ranging from 10-60MB each (100,000+ rows, text over multiple columns, etc.). Applying nested and array formulae etc. may cause beachballs but so far no crashes. I hope such performance continues.

Also I am very happy with the temperature and noise. For context I am using the 14" M1 Max. I can feel some warmth from the keyboard but the fans are inaudible - I am not even sure if they are running. I have been on 30W charger for hours and the battery has not drained. Nothing like this on the i9.

 

[vinsalducci]

I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a "Pro" user, per se. Mainly video calls, Excel, making slide decks, and email etc. Occasional photog stuff, and some basic home video editing.

I have a 2020 tbMBP. Still, I bought the 2021 14" base model for the ports. The HDMI port is huge for me giving presentations.

Also, I've been bee surprised what a difference the 16gb RAM has made vs. the 8 I had in the tbMBP.

Truth be told, I've been on the fence about keeping the MBP14 and trading in the tbMBP, or returning the 14. The only real issue is the extra 1/2 pound of weight-I travel a good deal for work. I'm leaning toward keeping it, but honestly it hasn't been cut and dry by any stretch. #firstworldproblems

 

[Moakesy]

I currently have five Excel files open with sizes ranging from 10-60MB each (100,000+ rows, text over multiple columns, etc.). Applying nested and array formulae etc. may cause beachballs but so far no crashes. I hope such performance continues.

Well that's good to know. I get up near that level (but not as big as 60MB), and certainly not 5 files of that size open at once. I'd have to close some spreadsheets just to keep the laptop from beach balling all the time.

I've lost count the number of times I've lost work due to crashes when trying to push it beyond it's limits. Stopped even trying now and become much more disciplined.

The other thing it seems that I'll gain is proper all day battery life, which I hadn't been counting on. Unless I'm stressing it, it seems like I'll be able to work all day without being tied to a power socket.

I go in the office once a week, maybe less, don't really need more GPU apart from the occasional use of big pdf/CAD files. I'm thinking a 16", M1 Pro with standard 16 core GPU, 1TB will see me right for a number of years.

 

[rMBP2013]

Well that's good to know. I get up near that level (but not as big as 60MB), and certainly not 5 files of that size open at once. I'd have to close some spreadsheets just to keep the laptop from beach balling all the time.

I've lost count the number of times I've lost work due to crashes when trying to push it beyond it's limits. Stopped even trying now and become much more disciplined.

The other thing it seems that I'll gain is proper all day battery life, which I hadn't been counting on. Unless I'm stressing it, it seems like I'll be able to work all day without being tied to a power socket.

I go in the office once a week, maybe less, don't really need more GPU apart from the occasional use of big pdf/CAD files. I'm thinking a 16", M1 Pro with standard 16 core GPU, 1TB will see me right for a number of years.

That combo (M1 Pro 16", 1 TB, 16 GB RAM) is precisely what I'd recommend to most users and is in fact what I'm using right now.

This will last me 5+ years easy and will still be able to sell for some value.

I cannot stress how please I am with the insane battery life. All-day battery is no issue. And it charges so quickly too.

Even as a "non-pro" user, this M1 Pro 16" is by far the best tech purchase I've made.

 

[Hexley]

Your Mac is more than 5yo and your case fits a MBP. You can afford it as you're asking.

 

[CooKieMoNs7eR]

Why do you have to be a "Pro" to use a mbp lol what if I just wanted a 16 inch apple laptop to surf the web and watch videos etc...

 

[UltimateSyn]

Yeah. All the other 'consumer' features were well worth the upcharge to me.

 

[chengengaun]

Probably not new to existing M1 Mac users, but I also find other small but welcome improvements. The screen no longer turned off and on again when I plug in an external display, while the Mac runs hot. (I was not able to plug in an external monitor for months because of the latter.) Not having to worry about the voltage regulator module and disabling Turbo Boost. The M1 chip sits in the middle of the chassis, so there are no heat sources (CPU + GPU) right above my lap. When it does run hot, it cools down quickly so no need to wait before packing up. Instant wakeup. The rounded corners no longer cut into my palms as I carry the Mac around. The possibility of using very light, lower wattage chargers when I try to shed weight and don't need all the power. I have been burned by the i9 (almost literally) but this seems to be a very promising start.

 

[CalMin]

I’m what you’d call an average user who sometimes becomes the occassional pro user. I currently have a 2016 MBP 15” (i5 @ 2.9Hz).

Every so often I’ll work on something of significant demand that it causes my current 2016 MBP to struggle (huge PDF’s or CAD drawings). However, my day-to-day workflow is more average user level….some big Excel files and running Window Virtual Desktop. I also have to use GoToMeeting, which causes the fans to spin up.

I’m tempted to update to a 16” MBP with M1 Pro. I know I get the better screen, battery life etc, but performance is my key thing I’m wondering about. I’m only hesitating because all YT videos show extreme benchmark tests, not just average joe improvements. If I‘m using a massive, complex Excel file, will I see a difference?

Anyone out there who can provide an insight into the improvements I may or may not see of average apps. Does Safari and Outlook zoom along, do all apps see a performance kick, or just those weighty apps that always struggled previously?

Honestly - this is very similar to my daily work. My MBP is an Office productivity workhorse 9-5, and then the occasional light video editing machine and podcast production tool during evenings and weekends.

I'm a week into owning this 14" ($2,500 stock config) machine and it breezes through this stuff. My "high" demand office productivity involves about 50GB of email archives (i.e. beachballs every now and then on my old Intel Machine) and a 40GB DEVONthink Pro database with thousands of PDF files. I usually leave these open while I do Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom and Teams. I have a client that uses WebEx, and another that does GoToMeeting. This machine destroys those tasks even with 'just' 16GB.

My biggest CPU hog is OneDrive which has two accounts running - once account coming up to 900GB of files, and a second with ~100GB. The sync works fine, but always used to spin up the fans on my Intel 16" MBP upon initial boot.

I haven't edited video yet, but I don't have any concerns having watched every YouTuber out there run complex Multicam 8K renders. I'll be doing 2-3 multicams of 1080P video - so this machine will not even break a sweat.

For kicks and general geekery fun, I installed Parallels and Windows 11 ARM. It runs really well with an old copy of Adobe Acrobat. I installed the game 'Black Mesa' and it ran that too. I do not recommend this as a way of running games - I was just seeing what was possible. Get a difference device for your gaming!

--

Overall, if I'm honest, I didn't need to upgrade. However, the fans on my Intel machine were always noticeable, as were the beachballs. But the machine is so quiet and cool, the webcam is much better and I now have SSD space where I didn't before. I haven't had to test the battery life yet, but I know I'll appreciate that when I travel.

 

[Moakesy]

Honestly - this is very similar to my daily work. My MBP is an Office productivity workhorse 9-5, and then the occasional light video editing machine and podcast production tool during evenings and weekends.

I'm a week into owning this 14" ($2,500 stock config) machine and it breezes through this stuff. My "high" demand office productivity involves about 50GB of email archives (i.e. beachballs every now and then on my old Intel Machine) and a 40GB DEVONthink Pro database with thousands of PDF files. I usually leave these open while I do Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom and Teams. I have a client that uses WebEx, and another that does GoToMeeting. This machine destroys those tasks even with 'just' 16GB.

My biggest CPU hog is OneDrive which has two accounts running - once account coming up to 900GB of files, and a second with ~100GB. The sync works fine, but always used to spin up the fans on my Intel 16" MBP upon initial boot.

I haven't edited video yet, but I don't have any concerns having watched every YouTuber out there run complex Multicam 8K renders. I'll be doing 2-3 multicams of 1080P video - so this machine will not even break a sweat.

For kicks and general geekery fun, I installed Parallels and Windows 11 ARM. It runs really well with an old copy of Adobe Acrobat. I installed the game 'Black Mesa' and it ran that too. I do not recommend this as a way of running games - I was just seeing what was possible. Get a difference device for your gaming!

--

Overall, if I'm honest, I didn't need to upgrade. However, the fans on my Intel machine were always noticeable, as were the beachballs. But the machine is so quiet and cool, the webcam is much better and I now have SSD space where I didn't before. I haven't had to test the battery life yet, but I know I'll appreciate that when I travel.

Thanks for the detailed reply......pretty much what I was looking for.

Maybe my wording was wrong in the original email, but my question was 'does unextreme use cases see the same performance gains as those maxed out YouTube tests'.

And the feedback given suggests yes....it's across the board. As I said, on previous upgrades, I've come with high expectations (largely based on maxed out tests) only to find the day to day was marginal at best. However, you've reassured me that actually even lighter loads are better...which is great news.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Thanks for the detailed reply......pretty much what I was looking for.

Maybe my wording was wrong in the original email, but my question was 'does unextreme use cases see the same performance gains as those maxed out YouTube tests'.

And the feedback given suggests yes....it's across the board. As I said, on previous upgrades, I've come with high expectations (largely based on maxed out tests) only to find the day to day was marginal at best. However, you've reassured me that actually even lighter loads are better...which is great news.

To add on to what others have said - the speed of many general, 'unextreme' tasks is largely dependent on the single-core performance of a processor.

For example the M1 in the MBA and the M1 Pro in the MBP have nearly identical single-core performance, so they will perform similarly for many basic tasks, but the M1 Pro has more of those cores so it will perform better in more intensive workloads that can take advantage of multi-core performance.

Now your 2016 MBP - I think you meant i7 @ 2.9GHz? There was no 2.9GHz i5 variant - gets a single-core Geekbench 5 score of ~890 (https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/16386403) whereas the new 2021 MacBook Pros are getting ~1750 (https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/10476727)! That's nearly 2x the single-core performance.

The new one will also run significantly cooler, last longer on battery, and the fans will rarely ever even turn on for the scenarios you listed. I think you'd enjoy the difference quite a bit.

 

[richinaus]

To add on to what others have said - the speed of many general, 'unextreme' tasks is largely dependent on the single-core performance of a processor.

For example the M1 in the MBA and the M1 Pro in the MBP have nearly identical single-core performance, so they will perform similarly for many basic tasks, but the M1 Pro has more of those cores so it will perform better in more intensive workloads that can take advantage of multi-core performance.

Now your 2016 MBP - I think you meant i7 @ 2.9GHz? There was no 2.9GHz i5 variant - gets a single-core Geekbench 5 score of ~890 (https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/16386403) whereas the new 2021 MacBook Pros are getting ~1750 (https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/10476727)! That's nearly 2x the single-core performance.

The new one will also run significantly cooler, last longer on battery, and the spans will rarely ever even turn on for the scenarios you listed. I think you'd enjoy the difference quite a bit.

I think you nail it stating the single core speeds. If all you need is single core, then the Air / basic pro is great. If you use multi core / heavy GPU tasks then the pro / max are fantastic.

Note that CAD is mainly single core.

Personally I have the 64gb Max 14" and have never been happier with the performance. But I am what you would call a heavy 3D creative user and can throttle any desktop [my apps max out the GPU and CPU but luckily not at the same time]. This laptops performance has far exceeded my expectations, but what I have would be massive overkill for 99% of users [it is for me when not pushing it, that's for sure, but its there when I need it].

 

[CalMin]

Thanks for the detailed reply......pretty much what I was looking for.

Maybe my wording was wrong in the original email, but my question was 'does unextreme use cases see the same performance gains as those maxed out YouTube tests'.

And the feedback given suggests yes....it's across the board. As I said, on previous upgrades, I've come with high expectations (largely based on maxed out tests) only to find the day to day was marginal at best. However, you've reassured me that actually even lighter loads are better...which is great news.

The truth of it is that you probably won't notice with a light workload BUT, the machine overall feels more responsive. Apps launch nice and quickly - Outlook and Office apps are very fluid. Mac Mail searches are like lightning!

I wouldn't spend this sort of money for snappy responses though. My Intel was low on space and I was thinking about Apple Silicon anyway.