Apple M1 MacBook Pro vs. Intel MacBook Pro (13-Inch) Buyer's Guide

[kshetline]

When I saw some of the performance specs on these new M1 laptops I was a little sad that I'd already updated my Macbook Pro to the earlier 2020 model. Impressive though these new M1s are, however, now I'm happy to wait. I want 32 GB of RAM, the ability to run Parallels Desktop, the four USB-C ports I have now, and better external monitor support. Without those things available now the wait for the second or third generation is a lot easier.

 

[iOzzie]

When I saw some of the performance specs on these new M1 laptops I was a little sad that I'd already updated my Macbook Pro to the earlier 2020 model. Impressive though these new M1s are, however, now I'm happy to wait. I want 32 GB of RAM, the ability to run Parallels Desktop, the four USB-C ports I have now, and better external monitor support. Without those things available now the wait for the second or third generation is a lot easier.

Well justified, I can't wait for my M1 Mini to arrive, but your list above will make these killer...

The only thing I'd add would be cost. Currently the Mac Mini is, IMO, excellent bang for buck. If they keep the prices on par with future release, they will sell a truckload, again, IMO. 👍

 

[ajfahey]

I'll pass till next year with the new design and M2 cpus

Me too. I need to connect 2 displays and want to simultaneously run an external 40Gps on an external SSD. That means 4 TB4 ports. I want a 16 inch display on my laptop and i am squeamish about the current 16 GB RAM limitation when it comes to future proofing, especially since I need, not want, to be able to run windows apps.

 

[gregohb]

This is simple. Get it now for early adoption and moving toward the future. Getting an Intel is stop gap and probably only if current needs are not met.

Advice would be don't get anything Intel unless it's needed right now, wait if these needs are not addressed while AS apps and software catches up.

If you buy an intel Mac now, you can be sure that its re-sale value will drop like a rock

 

[gregohb]

So with all this said...question...I am used to and much prefer a 15 inch screen...real estate and aging eyes. 13 has always seemed too small for me. I do not use an external display...so the device is really a desktop replacement. In this case, since I would like to replace my Late 2013 15 inch pro...the 16 inch seems like all I can choose. I don't "need" the power of even that, so seems like I would be fine...yes the new M1 is faster...but in day to day basic use...it really is the screen size that is what the experience is all about...for me at least. Thoughts? Seems like it should be supported for many years to come...or am I making a mistake and should just accept the smaller 13 inch screen size? Thanks

Intel Macs are now a dead end ... within a few years. A few years more, and apple will stop supporting them. This is what happened to some of my older Macs. they will cut you loose eventually and expect you to upgrade. If you get M1 you will get immediate benefits and then the machine should speed up as they stop using Rosetta 2. I wonder if you can use an iPad Pro as a 2nd monitor with a 13" MacBook to give you more screen real estate.

 

[kazmac]

I urgently needed a 16gb machine, and given how archaic and old my university's online courses have been, I went with an Intel 13" MBP with edu discount.

Absolutely adored the M1 MBA, but had to return because of out of control memory pressure, beach balls etc. . So bummed I had to return that machine.

Will buy higher specc'd M Chip Macs in the future, but had to think backwards compatible for school -and possibly- work.

Anyway, I look forward to moving into M chip Mac waters at some point.

 

[cocoua]

here is a very interesting comparison in real world about M1 Vs Intel, it is outstanding!

La potencia, el consumo y la eficiencia del procesador Apple M1, a prueba: un antes y un después en números y en uso real

La llegada de los chip M1 de Apple a sus equipos es un momento perfecto para comparar con otros equipos de su rango de precio e incluso superior. Como paquete...

www.xataka.com

some test looks like 1990 vs 2020 (PDF to HEIC

though some test current i7 is still a bit faster due to bad coding
here says Handbrake is faster under Rosetta than native!!!: