Hard time deciding M1/16

[Fthree]

So -
In early I 2015 bought a 2015 13 inch and a few months later the 15 inch came out. I ended up buying the 15 inch also and using it as my primary comp as I loved the power and the display. I did/do still find the size a bit cumbersome portability-wise and since the iPad Pro 2018 came out with the magic keyboard I’ve been using it but still I want a MacBook for MacBook things so I picked up a 2020 M1 Pro. Just before the M1 I ALMOST purchased a 16 inch essentially maxed (my 2015 15 was max also) MacBook for like $4k (refurb with discounts and all the TB would only be 2) I felt like the 16 could be the end all be all MacBook for me for the next 5/6/7 years but now that I’ve been using this M1 Pro and seeing how capable this little 13 inch is makes me believe that if this power/efficiency was available in 2015 I would have stuck with the 13 inch and not purchased the 15 at all. This all makes me wonder have I actually only wanted the 16 inch because for the last year or so it’s been the best of the best and has the huge screen to top it all off (kind of a you always want what you don’t have scenario?) the M1 pro is doing everything and more and essentially going strong with all the things I’d do on the 16 in a more portable form factor. In the back of my mind I keep thinking this M1 is perfect you do not need a current or coming soon 16 inch but am having moments of regret and thinking about returning the M1 and waiting it out for the 16 possible M1X.... I know not really real life problems but definitely appreciate insight.

 

[jiholl]

So not exactly the same scenario..but..I have had 15 inch pros for many years. I have debated getting the M1 but I am worried that a 13 inch screen will be too small as my only display...I dont use an external monitor. I have been wondering something like you but maybe in reverse?....Do I really need 16 inch?...most people seem to have 13 and seem happy?. Have I just gotten used to the larger but would also get used to the smaller display?..in the end, I ordered a new 16 inch...my "strategy" will be...keep it for a couple.few years.....then when say the second generation of the M1x 16 inch is out...get that and keep this Intel 16 as a "backup."....But I do still wonder if I have just gotten "spoiled" by the 15 inch and a 13 would be fine? Agree...first world problems lol. I think though, that if I used an external display, I would have def gotten the 13 M1. Also...I dont take my laptop out of the house...its truly a "desktop replacement".

 

[Fthree]

So not exactly the same scenario..but..I have had 15 inch pros for many years. I have debated getting the M1 but I am worried that a 13 inch screen will be too small as my only display...I dont use an external monitor. I have been wondering something like you but maybe in reverse?....Do I really need 16 inch?...most people seem to have 13 and seem happy?. Have I just gotten used to the larger but would also get used to the smaller display?..in the end, I ordered a new 16 inch...my "strategy" will be...keep it for a couple.few years.....then when say the second generation of the M1x 16 inch is out...get that and keep this Intel 16 as a "backup."....But I do still wonder if I have just gotten "spoiled" by the 15 inch and a 13 would be fine? Agree...first world problems lol. I think though, that if I used an external display, I would have def gotten the 13 M1. Also...I dont take my laptop out of the house...its truly a "desktop replacement".

I definitely see your point. I was a bit concerned that the 13 would be super small and to some degree it is but I’ve also figured out a way to handle things as I noticed there was bunch of wasted space on my 15 that I wasn’t totally using while working. It is a bit cramped but it is nice having a piece of hardware that is this capable and 3/4 the size of the 16 to carry around. The reviews for the 16 are amazing and it looks awesome! Who really knows 😆

 

[LastZion]

So I just got my m1 13" Pro.

My plan was to use this, give my 15" 2018 to my admin and then upgrade when he 16" came out and give admin this 13"...

Now that I got it (today). I can't decide if its "too small" or not and I should just keep my 2018 15".

Guess I need to play around with it.

I LOVE the keyboard though... and boy is safari "snappier"

 

[jerryk]

I ordered the M1 Air as a way to get my feet wet with Apple Silicon. But, I really want to see what the 14" version looks like with the next iteration SOC. Maybe 16 cores and 12 core GPU?

 

[nikster0029]

Going from the 16, I have to say that the reduction in screen size is difficult to tolerate, but the overall speed is far far more worth it. Launchpad doesn't lag, safari doesn't lag, battery life is stellar, portability is amazing, etc.

 

[Fthree]

Going from the 16, I have to say that the reduction in screen size is difficult to tolerate, but the overall speed is far far more worth it. Launchpad doesn't lag, safari doesn't lag, battery life is stellar, portability is amazing, etc.

Agree (coming from the 15 though..) the battery life is insane.

 

[JohnnyGo]

Have some patience. The new MBP is just around the corner.

Between WWDC and November 2021 everyone will have more MacBook models to choose from.

 

[ght56]

1. What are you using the system for?
2. Do you need graphics performance where the 5600M GPU could be of significant benefit?
3. Do you want to drive multiple external displays?
4. Do you need the system in order to make a living?
5. If so, is your current system interfering with your level of productivity?
6. Are graphics/IO or portability/battery life going to benefit your workflow more?

 

[brianmowrey]

Launchpad doesn't lag, safari doesn't lag,

? ...Lag? Zero lag here on 2012 MBP.

So not exactly the same scenario..but..I have had 15 inch pros for many years. I have debated getting the M1 but I am worried that a 13 inch screen will be too small as my only display...I dont use an external monitor. I have been wondering something like you but maybe in reverse?....Do I really need 16 inch?...most people seem to have 13 and seem happy?. Have I just gotten used to the larger but would also get used to the smaller display?..in the end, I ordered a new 16 inch...my "strategy" will be...keep it for a couple.few years.....then when say the second generation of the M1x 16 inch is out...get that and keep this Intel 16 as a "backup."....But I do still wonder if I have just gotten "spoiled" by the 15 inch and a 13 would be fine? Agree...first world problems lol. I think though, that if I used an external display, I would have def gotten the 13 M1. Also...I dont take my laptop out of the house...its truly a "desktop replacement".

Why are you buying a new 16 or 13? Is the 15 slowing you down? If not, why aren't you istead staying with the 15" that suffices for your "desktop" needs but buying a giant, beautiful Asus or Dell display for relative pennies? You don't need to deprive your at-home office of one pixel of potential visual glory just to subsidie Apple, Tim Cook will still pay his rent next month regardless...

 

[jiholl]

? ...Lag? Zero lag here on 2012 MBP.


Why are you buying a new 16 or 13? Is the 15 slowing you down? If not, why aren't you istead staying with the 15" that suffices for your "desktop" needs but buying a giant, beautiful Asus or Dell display for relative pennies? You don't need to deprive your at-home office of one pixel of potential visual glory just to subsidie Apple, Tim Cook will still pay his rent next month regardless...

So..My 15 inch is a Late 2013...the speakers are kinda of blown and the battery very weak. Its really time for a new machine. I have Apt and dont have the space for a monitor. I tend to use the laptop as a laptop often...on chair, in bed, etc...so wouldnt want to be tied to a desk anyway.

 

[brianmowrey]

So..My 15 inch is a Late 2013...the speakers are kinda of blown and the battery very weak. Its really time for a new machine. I have Apt and dont have the space for a monitor. I tend to use the laptop as a laptop often...on chair, in bed, etc...so wouldnt want to be tied to a desk anyway.

Gotcha. In that case, trying out the M1 baseline costs you nothing: my recommendation is to start with buying an 8GB MBA and seeing if it meets all your needs in terms of screen size and performance, then returning it to either bump up to MBP or wait a year for a larger-screen Apple Silicon option.

 

[LastZion]

Agree (coming from the 15 though..) the battery life is insane.

I'm a half day in, and I don't think I am noticing the screen size UNTIL I go back to my 15".

But my oh my its fresh and quick. And the keyboard alone...

I"m going to take the weekend to decide.

 

[richinaus]

I'm a half day in, and I don't think I am noticing the screen size UNTIL I go back to my 15".

But my oh my its fresh and quick. And the keyboard alone...

I"m going to take the weekend to decide.

yeah, I used to be 13" and now have the 16".
There is no way I could go to 13" for laptop only use [with an external monitor it is a different game].

For me the 16" allows all day work as a laptop only solution. I see the 13" as a couple of hours max to get some light / quick tasks done. I do graphic and CAD work so is a different usage to office type tasks.

 

[LastZion]

yeah, I used to be 13" and now have the 16".
There is no way I could go to 13" for laptop only use [with an external monitor it is a different game].

For me the 16" allows all day work as a laptop only solution. I see the 13" as a couple of hours max to get some light / quick tasks done. I do graphic and CAD work so is a different usage to office type tasks.

Yes this is where I am landing at the end of day 2. I think I'm going to go with the magic keyboard for my iPad Pro then I'll grab the 16" M1 when it comes out. For now, I'll keep my 2018 15" Pro and give this beautiful M1 13" to my admin

 

[Fthree]

Yes this is where I am landing at the end of day 2. I think I'm going to go with the magic keyboard for my iPad Pro then I'll grab the 16" M1 when it comes out. For now, I'll keep my 2018 15" Pro and give this beautiful M1 13" to my admin

the magic KB is amazing!!

 

[AVBeatMan]

Got my 13” with M1 on Friday and have already put my 16” up for sale. The only advantage of the 16 is the screen size. If you’re planning on using a monitor then the 13 with the M1, in my opinion is better.

 

[richinaus]

Got my 13” with M1 on Friday and have already put my 16” up for sale. The only advantage of the 16 is the screen size. If you’re planning on using a monitor then the 13 with the M1, in my opinion is better.

4 TB ports
larger screen
bootcamp
runs all apps
dGPU
eGPU
multi monitors
hand warmer

 

[Fthree]

4 TB ports
larger screen
bootcamp
runs all apps
dGPU
eGPU
multi monitors
hand warmer

hand warmer is the most important. Its cold these days!

 

[AVBeatMan]

Got my 13” with M1 on Friday and have already put my 16” up for sale. The only advantage of the 16 is the screen size. If you’re planning on using a monitor then the 13 with the M1, in my opinion is better.

The only thing I can’t decide on now is 8GB RAM or 16? I’m not a heavy user so know 8 will be fine but still wondering if I should get the 16?

 

[Yebubbleman]

So -
In early I 2015 bought a 2015 13 inch and a few months later the 15 inch came out. I ended up buying the 15 inch also and using it as my primary comp as I loved the power and the display. I did/do still find the size a bit cumbersome portability-wise and since the iPad Pro 2018 came out with the magic keyboard I’ve been using it but still I want a MacBook for MacBook things so I picked up a 2020 M1 Pro. Just before the M1 I ALMOST purchased a 16 inch essentially maxed (my 2015 15 was max also) MacBook for like $4k (refurb with discounts and all the TB would only be 2) I felt like the 16 could be the end all be all MacBook for me for the next 5/6/7 years but now that I’ve been using this M1 Pro and seeing how capable this little 13 inch is makes me believe that if this power/efficiency was available in 2015 I would have stuck with the 13 inch and not purchased the 15 at all. This all makes me wonder have I actually only wanted the 16 inch because for the last year or so it’s been the best of the best and has the huge screen to top it all off (kind of a you always want what you don’t have scenario?) the M1 pro is doing everything and more and essentially going strong with all the things I’d do on the 16 in a more portable form factor. In the back of my mind I keep thinking this M1 is perfect you do not need a current or coming soon 16 inch but am having moments of regret and thinking about returning the M1 and waiting it out for the 16 possible M1X.... I know not really real life problems but definitely appreciate insight.

You can play the game of "Oh man, this even more powerful Mac is on the horizon! If only I wait!" pretty much indefinitely.

If the M1 13" Pro performs adequately for your needs, why would you need an M1X/M2/M1/whateverapplesiliconchipgoesinit 16" MacBook Pro? Just because it's more?

Once upon a time, the 15" MacBook Pro was the machine I always got. Nowadays, with most of the apps that I used to require that kind of performance for (admittedly games) not having survived Catalina's purging of 32-bit Intel apps, and with hefty Windows PCs in my possession, my needs aren't so huge. For now, I need to stay Intel (at least in terms of what I do most of my Mac computing on; I'll also be getting an M1 Air just to familiarize myself on how to support Apple Silicon Macs going forward). I could get the 16" MacBook Pro. But I'm not. I'm going to get the Ice Lake 13". Why? Because I don't need that extra power. I know the 16" MacBook Pro is a drool-worthy beast. It's a fantastic final note to end the Intel era of the Macintosh on. But I don't need it for what I'm going to be doing (which, at this point is virtualizing Linux and older x86 versions of macOS; with maybe a Windows 10 VM thrown in for kicks).

So, before driving yourself nuts on how you feel about the current M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro and whether you want to return it in favor of the inevitable Apple Silicon 16" MacBook Pro, I strongly recommend you consider the following:

- There's always something better around the corner that you will have wished you waited for

- There are going to be Apple Silicon 16" MacBook Pros that beat the M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro

- There will also be something that replaces the current Ice Lake 4-port 13" MacBook Pro that's better than the current M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro

- Every subsequent MacBook Pro release (barring the mythical 2020 Intel based update to the 16" MacBook Pro that may or may not release this year) will be better than the current M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro

- None of the above matters if the current M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro serves your needs without you hitting limitations that make you wish you had a better machine

- The M1 2-port 13" MacBook Pro is still a beast; go read reviews; everyone is stark raving mad about this computer

 

[dinobear]

In terms of the 16"MBP, the 13" M1 is a downgrade in every department besides battery life.

If the 13" was redesigned I could see the extra appeal. But side by side, I only see the M1 as less of a computer.

For me the 64gb ram + 5600m has been amazing. I just can't ever see downgrading to the M1.

Looking forward to see what the future CPU+GPU looks like from apple, as well as redesigned laptops for the new chips. I have a feeling everyone jumping on these M1 notebooks will just feel left behind when the redesigns actually come out.

I bought my 16" in September not knowing what was in store for the ARM release. But from what I've seen so far, I've made the right decision on the intel. And the use I've gotten from it for my business since September has made it well worth it, no matter what is released next year. Looking forward to apple's GPU solution in the future for sure though!

 

[tis]

Looking forward to see what the future CPU+GPU looks like from apple, as well as redesigned laptops for the new chips. I have a feeling everyone jumping on these M1 notebooks will just feel left behind when the redesigns actually come out.

I don't think the Air will get a redesign for a few years, so the people buying the M1 Air won't have any regrets. A redesigned, and possibly 14", MBP might cause some buyers remorse for 13" MBP buyers, but I think the Air owners will be fine. There has to be more differentiation between the Air and the Pro, so that's where the redesign comes in.

This has been the biggest jump in performance for such a small amount of money ever, so it's clearly the time to upgrade if you have a laptop more than a few years old.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I'd wait just like I'm waiting for that rumored 14" MBP M1X 1st quarter of 2021. If not released or more rumors by 2nd quarter, I'll purchase the 13" MBP M1.

 

[AVBeatMan]

It appears to me that Apple's pricing with these new MacBooks means that they are hoping people upgrade yearly, like they do with iPhones/iPads?

I bought a 2019 16" MacBook Pro in April with the intention of keeping for 4-5 years but now with the base MacBook with M1 at around £1200, which is comparable to iPhones and iPads I'm thinking buy the base Pro/Air and sell and upgrade next year when the new M1x or M2 or whatever it'll be called?