MacBook Pro Base 16" Users - Thoughts so Far?

[Adelphos33]

I have a MacBook Air M1 that I like - though often I would like a bit more screen size and power when at home. I also would like the ability to use two external displays. I don't think I would need anything more than 16G for a while, and I don't think I need much more than the base M1 Pro Processor. I am thinking about basically getting the 16" as a home computer. and trading in an old MacBook Pro I have that still has about $300 in value according to Apple.

So the basic question for the base 16" users - how are you liking the power, battery life, fan noise, speediness? Do you feel like it is a big enough upgrade from you prior computing solution? What I don't want to happen is for me to get this lovely, big 16" and have it not feel like an upgrade for what I do on a day to day (which is basically remote login to windows machine, excel, word, etc).

 

[DMG35]

You aren't going to feel much of an upgrade, if any, for what you use your M1 Air for. The differences will be a bigger, better, and brighter screen, better speakers, and that's really it. If you think that the 16" is worth it for the screen size alone than it will be worth it for you. Other than that for what you do you aren't going to see any difference.

 

[Daniel L]

I have a MacBook Air M1 that I like - though often I would like a bit more screen size and power when at home. I also would like the ability to use two external displays. I don't think I would need anything more than 16G for a while, and I don't think I need much more than the base M1 Pro Processor. I am thinking about basically getting the 16" as a home computer. and trading in an old MacBook Pro I have that still has about $300 in value according to Apple.

So the basic question for the base 16" users - how are you liking the power, battery life, fan noise, speediness? Do you feel like it is a big enough upgrade from you prior computing solution? What I don't want to happen is for me to get this lovely, big 16" and have it not feel like an upgrade for what I do on a day to day (which is basically remote login to windows machine, excel, word, etc).

You aren't going to feel much of an upgrade, if any, for what you use your M1 Air for. The differences will be a bigger, better, and brighter screen, better speakers, and that's really it. If you think that the 16" is worth it for the screen size alone than it will be worth it for you. Other than that for what you do you aren't going to see any difference.

Agree with DMG, have M1 Air, previous 16" and new 16". It doesn't feel massively faster than the Air but the screen makes it worth it for me even with the 120hz problems.

 

[Adelphos33]

Seems like I should cancel my order.

 

[Lucas Curious]

if you on the go a lot of the time than dont upgrade. If you use at home a lot than the 16 base is great. 24 days in and I enjoy it everyday. I also prefer the new keyboard.

 

[3SQ Machine]

I have a work-provided MacBook Air (intel) that over time quickly became my go-to for "couch" tasks. It's a great form factor.

But my base MBP 16" has easily replaced it. I don't find the extra weight an issue.

The "chunky" base will take some adjustment. The "wedge" Air is more comfortable for lots of typing, but for typical "scroll and go" tasks on the 16" massive trackpad, it's fine. However, the squared edges of the MBP dig into your arms over time.

This replaced my iMac for all desktop-related tasks and Logic Pro production. Having desktop power "on my lap" has greatly increased my productivity. The extra real estate is "just about" good enough for large projects, but I still need an extra screen for intense sessions. I have noticed NO fan noise, despite bouncing tracks and using multiple plug-ins at low buffer settings. Not one system overload yet, either.

Battery life is great for basic productivity tasks, but of course running lots of video, games, etc. it loses a bit of its magic. What's great though is that testing low power mode I've noticed no real degradation of performance, unlike on my intel MBA where it REALLY bogs down in low power mode to the point of being unusable.

It's a great laptop. I plan to keep it a long time.

 

[VSMacOne]

Coming from a 2015 15" MBP, this new 16" is just mind numbingly fast. The keyboard feels great, it doesn't ever get warm, I haven't heard the fans yet. Granted I don't do a whole lot of intensive stuff on here, but it's been such a great machine.

 

[Lucas Curious]

my only complaint about the new 16" is that its cold home and my hands touch cold aluminum instead of warm aluminum on my previous 16"