Whether for branding reasons (instant recognition) or thinner bezels, the notch is just terrible. That said, I probably could get used to it.
Given that Apple decided to go with it, I think their implementation is well-thought out.
For those who want to always hide the notch, there is compatibly mode. For those okay with the notch, they’ll be able to make use of the newer screen area where the menu will reside. In both modes, the 16:10 viewing area should still be usable.
Menu height is taller than notch height - makes sense given the rounded notch bottom corners. Anything shorter (especially with a non-black menu) will make the left/right menus have ugly curvy tails or allow the notch to encroach on viewing area. By having the two menu regions connected under the notch, it signals better that there is some occlusion there. Also what happens if the notch becomes smaller in future, would that mean having to accommodate for newer menu heights again? That’s a lot of effort if we’re in a transitional period and the notch eventually disappears altogether.
Bottom screen has straight corners. Makes sense when using compatibility mode, otherwise flat top with rounded bottom would look weird.
Bottom bezel/black area not so thin. Makes sense for better balancing with top bezel in compatibility mode. Big black chin? Okay. Big black forehead? Eek.
The notch really is an aesthetic disaster but in the context of what these powerful laptops are now offering (and Apple providing a compatibility mode), it not’s all bad.
These laptops really could have been an epic unveiling, but oh well.