New MacBook Pro Purchase Help; Will M1 ever come to 16"?

[Sam5281]

Hey what's up guys!

So, finally retiring my current late 2013-MBP 15" retina for a new machine.

One of main reasons is inability to view 4K 60FPS videos from my Go-pro.

^That said, from what I gather its the M1 processor I need. That brings me to, will apple every release this in a 16"?

Being my only machine - I guess I've gotten accustom to the 15" retina screen. Some reservations the 13" will be too small for my liking.


Are there any other MUST HAVE SPECS besides the M1 processor? My current machine has 16GB memory, and 500gb storage.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Carlson-online]

if you look at the front page of the site, you'll see theres 14/16 coming later this year.
For now, the 13" pro is faster than the 2019 16 inch for most tasks.

go for a 16GB RAM model, and get either 512 or 1tb of storage, depending on your need

 

[Sam5281]

if you look at the front page of the site, you'll see theres 14/16 coming later this year.
For now, the 13" pro is faster than the 2019 16 inch for most tasks.

go for a 16GB RAM model, and get either 512 or 1tb of storage, depending on your need

Yeah, I refer to the buyers guide on front page frequently. Didn't know if that was confirmed, or a rumor.

Unsure I can wait that long - I suppose my other option is to purchase an external display to use with the 13" M1

 

[jerryk]

To me, the 14" looks to be the best compromise of bulk and screen size. I plan on giving it a hard look when it ships.

I had a 15" and then a 16" and found them both bulky to carry around. But, the 13" screen was a little small. I am hoping the 14" will be just right.

 

[Sam5281]

To me, the 14" looks to be the best compromise of bulk and screen size. I plan on giving it a hard look when it ships.

I had a 15" and then a 16" and found them both bulky to carry around. But, the 13" screen was a little small. I am hoping the 14" will be just right.

Yeah that's my concern, especially since coming from a 15". But "mid 2021" ... what's the realistic ship date?

 

[buckingham2015]

Yeah that's my concern, especially since coming from a 15". But "mid 2021" ... what's the realistic ship date?

From what I've been reading, my impression is end of Q3/beginning of Q4 at the earliest.

 

[Carlson-online]

if you don't need the portability for the next 6 months, get a mac mini. they hold their resale value really well if you wanted to "swap" later in the year, or keep it and have a desktop as well as a portable. its about 500 cheaper than the MBP for identical performance, plus you get more IO.

i've got one, 16GB,1TB, and i intend to keep it, and then get a 14" when they come out later on in the year, but with 512GB as i wont need the storage, as my big files will be on the mini

 

[Fishrrman]

OP asked:
"what's the realistic ship date?"

Those who know, aren't talking.

Latest rumors speculate that the 16" m-series MacBook Pro will go "into production" in (perhaps) the 3rd quarter of this year.

They probably won't ship as soon as production begins, because there's always a need to build up inventory before the product is released.

I reckon they may hit the market in the September/October timeframe.
Perhaps earlier...
Perhaps later...

 

[Sam5281]

if you don't need the portability for the next 6 months, get a mac mini. they hold their resale value really well if you wanted to "swap" later in the year, or keep it and have a desktop as well as a portable. its about 500 cheaper than the MBP for identical performance, plus you get more IO.

i've got one, 16GB,1TB, and i intend to keep it, and then get a 14" when they come out later on in the year, but with 512GB as i wont need the storage, as my big files will be on the mini

OP asked:
"what's the realistic ship date?"

Those who know, aren't talking.

Latest rumors speculate that the 16" m-series MacBook Pro will go "into production" in (perhaps) the 3rd quarter of this year.

They probably won't ship as soon as production begins, because there's always a need to build up inventory before the product is released.

I reckon they may hit the market in the September/October timeframe.
Perhaps earlier...
Perhaps later...

Hmm...

So what an inconvenient time to be in the market for a new MacBook Pro...

Longest time frame id be willing to wait at this point for a guaranteed larger M1 computer would be 2-3months...

With that said, from all I understand it seems this M1 chip and the (even better) version coming in the larger MBP's don't have anything in the apple range previously that can compete?


Good reminder on the storage - video files eat up space like crazy! As someone who never previously worked with such large files, my back up/storage practices are not routine.

So what do you suggest I do hear guys? Thanks!

 

[baypharm]

No

 

[Christopher Kim]

So what an inconvenient time to be in the market for a new MacBook Pro...

Longest time frame id be willing to wait at this point for a guaranteed larger M1 computer would be 2-3months...

With that said, from all I understand it seems this M1 chip and the (even better) version coming in the larger MBP's don't have anything in the apple range previously that can compete?

Yes, now's a tough time to *need* to be getting a new MBP. We're still in the first innings of the transition from Intel to Apple silicon - all we've gotten is a taste of what the low-end M1 can do. More than at any other time probably in the last decade, feels like waiting makes sense to see at least what the full MBP line is to look like (high-end 13/14" and the 16").

If you absolutely have to be able to view the 4k60fps videos, and can't wait (unfortunately the most recent news is that it's more likely fall time that these will come out, when there was more hope before that it could come around WWDC), I think the suggestion above to get the new Mac Mini is a good suggestion. You'll have to get an external monitor, but if you can get benefit out of that anyways even after you were to get a MBP, that may not be a waste.

As someone who's been using his late-2016 13" MBP in closed-clamshell into a 27" LG 4K monitor basically full-time for over a year since the pandemic / work-from-home, I love the screen real-estate and the "best of both worlds" type setup where I can also take the laptop with me around the house anywhere if needed.

 

[nquinn]

IMO, if you desperately need something right now, just buy the cheapest base model mac mini or macbook, possibly buy it used, on discount (10% sales), or similar, and then just sell it when the 16" models come out in fall.

If you buy smartly on sale, you probably will lose no more than $200-$300 for 7-8 months of use which isn't horrible.

Had I known the 16" models would be as late as fall I would have done the same last november, but now I might just suck it up and wait.

 

[gene731]

From what I've been reading, my impression is end of Q3/beginning of Q4 at the earliest.

Which would be when? I am not sure when Apple starts their calendar year. Not to hijack a thread but was thinking of pulling the trigger on an Intel 16” as time isn’t on my side (diagnosed with something terminal, 12-18 months according to oncologist) so don’t know whether to buy now or wait and see if and when the Apple SoC is released. Both of my old Macs crapped out within months of each other so need to get something for a bit.

 

[Sam5281]

Yes, now's a tough time to *need* to be getting a new MBP. We're still in the first innings of the transition from Intel to Apple silicon - all we've gotten is a taste of what the low-end M1 can do. More than at any other time probably in the last decade, feels like waiting makes sense to see at least what the full MBP line is to look like (high-end 13/14" and the 16").

If you absolutely have to be able to view the 4k60fps videos, and can't wait (unfortunately the most recent news is that it's more likely fall time that these will come out, when there was more hope before that it could come around WWDC), I think the suggestion above to get the new Mac Mini is a good suggestion. You'll have to get an external monitor, but if you can get benefit out of that anyways even after you were to get a MBP, that may not be a waste.

As someone who's been using his late-2016 13" MBP in closed-clamshell into a 27" LG 4K monitor basically full-time for over a year since the pandemic / work-from-home, I love the screen real-estate and the "best of both worlds" type setup where I can also take the laptop with me around the house anywhere if needed.

IMO, if you desperately need something right now, just buy the cheapest base model mac mini or macbook, possibly buy it used, on discount (10% sales), or similar, and then just sell it when the 16" models come out in fall.

If you buy smartly on sale, you probably will lose no more than $200-$300 for 7-8 months of use which isn't horrible.

Had I known the 16" models would be as late as fall I would have done the same last november, but now I might just suck it up and wait.

Thanks for that guys, makes a lot of sense and will look into the Mac mini option. Because other then the Go-Pro 4k video viewing, my old retina MBP is "great" though I'm sure all the new is better.

Did plan to look into any apple refurbished MacBooks, etc to see. Fall is way too far from my timeline, definitely looking to find something sooner.

Do you guys find apple refurbished worth it? or are there better, sources for certified refurbished or great deals to be had?

 

[arche3]

Which would be when? I am not sure when Apple starts their calendar year. Not to hijack a thread but was thinking of pulling the trigger on an Intel 16” as time isn’t on my side (diagnosed with something terminal, 12-18 months according to oncologist) so don’t know whether to buy now or wait and see if and when the Apple SoC is released. Both of my old Macs crapped out within months of each other so need to get something for a bit.

Holy cr*p..
Just buy it now. Enjoy it.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Something better than the M1 will be coming to the 16" MBP this year. If you *can* wait (i.e. don't desperately need a computer this instant), then I definitely would. The 16" MBPs coming out this year are going to be vastly superior to today's models. They are rumored to get:

• New, flat-edged design
• Improved mini-LED screen (more colors and higher contrast ratios)
• More powerful Apple Silicon (M1X or M2, something like that)
• Additional ports (return of HDMI, SD card slot)
• MagSafe

And they may also get improved webcams, lighter weight, ProMotion, etc.

These will almost 100% certainly release this year, but nobody seems to have a good handle on exactly when. All the analysts and leakers are only saying "second-half of 2021." That could be anytime from July 1st on... I'd personally guess July/August, but it may very well be October/November {I've greyed out September since that's iPhone & Apple Watch time}.

 

[Sam5281]

Something better than the M1 will be coming to the 16" MBP this year. If you *can* wait (i.e. don't desperately need a computer this instant), then I definitely would. The 16" MBPs coming out this year are going to be vastly superior to today's models. They are rumored to get:

• New, flat-edged design
• Improved mini-LED screen (more colors and higher contrast ratios)
• More powerful Apple Silicon (M1X or M2, something like that)
• Additional ports (return of HDMI, SD card slot)
• MagSafe

And they may also get improved webcams, lighter weight, ProMotion, etc.

These will almost 100% certainly release this year, but nobody seems to have a good handle on exactly when. All the analysts and leakers are only saying "second-half of 2021." That could be anytime from July 1st on... I'd personally guess July/August, but it may very well be October/November {I've greyed out September since that's iPhone & Apple Watch time}.

Thats the only problem, I cant wait....

Don't doubt it will be great, and a possible move for me in the future. But if need be right now - I may have to pull trigger on the 13" and use it with an external display.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Thats the only problem, I cant wait....

Don't doubt it will be great, and a possible move for me in the future. But if need be right now - I may have to pull trigger on the 13" and use it with an external display.

Go ahead and do that then. 13” MBP is a great machine.

 

[Sam5281]

Go ahead and do that then. 13” MBP is a great machine.

Yeah that's looking like the most highly probable option for me. Thanks everyone for helping out!

Side note; the LG UltraFine monitor apple sells, still the best external display? or are there better?

 

[arche3]

Yeah that's looking like the most highly probable option for me. Thanks everyone for helping out!

Side note; the LG UltraFine monitor apple sells, still the best external display? or are there better?

The ultrafine 5k 27 is the best after the pro display xdr. The ultrafine 4k is ok. The LG 5k2k is great better than ultrafine 4k. I have all of them between my office and home.