Thinking of returning 14” M1 Pro

[lowkey]

^well if you get the Apple Pencil with your iPad you can do loads of things that a 14” just can’t do as well. Mark up PDFs for example. Do some sketching.

Not to mention you can use the iPad as a second monitor for your MacBook Air if you’re finding the 13” monitor too limited.

 

[ssmed]

I

Also, when I have a MacBook Pro, I don't find the iPad useful for anything but games.

I agree with this unless you need pen input, but the user case still suggests that the 14 inch is an object of desire rather than need. We are allowed to have such things, but the slight remorse in the OP suggests that it is after all just another computer!

 

[jrichards1408]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

Get a Windows laptop instead if you daily drive on windows.

Doesn't make sense to buy a MacBook to daily drive windows..

 

[coolbreeze2]

CAD $3149 + $299 + 15% tax

For roughly the same price, I could get a 12.9” M1 iPad Pro 256 GB with cellular (CAD $1729), Magic Keyboard ($449), AppleCare ($159) and a refurbished base MBA ($1099).

Please excuse my lack of knowledge. What is CAD?

 

[ASX]

Canadian Dollars. 3900 CAD are 2721 Euros or 3148 US Dollars.

 

[bobcomer]

This isn’t true at all. Parallels can do it no problem.

That's not the issue at all, it's the licensing that's the problem.

 

[bobcomer]

I decided to return my 14 inch. It is a great laptop, but I am not ready for M1 yet. Windows for ARM in a VM just doesn't cut it, and I still have some Crossover apps for work that I find convenient to access directly from my Mac. Plus, I still use iTunes (via Retroactive). Still the best manager for transferring media to iOS devices. The new Apple split apps like TV suck for that.

Besides, my Intel 16 inch is a 64GB/8TB, with a AMD Radeon 8GB card. The thing is a beast. Not ready to relegate it to #2.

I like iTunes better as well.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

Definitely return the new MBP. I would get the M1 MBA and hold off on the iPad.

 

[Serban55]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

if you dont make money with the device, then you cant afford it and you should return it

 

[Arctic Moose]

if you dont make money with the device, then you cant afford it and you should return it

Is that also true for sports cars, wine and wrist watches?

I buy tech because it’s fun and I enjoy it.

 

[robinium]

if you dont make money with the device, then you cant afford it and you should return it

What an incredibly dumb way of thinking.

 

[littlepud]

Get a Windows laptop instead if you daily drive on windows.

Doesn't make sense to buy a MacBook to daily drive windows..

I have 2 apps that are Windows-only: a poker app and a finance app. Everything else I do is on macOS.

 

[littlepud]

Definitely return the new MBP. I would get the M1 MBA and hold off on the iPad.

I think I won't be happy with just the M1 MBA, even though I've used one for the last year. It's a great machine but once you've used 120 Hz Pro Motion with mini-LED XDR, it's very hard to un-see it going back to a lesser display.

Ultimately, it looks like I've got 3 options:

1. Keep the 14" MBP. It has the configuration that I believe is closest to ideal for my needs and desires. CAD ~$3900.
2. Exchange the MBP for a fully-loaded MBA (16GB/1TB), using that as my only device. CAD ~$2300 if buying from the Apple refurb store.
3. Exchange the MBP for a base model MBA and a 12.9" M1 iPad Pro (256GB cellular). CAD ~$3900 if buying the MBA from he Apple refurb store.

I'm just torn between the 3.

 

[Ceege]

I think I won't be happy with just the M1 MBA, even though I've used one for the last year. It's a great machine but once you've used 120 Hz Pro Motion with mini-LED XDR, it's very hard to un-see it going back to a lesser display.

Ultimately, it looks like I've got 3 options:

1. Keep the 14" MBP. It has the configuration that I believe is closest to ideal for my needs and desires. CAD ~$3900.
2. Exchange the MBP for a fully-loaded MBA (16GB/1TB), using that as my only device. CAD ~$2300 if buying from the Apple refurb store.
3. Exchange the MBP for a base model MBA and a 12.9" M1 iPad Pro (256GB cellular). CAD ~$3900 if buying the MBA from he Apple refurb store.

I'm just torn between the 3.

Just follow your heart.

 

[kiwi45]

Keep the 14” MBP. I have both the MBA and 12.9” iPad Pro, and I wish I could trade in both of them for the new MBPs. Easier to manage a single device than 2, besides you mostly use only one at any time.

 

[petvas]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

If you have a money issue, then don't keep the MacBook Pro. If you are though planing to get an iPad Pro and a MacBook Air, thus spending the money, then keep the 14" MacBook Pro. The iPad Pro is pretty limited in ways a Mac isn't. You will miss the great display and the amazing performance of the MacBook Pro. So to sum it up, if you need the money return your MacBook Pro and get a MacBook Air, or even the 13" M1 MacBook Pro. (which is a great device). If you are planing to use the money though for an iPad and a MBA, then don't. The iPad is nice to have but even for standard consumption stuff the MacBook Pro is better.

 

[tonyz123456]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

I considered the exact alternative of a 12.9in iPad Pro M1 and a refurbed MacBook Air M1. I even bought and returned both and got the MacBook Pro 14in base model instead. It's superior to both. You might consider getting the base model with 8 core and 512 gb SSD. If you are considering the iPad Pro and MacBook alternative, you probably don't need 1 TBD of storage and if you do, the configured MacBook Air is quite pricey too.

On the iPad Pro + MacBook Air combo - the iPad Pro 12.9in is basically a 13in laptop. it's far too big to comfortably use as a tablet and quite heavy. It's also limiting when you have to rely on iPad multitasking - it's significantly inferior to Mac OS or even Windows multi-tasking. You're also limited to safari as a browser which I found limiting for work situations where we rely on web apps that are optimized for chrome (e.g. Google Docs). The MacBook Air is a fine machine but I think the Pro has some better features that's worth the upgrade - screen, audio and webcam that can let it serve a wide range of purposes.

I do also use an iPad Air for reading and some lower quality video content so I don't think the MacBook Pro replaces a tablet but the iPad Pro isn't really a good laptop replacement either.

 

[Artsketch]

I currently use a 12.9" M1 iPad Pro for drawing with the Pencil and an M1 MacBook Air. With the 14" MacBook Pro you can't draw very well, not even when used with a Wacom Intuos Pro.

 

[Surne]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

Sounds like your best bet would be to return it and get more value for your money that suits your use cases better. No need to be out of pocket for something you don't really need and wont fully utilize.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Canadian Dollars. 3900 CAD are 2721 Euros or 3148 US Dollars.

Ok now I get it and it makes sense now.

 

[Fomalhaut]

if you dont make money with the device, then you cant afford it and you should return it

That's a rather narrow and patronizing response to the OP, in my opinion.

He didn't say he couldn't afford it; the implication is that he/she is being careful with their money. That's quite a difference to being poor.

Let's face it - very few jobs that require the use of a computer actually need to use a Mac, let alone a high-spec MBP Pro/Max. I could probably do my job on a Chromebook or a cheap Windows computer.....I would just find it a bit frustrating, and I choose a Mac because the experience is better. An expensive MBP isn't going to make me any more money than a cheap computer...it's just more pleasurable and I can afford to make my working environment a little bit better.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

Lots of things to consider here.

Price:
why go for the M1 iPad? From what you describe get a mint used with AppleCare+ (if you can) for a 2018/2019 iPad Pro. Saves you several hundred $CAN right there!

Wait on getting the current M1 MBA or M1 MBP 13' ... the newer upcoming MBA M(x) chip should have slightly better performance than the current one, but either one you choose get 16GB RAM don't cheap out on 8GB I'm seeing a LOT of those 8GB on kijiji for sale in Toronto not a good sign.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I didn’t say it isn’t (currently) possible, I said it is not (currently) supported, and Microsoft can pull the rug from under any such install at any time. So yes, it is absolutely true.



EDIT: should have read all the posts before replying. ?

the 'supported' in your original post left a lot of perception for interpretation as in 'supported' by Parallells or by Microsoft I guess that's why a few jumped at your post earlier right away

 

[DeepIn2U]

^well if you get the Apple Pencil with your iPad you can do loads of things that a 14” just can’t do as well. Mark up PDFs for example. Do some sketching.

Not to mention you can use the iPad as a second monitor for your MacBook Air if you’re finding the 13” monitor too limited.

You can easily mark up PDFs on MBP, maybe not with the pencil but it's there.

 

[flapflapflap]

I love the new MBP. I have the higher-tier stock configuration 14” model in silver with the 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SDD. The performance is great, the screen is amazing, and the battery life isn’t noticeably worse than the M1 Air.

My problem right now is the eye-watering price of $3900 CAD after AppleCare and taxes. It’s a lot of money to pay for a laptop, even though it’s my primary device. I’m a a “prosumer” user at best, without any really heavy workflows. The most demanding tasks I do are little bit of VM work (using Windows apps on a daily basis) and video editing/transcoding occasionally (i.e. once a week).

My dilemma is that I’m realizing that I could get both a 12.9” iPad Pro M1 and a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for the same (or less) money. The iPad would be my primary consumption device for things like web browsing, watching video, social media, photos, light document work, and casual gaming (online poker). The MacBook Air would be a secondary device used only for tasks where the iPad would be limited: VMs and working with multiple (or complex) office documents.

I’m really on the fence about it. What does the rest of this community think?

HHAHAHAH, bro, that is a crap load of money to spend for something you don't need. These devices are for Pros.