Video Review: Three Months With the M2 Max MacBook Pro

[MacRumors]

Apple in January 2023 introduced new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are equipped with next-generation M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera picked up a 14-inch M2 Max MacBook Pro when the machines were released, and he's been using it daily for the past three months in preparation for a longer-term review on Apple's latest chip technology.

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The 2023 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models haven't changed in design since Apple introduced the M1 Max and M1 Pro models, so the main difference is the chipset. In terms of performance, there is a noticeable difference between the M1 Max's performance and the M2 Max performance. The M2 chip is able to handle intensive video editing tasks with ease, and it's not too far off from the M1 Ultra.

Dan's 14-inch machine has 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, and there are also noticeable improvements in SSD speeds. As for the size, the 14-inch form factor is better for travel, though it is nice to have the larger display real estate of the 16-inch machine, and you'll also notice thermal management deficiencies between the 14 and 16-inch models.

Dan has a lot of other thoughts on the M2 MacBook Pro models compared to the prior-generation versions and other Mac options, so the full video is well worth watching.

Article Link: Video Review: Three Months With the M2 Max MacBook Pro

 

[coffeemilktea]

I've been using the 16 inch with the Pro chip and 1TB of storage and it's been the best computing experience of my life.

(now if only it could play Elden Ring )

 

[ELman]

Dan's a good guy.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Dan's a good guy.

Agreed! @Dan Barbera keeps it real. His reviews are honest, personable, and well-transparent.

 

[DMG35]

Great review. I ended up selling my 16" M2 and using a 13" Air as a stopgap until the 15" MacBook Air. That is my dream Apple machine and I can't wait for it.

 

[yellow8]

Definitely a good machine!
I think there is a market for a mac between a pro and an air.
But that would complicate the lineup, so...

 

[klasma]

Dan's a good guy.

Oh, so this was really a review by the MBP of three months with Dan?

 

[e.clinton]

Great review. I ended up selling my 16" M2 and using a 13" Air as a stopgap until the 15" MacBook Air. That is my dream Apple machine and I can't wait for it.

a 15" MBA with 32GB RAM would be an instant buy. Hate that they restrict the non-pro chips to 24GB.

 

[spinedoc77]

M1/M2 both look appealing, my only concern is how they will be in a few years. My current 2017 Macbook pro with an Intel i7 and 16GB RAM runs Ventura like absolute crap, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't curse it for running slow or for the fans always being maxed out when working.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Its an underwhelming update in a good way.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Dan, did you seriously put a 3,000 dollar MacBook Pro on that pillar next to the water?

Anyway, I agree, new colors need to be introduced. I think most of the Pro colors on the iPhone Apple has introduced since iPhone 12 would look great on the MacBook Pros:

- Pacific Blue
- Sierra Blue
- Deep Purple

 

[sledgehammer89]

My MacBook Pro M2 can control keyboard brightness on the keyboard. Thank you Touch Bar. Also never heard the fan on this small MBP.

 

[noblesoul117]

Hey @Dan Barbera what’s the sleek app granting iPad-style widgets on the macOS desktop? My search online just brought up the typical right-side widgets.

Also curious about that wavey white-orange wallpaper, if you remember where it’s hosted.

 

[falkon-engine]

Given that M1 Max prices are now hundreds of dollars less than their m2 max counterparts, sometimes by $500 or more depending on the specific sale, is it even worth considering an m2 based machine

seems like m2 is a lost generation… it’s decent in a vacuum but in comparison to the predecessor, it’s just not worth the extra cost. and perhaps the 40% mac sales decline is the market’s way of sending that signal. I like that apple added Wi-Fi 6E and hdmi2.1 but those features were readily available in late 2021 so not sure why apple skimped out on the M1 Max series.

Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to the 3nm designs. A 3nm m3 or m4 max max mini would be awesome.

 

[hybrid_x]

That's impressive that the M2 Max is that much more powerful than the chip that came out just a year before. I have an M1 Max and it's a beast. Really pleased with this machine.

 

[Rychiar]

M1/M2 both look appealing, my only concern is how they will be in a few years. My current 2017 Macbook pro with an Intel i7 and 16GB RAM runs Ventura like absolute crap, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't curse it for running slow or for the fans always being maxed out when working.

Those were garbage machines from the start. These should last much longer, externally and internally

 

[Dan Barbera]

Dan, did you seriously put a 3,000 dollar MacBook Pro on that pillar next to the water?

Anyway, I agree, new colors need to be introduced. I think most of the Pro colors on the iPhone Apple has introduced since iPhone 12 would look great on the MacBook Pros:

- Pacific Blue
- Sierra Blue
- Deep Purple

I might have and I maybe, definitely was terrified in the process. Anything for the shot!

 

[Dan Barbera]

Dan's a good guy.

❤️

 

[ndouglas]

Good review… >1 year if not 2-3 years would be even better and closer to my idea of “long term”.

Still boggles my mind there isn’t a cellular modem or whatever needed for outdoor / not-at-home access, for this and most laptops… with so much work online-dependent these days, that would be a genuinely “pro” feature for me.

 

[Dan Barbera]

Good review… >1 year if not 2-3 years would be even better and closer to my idea of “long term”

can always revisit later but by that point, I imagine most people wont be looking to buy this machine in 2-3 years. They might be looking at m5 or m6 Macs by that point

 

[ndouglas]

can always revisit later but by that point, I imagine most people wont be looking to buy this machine in 2-3 years. They might be looking at m5 or m6 Macs by that point

Yes, good point! Good review anyway. I’m still using 2019 Intel MBP… so far it’s mostly fine. Jealous of, er, ”happy for” my partner who has the closer to 20 hour battery life on the 2021 or near there model.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Where can I get that wallpaper?

 

[james2538]

Been loving my M2 14" MBP. I struggled along with a broken laptop (2019 16" MBP) from November to January and pulled the trigger on an M1. New ones were announced during my return period so I swapped.

People will say it isn't a huge update and compared to 2019 > M1 it isn't. However, the extra efficiency cores do make a noticeable difference in battery life (again, nothing like the 2019 > M1 jump though). Also as someone who lives in the city I appreciate having WiFi 6E. The 6 Ghz spectrum is still fairly empty and the speeds are much faster thanks to less congestion.

If anyone is still on a 2019 (or older) and doesn't need to run Windows natively it is absolutely worth upgrading. It's probably the biggest change in my computing experience since I got an Intel MBP in 2007. Not having the fans spin up for every. little. task. is wonderful.

 

[mystery hill]

Dan’s the man.

Hopefully M3 will support two external displays.

 

[RalfTheDog]

Agreed! @Dan Barbera keeps it real. His reviews are honest, personable, and well-transparent.

You only say that because, he wants more colors.

Given that M1 Max prices are now hundreds of dollars less than their m2 max counterparts, sometimes by $500 or more depending on the specific sale, is it even worth considering an m2 based machine

seems like m2 is a lost generation… it’s decent in a vacuum but in comparison to the predecessor, it’s just not worth the extra cost. and perhaps the 40% mac sales decline is the market’s way of sending that signal. I like that apple added Wi-Fi 6E and hdmi2.1 but those features were readily available in late 2021 so not sure why apple skimped out on the M1 Max series.

Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to the 3nm designs. A 3nm m3 or m4 max max mini would be awesome.

I skipped the M1 because, it could only support one external screen at a time. I know that sounds trivial because most people myself included only use them at Qdoba. There are always times that you need more than one or two screens to get something done. (Just looking around my office, I currently have three screens on my Studio, two on my M1 Mini and an additional three on my local Linux box.)