My Ongoing Romance with the M1 MacBook Pro — A Journey of 965+ Days
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The Enduring Appeal of Retro Tech
I tend to hold onto my gadgets for as long as possible instead of selling them off. There’s something special about using older technology, often termed “retro tech.” Whenever a new gadget is released, I enjoy drawing comparisons with my existing devices. One particular Mac that has consistently impressed me is the M1 MacBook Pro. Even after almost three years, it feels as contemporary as ever, never losing its charm.
I am convinced that this device is destined to be the quintessential “OG MacBook.” It was among the first Macs to feature the revolutionary Apple silicon chip, which truly transformed the landscape! Subsequent updates have seemed minor in contrast.
In my collection, I also have a 2017 MacBook Pro equipped with an Intel chip, which now feels distinctly retro. It runs hot, sluggishly, and the fan starts whirring the moment I put it to use! The Apple silicon, however, serves as a significant performance enhancer akin to how “Compound V” empowered Supes or how a “Spider bite” transformed Spiderman — it has been nothing short of revolutionary!
My Journey Begins with the M1 MacBook
My fascination with the M1 MacBook ignited during the unveiling of Apple’s inaugural Macs featuring the new silicon chip. The statistics presented during the keynote and Craig Federighi’s demonstration of macOS Big Sur, coupled with that striking wallpaper, completely captivated me.
Eagerly, I awaited reviews from my favorite tech YouTubers, and their positive feedback solidified my decision. I placed my order in mid-November, and on December 2, 2020, my MacBook Pro arrived, marking the start of my renewed affection for MacBooks!
Despite mixed reviews, I had always appreciated my 2017 Intel MacBook with the touch bar. The butterfly keyboard mechanism, often criticized, never caused me any problems. However, the enhancements in the new MacBook Pro genuinely astonished me:
- Unparalleled performance (Apps launch almost instantaneously!)
- Remarkable battery life
- Enhanced typing experience
- Crystal-clear audio quality
- Upgraded Touch Bar & Touch ID
- Whisper-quiet operation (I even questioned if it had a fan!)
- Instant wake-up from sleep mode
Each improvement elevated the MacBook experience to unprecedented levels. Who wouldn’t be enamored by such a device?
This time around, the MacBook demonstrated that it was more than just “superior hardware” compared to Windows PCs. It is a technological marvel that offers a seamless and extraordinary user experience.
My Current Setup and Experience
As I previously mentioned, I enjoy occasionally using my retro gadgets. At present, I own four Apple silicon Macs that I rotate between:
- M1 MacBook Pro
- M1 iMac 24”
- M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16”
- M2 Pro MacBook Pro 14”
I must say, Apple silicon has radically changed the functionality of Macs, and I cherish each one of them! Out of these, my top choice remains the M1 MacBook Pro. It is the ideal companion for me, whether I’m traveling, at home, or working. I rely on it extensively, and it never lets me down.
Here’s what I appreciate most about it:
- The 13” size is perfect for my needs.
- Its lightweight design makes it portable.
- It manages all my workflow tasks flawlessly.
- The battery health still stands at a remarkable 95%.
- The keyboard offers a delightful typing experience, being both precise and responsive.
- The camera, microphone, and speakers perform exceptionally well.
- The hinge operates smoothly, unlike some of the older Intel models.
These seven attributes are more than enough justification to continue using this ~3-year-old treasure! Moreover, it keeps receiving the latest updates from Apple and is likely to do so for another 3–4 years at the very least.
Admittedly, if I had to nitpick, there are a few minor drawbacks (but nothing I truly dislike):
- The bezels are somewhat pronounced.
- Occasionally, the speakers encounter issues at full volume and certain frequencies.
- The screen size can feel a tad small for extensive video editing, especially when managing multiple clips.
Nonetheless, I can confidently say that I LOVE THIS M1 MACBOOK PRO!! It’s an absolute gem in my eyes!
Is the M1 MacBook Air Still a Good Choice in 2023?
Finding an unused M1 MacBook Pro in 2023 can be quite the challenge, as Apple has discontinued production. However, if you happen to find one, I encourage you to purchase it without hesitation—unless your work demands exceptionally high processing and graphic capabilities.
Apple continues to sell the M1 MacBook Air, which shares many features with the Pro version. Here are some key differences worth noting:
- Fanless Design: The Air lacks a fan, which may lead to overheating during prolonged heavy use.
- Display Brightness: The Air’s peak brightness is 400 nits, compared to the Pro’s 500 nits.
- Touch Bar: The Air does not include a touch bar.
- GPU Cores: The Air has a 7-core GPU, while the Pro features an 8-core GPU.
These distinctions should be taken into account, but they don't diminish the Air's capabilities. They’re relatively minor unless your tasks are particularly demanding.
The Air is priced around 1,00,000 INR (or $999), but it can be found for about 80,000 INR (or $800) with a 256 GB SSD and 8 GB of unified memory on platforms like Amazon or in local retail stores.
I plan to keep creating content and videos using this MacBook Pro regularly. It remains robust in 2023 and is poised to continue thriving in the future.
To encapsulate my sentiments regarding this MacBook Pro, I would say:
“Our love story continues to evolve, and with each passing day, I find myself enamored once more.”
This unboxing and setup video showcases the M1 MacBook Pro in all its glory, along with some stunning aesthetic wallpapers!
In this video, the creator shares their experiences with fixing an M1 MacBook Air multiple times, revealing the importance of backups.