An outrageously powerful device, with industry leading specs, and I do not love it. This new MacBook Pro doesn't evoke an emotional attachment like iMac does, and certainly nothing close to Vision Pro. My diverse set of use cases will be flawlessly served by this durable and capable tool. But it isn't something I hold and marvel at - and it certainly isn't something I am lit up thinking about.
It's big, and it's hefty. This is hands down the heaviest laptop I have ever owned. Although very well made, this 4.7 pound aluminum brick is nothing more than an unremarkable and somewhat generic container for the insanely powerful M4 Pro chip.
It has more ports than I will ever use, Apple's current standard issue MacBook keyboard, the best trackpad on the planet, 12MP camera (with Centre Stage!!), surprisingly loud speakers, and excessively large speaker grills. I have no complaints about the ergonomics - totally fine to have on my lap or in bed. The chunky weight is excused because it allows for the longest laptop battery life I've ever recorded.
The display is bright, maxing out at 1600 nits. I never liked macOS as much as iPadOS, because I have never had a Mac display quite like this one. The blacks are unbelievably black, and ProMotion instantly improves my mood. I have yet to find a single use case where the CPU is using more than 15% - even with intense design, development, and AI tasks running.
Although there is nothing unpleasant about the typing experience on MacBook Pro, the Magic Keyboard for M4 iPad Pro is noticeably tastier. I personally prefer less key travel and a clicker click. For extensive note taking, or lengthy writing sessions, I switch over to iPad.
Quantum dot on MacBook Pro is very excellent, and it does not give me the urge to lick it. That's because the display on M4 iPad Pro is just, so, so good. The intense vibrancy of the Tandem OLED panel that Apple managed to squish into iPad Pro (which is now their thinnest product, ever) is simply too exciting to forget. Although MacBook Pro has an excellent 16" display, it isn't the best device in my house for content consumption. That prizes goes to Apple Vision Pro, with absolutely no other competition in the entertainment category. With the displays on Vision Pro being "larger" and completely private, I find myself switching over to the Vision world for any entertainment or public computer use.
For emailing, note taking, messaging, FaceTime calling, writing, calendaring, reminder-ing, and web browsing, I use iPad Pro.
For content consumption, remote work, gaming, healing, and isolating, I use Vision Pro.
For 16 hours of simultaneous designing, coding, compiling, editing, and prompting, I use MacBook Pro. Gathering from the tasks I engage in with MacBook Pro, it is evident why I do not care for this device. It's like a net the environmentalists would use to collect garbage from the ocean - MacBook Pro is a tool that is useful for all the boring work that my skinny iPad and eye-controlled Vision Pro cannot handle. It's a serious device, for serious work - no playfulness or joy here.
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It has now been about a month since I began using this MacBook Pro. Today, I used it side by side my MacBook Air. Aside from the enormous weight difference and mouthwatering thinness of MacBook Air, I could not see myself going back. In fact, I can’t see myself using any other MacBook.
The display really is that good. Brightness is an important factor for me, and this device doesn’t disappoint. I have come to adore the keyboard - certainly more than other MacBooks, and perhaps even more than my iPad Pro. I’ve grown fond of the deeper key travel, and the more intentional push that is required. My typing accuracy is perhaps the highest it’s ever been. The adjustable camera is very effective when paired with a ring light. Begrudgingly, I do appreciate the additional USB-C port on the right side.