Why I use the 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1
I have been an Apple user for a while. That isn’t to say I am not bias when it comes to other laptops like the Dell XPS or Surface Pros. Apple devices have been the main machine for me since I started my career with graphic design and photography. When I began college, they provided me with a decently spec’d 2015 MackBook Pro. I was given a powerful tool with an optimized operating system to follow; macOS. This ran all the software I needed to get through college and start my professional career.
Growing up, I was always intrigued by technology and what it had to offer. People my age at the time was watching the hottest shows on Netflix. I was glued to YouTube watching videos about technology, productivity, design, coding, software systems and anything else people would say is “boring.”
Apple M1, and what makes it different?
With Apple launching their M1 chip instead of using Intel CPU indicated a new era. As the design of the MacBook Pro remained the same as the other pervious version, the hardware inside is on another level. The Apple M1 is an ARM processor, not an x86 processor, It integrates more components than an Intel CPU. The M1 integrates RAM and GPU in the same package. The ARM-based M1 runs legacy X86 software using Rosetta. That could cause opposing effects on performance when running x86 applications.
Given that, Apple M1 speed will still outperform older intel chips in most settings. As developers update their software to be optimized with the M1, that is when you will see its true power. Now it is 2022 you have probably seen applications like Notion when going to download have a version for “Macs with Apple M1.” At launch the M1 MacBook Pro 13 was restricted from all the power it has to offer but as time went on, the more powerful it became with software adapting.
How I am using the MacBook Pro M1
The 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1 has been one of the fastest computers I have used or even owned. This is my daily machine to run my graphic design freelance, photo editing, remote job, to even write this blog, and hundreds of other tasks. Not only that, but I have yet to even hear the fan kick into action. The battery will last you a full workday, if not longer depending on your use. I mainly use my MacBook Pro docked, connecting it to an ultra-wide monitor. Running my Adobe CC applications like Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom Classic and others has had no performance issues. As I don’t do much video editing as other creators; I can tell you what video editing I have done has been smooth and responsive.
Outside my creative workflow and more focus on normal uses like email, note-taking, browsing the internet, entertainment consumption and much more has been nothing but a breeze. The App Store has the best productivity apps to offer for all kinds of work, making this machine hard to bet in my opinion. My main apps I use daily from the App Store is Craft, Things, Fantastical, Ulysses and others making my workflow ideal. This is something I will be touching more in depth on in a later blog post; follow and subscribe to know when those get posted.
Which MacBook Pro should you buy in 2022?
I am not here to tell you which MacBook Pro you should buy but to give you my thoughts from personal use in my professional field. I think if you currently own the 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1 or MacBook Air M1, upgrading isn’t necessary. Knowing what you use a computer for is the first important step before even looking at what laptop you should purchase or upgrade. I think many people make mistakes here by going straight into a store and buying one of these machines with little knowledge.
I would write out how you utilize your current laptop. How does your current laptop restrict you and how does it excel in certain task. This is something that should take five to ten minutes tops writing out for you to have a basic understanding. I have fallen into the hole of where I tell myself I need the newest and greatest technology, but in reality I don’t and neither do you. If you do, then you know who you are. After getting this understanding, ask yourself what are you wanting to learn or do more of with a new MacBook Pro and if it is worth the value to you.
Over the years, I have found that asking yourself questions like this before deciding on anything helps you realize your needs and wants. I am a big researcher on products I intend to buy, that way I have a better grasp of a product before spending a bunch of cash.
So, Why am I sticking with my MacBook Pro M1 (2020)
I bought this laptop with knowledge of the Apple M1 chip. I was coming from a 2018 15" MacBook Pro that I wanted to size down. The current 13" MacBook Pro that were out at the time was not as powerful as I needed for the line of work I do. When Apple released the 13" MacBook Pro M1, I knew I needed it but wasn’t going to run straight to the store to purchase it. Knowing that the software I use daily was not optimized for the M1 could cause potential problems. This was a brand-new chipset that wasn’t AMD or Intel; developers needed time to make their software optimized to run properly with the M1.
This allowed me the time to see the results of how the software on the 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1 was performing on Rosetta. Seeing how fast the M1 was when running off Rosetta made me worry less because I knew as time went on that the software was going to be even more powerful. That is what convinced me in purchasing the 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1.
I have owned this MacBook Pro for over a year now. As good as the newest MacBook Pro sounds and looks; confidently, I haven’t even thought twice about wanting to upgrade. This MacBook Pro proves to me daily how much power it has, as well how much power I don’t even use it. That is why I am sticking with my 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1.
Keep in mind, I am not here to give an in-depth technical review on the 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1 or comparison of the newest MacBook Pro.
Let me know me what laptop you are using and how it works for you! Are you wanting to upgrade or not, why?
Give these apps I mentioned above a try!
Concluding, why I use the 2020 13" MacBook Pro M1, is that I hope you have learned something new today or even a little more about myself. Please do share with more friends or co-workers. Furthermore, please give me a clap and follow to see the latest post and consider on becoming a Medium member, buy me a coffee and see you next post!