In November, Apple launched the 2021 MacBook Pro. Available in two sizes (14- and 16-inch), the company also introduced two new chips, the M1 Pro and the M1 Max. While I thought this new Mac would be overkill to me – I didn’t need the ports, ProMotion, miniLED, or the processor – I recently broke my 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro and needed a replacement.
Between buying the entry-level 2020 M1 MacBook Air and the new 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro, I decided to go with the latter. Here’s my review of this computer from a heavy but non-pro user perspective.
First impressions on the design of the 2021 MacBook Pro
At first glance, I wasn’t a big fan of the notch on the MacBook Pro. I also found the entire black keyboard weird when I saw it at the store. In addition, I really used to love the Touch Bar (for the wrong reasons – it’s so convenient to send emoji with that). But as the days go by, I’m just super into this new design.
Coming from a 16-inch to a 14-inch is not that big of a deal. The screen is big enough for me to open two Safari windows side by side and work. Not only that, but the weight was super important in my decision, and the 14-inch is way lighter than my previous Intel Mac.
I find the keyboard and trackpad very reliable, Touch ID always works fine, and I’m really into this miniLED display with ProMotion. It’s just really smooth to switch between my iPhone 13 Pro and this Mac.
Last but not least, the reason why I’m not typing from the Intel Mac anymore is that I stumbled over the charger and completely destroyed the computer. With the new MacBook Pro, it adds back the MagSafe connector, and wow, I didn’t realize how much I missed this feature that was once available on my 2010 MacBook Pro.