5 Factors to Consider Before Investing in a New MacBook Pro
MACBOOK PRO – Before purchasing a new MacBook Pro, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with five key pieces of information.
Apple has recently unveiled the latest MacBook Pro laptops equipped with the M3 processor. Despite a seemingly familiar exterior, with the addition of a captivating Space Black color, the new model retains its high-quality and minimalist design, impressive mini-LED display, and exceptional keyboard and touchpad.
While it may appear that selecting the new MacBook Pro is straightforward, it’s crucial to reconsider. The latest machines come with several significant considerations that demand careful attention, making the decision-making process more complex than it was with the previous generation.
Apple Silicon has gotten much more confusing
The introduction of the new MacBook Pros has brought about an increase in the number of CPUs, leading to added complexity. Notably, Apple discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro and replaced it with the MacBook Pro 14, featuring the base M3 processor. Unlike previous generations where only Pro and Max versions were available, the MacBook Pro lineup now includes the entry-level M3 processor.
This means potential buyers need to consider the new 8-core CPU/10-core GPU M3 processor, starting at a price of $1,599. Despite being pricier than the now obsolete 13-inch MacBook Pro, the higher cost is justified by the significantly improved display and superior audio quality.
In addition to the base M3, the MacBook Pro 14 offers an M3 Pro with fewer cores. Specifically, there is an option for an 11-core CPU/14-core GPU M3 Pro, while the MacBook Pro 16 starts with a 12-core CPU/18-core GPU M3 Pro. Both models can be upgraded to a 16-core CPU/40-core GPU M3 Max.
Adding to the complexity, the 12-core M3 Pro has a configuration of six performance cores and six efficient cores, in contrast to the previous M2 Pro, which had eight performance cores and four efficient cores. Furthermore, the memory bandwidth has decreased from 200 GB/s to 150 GB/s. As a result, the performance gains of this version of the M3 Pro are unlikely to match those of the other configurations.
Be careful if you want to run multiple monitors
The MacBook Air equipped with the M2 processor is restricted to connecting to only one external monitor, a limitation shared with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. While the MacBook Pro 14, featuring the M2 Pro chip, supports two external displays, the M2 Max chip allows for the connection of up to four external monitors.
However, with the introduction of the MacBook Pro 14 M3, this limitation has been extended to the M3 lineup as well. The M3 variant is now also constrained to a single external display.
Therefore, if your usage requires two or more displays for your MacBook Pro 14, and you wish to avoid potential complications from workarounds, it is advisable to opt for an M3 Pro or M3 Max model.
Be careful with memory
The introduction of the base M3 to the MacBook Pro has brought about a change in the available base memory options. For $1,599, you receive an 8-core CPU/10-core GPU M3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Notably, the base SSD no longer utilizes slower NANDstorage, eliminating any performance drawbacks in that aspect, which is positive news.
However, the drawback is that, despite Apple’s official stance, it appears that 8GB of RAM may indeed present a bottleneck. The M3 Pro and M3 Max versions offer a minimum of 18GB of RAM, providing a much more attractive proposition.
Furthermore, upgrading to 16GB of RAM comes with a $200 price increase, bringing the total to $1,799. In comparison, the base MacBook Pro 14 with an 11-core CPU/14-core GPU M3 Pro, featuring 18GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, is priced at $1,999. This means that the savings of only $200 on the base M3 model might result in a significantly slower laptop.
If your budget is stringent and your workflow doesn’t demand more than 8GB of RAM, opting for the base M3 over the base M3 Pro of the MacBook Pro 14 may make sense, saving $400. However, if additional RAM is essential, the argument for investing an extra $200 in the base M3 Pro becomes compelling.
Lastly, while the base M3 model tops out at 24GB of RAM, the M3 Pro and M3 Max can accommodate up to 128GB. If your requirements surpass 24GB of RAM, avoiding the base M3 becomes necessary. Naturally, if you find yourself needing that much RAM, you are likely a power user who will benefit from the enhanced speeds of the more potent CPUs.
Fewer ports aren’t the greatest look
The recent MacBook Pros consistently featured three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, a full-size SD card reader, and a MagSafe 3 power connector, ensuring seamless connectivity regardless of the chosen model.
However, a new development introduces a caveat. The base M3 MacBook Pro 14 now comes with only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, alongside the other connectivity options. While this might not be a concern for most users, those requiring an additional Thunderbolt 4 port will need to consider upgrading their configuration.
If battery life really matters
If prioritizing battery life over raw performance or compact design is crucial to you, there’s an additional aspect to take into account. Traditionally, the MacBook Pro 16 has consistently outperformed the 14-inch model in battery life, owing to its 100-watt-hour battery compared to the 14-inch model’s 72-watt-hour battery. This translates to 22 hours versus 18 hours, indicating that while the MacBook Pro 14 boasts excellent battery life, it falls slightly short of its larger counterpart.
On the other hand, the base M3 processor, due to its slower speed and fewer cores, is inherently more efficient. This efficiency compensates for the slightly smaller 70-watt-hour battery in the base M3 MacBook Pro 14. According to Apple, it is expected to achieve the same impressive 22 hours of battery life as the 16-inch model. This makes the slowest MacBook Pro 14 an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize both extended battery life and portability over sheer performance.