The M2 might sound better, but it’s the base-level chip next to the M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra that powers the $2,000-plus MacBook Pro models. It’s easy to be swayed by Apple’s stats, which claim that the M2 processor has a 35% increase in GPU performance, an 18% increase in CPU speed, and a 40% increase in Neural Engine speed compared to the M1. But that’s not enough for most professionals who need more computing power. (Unlike the M1 Pro and later, the M2, like the M1, still only supports one external monitor.)
The M2 performed well. Most of the time, I don’t have any problems. On busy days, it feels a little sluggish when I have about 20 tabs open on Google Chrome and multiple apps running in the background at the same time; there is some delay when switching between tabs and windows, which I successfully trigger A couple of scary rainbow rounds.
I uploaded a 4K Pro Res file shot on an iPhone 13 Pro to Final Cut Pro and edited a stream on the timeline. I applied the light gradation along with some other built-in effects and saw some stuttering throughout.I didn’t really change the lens That A lot, but this MacBook Pro struggles with even the slightest color adjustments (the rainbow wheel also popped up a few times).
Editing photos with apps like Pixelmator and Adobe Photoshop feels smoother. Every now and then, my Mac would freeze when I adjusted sliders, added slight rotations, and made subtle changes to colors. But it still manages to achieve the desired look with multiple layers and effects – without fan involvement.
That’s the main difference in power between this MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air — it has a fan. When the fan is on, the MacBook Pro can draw more power for the duration. It also has better battery life. I usually have to be plugged in after eight hours on a work day.
tough sale
Photo: Apple
All of this isn’t to say that the 13-inch MacBook Pro is completely unusable for heavy-duty tasks, but it may not be enough for someone who regularly handles processor-intensive workloads. If it’s you, I think it’s worth saving your cash and switching to the base version of the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
If you just need a good new laptop, wait for the upcoming MacBook Air. You get a slightly larger, more modern screen, better webcam, better speakers, and fast charging support, all in an overall lighter package (and fun colors!). This MacBook Pro is still a clunky middle child and doesn’t bring enough to be worth your time.
