Exploring the 16-Inch MacBook Pro: Worth the Investment?
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I refrained from labeling this as a ‘long-term review of the 16-inch MacBook Pro’ since five months is insufficient to provide a thorough and unbiased assessment of such a device.
Nonetheless, the M1 Max-equipped 16-inch MacBook Pro has been central to my production workflow for nearly half a year, and I have several insights to share.
Living with the New 16-Inch MacBook Pro
Is it excessively large?
This machine was not inexpensive; it cost my business £3,699. Thus, it was required to perform exceptionally well, particularly in video editing, and to serve as a long-term investment.
Here’s what I’ve learned.
Using the 16-Inch MacBook Pro for Video Editing
My MacBook Pro primarily operates with Final Cut Pro. Occasionally, I engage in light audio editing with Logic Pro for my podcast and YouTube videos, but that’s about it.
Choosing the M1 Max over the M1 Pro and fully utilizing the graphics capabilities was a decision I’m pleased with, as this laptop has the potential to be my main editing machine for many years to come.
The performance is impressive. Rendering and exporting are quicker than I could have anticipated, and dropped frames are a rarity. It feels remarkably optimized for Final Cut Pro, handling footage from my Sony FX3 camera effortlessly.
However, the speed may be excessive for Final Cut Pro. Users familiar with high-spec Macs will recognize the frustrating timeline performance.
Regardless of the Mac's speed, Final Cut Pro struggles to refresh audio waveforms and clip previews quickly. If you scroll through the timeline while the video plays, you must pause and wait for it to catch up. This has become second nature for me, which is quite absurd.
So, while video editing speed is commendable, the inherent issues in Final Cut Pro are disappointing. I’ve heard Adobe Premiere doesn’t exhibit these problems. Apple needs to address this.
Why It Isn’t My Go-To Daily Laptop
When I mention the size and weight of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, people often suggest hitting the gym.
But honestly, it is genuinely large and heavy.
This leads to two challenges. First, there's the concern of carrying it without any protection (the laptop, not me). With the 16-inch MacBook Pro in hand, you become acutely aware that a single misstep could send a valuable device crashing.
Second, there's the issue of fitting it into a bag. I often walk or cycle to my studio, so I need a reliable bag. Sometimes, I use the exceptional Waterfield Tech Folio Brief or the equally impressive Nayo Urban.
When placed in a good backpack like the Nayo Urban, the MacBook Pro is manageable; you definitely feel its presence, but it's bearable for short trips.
However, I constantly fret about how it’s positioned in my bag and whether it might get damaged over time. While I trust its build quality, I've heard concerning stories of people warping their large MacBooks, which is a worry I haven’t had with previous laptops.
For me, it’s too cumbersome for everyday use, which is why I avoid taking it to coffee shops and eagerly anticipate the arrival of Final Cut Pro on an M1 iPad Pro.
Pairing with the Studio Display
The 16-inch MacBook Pro’s display is stunning and arguably justifies its high price on its own.
I’ve edited every video on my channel with it since acquiring the laptop. The combination of vibrant color accuracy and smooth ProMotion scrolling in Final Cut Pro makes the editing experience delightful.
Despite this, I felt the need for a larger screen in my studio. While the MacBook Pro’s display is fine for editing at home, it seemed inadequate in my studio environment. So, when Apple released the Studio Display in March, I seized the opportunity.
This is not a review of the Studio Display; you can find my full thoughts on my YouTube channel. Nevertheless, despite its shortcomings and high cost, it has perfectly complemented my 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The seamless connection between the two devices is as convenient as expected, and the screen size meets my requirements. Although this setup is pricey (a staggering £5,198), it promises longevity.
Two Outstanding Convenience Features
If you know me, you understand that I prioritize convenience over specifications. I’m pleased to report that the 16-inch MacBook Pro offers two features that enhance daily usability.
First, the battery life is remarkable. The longevity of this device is astounding. I often forget I'm on battery power, even during video editing.
Low battery alerts are infrequent. Coupled with impressive standby performance, this laptop alleviates battery anxiety during intensive creative tasks.
The second surprise was the speakers.
I’ve never been one to rave about Apple’s audio technology, but I must admit, they manage to produce high-quality sound from such small speakers.
I often use the speakers on my 16-inch MacBook Pro to monitor audio while editing and fine-tuning my videos. While I wouldn’t rely on them as the sole reference for the best results, they are adequate for my consistent audio setup, eliminating the need for headphones.
This may seem minor, but it significantly enhances convenience.
Conclusion
I’ve recently recognized that we’ve entered a phase of diminishing returns for the Mac. My experience exemplifies this: I don’t require all the capabilities of my 16-inch MacBook Pro. Unless I drastically upgrade my filming equipment, I probably never will.
Could I have managed with the M1 Pro version? Certainly — and because of this, my advice for potential MacBook Pro buyers remains unchanged: most individuals will find the base model more than sufficient.
If you know you need more power, then you undoubtedly do.
Despite this, there’s a certain comfort in owning a machine like the M1 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro. It’s akin to possessing a car with 365BHP and a top speed of 155MPH — neither is particularly practical on UK roads, but it’s nice to know it has such capabilities.
My connection to the 16-inch MacBook Pro is similarly aspirational. Using it feels almost indulgent, as though I’ve been handed the keys to a powerful vehicle with the simple task of running errands. I’m acutely aware that pushing its limits is beyond my workflow, but this also ensures that I’ll never feel under-equipped.
In response to the clickbait question posed at the beginning of this article: No, I do not regret purchasing it whatsoever.
If you have the budget and the desire to own such a powerful laptop, you will likely be very pleased with your choice. Conversely, if you prefer to admire it from a distance and invest in something less potent, rest assured, there are plenty of excellent options available.
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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on April 4, 2022.