When the MacBook Pro M1 was launched? All you need to know
Apple has a reputation for innovation and the launch of the MacBook Pro with chip M1 was a decisive moment in the history of the company. Launched in November 2020, the MacBook Pro M1 was Apple's first portable computer with an internally designed ARM-based chip, marking the beginning of a new era for MacBooks.
The M1 chip brings various advances, including significant increases in performance and efficiency. But beyond the technical specifications, MacBook users and potential buyers have many questions about this revolutionary device.
This article will answer the most common questions that Mac users have about the MacBook Pro M1, helping you understand if this is the right option for you.
Frequently asked questions about the MacBook Pro M1
Q1. What is the difference between the M1 chip and the Intel chips?
The M1 is Apple's first custom-designed chip for Mac that uses the ARM architecture. This change from Intel to Apple Silicon brings several benefits, among them:
- Better performance: the M1 is optimized for macOS, so it allows a faster processing.
- Improved energy efficiency: The M1 chip is highly energy efficient, which means a longer battery life.
- Unified memory architecture: this allows a faster access to the memory and a more fluid multitasking.
Q2. Is the MacBook Pro M1 faster than the MacBook Pro Intel?
Yes, the MacBook Pro M1 is significantly faster. In most of the tests, the M1 outperformed the Intel MacBook Pro, especially in tasks like video editing, software development and other tasks that consume many resources.
Q3. What is the battery life of MacBook Pro M1?
The MacBook Pro M1 has an impressive battery life. Apple claims up to:
- 20 hours of video playback.
- 17 hours of web browsing. This is an important improvement with respect to previous models with Intel chips.
Q4. Can the MacBook Pro M1 run Intel-based applications?
Yes, the MacBook Pro M1 can run applications based on Intel thanks to Rosetta 2, a translation layer that allows these applications to function without problems in Apple Silicon.
Q5. How much RAM does the MacBook Pro M1 have?
The MacBook Pro M1 comes in two configurations:
- 8GB of integrated memory.
- 16 GB integrated memory. This memory is "unified" and shared between the CPU, the GPU and other parts of the chip, which improves efficiency and speed.
Q6. Is the MacBook Pro M1 good for gaming?
While Macs aren't traditionally known for games, the MacBook Pro M1 works surprisingly well in many games, especially those optimized for Apple Silicon. However, there is still no portable computer for games on par with some high-end portable computers with Windows designed for this purpose.
Q7. Can I update the RAM or the storage in the MacBook Pro M1?
No, the RAM and storage of the MacBook Pro M1 are soldered to the plate base and cannot be updated. When purchasing, it is fundamental to choose the configuration that will satisfy your needs in the long run.
Q8. How does the MacBook Pro M1 compare with the MacBook Air M1?
Although both the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air share the same M1 chip, there are some differences:
- Active Cooling: the MacBook Pro has a fan, which allows heavy and sustained workloads without thermal strangulation, while the MacBook Air does not have fan.
- Battery Life: The MacBook Pro has a slightly longer battery life due to its larger size.
- Touch Bar: The MacBook Pro includes Touch Bar, a feature that is not available in the MacBook Air.
Q9. How to perform the MacBook Pro M1 in video editing and content creation?
The MacBook Pro M1 excels at video editing and content creation tasks, especially with Final Cut Pro, which has been optimized for the M1 chip. Users report faster rendering times and a more fluid editing even with images in 4K.
Q10. Is the screen different in the MacBook Pro M1?
El MacBook Pro M1 presents the same 13,3-inch Retina screen as previous Intel models, with a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, wide range of colors P3 and technology True Tone. The screen is clear, bright and with accurate colors, making it perfect for content creators and professionals.
Q11. Which ports does the MacBook Pro M1 have?
The MacBook Pro M1 has two ports Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and a connector for headphones of 3,5 mm. While this is sufficient for many users, some professionals may find that the limited number of ports is a inconvenience, or may require dongles or concentrators for additional connectivity.
Q12. Can I connect external screens to the MacBook Pro M1?
Yes, but there is a limitation. The MacBook Pro M1 accepts only one external screen with a resolution of up to 6K. This is a degradation of Intel models, which could support multiple external screens.
Q13.How much does the MacBook Pro M1 cost?
At launch, the base model of the MacBook Pro M1 with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage had a price of 1299 dollars. Higher configurations with more storage or RAM have an additional cost.
Q14. Should I buy the MacBook Pro M1 now or wait for future models?
The MacBook Pro M1 is an excellent option, especially for users who need a fast and low-power portable computer. However, Apple is constantly innovating and, with the rumors about the M2 and other models of Apple Silicon in the process, it is possible that some would prefer to wait for the next generation if they want even more power or better functions.
Q15. What old peripherals and accessories will work with the MacBook Pro M1?
Yes, most of the peripherals and accessories, including external units, printers and monitors, will work with the MacBook Pro M1, although some may require an adapter or dongle due to the limited amount of ports.
Q16. How is the quality of the webcam in the MacBook Pro M1?
The MacBook Pro M1 still uses a 720p webcam, which results in a disappointment for many users. However, Apple claims that the image processing of the M1 chip significantly improves the video quality, making it appear more clear and natural.
Conclusion: Is the MacBook Pro M1 suitable for you?
The MacBook Pro M1 is a revolutionary product that offers significant improvements in performance, efficiency and battery life with respect to previous models based on Intel. Whether you are a professional looking for a laptop computer that can perform intensive tasks like video editing or a student who wants a laptop computer with incredible battery life, the MacBook Pro M1 is an excellent option.
However, it may not be ideal for users who need to connect multiple external screens or those who prefer a larger screen. It is also worth considering that it is probable that Apple will launch future versions with even more power and functions.
However, for the majority of users, the MacBook Pro M1 represents the future of computing and offers incredible performance in an elegant and portable design.