Apple has marked a before and after in its history with the launch of the new 13 ″ MacBook Pro by including its new M1 chip. In this article we review all the features that are highlighted in this new member of the Pro range of Apple laptops.
Conservative design and impressive display
The first 13 ″ MacBook Pro with an M1 processor maintains the same design from previous generations with hardly any modifications. The only difference is something invaluable, since a third microphone has been included on one of the sides to achieve a more professional recording. Dimensions in 12 ” wide, 8.5 ” deep and 1.56 ” high . When it comes to weight, it remains extremely light at 1.4kg.
As we have discussed previously, this MacBook Pro model has a 13.3-inch diagonal screen. It has IPS technology, which has a resolution of 2560 by 1600 at 222 pixels per inch. The supported resolutions are: 1680 x 1050, 1440 x 900 and 1024 x 640. The brightness reaches 500 nits and the True Tone technology is integrated that varies the tonality of the colors. This screen is crowned by a camera that is still 720p unfortunately for all but improves its image quality thanks to the processing of the M1 chip.
Processor: the soul of the MacBook Pro
The soul of this computer undoubtedly lies in its processor. It is one of the first Macs to include Apple’s new M1 chip with an ARM architecture. It has a system on chip (SoC) that brings together 16,000 million transitors integrating on the same chip both the CPU and the GPU as well as the Neural Engine, I / O and other technologies. It stands out for integrating all this in an extremely small size to guarantee improvements in information processing as well as lower energy consumption.
The CPU includes 8 cores that provide a speed that is much higher than what could be found in Macs with Intel processors. In figures the improvement is up to 2.8 times better. This is ideal for compiling code in order to have the result immediately. Comparison tests have been carried out with applications such as Xcode, Final Cut Pro, Affinity Photo or Logic Pro and in all cases a minimum x2 improvement is achieved with respect to the previous generation.
Regarding the GPU, it also stands out for its 9 cores that offers more than good integrated graphics to perform different processing tasks. Obviously, Macs are still not designed for a gaming audience due to the obvious limitations that exist when it comes to optimization for macOS. Finally, the 16 Neural Engine cores must be highlighted, which allows improving file processing, analyzing audios in search of applause, specific songs and even facial faces that you select.
Storage and RAM
This MacBook Pro includes an SSD storage that offers ultra-fast speeds of up to 3.3 GB per second . Unfortunately they don’t allow you to go from a 2TB storage configuration. Another problem you may have is that the base storage from which you start when configuring is only 256 GB that can be compensated with the use of clouds to store files.
Thanks to the M1 chip that are included in these MacBooks, it is possible to use a super-fast unified memory with a high bandwidth and low latency that aims to share data between the CPU, the GPU and the Neural Engine. In the MacBook Pro you must bear in mind that you cannot make a posterior expansion of the RAM memory so when buying the equipment you must choose very well if you want 8 or 16 GB of RAM.
Keyboard and connections
This MacBook Pro maintains the mechanical keyboard that guarantees its durability. It allows for true typing comfort with a correct key shift and the ability to perform extensive cleaning without having to replace the entire keyboard. Above the keyboard is the now traditional Touch Bar where different shortcuts are included to be able to work in a comfortable way in the applications that are compatible. In addition, the possibility of using emojis or invoking Siri in a very simple way is also included.
In order to improve the security of the equipment, a Touch ID fingerprint reader is included that allows identifying the user in case of logging in to the Mac and even to logging in to different web pages or making purchases in different services through Apple Pay.
Improved autonomy
Thanks to the M1 chip, autonomy has improved substantially compared to the previous generation. More than 20 hours of battery life are offered to allow you to work comfortably. Specifically, you can get 17 hours of wireless web browsing and 20 hours of video playback on streaming services. The built-in lithium battery is 58.2 watt hours and can be recharged very quickly thanks to the included 61W power adapter. In this way you can leave the house with the computer charged and not have to worry about connecting it to the electrical current until the evening. Although obviously all these values will depend on the use that is given to the equipment.
More powerful connections
If we get to talking about connections, the integration of sixth generation WiFi should be highlighted . With this new technology, a much more stable and faster connection is guaranteed by being able to grab more bandwidth. Specifically, the transfer that can be achieved is 1.2 GB per second. With respect to the rest of the connections included, there are two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports that allow data transfer of up to 40 GB per second and the possibility of acting as a video output. For the first time, this MacBook Pro allows you to broadcast video in 6K quality to external monitors that are compatible.
Breakthrough price
The price of this MacBook Pro is undoubtedly extremely attractive. It starts at 1,449 euros with the most basic configuration that exists in the App Store of 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD. But as always, different improvements can be made on this basic configuration. Starting with the RAM storage, you can advance to 8 GB by adding 230 euros to the base price. Regarding the internal SSD storage, the updates have the following prices:
- 512 GB: +230 euros.
- 1 TB: +460 euros.
- 2 TB: +920 euros.
In all cases, the M1 chip cannot be improved in any way, being available with 8 CPU cores and 8 GPU cores in the same unalterable configuration. In the end, the most Pro configuration that can be done has a price of 2,599 euros.
Is it worth your purchase?
Thanks to the M1 chip, the 13 ″ MacBook Pro has become one of the best computers for professionals. Improved power is achieved as well as autonomy that allows you to make continuous use of the computer throughout the day. This makes it, for the price it has, one of the best equipment to be able to work in mobility with the highest possible performance today. Obviously, characteristics that were seen in previous generations are maintained but with the arrival of the M1 chip, a before and after has been marked, making history with this change in architecture.
