Superb, But Is It Overkill?

Apple 14-inch Macbook Pro

- Kenny Yeo

A GLANCE

CPUApple M1 Max

GPU 32 cores

DISPLAY 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR

MEMORY 64GB

STORAGE 2TB

PRICE $6,149

The 14-inch MacBook Pro has an all-new design and is a well-built machine. The chassis might be 100% recycled aluminium but you can't tell. It's smooth and extremely solid; it looks and feels first-rate.

In terms of overall dimensions, it's about the same thickness as the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but because it has a larger display, it's a little wider and deeper. The biggest difference is weight. This new model is 1.6kg; 200g heavier, and you do feel it. It's by no means cumbersome, but it's certainly no featherweight.

On the left are two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 port, and a headphone jack - I like that Apple has repositioned a it from the right because it means my headphone wire no a longer gets in the way of my mouse. On the right are another USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, a full-size HDMI port, and a full-size SD card reader.

There's support for fast charging over both MagSafe 3 and USB-C, but it requires a power adapter that's rated for at least 96W. Apple says you can get from 0% to 50% charge in 30 minutes. I tested it and they weren't lying.

There's also improved support for using external displays. The M1 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro can output to two external displays at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz while the M1 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro can output to three external displays at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz and a fourth at 4K resolution at 60Hz simultaneously.