Apple’s CPU update from the M1 Pro and M1 Max to the M2 Pro and M2 Max this round is said to help those who use older MacBook Pro models that are still using older models 3-4 years ago. If wanting to change to a newer machine that is stronger and improves work efficiency
Although in terms of the overall picture, the device has not changed from the MacBook Pro 14 “and 16” that were launched in late 2021, but with a large adjustment from the previous model, the MacBook Pro in this year 2023 is still Meet the needs of use in full.
Of course, in choosing the M2 Pro and M2 Max, including the screen size of 14 “and 16”, it depends on the type of work used more, so the most important thing besides preparing a budget of almost a hundred thousand baht. Must understand usage patterns in order to buy the new MacBook Pro this year as well as the most worthwhile.
strength
The Apple M2 Pro – M2 Max chip brings great performance.
The battery can be used continuously for up to 22 hours. The device provides ports for complete use.
notice
By providing all the ports, the device is thick, followed by a weight of 14 “at 1.6 kg, 16” 2.15 kg, the price is quite high.
suitable for pro line work faster
As the target audience of the MacBook Pro is quite clear. Because it is suitable for professional users who want a high-performance portable laptop to use for work. Especially the line that requires graphics processing to help in the work. Including the most fluid usage.
The main selling point of the MacBook Pro, both 14-inch and 16-inch models, is at the chipset that uses Apple Silicon, which in this round has been upgraded to the M2 Pro and M2 Max from the previous M1 Pro and M1 Max with the addition of number of cpu cores and higher gpu and allows the RAM to be compressed up to 96 GB in the M2 Max model
Makes it possible to support applications from composing images, making 2D graphics, 3D to video editing. Or video tinting that will iron out more of the capabilities of the M2 Pro and M2 Max as the chip supports ProRes video decoding, making it possible to render 4K or 8K resolution files faster.
or on the other side of the programmers It will help to run various codes. do it more quickly from CPUs with more cores Including faster bandwidth to transmit data between memory.
Of course, for anyone in these fields, the MacBook Pro is a device that won’t disappoint. Especially when compared in terms of processing performance. With the amount of energy used, Apple Silicon is clearly better than its competitors.
However, since the M2 Pro and M2 Max are successor chipsets from the M1 Pro and M1 Max, the performance gains won’t be as dramatic as the Intel-to-Apple Silicon transition era. Reaches a doubled speed
The M2 Pro is about 20% faster than the M1 Pro in terms of CPU processing, while graphics cores are up to about 30% faster based on the number of cores for both the CPU and GPU. While the M2 Max is about 20% faster than the M1 Max and 30% in CPU and GPU processing as well.
There’s also a factor like Unified Memory, or RAM, that doubles the bandwidth on the M2 Pro to 200 GB/s on the regular M2, and doubles the bandwidth on the M2 Max to 400 GB/s. which can compress memory up to 96 GB
Now, if you compare the performance, you can see that both the M2, M2 Pro and M2 Max through Geekbench and Cinebench R23 can see that in single-core processing they get similar scores. It differs in the Multi-Core section that jumps up as the number of CPU cores increases.
While testing the graphics performance with Metal, it saw a 40% increase in scores at each level, both from M2 to M2 Pro and from M2 Pro to M2 Max. GPU processing power has been significantly increased. and also affects the factors in choosing to use
In addition to the CPU and GPU speed, another noticeable part is the work of the NPU or the use of AI to help process. Like activating it in conjunction with Photoshop, previously when selecting objects in high-resolution images, it takes quite a long time to process. When it comes to the M2 Pro and M2 Max, it can be done according to the mouse that moves to see it.
The machine meets the needs of use.
Coming back to the MacBook Pro’s body, both the 14-inch and 16-inch models have similar characteristics. Except in terms of size and weight, in the 14-inch model, it measures 1.55 x 31.26 x 22.12 cm, weighs 1.6 kg, while the 16-inch model is 1.68 x 35.57 x 24.81 cm, weighs 2.16 kg.
Both screens use Liquid Retina XDR technology, with a resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels on the 14-inch model and 3456 x 2234 pixels on the 16-inch model. Brightness can be boosted up to 1600 nits. Refresh the screen to suit tasks like 47.95 Hz, 48 Hz, 50 Hz, 59.94 Hz and 60 Hz can be done.
In terms of connecting ports Considered to be a good improvement since the 2021 model, with the replacement of the MagSafe 3 charging port instead of the original USB-C port, leaving additional Thunderbolt 4 ports available. Don’t lose ports for charging.
On the left side are two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. On the right side, there will be both HDMI channels that support up to 8K already with 1 Thunderbolt 4 port and an SD Card reader that helps facilitate more production lines.
Coming back to the battery, the MacBook Pro 14 “comes with a 70Whr battery that Apple claims can play video continuously for 18 hours and surf the web for about 12 hours, while the MacBook Pro 16” provides a 100 Whr battery. 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing
The charging part can be done either through MagSafe 3 or using USB-C as before. The 14 ”model supports the fastest charging at 96W (if you buy the initial model, you will get a 67W adapter). The 16 ”model can be charged. Up to 140W, which only requires a MagSafe 3 cable, charging speeds to 50% in 30 minutes.
For connectivity, MacBook Pro supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which is an update to the era. Although at present WiFi 6E has not been certified for use in Thailand.
Which model is the best value for money?
The basis for choosing a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro this year must start from wanting a device that helps increase work efficiency. especially video editing Make various graphics that the current MacBook Air M2 does not meet. therefore moving up to MacBook Pro
Because in the current use of computers for general work. like making a document file a little makeup or even editing short clips. The MacBook Air M2 already meets the needs of users. But if you want more performance, the MacBook Pro can be the answer.
After that, he started answering one question at a time whether he wanted a laptop with a screen size suitable for portability (14”) or focusing on specific use. And some have been used outside (16”) before, which the advantage of Apple Silicon is that both the 14” and 16” models provide the same maximum performance.
This year, the MacBook Pro 14 ”, the starting model at a price of 73,900 baht, will come with a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD, which becomes the lowest model for use because the 10-core CPU Supplied will be 6 high-performance cores and 4 energy-saving cores. If moving to a 12-core CPU model, you will get 8 high-performance cores and resulting in more smooth usage.
As in the SSD section, in the 512 GB version, single storage is used. Compared to the 1 TB model and above, it uses a pair that transmits data faster, so if the budget is reached, it is advisable to move up to use the 89,900 baht model to get the best value. For those who want a pro-level machine to use
While the M2 Max is further different in terms of GPU cores that can be boosted up to 38 cores and up to 96 GB of memory, the 14-inch model goes up to 145,900. baht for 1 TB space
Of course, if it’s a cable used for video editing work. How quickly is it slowing down the rendering time? The more productiveness can be created, so if it is a machine that is purchased to work and able to make money back Investing in good equipment It’s worth it.