Apple’s new model for its flagship computer doesn’t disappoint: it’s an exceptional and stylish laptop that offers everything you’re looking for, with the most powerful chip on the market, an unbeatable screen and a battery that lasts all the time. daytime.
Beyond being an expensive and even ambitious alternative, the truth is that Apple – led by Tim Cook – wants to convince the world that its laptops are the most powerful and cost-effective on the planet. And boy is he succeeding.
A few years ago, they shocked the tech industry by releasing the second version of their own in-house processor, the M2. Automatically, it became a rival to its traditional silicon suppliers, with such success that Apple just had to thank its former partners at Intel and continue manufacturing its own chips. Why not? Efficiency was not only guaranteed for their machines: incidentally, they showed the world that they could compete on equal terms with Qualcomm, AMD, Intel or whoever.
The M2 Pro is the most powerful silicone Apple has ever created, a beast of processing in every way, and of course it’s the engine of the new generation of MacBooks. This time they come in three sizes, and the traditional 13-inch model grows a few centimeters to now measure 14.2″. Obviously, it is less compact, but it is more spacious to work with.
It’s hard, indeed, to think of a better-designed machine, inside and out, that could surpass the versatility and power of a MacBook Pro. Windows competitors exist, of course, but it doesn’t no doubt this model from Apple shines for its recognized technical prowess and its unique identity in pop culture (imitated, never equaled).
There are some very curious details, which we will come back to later, in addition to the fact that the technical and experience difference with the MacBook Air becomes narrower. Despite this, it is the model that opens the doors to Apple’s sensational new premium range.
Features
- Dimensions : 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5mm
- lester : 1.61kg.
- Filter : 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR (3024 x 1964 pixels)
- Processor : Apple M2 Pro (10/12 core CPU, 16/19 core GPU, 200 GB/s memory bandwidth)
- Memory : 16 GB of RAM (up to 32 GB unified)
- Storage : 512 GB SSD (up to 8 TB)
- Battery : 70 Wh (up to 12 hours wireless web browsing)
- Quick charge : Yes (67W)
- connectivity : Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) / Bluetooth 5.3
- ports : 3 x USB-C (TB4) / 1 x HDMI / 1 x MagSafe 3 / SDXC card reader / 3.5mm audio
- Camera : FaceTime HD at 1080p
- audio : Six speakers / Spatial audio / Three microphones
- Operating system :macOS Ventura
Apple-style functionality and aesthetics
It’s always a pleasure to unbox an Apple product, even if it no longer features major innovations compared to what it has presented in recent decades. Taking it out of the box, yes, the first impression is that the new MacBook Pro is lightweight. And slightly bigger, with its new 14 inches. A welcome increase. Inside the box we also have the 67W USB-C power adapter (which, unlike the MacBook Air, unfortunately only comes with one input) and a rich MagSafe 3 coated cable from two meters for the power outlet.
Perhaps most relevant in terms of the change is that the models have increased in size: the models are now 14 inches and 16 inches, which may seem like a small detail at first, but the truth is that that extra inch is everything. the difference in time to open our screen. Something that is particularly felt when we are away from our desk, because the workspace does not seem as compact as before and, in the long run, it is extremely satisfying when it comes to managing multiple windows or applications.
Once unfolded, there are no major differences or innovations, but the grace of a MacBook Pro is there: its traditional aluminum design, its unbeatable and very bright Liquid Retina display (despite the “notches” in the center which, no matter how much you get used to it, ends up becoming distracting and it’s about time it started to fade away in future iterations).
They also highlight its 120Hz refresh rate with Pro Motion, the expanded design of its backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID biometric reader, the width of the touchpad and space to place the hands on the sides. And, of course, the still powerful speakers that are located on the sides and sound very, very loud.
Similar to the MacBook Air, when it comes to connectivity, here we also find the unbeatable MagSafe 3 magnetic power connector, as well as two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and a headphone jack. On the other side, there is an HDMI socket, another Thunderbolt 4 port (USB-C) and an SD card input. In general, good.
But it’s no surprise that the design doesn’t include any USB-A ports. Apple’s ecosystem is supposed to run primarily on USB-C (or Thunderbolt) connectivity, whether that’s for power, data transfer, or connecting a second monitor. But at the same time, a large number of accessories that could not be connected in any other way are excluded, such as a not so recent mouse or external drives from a few years ago. Apple has always sought universality, but a small USB-A port wouldn’t have hurt. Thus, for a large majority of users, it will be necessary to have an external dock or an adapter for more options and variety of connection ports.
A delicious experience
Working with a MacBook Pro is a pleasure and there is no more. It is a solid, practical and fast computer in the execution of any task, in addition to combining experience and look and feel Apple, always so different from Windows. As always, we make it clear that this is not one operating system that is better than another. Not at all: in the end, it’s a matter of taste. But there’s certainly a care and sophistication in certain visual elements that Microsoft’s system lacks. At least personally, it makes me choose macOS over Windows on a day-to-day basis.
It is true that the new chips made by Apple have been no less than revolutionary, taking the lead from AMD and Intel in terms of performance and high performance. A power that really feels. The up to 12-core processor has power to spare for controlling and editing multiple media or audiovisual files, or generating computational fluid dynamics simulations.
Of course, let’s leave out the video game element this time around. Because? As long as the power is there, the gaming experience one is looking for is simply absent, and it is better to refer to Windows to launch the game. For everything else, yes, the MacBook Pro is no problem.
Because rarely during the experiment I encountered system problems. In this sense, linking any Apple accessory or connecting up to two monitors is a delight. Whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, or external monitor, any second screen flows like a breeze.
Another detail finally standardized is that of the front webcam. With changing work dynamics, especially at home, the need for a higher quality Full HD front camera is finally becoming a norm.
The power of the speakers is indeed felt. There are six distributed speakers that generate that rich and immersive spatial or three-dimensional sound with Dolby Atmos.
Finally: a reliable battery
The battery is another matter. The power capacity of Apple portable devices is often a mystery and causes much discussion. But here, fortunately, the rule that is followed is similar to the experience we had with the iPhone Pro Max, the brand’s top of the range phones: the battery lasts like never before in an Apple product.
The MacBook Pro’s battery life is truly amazing. Although I always had my charging cable close at hand, it was never necessary to use it when leaving the house with the computer charged: the new laptop from Apple is capable of passing a day unplugged outside the home: up to 18 hours of video playback and up to 12 hours of browsing, according to the manufacturer.
The 16-inch model’s battery is supposed to be even better: up to 22 hours of video playback and up to 15 hours of browsing, according to Apple. This is because the batteries are more powerful but also because the M2 silicon chip makes everything smoother and quieter. The efficiency is noticeable, as overheating is minimal and the heat dissipation system, together with its fans, operates with little effort and at low speeds.
To this must be added a storage architecture of up to 8 TB, always on solid disk (SSD), which also improves energy efficiency. One less pleasure and worry when it comes to saving things, since the fear of the computer shutting down almost disappears.
Practical verdict
Once again, Apple crystallizes all cutting-edge technological innovations in a single device: the result is an (almost) unbeatable computer, ready for any type of task, whether daily activities or high-demand jobs. Whatever you decide, this MacBook Pro won’t let you down in any way.
Its exceptional M2 processor, its welcome increase in size, its battery life and of course, its operating system: it all comes together in a fantastic device which, despite growing by an inch, is still portable, light and extremely powerful and productive. Apart from the details and what is expected of the price, it is a product that borders on perfection.
Note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Prices for products in this item are updated as of April 25, 2023. Values and availability may change.
Source: Latercera
I am David Jack and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. As an experienced journalist, I specialize in covering sports news with a focus on golf. My articles have been published by some of the most respected publications in the world including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
