MBP - Hands down!
Exactly one month ago, i wrote a post where i was telling myself and all of you, that i wanted to get better at using my MacBook Pro 16. I made it a promise (at least to myself) that i would use this laptop everyday, not using my private Windows laptop at all (i had to make exceptions - and i will explain why). In my eyes, i made it. And oh boy…
This thing is wild
I have been playing games (no, really!), doing my scripting, 3D design, schoolwork, Youtube and Spotify too ofc, paired with the all-so casual browsing of the web. And i have been mesmerized the entire time. I have spent the past couple of weeks unplugged from my external stereo speakers, because i honestly didn’t notice i wasn’t plugged in. And yes, before you get all keyboard warrior-y; there is a difference between the speakers in a laptop and external speakers. Thing is, i didn’t notice a huge lack of audio or audio quality, coming from the MacBook’s speakers. The speakers found in the MacBook Pro 16 has to be the best speakers i’ve ever heard in a laptop - so i basically forgot using my external ones. I was happy using the ones built-in. Speakers get a 5/5 from me, easy.
The screen is a beast for content consumption, graphical work involving color, and programming. You will get it all on the screen; in bright, vivid colors. Hands down industry-leading screen. 5/5 screen.
It looks beautiful
View all your scripts due to the large and crisp screen on the MBP 16
Backlit keyboard so you can type into the night without any issues (standard nowdays)
Rock your favorite music whilst doing your work: the speakers can handle it!
I get why so many “productivity-folks” preach about these machines. Really, once you get the hang of a few of the shortcuts, switching between the multiple desktops, taking screenshots and utilizing spotlight search - this thing will provide the environment to realize any dreams you might want to put out into the world. No kidding, this machine is a masterpiece in its own right when it comes to materials and premium feel - but once you start to get the hang of the software, you will understand all the capabilities you get in the Apple Ecosystem (provided you got an iPhone, for example). Granted, there are limitations. MacOS is not Windows. So do note that.
Fans? Games? Creative?
What fans? I haven’t heard anything at all! Mind you that i have done; Scripting, 3D modeling, exporting and uploading as well as consuming content - at the same time.
Apple has managed to optimize this machine to the finest of engineering they could. This thing is whisper quiet, and delivers performance as it should have been a loud train. Now, don’t get me wrong: This is NOT a 4090 laptop. This is NOT the best gaming laptop. Most people don’t even consider MacBooks “gaming laptops” at all. And i can see why… But that stigma should be all gone.
You can easily play games on this system. With the M3 Pro chip - it manages to sustain good FPS and graphics as well, all presented through a beautiful screen panel, with speakers to immerse you even further. I Enjoyed Civilization 6 and Valheim without any issues what so ever. If new games ain’t your cup of tea - i will happily let you know that you can emulate GB/GBA games through emulators as well, without any issues what so ever. Perfect for reliving those childhood gems we used to play.
I made exceptions
I know. I said i wouldn’t - but hear me out. I had to fetch some 3D files that i had stored locally on my Windows laptop. All i did, was uploading said local files to my Drive - and that was it. Turn on -> Upload files -> Turn off. That happened a couple of times, but only at the mere beginning of this “experiment”. i have not used the Windows laptop apart from that - and i don’t think i will end up using it too much in the future either. It’s an old Acer Predator with a 1060 in it. By all means, it can run games, but this thing is far from “current” anymore - although, it has served me well. I will most likely not completely retire it -yet- but eventually, of course.
Pointers
The machine and ecosystem of MacOS gives you a “urge” to be productive. Hard to explain, but it works!
Materials and features for the machine is at a premium.
Price to entry is very steep, this is not a cheap machine by any means - which can be a drawback to some.
No random shutdowns, optimized software and operating system in general.
Seamless integration with other iOS devices and AppleID (handy if you own other Apple devices).
Can be a bit difficult to adjust to MacOS after a lifetime of Windows: But it is possible.
Long-lasting battery
Will function just as good plugged in as on battery!
Conclusion
I will start by saying that this “experiment” was a bit difficult at first. I’ve grown up with using Windows machines, and this is my first Mac. my first encounter with the MacOS. I think that is by far the biggest hurdle to overcome for anyone considering a switch like this. But boy oh boy, if you stick with it for a few weeks… This thing grows on you! The flawless transitions, clever “productivity optimizations”, integrations with iOS and AppleID, and the mere quality of this machine: Outstanding. Hands down, the cream of the crop right here.
I’m happy that i forced myself to get to know this machine, and i can testify to that i’ll probably (and hopefully) end up using this MacBook Pro 16 for many - many years to come. I better, ’cause this thing is expensive! In hindsight, i should perhaps have bought the Air or regular MacBook. This version is more expensive: You get a better chip (M3 Pro), larger screen (16 inch) and all the benefits that comes with that, as well as the 18GB of unified memory.
Expensive? Yes. Good machine? Yes. Am i feeling similar to a love-related crush on this thing? Heck yes.