@homer1217 Definitely the Macbook Pro 16, it offers much improved thermal preformance compared to the Macbook Pro 14, less fan noise, and is better suited for the bigger device.
Just got one and it’s probably my favorite tech purchase in years. Finally upgrading to apple silicon was a dramatic upgrade and every single aspect of the machine is a huge upgrade from my old i9 15” MBP. The combination of performance, battery life, and an incredible display / speakers makes it the ultimate daily laptop imo.
First Mac I had, still haven't pushed it to what I plan to do on development, but so far it has been an awesome experience, the only downside for me is the scaling for my monitor the 4k monitor being downscaled got me a little bit. It is either that or super small text and icons. Everything else it is just crisp. Having a machine that works perfectly everyday and doesn't even needs a lot of shutdowns is crazy good.
I’m moving on past my 5,1 finally. I wish I jumped on an M1 a couple years ago. M4 too expensive and getting into an M1 now doesn’t make sense because of support time remaining.
@@thatampguy mmmm. back then u probably thought the M1 was too expensive as well. Just buy a macbook already its expensive but if you don't have to sell a kidney for it i think its worth it.
I am the "casual user" you describe. But I started with a somewhat pumped up M1 Pro Macbook. Earlier this year '24 I saw a relatively good deal (with decent trade-in) for an M3 Mac Air. I took it because I realized that I will never be more than a casual user and for future proofing. I got "lucky" and opted for 16 gb of ram (Apple int.) and only a slight upgrade in storage (half of what I had in the M1, which I never used to it's potential). I'm completely satisfied with the M3 performance and display and as a casual user I think it will serve me for years to come. And should I become some keyboard wizard, I'll upgrade to the M7 chip if I live to see it 😁
All the best for 2025, Your channel has been one of the best findings of 2024, getting started with MacOs here and your reviews have been one of the most satisfying ones. Keep it up!
I have the M3 Pro 16-inch base model, and I couldn't be happier. I used to have the M1 MacBook Pro 14-inch base model with the binned chip, and it was honestly perfect for me, but I wanted more screen real estate and the black color. I did indeed notice a speed bump for everyday tasks, and I love the 16-inch as my replacement for a home desktop. I typically travel with my 11-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip/keyboard case for more baseline tasks and media consumption. the M4 is most definitely impressive to say the least.
Happy New Year Kyle. I've had the M3 Pro MBP 14, base model, since last July and it has more than met my needs. As nice as the M4s are (I have the base M4 Mac mini), I'm going to be sticking with my M3 MBP for the foreseeable future.
If I were to spend $2,500 on a M4 Pro MacBook Pro, would my money be better spent on 14in 12/16, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD ($2,839.00 w/ student discount) or 16in 14/20, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD ($2,479.00 w/ student discount)? I often have my devices plugged into an external monitor but would be nice to have a 16in when I can't use an external monitor, but the extra RAM also sounds very nice. I guess I am wondering from those of you that have used these apple silicon machines for years now, what is a better upgrade in your opinion, a larger screen, or double the RAM? Do you think that the bump in performance jumping from 24 to 48GB RAM is worth the $360 they ask for it?
The reason I like your channel is because it actually provides real world information and doesn’t recite benchmark after benchmark after benchmark. Benchmarks are great but they are nothing if they aren’t placed within context and then provided with perspective because the difference between 120 seconds and 140 seconds might be a desirable percentage number, but does it actually matter? Typically no. The other reason I like your channel is because you don’t speak too quickly. You have a calm demeanor and you don’t yell at us and have irritating music. It’s gimmick free. The guy from MAX TECH really irritates the hell out of me. He speaks so quickly that he runs out of breath and you can hear it.
Thanks Kyle and wishing you a Happy New Year! Loving my 16" M4 Pro. 3rd M series MBP and probably the last for a long time. Checks all the boxes for me.
I love your videos, you're straight to the point and very informative. I just brought the M4 pro Macbook pro with 48gb of ram and the nano texture display. It's a wonderful machine, i'm learning to use davinci resolve and exported a video i did of the unboxing of my new Macbook and it really surprised my with the export time, it normally would take my desktop pc around twenty minutes to do the export, but my new Macbook did the export in just two minutes (crazy) right lol. Anyway i love my new machine, i can't wait to see what else i can do with it. Great video.
Hi. Qhat is the app you are using that displays all the stats like the “memory usage” , the “real time malware monitor” , the connected bluthooth devices, etc. thanks
I jumped from a M1 Macbook Pro to M4 Mini Pro 48GB, and it has been quite nice. I use my macbook yet as another display / linked keyboard and mouse, but mostly editing on the Mini. Definitely seeing a speed bump in Lightroom on the M4, and Topaz Photo AI was maybe 1.5-2x faster on the M4 as well. The M1 is still a great machine though, even with 16GB of ram. I did notice the M4 Mini not ramping up the fans/getting warm, so I got a free app to force the fans on sooner , and that helps alot. (Macs Fan Control)
Idk man, I'm very happy with my half-way-there-almost-maxxed out Macbook Pro 16" M1 Max, the 32gb of RAM and the 1tb SSD are more than enough, plus I've used this machine heavily while drawing in Photoshop (100+ layers projects on an 8k canvas) and I've NEVER even once heard the fans on that thing go off. The screen is incredible, the 16 inches remove the need for an external monitor, everything is just so well built that I don't think I'll need to upgrade anytime soon. Thank you Apple, sincerely. Anyways, great vid as always, hope u get to 1mln subs soon!
I thought it was a great time to buy an M3 Mac Air. The price was greatly reduced. Why would I want to wait for the M4 and pay full price? I don't care about video editing.
I bought the M3 Air on black friday deal for around 1100$ for the 16/512 version. I’m super happy with it. I do some light gaming on it as well as use it for work (I mainly work with MS Office and do some light photo editing and work with AI). The battery life is great and I really appreciate the lack of fans. If you can’t wait for the M4 just don’t hestitate and buy it 😀
@@DavidGonzalezbh played some Empire Total War, Cities Skylines, Valheim and Minecraft. The Mac itself gets a bit hot but it doesn’t drop any frames and everything works fine
I got a new M3 Pro 18GB/512GB for 1249 USD from Costco. I don’t know if I should keep this or return it and wait for M4 Pro to go down in price later next year. I do want M4 pro because of better performance and higher memory but additional $450-500 doesn’t seem to make sense for 6gb more memory.
@@deltax7159 Thanks! It really was a unicorn deal. I mostly run Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator + Figma + little bit of video editing (less than 30min) with Final Cut Pro
I do love the form factor of MacBook Air, I am considering it for the future. Currently I own 16 inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro which is still amazing and perfect for home use (not work). I am so tempted to get upcoming MacBook Air M4 but I feel it would be smarter to wait for the generation after with rumoured own cellular modem. if the MacBook Air will come with better display, I am totally sold. Less ports or less monitor support is totally irrelevant for most of the users... also by watching reviews I feel for Air is smarter to go for 15 inches, even the 13 is so nice and compact. I am only worried for writing and hands there is not enough space for comfortable resting and longer typing. I have looked at all models at the store and it looks fine but I can imagine the 13 inch is just way too small at the end. I have time to decide :P I love my current 16 inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro, for sure it is big and heavy to carry around...
I have a 16” MBP M1Pro as well. While I have travelled with it, I do find that it nice to sometimes go lighter. So early last year I picked up a 13” M2 MB Air. Admittedly tempted to upgrade to an M4 series (for my 16”). I guess I could go 14” and get something that covers the mid-spot, but I do love the real estate on 16”.
i am a college student who just switched to an M3 MacBook Air. I cant say for the future M4 ofc, but with my medium sized hands I dont find it uncomfortable. I came from a 15 inch HP Omen gaming windows laptop and it took me about a week to get used to the smaller size, and it did feel TINY compared to that, but in the grand scheme of things its not small enough to worry about if you dont think a 14 inch Pro is a fine size.
@@mohammadmalik9075 correct, i still work on 16 inches MacBook Pro M3 Pro with attached Apple Studio Display. That is why I consider smaller and more portable MacBook Air for personal use in the future.
@ Its actually not bad. The keyboard seems space out the same. The size cuts are really on the speakers, the trackpad, and space where your wrists would be. The latter is what takes a bit of getting used to.
@@KyleErickson Thank you! Which app are you using as I don't mind paying if it increases my experience as I have done the same with the Ardente add-in?
m3 air is actually better then the m4 max because its cheaper and better on specs, everyone knows this, air is better for heavy tasks instead of the pro
The M4 generation is incredible. I've been using the M4 Pro 16 and its been one of my favorite purchases of 2024, Love the content ❤
specs? i want to get a max chip but not sure if i should get 14 or 16
@homer1217 Definitely the Macbook Pro 16, it offers much improved thermal preformance compared to the Macbook Pro 14, less fan noise, and is better suited for the bigger device.
@@homer1217 16 is better batterylife
Just got one and it’s probably my favorite tech purchase in years. Finally upgrading to apple silicon was a dramatic upgrade and every single aspect of the machine is a huge upgrade from my old i9 15” MBP. The combination of performance, battery life, and an incredible display / speakers makes it the ultimate daily laptop imo.
First Mac I had, still haven't pushed it to what I plan to do on development, but so far it has been an awesome experience, the only downside for me is the scaling for my monitor the 4k monitor being downscaled got me a little bit. It is either that or super small text and icons. Everything else it is just crisp. Having a machine that works perfectly everyday and doesn't even needs a lot of shutdowns is crazy good.
I hope Apple embraces AAA gaming. If they do I will upgrade. Until then, I’m riding my M1 Max until the wheels fall off.
M1 Max should be more than enough for AAA games for some time.
Due to a lack of wheels you will likely have that thing forever. lol
ahahah same here, m1 max is just next level, I don't think I'll need another laptop for the next 7 years at least
I’m moving on past my 5,1 finally. I wish I jumped on an M1 a couple years ago. M4 too expensive and getting into an M1 now doesn’t make sense because of support time remaining.
@@thatampguy mmmm. back then u probably thought the M1 was too expensive as well. Just buy a macbook already its expensive but if you don't have to sell a kidney for it i think its worth it.
I am the "casual user" you describe. But I started with a somewhat pumped up M1 Pro Macbook. Earlier this year '24 I saw a relatively good deal (with decent trade-in) for an M3 Mac Air. I took it because I realized that I will never be more than a casual user and for future proofing. I got "lucky" and opted for 16 gb of ram (Apple int.) and only a slight upgrade in storage (half of what I had in the M1, which I never used to it's potential). I'm completely satisfied with the M3 performance and display and as a casual user I think it will serve me for years to come. And should I become some keyboard wizard, I'll upgrade to the M7 chip if I live to see it 😁
All the best for 2025, Your channel has been one of the best findings of 2024, getting started with MacOs here and your reviews have been one of the most satisfying ones. Keep it up!
I have the M3 Pro 16-inch base model, and I couldn't be happier. I used to have the M1 MacBook Pro 14-inch base model with the binned chip, and it was honestly perfect for me, but I wanted more screen real estate and the black color. I did indeed notice a speed bump for everyday tasks, and I love the 16-inch as my replacement for a home desktop. I typically travel with my 11-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip/keyboard case for more baseline tasks and media consumption. the M4 is most definitely impressive to say the least.
Happy New Year Kyle. I've had the M3 Pro MBP 14, base model, since last July and it has more than met my needs. As nice as the M4s are (I have the base M4 Mac mini), I'm going to be sticking with my M3 MBP for the foreseeable future.
If I were to spend $2,500 on a M4 Pro MacBook Pro, would my money be better spent on 14in 12/16, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD ($2,839.00 w/ student discount) or 16in 14/20, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD ($2,479.00 w/ student discount)? I often have my devices plugged into an external monitor but would be nice to have a 16in when I can't use an external monitor, but the extra RAM also sounds very nice. I guess I am wondering from those of you that have used these apple silicon machines for years now, what is a better upgrade in your opinion, a larger screen, or double the RAM? Do you think that the bump in performance jumping from 24 to 48GB RAM is worth the $360 they ask for it?
I had this exact dilemma. Went with the 24gb because 48gb is overkill for me.
Happy New Year!!! Thank you for all the hard work you share with us!!!
Happy New Year Kyle! You're my favorite person on youtube with RBF!
Muchas Gracias a ti Kyle. felices 2025
The reason I like your channel is because it actually provides real world information and doesn’t recite benchmark after benchmark after benchmark. Benchmarks are great but they are nothing if they aren’t placed within context and then provided with perspective because the difference between 120 seconds and 140 seconds might be a desirable percentage number, but does it actually matter? Typically no.
The other reason I like your channel is because you don’t speak too quickly. You have a calm demeanor and you don’t yell at us and have irritating music. It’s gimmick free. The guy from MAX TECH really irritates the hell out of me. He speaks so quickly that he runs out of breath and you can hear it.
Thanks Kyle and wishing you a Happy New Year! Loving my 16" M4 Pro. 3rd M series MBP and probably the last for a long time. Checks all the boxes for me.
I absolutely love the oilers hat!!!
I love your videos, you're straight to the point and very informative. I just brought the M4 pro Macbook pro with 48gb of ram and the nano texture display. It's a wonderful machine, i'm learning to use davinci resolve and exported a video i did of the unboxing of my new Macbook and it really surprised my with the export time, it normally would take my desktop pc around twenty minutes to do the export, but my new Macbook did the export in just two minutes (crazy) right lol. Anyway i love my new machine, i can't wait to see what else i can do with it. Great video.
would u reccommend 16 inch for a max pro chip due to thermals?
Should I wait MacBook Air m4
Hi. Qhat is the app you are using that displays all the stats like the “memory usage” , the “real time malware monitor” , the connected bluthooth devices, etc. thanks
Where is the wallpaper at 0:10? It doesn’t look like it’s included in your spectrum pack. Thanks!
Haven't uploaded it anywhere yet
@ Ok I’ll keep an eye out!
Excellent video, where do you get your wallpapers?
Make most of them
@ are these available to download?
I bought a new MBP 14 - M4 Pro and would make an excellent wallpaper
Can you recommend screen protector on macbook?
I don't use one!
Does Kyle give anyone else strong "Kip" vibes (older brother to Napoleon dynamite...). I can't get it out of my head!
M4 MacBook Air 15” when it comes out or M4 MacBook Pro 14” any suggestions????!
I jumped from a M1 Macbook Pro to M4 Mini Pro 48GB, and it has been quite nice. I use my macbook yet as another display / linked keyboard and mouse, but mostly editing on the Mini.
Definitely seeing a speed bump in Lightroom on the M4, and Topaz Photo AI was maybe 1.5-2x faster on the M4 as well. The M1 is still a great machine though, even with 16GB of ram.
I did notice the M4 Mini not ramping up the fans/getting warm, so I got a free app to force the fans on sooner , and that helps alot. (Macs Fan Control)
I hate the sharp edges on apple laptops, the air is more easy on my wrists so i bought one
Idk man, I'm very happy with my half-way-there-almost-maxxed out Macbook Pro 16" M1 Max, the 32gb of RAM and the 1tb SSD are more than enough, plus I've used this machine heavily while drawing in Photoshop (100+ layers projects on an 8k canvas) and I've NEVER even once heard the fans on that thing go off. The screen is incredible, the 16 inches remove the need for an external monitor, everything is just so well built that I don't think I'll need to upgrade anytime soon. Thank you Apple, sincerely. Anyways, great vid as always, hope u get to 1mln subs soon!
0:08 and 0:10 wallpaper link?
There is no link, made this and haven't shared it anywhere yet
@ got you, know where and when you do, I’d appreciate it
I thought it was a great time to buy an M3 Mac Air. The price was greatly reduced. Why would I want to wait for the M4 and pay full price? I don't care about video editing.
I bought the M3 Air on black friday deal for around 1100$ for the 16/512 version. I’m super happy with it. I do some light gaming on it as well as use it for work (I mainly work with MS Office and do some light photo editing and work with AI). The battery life is great and I really appreciate the lack of fans. If you can’t wait for the M4 just don’t hestitate and buy it 😀
Because M3 will perhaps be cheaper when the M4 releases? At the very least it’s like that in my country.
@maciejszulc7798 what kind of light gaming are you doing in your MBA?
@@DavidGonzalezbh played some Empire Total War, Cities Skylines, Valheim and Minecraft. The Mac itself gets a bit hot but it doesn’t drop any frames and everything works fine
I got a new M3 Pro 18GB/512GB for 1249 USD from Costco. I don’t know if I should keep this or return it and wait for M4 Pro to go down in price later next year. I do want M4 pro because of better performance and higher memory but additional $450-500 doesn’t seem to make sense for 6gb more memory.
really depends on the kind of work you are doing. you got an insane deal!
@@deltax7159 Thanks! It really was a unicorn deal. I mostly run Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator + Figma + little bit of video editing (less than 30min) with Final Cut Pro
Is it me or does my M4 Max battery drain quickly during regular use?
It is I think because of the 40 cores and because of the high quality use. Rather turn it down. Do you have the 14 inch or 16?
Because you have all that bullshit Siri, AI running in the background. Typical one click let's go macOS user🤡.
Not sure why someone who can get away with an M3 air needs an M4 Pro
happy 2025!!!
I do love the form factor of MacBook Air, I am considering it for the future. Currently I own 16 inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro which is still amazing and perfect for home use (not work). I am so tempted to get upcoming MacBook Air M4 but I feel it would be smarter to wait for the generation after with rumoured own cellular modem. if the MacBook Air will come with better display, I am totally sold. Less ports or less monitor support is totally irrelevant for most of the users... also by watching reviews I feel for Air is smarter to go for 15 inches, even the 13 is so nice and compact. I am only worried for writing and hands there is not enough space for comfortable resting and longer typing. I have looked at all models at the store and it looks fine but I can imagine the 13 inch is just way too small at the end. I have time to decide :P
I love my current 16 inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro, for sure it is big and heavy to carry around...
I have a 16” MBP M1Pro as well. While I have travelled with it, I do find that it nice to sometimes go lighter. So early last year I picked up a 13” M2 MB Air. Admittedly tempted to upgrade to an M4 series (for my 16”). I guess I could go 14” and get something that covers the mid-spot, but I do love the real estate on 16”.
i am a college student who just switched to an M3 MacBook Air. I cant say for the future M4 ofc, but with my medium sized hands I dont find it uncomfortable. I came from a 15 inch HP Omen gaming windows laptop and it took me about a week to get used to the smaller size, and it did feel TINY compared to that, but in the grand scheme of things its not small enough to worry about if you dont think a 14 inch Pro is a fine size.
@@arlencarlson how was the writing on 13 inches compared to older 16 inches? is it comfortable enough?
@@mohammadmalik9075 correct, i still work on 16 inches MacBook Pro M3 Pro with attached Apple Studio Display. That is why I consider smaller and more portable MacBook Air for personal use in the future.
@ Its actually not bad. The keyboard seems space out the same. The size cuts are really on the speakers, the trackpad, and space where your wrists would be. The latter is what takes a bit of getting used to.
Get minimum 24GB of ram 🙏 = you can actually feel the difference just with multiple app open 🧠.
You are just killing your ssds by that😂
@@vinx5518 no
3:54 are you sure you never ran into out of memory issues? That Mac is heavily loaded with nearly 11 GB of swap used.
Awesome video! I was curious does anybody knows how to display the SSD,CPU en memory usage in the right corner? Is it an extension or a setting?
all of this is done through apps. The best free one I know of for this kind of thing is called "Stats"
@@KyleErickson Thank you! Which app are you using as I don't mind paying if it increases my experience as I have done the same with the Ardente add-in?
m3 air is actually better then the m4 max because its cheaper and better on specs, everyone knows this, air is better for heavy tasks instead of the pro