I don't hate the MacBook Pro Anymore... 2021 14" M1 Pro Macbook Review 

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I have a mid-2014 Macbook Pro and this is the first Macbook that has interested me enough to consider upgrading. So glad I skipped all the iterations with touch bar, butterfly keyboard, no SD card slot, no magsafe, no ports (dongle-city). I'm happy it's a bit thicker if that's what it needs to be.

The secret to making the notch seem to disappear is to add a black bar to the top of your desktop wallpaper (or use something like TopNotch to do it for you). Then it just looks like your menu bar is magically floating up in the bezel. It makes SUCH a difference! It's a little embarrassing that Apple doesn't have that option built in.

Been waiting for your review, and was left extremely satisfied 😄😄

We love a multi part review. Like that you compared the macs. Looking forward to how the M1 max brings. Seriously like how you review! Doing vs. Just talking about it

Great real review without waaaaayy too much hype! Thanks for the down to earth review Sara! 🙏

I am glad full screen works the way it does on the new MacBook's, that notch would be crazy distracting if the screen filled in completely. Kind of looks more like a "focus" mode instead of full screen.

I love your review! Thank you for this video. :)

Wow, I really appreciate the honesty of this review. I just upgraded to this Macbook Pro from a 2013 Macbook Pro and I've been looking for balanced reviews. You are probably the only person to still recommend using a desktop for heavier workloads. Since I have a PC that is spec'd out I'll probably continue editing there and use the Macbook for school, photo editing, and lighter video editing tasks. Great review, I'll be subscribing for sure.

As usual, your insights are super helpful! the 14" is just the perfect size for me and I'm looking at so many reviews to figure out if it's better to keep the M1 Pro and upgrade gpu 16 or go for M1 Max baseline chip (always 14") and your review was very helpful! These laptops are expensive and I want to gather as much information as I can to understand better which solution would be more fitting for my needs. Thanks a lot! I'll be waiting for more reviews 🥺

Love the Touch Bar, never needed to restart to get the volume to work. Now for my main point. Thank you for providing data regarding the use of Resolve and Premier use on the new MacBook Pro. It helps me know if this system will benefit my work flow. I am looking forward to your review of the MacBook Pro M1 Max!

I got the base-model 14-inch MacBook Pro a few weeks ago and I love it. I'd been holding onto my 2012 model because I need physical function keys, ports, and a keyboard that works outside of a clean room and this is a very substantial upgrade from that. More and more I find myself reaching for it instead of going to my iMac. It's a great machine.

I have watched SO, and SO MANY review/spec videos for the new MacBooks and iPads and I have legitimately been patiently awaiting your videos to make a decision. 😂 I’ve never owned a MacBook and I have only owned the OG iPad. So I’m excited to finally upgrade!

I am still running my 2012 macbook pro. Everything after that wasn't too appealing and I'm glad I held off so long because these are looking way better! Thanks for the video

Thanks for the review ! I have been waiting for a Macbook pro like this for editing my videos. That is the proper order I needed :)

I've also ordered the 14" MacBook Pro, looking forward to when it arrives next week. Thank you for your review!

Regarding the rounded corners comparison with the Surface/Windows, the difference is that in the case of these new MBP the OS is optimized (somewhat) for this and that screen area is a new space won over because of the Notch so it is ONLY for menus/system elements and the UI for what I can tell doesn't shove elements towards the edges...so I see it as a non issue in the case of Apple. In general I wouldn't want rounded corners either for the problems It can have with elementos in that space if the OS isn't optimized but it seems Apple has handled that well

For anyone that gets a 96w power adapter, the Fuse sidewinder might still work with that MagSafe cable. It’s definitely the best way to store a MacBook charger on the go

You’re an excellent reviewer! Real impressions (the good and the bad) and detailed.

The look reminds me of the old 17" MBP I had . . . it was sooo slow but that screen was fabulous and the keyboard the best I've ever used.

Wow, I can’t believe this video was 28 minutes long… it felt like 8-10 minutes. I guess I really enjoyed it! Well, I love all your videos and you know that. Even though we mostly disagree with MacBook related stuff, I really love hearing from you so it makes sense. I’ll be looking forward to the 16” review!

Out of the 500 tech channels on RU-vid, I have found your M1pro video the most entertaining and enjoyable. Subed

This is just what I was looking for. A review that has a comparison side by side with a Macbook Air M1. Thank you!! :))

Loved this video, Sara. I’ve got the same computer you have there and I’ve been loving it. It’s like a Mac Pro and Pro Display smashed into a laptop. Can’t wait for the 16” review to see that bigger size and 32 core GPU compare to this one!

I received my M1 Pro MBP 16 yesterday and it is amazing 🤩

Thanks for testing the exact spec’ed 14” macbook pro I am considering to buy. 🤗

Been waiting for this review for a while. THanks Sara

It’s still astounding to me how a year on Premiere still isn’t optimising as well as others for Apple Silicon. They’re so far behind Resolve & FCP. This has to be seen as a failing on Adobe’s part at this point. Really hope they can get their stuff together & do better. Like yeah things have improved but the playback there being an issue still…?

I think this notch is currently in planned obsolescence mode. They'll probably add more hardware in it in upcoming models, perhaps FaceID or depth sensing hardware. Most people won't outgrow these processors fast enough so they need something. That's also the reason I think the camera isn't wide angle. Pretty sure it doesn't go down to 24hz. It bottoms out at 48. Still good, but yeah.

Thank you for showing the scrubbing and actual editing process on the new software, i have wasted bandwidth watching other people fawn and fanboy over final cut, and they do these not so good tests that dont show actual possible workflow.

Another great video that doesn’t feel as long and very informative and entertaining.

Thanks for the in depth review, really appreciate the effort you've put in. Liked and subbed!

These MBPs got me feeling like I did over 10 years ago when I bought my first Mac in 2010… I guess I’ll break down and buy one the only thing missing is the glowing apple logo I’m probably one of the only people who really wants that back but it was so cool and really made them stand out

Definitely this one is for content creators. Thats why i will wait for 13" MBP XDR 4k M2 (slim) , easy to carry for office.

I see you having so much fun and you let us have fun with you. Great video!

I enjoyed your unboxing. I appreciate your insight. Blessings on your day.

Sara, your video is the best I have seen yet. A rigorous, detailed assessment between the MacBook Pro 14” vs 13” IN TERMS OF EVERYDAY USEAGE. Fantastic work Sara, unlike the total childish video presented by iJustine... I got so fed up with her silly presentation of a serious topic that I had to leave comments below her video. Please watch her unboxing video of the MacBook Pro 14” and 16” models and compare to your superb work. I’ve subscribed to your channel and once again a big thank you Sara for taking the time to guide us through when making a big ticket purchase. I took onboard your values comments on using a desktop. I think I will purchase the 13” MacBook Pro - good battery life, portability, slightly smaller footprint and notch-less 👍🏼

I’ve been waiting to see your review!! Mine came in yesterday and I love mine so much! Just edited the video that’s coming out Friday and WOW!!!

omg ur contents are so entertaining, i only realized it's a 28 minute video at the end of it

I enjoy going back and watching videos like yours and feel that I would love to see a video that explains the differences between the memory dependency of previous models versus the current models. This means I would like someone to explain how certain programs can require more memory than others and how having an Apple silicon computer has changed that for the better or worst. Because I am only assuming that Photoshop takes up the same amount of memory no matter what model Apple device your using, but maybe I am wrong. I guess I am curious if the memory is better optimized on the silicon Macs if Photoshop took 6 GB of memory on my new M1 MacBook and I am not set to see a huge performance drop since the laptop can respond better than earlier models. Thanks and keep up the great work, peaches

Put the 14 in Dark Mode, might reduce the contrast between the notch and the topbar.

Thanks 🙏🏻 a lot for mentioning Premiere Pro’s play/pause and dragging delays. I haven’t seen other bloggers mentioning those. Other bloggers just mention render times which are not so important. Play/pause stutters/delays are the key factors of premiere pro preformance. Please do a video with the older premiere pro and another with m1 max as well! Thanks again!

You earned a new subscriber Sara. My first time here. Keep up the good work👍

Congratulations. I'm so happy for you. Mac book pro is my favorite toy too. By the way, your skin looks beautiful! Can you share your beauty tips? What products are you using for skin care or foundation. Thank you so much

"Function keys are supposed to function". I love this line 🤣

I’d love to see them drop a new affordable Display with MagSafe power connector ala the OG Thunderbolt Display. That was my favorite macOS setup they had ever released.

I agree, I've been running a Late 2013 MBP 15" and just ordered a 14" base model - both machines still run, one just a little bit (a lot) quicker !

Hi Sara! Don't know if you're gonna see this comment, but just wanna share my feelings. Previously I had 2015 15 inch intel MacBook, and its battery lost all capacity and got stuck as yours 2012. No words about heating - boy I thought it was going to fire my house one day. I remember as in summer '22 I watched tons of reviews about this '21 14 inch MacBook, in excitement to get my own monster boy, haha. I was saving money to buy 64 gb and 1 tb ssd, and when I did I fell in love with it! Still using it, and no noise, minimum of heating! And btw, so glad I didn't have any of 2016-2019 ones, I supposed I'd hate them and all Apple products after that. Never been a fan of Touch Bar and thinness. And your review is my favourite still so far! Sometimes I watched again to feel again that precious exciting moment before it arrived in my hand. Thanks xx

I picked up a 14" M1 Pro, and I've been enjoying it so far. I use dark mode, and the wallpaper I have is dark at the top, so honestly I don't even see the notch at all because it blends in with the menu bar around it.

Hey Sara, I hope you make a 2021/2022 review of the Del XPS 13 2in1 versus the Macbook Pro M1! As a Windows-loving content creator, making a choice between the 2 is driving me up the walllllll

Finally upgrading from my late 2011 macbook pro 13" to this 14". This is what i've been waiting for.

i've sold my macbook pro 13 2017 butterfly and i bought the 14 inch last week its amazing upgrade.. the keyboard is amazing, everything is amazing..

I keep wondering why they didn’t just add the Touch Bar above the keyboard and have it run the width of the keys? Cool idea but bad implementation.

I just retired my mid-2012 MB Pro 13 Don't get me wrong, it still works thanks to all the upgrades I did over the years. I opted for this MB Pro 14 with M1 Pro chip, base model... I'm happy with it but I still miss the upgrading possibilities of my 10 year old MacBook 😢. I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull 10 years out of this new one.

Great review still considering which one to get. Look forward to your 16” review. Thanks!

The triple drum roll for the SD card is spectacular! Sara never disappoints!

Great balanced review Sara. Having been a long-time Windows laptop user, this may be my first foray into the Apple laptop environment. Looking to replace my ageing 2013 Toshiba 17" Satellite (running W8.1). Still trying to decide between the 14" or the 16" Macbook - kinda gotten used to the larger screen real estate. Definitely would spec out whichever model I got. Not tried any of the NLVE's that you use but pretty sure I'd go for Resolve. Also, super stoked about the extra ports - the HDMI out sure would be handy. Maybe you could do a test with an external 4K display?

Did you set aside how much RAM Premiere could use in the preferences menu when you got that Force Quit Error?

Great product review. I completely agree with your comment of obtaining a desktop (if you can afford both) for doing your heavy video editing content, but the new MacBook is very capable of many things. It’s unfortunate that the new premiere pro didn’t work as well, but I am sure there will be a fix for that shortly. Too many people use it for it to just crash. Either way, thanks for the impressionable review.

Your video is the best review of the 14inch! Beautiful shots! I still use my 2012 mbp, i am also sentimental about mine too. The keyboard on the 2012 is the BEST organismic to use compared to my 2019 and 2020 mbp.

Now I really can’t wait for my 16” to arrive in 2 weeks. Sooooo exciteddddd!

Great video! I need a new computer bad!

I was expecting a glowing review, but I hear several complaints. This is a good review. This is what I'm looking for. THanks.

Your review was thorough, informative, and well presented. Thank you and stay peachy.

Hey quick question on the strong magnet for MagSafe. Did you only test it on your dry-erase board desk? Because I haven’t herd anyone say similar things. Honestly if I’m getting that mac I really don’t care to to much but it’s just a thought I had

Damn maybe I should just switch to editing in Resolve. The UI just looks so cheesy I haven’t been able to get into it. Or maybe I should switch to FCP. As for just get a desktop, that makes it a little hard to hit a coffee shop and most of us can’t afford to have both. Great suggestions though Sara and a very helpful video. Thanks again for diving into Premiere, we appreciate it. Ugh, sounds like they made the MagSafe a little too strong.

Anxious for the 16" Review. Thanks for sharing.

Girl. This was the best review. Seeing you using actual apps like premiere pro was SO helpful. I mainly use Lightroom and photoshop but I do use première pro and would def use it more if it would um.. work. And work well. Thank you for this!

Looks like you confirmed my concerns with the strength of the new magsafe. I still have the OG magsafe with the 90 deg cable which is a way better alignment and I think it also helps with ensuring the cable is never pulled straight outwards, but rather on an angle so it always releases. This seems like a major screwup on Apple's part.

I got one and it’s really great!

This is the best M1 Pro review I've seen yet. Realistic expectations have been set! Thanks!

Great video Ms. Ella. This may be my first step into the Apple laptop world, having been a long-time Windows laptop user.

My wife is laying next to me as I watch this and says, " I'd be excited by 14 inches too but not in a computer. " and laughed through the whole video. I do love her so much.

"function keys are supposed to function" top tier Sara Dietschy quote

great comprehensive review - didn't feel like 28mins long! Subscribing to see your 16" M1 Max review :)

That drum roll moment was gold 😆 Very fun review!

the braided cable is something I want them to do for every device 😭

I own a lot of music and a lot of pictures and videos, so I'm definitely going to take Sara's advice and get a MacBook pro with at least 1TB of storage when I order my MacBook pro.

Hey Sarah, can u also do few development related test so i can have better idea how fast is it in those area also..... and love the way you make the video in entertainment , i never feel bored when waching your video's😍

Hello Sara, I really enjoyed this video thank you so much. Can you include some tests for music production in your next video please? I really am curious how these new Macs perform? Thanks again x

I've had my current 13 inch MacBook Pro since June 2019 and the touchbar has NEVER froze or malfunctioned...

Would be great to see the difference between “yankability”in the new MagSafe and the older one

I bought a totally unbinned 1 TB M1 Pro MBP, after M2 was released. I got a great deal, and this machine is awesome. I'm not a creative, just wanted an awesome laptop. Thanks for your thorough review.

Nicely done review. Really enjoyed it 😎

Not a professional, but seems like the clutch config for creatives could be 14" with 24-core Max and 32 GB. That gets you the two ProRes accelerator cores and enough memory-allegedly!-to do most dev work. Unsure about VM-heavy workflows.

1) I fully agree with you, the 2016-2019 models *SUCKED* 2) I love you for having the same MX3 Master like me :D

the brightness and volume controls are easier done via top bar with mouse clicks so the Touch Bar is just amazing and gives a level of beauty and vibrancy to the laptop that boring f keys don't.

Love how you don't have a fake review voice. So refreshing how you get to the great points I wanna hear.

Love the video. I also love how premiere users refuse to give up the software when it throws them nothing but problems. 😅

Finally a review from someone I trust

Love your videos. Good job 👏🏼

Nice detailed review. Well done!

Conclusion as always: Just dump Premiere and be happy 😎

The notch bothering people is the new, "Facebook changed the layout!" 😂

Love the size and thickness increase. Love it!!!!

Great video! I’m about to buy my first Mac and I think I will go with the 14 inch MBP with M1 Pro, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD. I’m so excited!!

I got my 16 today and wow it’s so nice. I upgraded from the 2019 16in and it’s so much better. That notch is completely unnoticeable. Anyone who pretends it is, is doing it to follow others’ opinions. Lastly the Touch Bar should not have been taken out it should’ve been included with physical function keys. No reason apple couldn’t fit it. It was an ignored feature that never evolved.

I feel like someone needs an intervention regarding Premiere. You act like you're stuck in an abusive relationship with Adobe, when Resolve is right there, waiting to hand you a box of tissues.

I’m just waiting for a check to come through and I’m pulling the trigger on the 16” MacBook Pro with the M1 Max with 32g and 1TB and this video gave me so much confidence in that purchase despite me being a premier user but this laptop I think will allow me to actually learn and push myself further along with my videos. I’ve been on the 2013 MacBook Pro with 8g ram and it finally made me quit shooting video but I never wanted to leave Apple. I’m glad I waited for ports to come back! Thanks Sara!!

The comic sans font in the thumbnail lmao. Great vid as usual!