I Was Wrong About the 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro! 3 Months Later 

iPhone 13 mini 4 Months Later: I'm Selling It: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tB3uuGhRDUU.html

I bought the 16" Max 32 cores and 32 GB 4TB - because I was fearing the 14" would overheat on regular tasks which I HATED on my 13" intel. When I received it I was a bit laid down by the size and weight compared to the 13" I was used to. Fast forward 2 months later ... I love this Mac, and would pick the 16" any day. I got used to the size and now all the other laptops and their small screens really seem too small to work on. The heat is very moderate and I have never heard the fan once! The screen is great, the size, the luminosity, the keyboard, the speakers are so great. And man .. 4TB ... I have a lot of sound banks for music productions and still 2TB free. Overall best Mac I ever had.

Fully agree. The 16" is full comfort when using it, even on a couch or in bed (combination of screen real estate + less noise + less heat). These main advantages easily compensate for the more weight drawback, at least to me. Coming from a 2014 15" MBP, it practically makes almost no difference. And silver of course. Classic colour all the way!

Interesting video. Seems like a solid example of consumerism and how marketing affects us. I appreciate your honesty! I went through a similar exercise when deciding between 14 and 16 inch M1. I ended up getting the 16 inch, but I never expected to take it off my desk much (which has proven true so far). Thanks for your thoughtful and well-executed content.

Interestingly enough, the 16" MBP is literally the same size as the 15.6" 2012 MBP. The 16" is considerably thinner. And of course, the slimmer bezels for a wider screen and larger speakers make the 16" seem much larger.

Good review, and the explanation about rationale was cool! It clears the confusion on whether to go for the 14” or 16”.

Exact same issue. I returned the 14 inch because I start to use the 16 in my bed, the couch, the dinning table. And then I don’t want the 14

You hit it on the nose, Jerry! I currently have my 14 inch in a box with receipt and ready to go. When you mentioned going back to the 14 inch and not really being underwhelmed but whelmed was exactly the feeling. The benefits outweigh the extra weight, hands-down. The situation I went with was 10/16/16 for both models so I ended up keeping the base model 16 inch with 1TB. Also for kicks I realized my 11 inch iPad is exactly half my 16 inch screen when in Split View and I love that.

Thank you so much! For this video! Now i know what size i need! Greets from Amsterdam ❤

I love my m1 max I came from an outdated Acer laptop and now ive got to experience first hand the evolution of laptops through the years!

I went with the 16” too. I’ve heard so many youtubers saying like “It’s too big for working on a plane or bus!!” Like dawg, then stop saving all your work for when you’re traveling

The weight issue is a big deal if you are lugging it around a lot. I went from a 2012 13” MacBook Pro weighing in at 4.5 lbs to a 2016 MacBook Air at 2.96 lbs. The 1.5 lbs difference was huge! My current machine is a 2020 M1 MacBook Air. I barely notice it’s in my bag. For students who have to walk long distances on campus the weight consideration is significant.

Very exciting times. I ordered a 16 inch M1Max 32 Ram 1 TB storage and I can’t wait to get it! The wait is so long!

Thanks Jerry. I have the exact specs that you suggested in a 16inch. The main reason I go this size is the viewable screen size increase is mainly in HEIGHT which is really important in viewing documents especially is you want to look at a whole A4 page - or two side by side. It makes reviewing and reading documents much easier instead of needing to squint or only being able to see part of the page with the 14 inch.

MBP 14/16’s currently on sale at Best Buy, Amazon, Costco and others with huge discounts. Price difference between the two sizes now at only $200 with $350 off any configuration. Kept mine lower end, but my M1 iPad Air 256mb will soon have a 16” big brother!

Size was an easy choice. I loved my 17" MBP, especially for couch surfing. The M1 Max was an easy desicision because I knew I wanted to power 3-4 4k monitors for work. I struggled with 32 vs 64 GB of ram. I went with the 64 GB even though it took an extra month and a half to arrive. I don't regret it one bit. 16GB was always a limiting factor for me on the 2017 MPB. 32 just didn't offer enough head room for the next few years. It's not rational and I don't need it but when I spend 8+ hours a day working on the machine it's nice to never be slowed down or limited.

Many thanks again Jerry. This does clear up a lot of issues regarding what I would like to replace (or work alongside) my current iMac 27 inch 2013 (She may be old but she is still a workhorse for me). Thanks to your insight I now know I will go 16 inch (Pro). I think After Effects will work just fine on that for me :-) 👍🏼

Loool I literally returned my 16in for a 14in after I saw your previous video and when I’m using the 14in I realised how much I missed the 16in model and then I went back to the store for the 3rd time and got the 16in back this week, and here it comes with this video. Totally related to those emotional stages and it was the most unique experience for me of purchasing a computer 😂

I am currently struggling if I should buy a MacBook Pro at all. My favorite is the the 14” base model. But also this performance I won’t need at all. We’ll see what will happen in March’s event…

Very helpful , thanks for posting , subscribed .

I started with the 16” MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip, 16Gb ram and 1TB storage. I returned it for the 16” M1 Max, 32Gb Ram and 1TB storage as soon as one finally came available and I am glad I did. I have a DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom, and the video editing capability and future proofing were the reasons I switched. Am happy with my decision to this day! My first Apple laptop, might as well go whole-hog.

I do mainly the same tasks that you do, and I've been contemplating which one to get. I had an M1 Macbook Air, which I loved, and was the best Windows laptop I had ever used. But the screen was too small. I loved the quiet, and I loved the portability. My previous laptop was a Dell Inspiron 17R, which weighs in at a hefty seven pounds or so. So I think the 16" will work just fine. My ideal configuration would be a Macbook Pro 16 with a Max chip (for future proofing) and 32 gig of RAM and 2 or 4 gigs of disk space. I do use Lightroom CC to process RAW images, so while speed is not imperative, a speed boost would be welcome. The Air that I had was 1.5 times faster than my current i5 PC desktop. Thanks for the review/comparison/explanation. Much appreciated.

I bought the m1 Max 16 inch MacBook Pro with 24 gpu cores, 32 gb ram and 1 terabyte of storage. I don’t really need that much power but it’s nice to have and I will keep for a very long time. My only issue is the wait time to receive it. It takes two months at least.

I just went back to the 16" after going through the 14" a few Mac Minis, and a couple PC permutations.

I use logic X and that is the main purpose of getting macbook for me. I like the idea of 14 inch for price and less looks in public, but 16 inch seems to be the one I really need as it will be my main computer. Downgrading in screen size from 27 inch imac 2013 to clear up space, will have to go look at these in person to really tell.

I just bought the 16inch model to replace an iMac 21,5 inch 2017 model and have no regrets. For me it is more a desktop replacement than a mobile device. I love it.

I'm a DJ and just got a base model 16 inch MacBook Pro. I usually use it connected to my mixing console that has SSDs attached to it with all my music and have been used to using 512GB OS drives for many years so it ticked the boxes for me. I love the size so far! Moving over from a 13 inch MacBook Pro. I also absolutely love the keyboard, in fact, I think the new keyboards in this generation of laptops is my favourite part

Funny, your videos helped me decide to get the 16” first time. Where did you sell your 14”? Did you trade it in to Apple? I’m thinking of selling my 16” max to buy a new iMac later this year.

I replaced my Mac mini (dual monitors) and my windows laptop with additional monitor, with MacBook Max, still running 3 monitors and Parallels in coherence mode for the few windows apps I still need. So the 3 monitors required the Max processor and I went with the 16” as the windows laptop was a 17” and I didn’t want to compromise too much. Can have Xcode and a few simulators open on two screens, backend services apps for azure on the other and still have outlook or support tools on the MacBook screen. Couldn’t be more pleased, fits my workflow perfectly…

I can see why you like it. I have 2nd guessed my choice of the 14" when it was revealed just how poorly cooled it is. But I didn't buy a MAX so it's not throttling, the fans don't "come on", and the thing is darn fast. I also want to be able to watch it on the plane and the 16" is too big for that. The battery life isn't all that great, but 90% of the time it's connected to an outlet anyway. So I'm loving the laptop but REALLY missing gaming a bit on bootcamp. They really need to get that Windows ARM license sorted out asap. Apple has already said it's no problem to do it.

You may like 16in but the size's pain slowly grows on you. I know I had the intel 16in MacBook it was unwieldy. You CAN carry it around but it's not something that you can easily do so

I had an opportunity to fly with my laptop a month or so ago. The 14” barely fit. I can’t imagine how the 16” would have fit on the tray during my flight

I like the philosophical approach to tech of you!

Great video. This was also a pretty touch choice. I currently own a M1 macbook air and a intel 15' macbook pro for work. I also have a razer 14 for gaming. Based on my usage model - when I am at home, I am using monitors (less dependency on screens). While I'm traveling, I'm carrying 2-3 laptops plus extras (one Mac and one PC for minimum). This is why i have been leaning towards the 14 replace both the 15' and M1 macbook air. I haven't seen measured the dimensions to see how the 16 would fit. In my current backpacks, They were designed for macbook 15 inch. I would agree that having a 16inch is amazing, but there are times when I truly appreciated the m1 air for it's size.

I’m a big fan of the 16 inch myself after getting the 2019 version I’m ready to upgrade to the M1 16 inch it’s always better to have a computer that’s overkill & future proof for your workflow

Loving your videos on the new Macbook Pros Jerry. When you said that the 14inch M1 MAX ran hotter in general. I was wondering during normal use I.e web surfing, word, email etc. Does the keyboard get warm to the touch or is it as cool as the 16inch?

I have the 14" with m1 pro. I don't need the extra GPU performance of M1 Max so the 14" is really the perfect device for me. It is a powerful workstation when I need the performance and an ultrabook when I need that. I had the intel version of the 16" MacBook pro for 2 years before my 14". The extra weight of the 16" is not an issue but the smaller footprint of the 14" is really fantastic.

Just ordered mine yesterday and I’m super pumped. It’s gonna be a music production machine mostly, but i wanted to be able to do video editing as well. 16” M1Max with 24 core gpu, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD. Hopefully I’m future proofed. Now I just gotta wait 3 weeks and hope it doesn’t get delayed.

I ordered 1st December and still waiting for mine to show up!

I went back and forth with 14” max, 16” base. My final decision- 16” Pro (not max), 32gb and 2TB. Have it for 4 months. The battery life without the max is mind blowing, iPad 12.9” pro for plane and portability. Thanks for doing these videos!

Is it better to get the 14 inch m1 max mbp with 24 cores gpu, 64gb ram and 1terabyte of storage or the 16inch m1 max, 24 gpu, 1 terabyte storage and 32 gb ram? I mean which one is more powerful? And will the computer being warmer affect longevity?

Your review help me a lot . Can you tell me what case are you using ? is a good and safe for travel ?

I was like "go for the 16" M1 Max and have your mind relaxed for what you may need" but I decided on the 16" M1 Pro 16Gb Ram. No issue for the moment other than the Montereys kernel memory leak which is now fixed in 12.2. I'm completely satisfied with my decision and I'm happy with it.

Sounds good to me. If I had the money for a new computer and had to choose between those two, I would definitely go for a 16 inch model for a single reason. The reason you mentioned months ago as a plus for it. The lower temperatures.

Jerry, I recently purchased the 16" MBP (base model) Christmas return at Micro Center for about $311 off of list. I have very happy and have not looked back since. My old 13" (2014) MBP was an i5 with 16MB of Ram and a 256Gb SSD, so in reality, I doubled my SSD size, Got 3" more screen and the new MBP runs 4-5 times faster on most work. I am very happy.

I prefer larger screens. I loved the 17-inch Macbook Pro of past years. The weight is not a problem. It is only 1 pound more than the smaller Macbook.

Good analysis! I'm still leaning to the 16" w 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB SSD for audio.

Great review! I’ve had that 14 vs 16 debate for a while and I currently use a MBP M1 13. I love the thing so much but I realized that I can’t use this thing on its own at all. I’ve been connecting it to external monitors and keyboard and Magic Mouse to feel comfortable with it. The screen size is way to small to do anything productive on it. I elected to order my 16” M1 max 64gb 2TB back in dec 26 and I feel very good about the purchase now. My only regret is that I should have went for the 24 GPU core instead of the 32 Core but over all, can’t wait to get it next month!

I am struggling with the choice. I had made up my mind to get the MBP M1 Max 64Bg 1TB when it first came out. It's physically barely any bigger than my current mid-2012 and I like big screens. I am not a gamer or a power user but my mid-2012 MBP has taught me that the more RAM I have, the more likely it will last as long as the current one has. However, in the UK, it's a 1 month delivery from order cycle. Also, I am wondering what the M2 chip will bring and, finally, my iPad Pro 9.7" 1st Gen is also reaching obsolescence because of its lack of RAM so I may have to update that. And I'm not made of money. I continue to procrastinate.

that one hand carry flex tho 💪🏽

If I wasn’t moving as much as i do I would’ve choose the 14” cause it would stay in the dock connected to a monitor and bluetooth mouse and keyboard. It is crucial to have more space in arrangement view. I am struggling right now having only 13” air without external monitor. 16” best all around for my conditions

With only 5% increase in price from Pro to Max in a 16” 32 GB package is it future proofing or just foolish to get the Max.? We have no 4K video in our workflow and that $200 is half way to a fast external SSD solution.

I got an M1 Pro 16-incher about 3 months ago (at a sizable discount) and just like my 2013 MBA, I can see this thing lasting me 10 years or so. I usually don't carry it around traveling, but just moving between kitchen and couch. If I have to go to the gym to do that then goddammit that's what I'll do!

Great video Jerry! I have the M1 Pro and I love it! Didn't need the extra power in the Max. Apple gave me almost $1500 for my 2019 16" as a trade.

Great Job mate! Love the content

@Jerry Schulze are the monitor connectivity issues you pointed out a year ago gone/solved?

Exactly what I’m waiting on, 16”, 32gb ram, 32 core with 2 TB storage in Silver. Waiting times are just crazy with Apple at the moment.

I agree, writing this from the couch, on my 16" M1 Max👍

I’ve always been perfectly happy with my 16 inch M1 Pro MBP with 32 Gb memory/ 1Tb storage. Yes, I’d have preferred 2 Tb storage but can’t justify the cost. Going from M1 Pro to M1 Max makes absolutely no sense for the purposes I currently use the MBP for. The beast I have is more than enough and will likely serve me well for 5 or 6 years, unless I develop a lust for some shiny new improvement that comes down from AAPL sooner.

Thanks for this video man. I can't even tell you how many YT videos I've watched about the new MBP's and this answered the question I was wondering about: "If I get the 14", will I regret it and realize I really did want the 16" all along even though it will be a bit heavier. So thanks for making the buying mistake for us lol. 16" MBP on the way!!

My issue is with HDMI 2.0 not 2.1 abd Bluetooth 5.0 vs a more current version. What is your opinion?

Finally, a new upload 😍

I formerly used a maxed out 13” MBP with touch bar, jumped up to the 16” MBP maxed out. Adore it, do not miss a thing from my former 13” MBP.

I saw the 14" laptop adjustable stand you have. Can you tell brand name and where to buy? Thanks

Our brains get used to size relatively quick, whether going big or small. For me, when I want big, I hook my 14” M1 Pro into my external 27” monitor. When I travel (to the couch or elsewhere) I want the smaller form factor. It’s a perfect solution….for me. Regarding your FOMO, well you just need some therapy. Lol great vid!! 😎👍🏼

thank you, this is actually pretty helpful. I've been flip flopping on this decision since they came out. I've always been a 12-13" kinda laptop person. Right up to graphics and video projects on a 12" ibook. You know, the white plastic ones from the mid naughties. I have NEVER had a laptop above 13", that sounds like blasphemy. And now, the first time that a smaller MBP has similar performance (albeit louder/hotter) to its big brother, I'm over here like "maybe 16???" And you said something eye opening, and I think this is key: My style of travel changed. I no longer daily carry to class. If I needed a device to do carry-able note-taking for seminars or so, I'd get something else (ipad, an older air) rather than try to make my "workhorse" machine _also_ be portable. The "travel" I now do is from my desk to the sofa or bed. Or a longer trip, but once I get to the destination I can set up shop there so you only pack and lug it two ways. And having a bigger screen seems actually maybe *better* for that, AND it doesn't scorch your lap. On top of that, syncing notes from another device is now so easy, and NAS's have gotten faster and I'm told now you don't have to be tethered to an external drive on your desk , even for creative work?? (curious what your experience is there) Well, that cinches it. Or so I say now, maybe this is just flip flop #36. But I don't think I can swing the max, I hope that isn't a mistake but ghhh that's a lot of $$$ for something I probably don't need.

Which color do yo like more? The spcae grey looks dirty in your opinión based in your experience?

Pretty happy then with my 16" 24core 32Gb 2TB. Would love to know why you would definitely choose silver though? This is the second time I've heard a passionate preference for silver without a reason and personally I find the space grey to be much sexier.

You mentioned a case for the 16”…. Any suggestions?

Awesome, I am happy I ordered Macbook Pro 16 with M1 MAX.

Nice to know. The most expensive MacBook is the best after all....And I guess the orange iMac is best suited as background decoration.

My M1 Pro doesn't get hot at all. I still haven't heard the fans run.

i got the base model 16 and do documentary editing with mostly h264 HD and 4K material. it performs like a charm. I once edited a whole 6-8 hours (dont remember exactly) without charger connected. my main machine is my 2019 fully specced out imac, which i must say is less snappier and exports slower... so this laptop blew me away! the only thing i feel i did a mistake is the RAM i should have gotten 32GB. I had occasional freezes which I dont know some say have to do with this memory leek thing. but i guess if you have more ram it happens less.

No I am struggling with Max vs Pro and whether to go 32, 48 or full 64 gb of memory. I know once you pick one that’s it for the life of the machine and since I’m still using a late 2013 MacBook Pro along with a late 2015 27” iMac, I know these machines can still function for almost 10 years. So as much as an M1 Pro with 32 GB of memory seems reasonable, part of me says go bigger! I’m thinking either a pro with 48 or 64 GB or Go Max with 48 or 64GB. I’d Appreciate any help in rationalizing my desires at least over a 4 to 6 year window that I would use this laptop as a primary laptop. My workload consist of Very large and complex spreadsheet model development, program coding compilation, about 5% of the time video editing, large presentations creation, small to medium size database development and analytics.

The 16 inch fits on an airline tray. The past 17- inch Macbook Pro fit easily.

I’ve bought a device with too small a screen a few times too. Like laptops and apple watches. The smaller more portable size makes sense in the moment when I’m buying it. But i always regret it later. The only device that I like a little smaller is an iPhone because i have to carry it everywhere in my pocket. It’s the one time I’m not jealous of a larger screen because you can’t do more with it.

My current laptop, now 7 years old and needing replacement, was a top spec Dell 16inch with 4K display. I've owned, and traveled with, 17 inch laptops so 16 inch isn't a problem for me particularly since these newer laptops with minimum bezels are smaller than earlier generation laptops with 15 inch screens. I have an order for a 16 inch MacBook Pro Max with 64GB RAM and 2TB storage which is only lacking the even larger storage options of up to 8TB. Here's my reasoning for this model versus, say, the Pro with 16GB or 32GB ... I don't upgrade every year and as I mentioned before, my current laptop is 7 years old, so getting a laptop that will last me longer makes more sense than buying a lower spec model but replacing it a year earlier. Let's say a lower spec model lasts me 4 years and the one I order lasts me 5 years, after 4 years I'd get a new unit more powerful than the higher spec model I ordered BUT a year later, if I went with the higher spec model, I'd get a new unit even more powerful than the one a year earlier. And, for 4 of 5 years I'd have had the more powerful model all along. It's hard to make a pure economic evaluation, but if the higher spec model gets you one more year then the delta cost is kind of a wash. I should mention that mu current Dell laptop has been very good but the touchpad has been delaminating for a year or more and at this point is mostly useless -- I use an external mouse. I also have a 6 year old desktop I built for video and image editing as well as CAD work and it to is getting a little long in the tooth so replacing my current laptop AND desktop with a new laptop more powerful than both just makes even more sense.

Currently watching and typing from my m2 14 inch max , Im having a liddddle size anxiety and am going to the apple store this week to check out the 16 inch max , I just might come back with it ask me for the update lol

15"-16" size is the best size. 14" - 13" too small. Need to make them not get hot

I absolutely love my M1 pro MacBook Pro 16 inch. You have to get what works for you and not what the influencers say would be best for you 😃

Wow, this was a very detailed and realistic comparison which covered the points that most users actually care about. Most of us don't need the super performance of the M1 Max chip but definitely benefit a lot from the large screen, better speakers, better battery life and ability to connect more monitors.

My issue with the 14" is that the viewing angles are so narrow, you have to sit perfectly still infront of the display and you can't move your head a bit (not to the sides, not up, not down) or you'll experience colour and contrast shift. It might be minute but it's enough to make me feel dizzy and almost sick. So working with the 14" is not possible at all. I'd have to see whether the 16" is any better in that regard but I'm not too hopeful.

The 16 inch definitely seems like a great option, but as a student, it is simply impossible to make it work on the tiny desks i’ll be using in the lecture halls. If it wasn’t for that, I would’ve definitely gone 16 inch, and honestly would’ve probably even used it as a complete desktop replacement.

You mentioned the CalDigit TS3 in the video. Have you had any issues with it? I have tried other docking stations and have had problems with network connections. TIA

I wonder how many people go for a 16” when they could be perfectly happy with a 14” but push the resolution/display scaling a bit higher than you are able to by default. Then you can have the space for apps side by side. I use RDM (Retina display menu) to do it.

Why is the iMac in the timeout corner?

i've been a 15/16 inch user all my life.. i have never ever wanted something else...

the size is everything, that is just right. after spend few days with the 16inch, the 15.6inch even is too small for my eye.

I bought the 14” m1-max with 64GB ram and 1 TB ssd…… a few days later I cancelled that for the same setup in 32GB instead of 64…… a few days later I canceled that and finally settled into the same specs in a 16”….. what a ride. Lol

16'' is the boss... but about the performance... even my high specs M1 Max struggling sometimes... so I am thinking that is some 3rd party plugins (even optimized for M1) that causing that "lagging". Keep it up!

I've been struggling with this decision for the past month or so. After watching about many hours worth of RU-vid reviews and trying both of them out for a couple weeks, I'm starting to lean towards the 16 inch. Screen size being the main reason why. I noticed the 14 inch is like you said "whelming" when it comes to screen real estate.

Have you experienced coil whine?

Any particular reason why you prefer the silver over space gray?

I got a similarly spec'ed-out 16" MBP for one reason: Future-proofing. This thing replaced my 2009 13" base spec MBP, yes, you read that right, I used that sucker for 12 years, and I feel comfortable knowing it will last me a while without buyer's remorse setting in, thinking I'll need to upgrade again anytime soon. Yes, it's hella overkill for me now, but get back with me in 5-10 years...

I like larger screens too. I got the 16 inch M1 Max, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB. I love it. Do my Machine Learning in it, its waay better than my 2015 15 inch MBP!

Are you still using it and what would you do get the m1 16 or wait till Christmas ?

we have the same choice. no regrets at all. 16 inch m1 max is great to use

I find using my 14 inch macbook pro with my ipad using universal control was more than enough for me when I travel!!

I got the 16’ pro 1TB and it’s bloody delightful!

I am curious if you really needed the 32gb and 1Tb for general office uses like email or spreadsheet stuff? I thought the Macbook Air is enough.