M4 Max MacBook Pro: 1 Month Later!

Summary

After a month of using the M4 Max MacBook Pro, it's clear that this is the best MacBook the user has ever experienced. With impressive performance, especially for tasks like 4K video editing and multitasking, it’s a powerhouse for professional work. The design remains largely unchanged, but the updated Liquid Retina XDR display, with a matte nano-texture option, is a standout feature. Although the pricing is steep, starting at $3,199, it’s ideal for demanding users in fields like video editing, coding, or creative work. The review concludes that while not necessary for everyone, the M4 Max is a fantastic choice for those with high-end workflow needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The M4 Max MacBook Pro is the best MacBook the reviewer has ever used, excelling in all areas from work to gaming and video editing.
• 😀 The 14-inch version is preferred for its portability, comfort, and better ergonomics compared to the larger 16-inch version.
• 😀 The Liquid Retina XDR display offers impressive features like 120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR, and 1000 nits for SDR in bright environments.
• 😀 The nano-texture display improves usability outdoors, with no grainy look, but it isn't as clear as regular displays.
• 😀 Performance of the M4 Max is exceptional, significantly outperforming the M2 Max in both Geekbench and real-world tasks like video editing, with faster export times.
• 😀 The M4 Max model introduces Thunderbolt 5, offering faster speeds and more display options, though there are some connectivity quirks with multiple Thunderbolt SSDs.
• 😀 The M4 Max runs hotter and noisier than the M2 Max, with keyboard temperatures reaching 52°C and fans spinning at higher RPMs under load, but noise is minimal during everyday use.
• 😀 The six-speaker sound system is excellent and comparable to other models in the MacBook Pro line, offering rich audio quality.
• 😀 The updated FaceTime camera offers a center stage feature and desk view mode, though the desk view mode is not particularly useful.
• 😀 Pricing for the M4 Max MacBook Pro starts at $3,199, with the reviewer noting that while it is extremely powerful, it’s not worth the price for most users. The M4 Pro or base M4 models are better value for most workflows.

Q & A

What are the key performance improvements of the M4 Max MacBook Pro compared to the previous M2 Max model?

The M4 Max is approximately 1.7 times faster in multi-core performance and 1.4 times faster in single-core performance compared to the M2 Max. It also outperforms the M1 Max by more than twice the speed in Geekbench and metal tests. In video editing, the M4 Max delivers faster export speeds and smoother rendering.

How does the design of the M4 Max MacBook Pro compare to earlier versions?

The design of the M4 Max MacBook Pro has not changed significantly since the M1 version. It maintains a sleek, functional look with enough ports for most users. The device features a 14-inch display with a comfortable typing experience, especially for users who prefer a smaller and more portable laptop.

What are the advantages of the nano-texture display option on the M4 Max MacBook Pro?

The nano-texture display reduces glare, making the MacBook more usable in bright environments, such as outdoors or cafes. Unlike other matte displays, it doesn't exhibit graininess on white or gray surfaces, which improves the overall viewing experience.

What is the significance of the M4 Max MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt 5 support?

Thunderbolt 5 offers higher speeds for external SSDs and more display options, such as higher resolutions and faster refresh rates. While the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 are not fully realized yet due to a lack of compatible peripherals, it promises future-proofing for users who require high-speed data transfer and advanced display setups.

Does the M4 Max MacBook Pro encounter any issues with Thunderbolt connections?

Yes, users may encounter issues when connecting multiple Thunderbolt SSDs. If two drives are connected to the left side, they might not get enough power to mount correctly, which is a potential drawback for users relying on high-speed external storage. The workaround is to use a Thunderbolt dock for more stable connections.

How does the M4 Max handle intensive tasks like video editing?

The M4 Max excels in video editing tasks, handling complex timelines and Multicam projects with ease. Exporting 4K video in HEVC format is much faster compared to the M2 Max, with the M4 Max cutting down the export time by about 40 seconds for a 19-minute video. The system runs smoothly with no lag, even in high-demand video editing workflows.

What are the thermal characteristics of the M4 Max during heavy workloads?

Under heavy workloads, the M4 Max runs warmer than the M2 Max, reaching temperatures of up to 52°C. The fans spin up to around 5000 RPM, generating noticeable noise during intense tasks. However, at idle or light use, the fans are inaudible, and the system remains quiet.

What is the price range for the M4 Max MacBook Pro, and how does customization affect the cost?

The base 14-inch M4 Max starts at $3,199, which includes 36GB of RAM, a 14-core CPU, and a 32-core GPU. However, upgrading the RAM to 64GB requires also upgrading the GPU, which increases the price significantly. Storage upgrades are also pricey, with a 4TB SSD costing an additional $1,000.

Is the M4 Max MacBook Pro worth the high price for most users?

For most users, the M4 Max MacBook Pro is overkill. It is ideal for professionals who need significant processing power for video editing, gaming, or large code builds. For general use, the base M4 or M4 Pro model would be sufficient, offering great performance at a much lower price point.

What are the key benefits of upgrading from an Intel-based MacBook to an M4 MacBook Pro?

Upgrading from an Intel-based MacBook to an M4 MacBook Pro results in a significant performance boost. Users will experience faster processing speeds, improved battery life, and better overall efficiency, especially in demanding tasks like video editing, software development, and gaming.