M4 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide: DON'T Make These 10 Mistakes!

Summary

The new M4 MacBooks from Apple offer incredible upgrades, making them one of the best releases in recent years. In this video, the host covers 10 key mistakes to avoid when ordering an M4 MacBook, such as overestimating the need for higher-end models like the M4 Pro and M4 Max, and the importance of selecting the right storage and RAM options. The video explains the differences in performance, graphics, and features across the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max models, helping viewers decide which model suits their needs, whether for everyday use, high-performance tasks, or professional-grade graphics work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't feel like you have to get the M4 Pro or M4 Max — the regular M4 chip is fast enough for most users, offering great performance and efficiency.
• 😀 The base M4 MacBook has great CPU performance, outperforming the $3500 M1 Max model from a few years ago, especially in terms of battery life and longevity.
• 😀 Don't prioritize the M4 Pro solely for connectivity — it has Thunderbolt 5 and better bandwidth, but the regular M4 is fine for most everyday users.
• 😀 Don't think the only reason to get an M4 Pro is for performance — it also has additional features like dual fans and Thunderbolt 5 support.
• 😀 Upgrading your RAM beyond 16 GB (for the M4) or 24 GB (for the M4 Pro) doesn't offer significant performance gains for most users.
• 😀 Avoid spending too much on SSD upgrades from Apple — external SSDs like the Rocket Nano are a cheaper and faster alternative.
• 😀 The M4 Pro offers a great performance boost, especially for graphics. It delivers nearly double the graphics performance compared to the M4.
• 😀 The M4 Max is powerful, but it’s only worth it for users who need extreme graphics performance. It’s not necessary for most users.
• 😀 If you need the most powerful MacBook, opt for the 16-inch model for better cooling and performance, as the 14-inch M4 Max won’t give much of a performance gain.
• 😀 The M4 Pro CPU and GPU upgrade provides excellent value for the price, unlocking even more performance, particularly with an additional 200-dollar investment in cores and graphics.

Q & A

What are the key mistakes to avoid when purchasing a new M4 MacBook?

The key mistakes to avoid are: 1) Feeling the need to get an M4 Pro or M4 Max unnecessarily. 2) Overestimating the need for upgrades in RAM or SSD. 3) Thinking that you need the M4 Pro for better connectivity. 4) Believing that the M4 Pro is the only option for performance. 5) Overpaying for excessive SSD storage.

Who should consider buying the base M4 MacBook?

The base M4 MacBook is ideal for regular users who don't push their computer too hard, such as those doing general tasks like photo editing, 4K video editing, and everyday productivity. It is also a great choice for people looking for value and long-lasting performance.

Is the M4 Pro necessary for most users?

No, the M4 Pro is not necessary for most users. While it offers more performance, especially in graphics, the base M4 chip is powerful enough for most tasks. The M4 Pro is better suited for users who need more GPU power or plan to push the laptop for intensive tasks.

Why is the M4 Pro considered a great value this year?

The M4 Pro is considered great value because it offers significant performance upgrades, including more CPU cores and better graphics performance. It provides excellent value for users who need extra power but don't want to pay for the premium M4 Max.

What makes the M4 Max a good choice for certain users?

The M4 Max is a top choice for users who require the highest possible performance, particularly for GPU-heavy tasks like professional video editing, 3D rendering, or running simulations. It's designed for those who need a laptop faster than the most powerful desktop Macs.

What is the impact of having only one fan in the 14-inch M4 MacBook?

Having only one fan in the 14-inch M4 MacBook can result in louder noise and potential performance throttling during long or intensive tasks. The dual fans in the M4 Pro model help with better cooling and performance stability during demanding usage.

How does SSD speed differ between the M4 and M4 Pro models?

The M4 Pro has faster SSDs compared to the base M4 models. This not only speeds up data transfer but also improves performance during RAM swapping, which is crucial for multitasking and handling large files efficiently.

How much RAM is ideal for most users, and when should you upgrade?

16GB of RAM is ideal for most users, as it is sufficient for general tasks and even some photo and video editing. Upgrading beyond 16GB, such as to 24GB, typically results in minimal performance improvements unless you're working with very intensive applications or have many memory-hungry processes running simultaneously.

Why should you avoid overspending on SSD storage upgrades?

Apple overcharges for storage upgrades, so it's generally more cost-effective to buy an external SSD for additional storage. For instance, upgrading to 1TB internally can cost as much as a 2TB external SSD, which offers faster and more affordable storage.

What should you consider when deciding between the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks?

If you're opting for the M4 Max, the 16-inch model is recommended due to better cooling capabilities. The 14-inch version struggles with performance under heavy loads due to its smaller fan size. Additionally, the 16-inch version provides more space for powerful components to run at their best.