The 2023 MacBook Pro models have been updated with the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, offering 20% better CPU performance and 30% better GPU performance compared to the previous M1 Pro and M1 Max models. The laptops remain identical in design, but with improved performance, battery life, and features such as Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and HDMI 2.1. The M2 Max model, in particular, is a powerhouse, with excellent performance in tasks such as video editing and screen recording.
The reviewer notes that these laptops are not for those who already have the M1 Pro and M1 Max models, but rather for those who have older laptops and are due for an upgrade. The M2 Pro is recommended for those who prioritize battery life, while the M2 Max is recommended for those who need maximum power.
The reviewer also mentions that the Apple silicon transition has come a long way, with more optimized apps and benefits, but notes that the iMac is still stuck on the M1 chip. The reviewer concludes that the new MacBook Pros are a level up from the rest, but advises against waiting for the next generation, as the M2 models are already great machines that meet the needs of most users.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Apple updated the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with a press release and an 18-minute YouTube video.
2. The updated MacBook Pros feature the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.
3. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips have the same price tiers and configurations as the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
4. Apple claims the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips offer 20% more CPU performance and 30% better GPU performance than the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
5. The M2 Max chip has a 38-core GPU and a maximum of 96GB of shared memory.
6. The M2 Pro chip has a 19-core GPU.
7. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are built on a new second-gen 5-nanometer process.
8. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips have two more high-efficiency CPU cores and three more GPU cores than the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
9. The neural engine and media engine on the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are improved for machine learning and media playback and transcoding.
10. The updated MacBook Pros have the same design and build quality as the previous models.
11. The updated MacBook Pros have a mini LED display with a high refresh rate.
12. The updated MacBook Pros have a claimed extra hour of battery life on both the 14-inch and 16-inch models.
13. The updated MacBook Pros support Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and HDMI 2.1.
14. The HDMI 2.1 port allows for up to 8K 60fps output.
15. The updated MacBook Pros have a color-matching MagSafe cable.
16. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips were compiled in October 2022.
17. The first Apple silicon MacBook Pros were released in October 2021.
18. The updated MacBook Pros are not significantly different from the previous models, but offer incremental improvements.