Apple announced three new Mac models today, the first Macs to use Apple’s on CPU chips. This new M1 chip is similar to the chips in the iPad and iPhone. Each has 8 cores, 7 or 8 graphics cores, 16 neural network cores and a secure enclave.
The three new models are at the same basic prices as the three Intel-based models they replaced. Apple promises better performance on each, and dramatically better battery life with the MacBook models. You can order them now, with delivery dates starting next week.
I'm hoping that you will do a new COMPARISON for those of us trying to decide which Mac to get next, now that the M-1 chips are out. (an update from your November 2019 video, "Choosing the Right MacBook For You"
I'm sad that I can no longer get a new 11-inch screen in any model, but I can't decide between the new MacBookAir and the new MacBookPro with 13 inch screens and M-1 chips
Ron: Yes, definitely. I just need to think about when to do that. Should I wait for new high-end MacBooks too? I may do one on choosing between the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro since there are clear differences (Touch Bar, fan, battery) that not everyone thinks about.
The M1 chip in the Mac Mini seems to make it it an ideal machine for processing 4K videos on iMovie. My current 2015 MacBook Pro will not handle 4K. It flutters.
I purchased the Mac Mini M1 with 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM. I plan on using it as my main computer connected to a 55" TV and adding a 5TB HD to the USB C port for all my files. This combination is way cheaper than a laptop, but the downside is I can't get more than 16GB RAM - would love to have 32GB because I have Parallels Desktop for Mac installed to run Windows 10 as a guest OS and need to share memory between the two OS's.
I think it's possible to replace the 512GB SSD with a 2TB SSD.
John: Of course you know that Parallels cannot currently run on an M1 chip. It needs an Intel chip since Windows runs on an Intel processor. However, I think maybe you saw the announcement on their site that "A new version of Parallels Desktop for Mac that can run on Mac with Apple M1 chip is already in active development." I wonder how long it will take. You can sign up for their beta testing here: https://www.parallels.com/blogs/parallels-desktop-apple-silicon-mac/
Gary, thank you for your insight over the years. My 1TB, 4GB mid 2011 iMac died, I'm in quick shopping mode. M1 vs. intel, add upgrades now or never, 7 or 8 cores... it's overwhelming and I noticed you don't have a latest comparison completed yet, so I thought i'd ask. Documents, light photo/video editing, streaming movies, crafting machines- Which MBA M1 would compare (would 16GB, 1TB MBA upgrade be overkill?) or would the MBP M1 be the safer bet because it still uses a cooling system?
Crystal: First, check out https://macmost.com/should-you-buy-a-new-mac-now.html
You could probably get by with 8GB if your budget is tight. They are very good at memory management. It doesn't sound like you are doing anything that requires too much power. Even the MacBook Air is a possibility, but the Pro really doesn't cost much more.