The Specs Are Impressive!

My previous Mac was a 2015 27-inch 5K iMac, which, despite its stellar performance, was beginning to show its age with the Intel processor. My work involves various creative tasks, often utilizing software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. As Adobe updated its Creative Cloud applications, the limitations of the 2015 Core i7 became evident.

Despite hearing the buzz about Apple silicon, I hadn’t experienced its capabilities until now. The M1 Max MacBook Pro carries a hefty price tag, justifying its Pro designation. Every time I considered buying it, my wallet felt the pinch.

Spending such a sum is never easy; however, I recognized that economizing now could lead to regret later. Apple silicon’s architecture means no upgrades are possible after purchase, so I aimed for maximum capability to last me three to five years. This model boasts 32GB of unified memory and a substantial 4TB of storage, despite the general consensus that Apple’s storage options are pricey. Nonetheless, the speed and reliability it offers made it worth the investment. I opted for the 16-inch version for additional screen space, primarily using it with the Studio Display, but it holds its own when I need to work on-the-go.

A Reality Check

Recently, I’ve had to put in extra hours, often continuing projects at home. I decided to bring my iMac back home, which had been underused at the studio. Last week, I left the M1 MacBook Pro at the studio and relied on the iMac for a night’s work.

After several months of using the M1 Max, I had forgotten how much I appreciated its performance. The iMac, once my primary device, now felt outdated.

What’s That Noise?

While working on a project in Premiere Pro, the iMac's fan roared to life, a reminder of how noisy Intel Macs can be. It’s easy to overlook such distractions when you’ve become accustomed to the silent efficiency of Apple silicon. Focus is crucial in creative work, and the noise from older Macs can disrupt that concentration.

I hold a special affection for my iMac; we’ve shared countless hours together. Yet, returning to it felt like stepping back in time. The noise and sluggishness of the Intel architecture made routine tasks take significantly longer, leading to frustrating delays.

Apple Has Me Cornered!

After seven years with my iMac, it’s time to retire it gracefully.

Having thoroughly researched Apple silicon before purchasing my M1 MacBook, I can confidently affirm that the excitement surrounding it is justified. My recent experience with the iMac reinforced my decision to upgrade.

My iMac had always been my benchmark for performance, but now, it seems antiquated in comparison to the M1 Max. The efficiency and quiet operation of Apple silicon are truly revolutionary.

Regardless of future M2 releases, my M1 Max MacBook Pro is more than capable of meeting my demands. I can confidently move forward without longing for the latest models. My thoughtful investment in March has paid off, and I have no regrets—well, except for the delay in making the switch!

If you’re still on the fence about upgrading, don’t hesitate any longer; the future is here, and it’s remarkable.

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Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on October 18, 2022.