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Standard User Pheasant
(fountain of knowledge) Tue 29-Jun-21 18:46:57
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Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[link to this post]
 
Have two MacBook Pro 13” units, ordered in December and arrived late January right in time for kids lockdown / home schooling. They’ve had a good beating so far over the lockdown period, and my teenage son and daughter think they are great.

We had one with a sticky key issue but that was resolved with a visit to the Apple store and a pretty fast 48 hour turnaround. Otherwise they (and I’m) very impressed and looking forward to hopefully being able to replace my butterfly keyboard 2017 MBP when they eventually launch 14” and 16” versions. So glad they’ve gone back to the scissor keyboard too!!

How are other folks getting on with these new machines?
Standard User zyborg47
(legend) Sun 04-Jul-21 10:51:56
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
How well do these machine run older software produced for Intel Macs?

I am thinking of getting a Mac mini, maybe next year or before, depending how things go, but a lot of the software I will use is still for intel based macs, sure that may change by the time I get one, but it may not.
I also got to see if some of these companies will give me a discount if I buy the mac version.

I know you are looking to see how well other people have got on with theirs, but I doubt there are many people on here that have a Mac with a M1 chip.

Adrian

Desktop machine Ryzen powered with windows 10 , reluctantly.

Plusnet FTTC
Standard User Pheasant
(fountain of knowledge) Sun 04-Jul-21 12:09:31
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: zyborg47] [link to this post]
 
My understanding is that the new silicon runs older (non native) software pretty darn well, even with the overhead of translation, at least from the accounts I’ve seen.

Most of the apps my kids are running is already native. As you’d probably suspect of teenagers they’re not got a huge back catalogue of older software. It’s all fairly mainstream and recent that has already been rewritten for the new silicon.

In case you are interested if your older software is supported or progress, there is a specific website Is Apple silicon ready where you can check.

The stats from that website look pretty good; 63% (486) already optimised for M1, 30% (234) Rosetta 2 (in built MacOS translation) only and around 6% (48) that aren’t supported.


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Standard User andynormancx
(committed) Fri 30-Jul-21 17:39:45
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: zyborg47] [link to this post]
 
They run Intel Mac apps so well that you wouldn't know they weren't native M1 apps.

If you have a few years old Intel Mac, the M1 will typically run the Intel apps as fast or faster than they do on your old Intel Mac (unless you have some top end specced out Intel Mac).
Standard User Pheasant
(fountain of knowledge) Fri 30-Jul-21 17:45:26
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: andynormancx] [link to this post]
 
Waiting for the 16 inch M-series MBP to replace my “old” faithful 15 inch 2016/17 MBP. Hopefully landing in the autumn. Kids love their M1 based laptops. Apple appear to have really done well with their new silicon.
Standard User smouty
(member) Tue 10-Aug-21 15:02:57
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: zyborg47] [link to this post]
 
I picked a the most basic M1 Mac Mini from Apple's own refurb store which saved £120 on an already low price.

It is now my main PC and do not find either the 8Gb ram or 256Gb storage an issue at all.
I do not use any overly taxing software, I think iMovie is about the limit and have a decent NAS for storage.

It does everything I need quickly and silently.
My only minor issue is with my original Magic keyboard and trackpad which now eat batteries so may look to splash out on the new ones but at £280 for the pair is hard to swallow tbh but the money I saved by buying the basic mini will offset this.

As stock is really low and gets snapped up, I setup an RSS notifier using the feeds from https://refurb-tracker.com/ wink

OPNSense
PiHole
Unifi for Wifi

Edited by smouty (Tue 10-Aug-21 15:08:13)

Standard User Pheasant
(fountain of knowledge) Thu 12-Aug-21 11:04:03
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
The rumour mill is that Apple have pre launch 800,000 units currently in production, ready for a September to October launch of the M1X based 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro’s.

MagSafe looks like it’s coming back, and some more ports other than the minimalist only USBC/Thunderbolt on the current models.
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Sat 16-Oct-21 12:19:21
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
Looks like the launch event of the new M1X (or M2?) MacBookPro models will be this Monday evening.

https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-events/

Edited by Pheasant (Sat 16-Oct-21 12:22:59)

Standard User MilesR
(regular) Sat 16-Oct-21 14:29:17
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
MagSafe was one of the best things about the Mac range…I’m very pleased they appear to be bringing it back.
I’m still not sure I can justify replacing my 2015 13” MBP though…which is still working perfectly well, even after all these years.

Will be really interested to see performance improvements on their new silicon though.

TalkTalk Future Fibre - 500Mbps / 75Mbps
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Sat 16-Oct-21 15:26:43
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: MilesR] [link to this post]
 
Agreed on MagSafe, was great in the day.

For me as a returning feature in 2021/22 personally it would be desirable for it to be more than just a power connector. I’ve become used to having one cable (Thunderbolt) docking for video, power and data.

Otherwise the next step in M silicon is mouthwatering and some updated screen tech would be cool.
Standard User MilesR
(regular) Mon 18-Oct-21 19:09:38
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
So...what's your verdict on the new announcements? Wallet at the ready? 😉

TalkTalk Future Fibre - 500Mbps / 75Mbps
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Tue 19-Oct-21 00:15:36
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: MilesR] [link to this post]
 
The performance of the two follow-on M1 family processors the M1 Pro and the M1 Max sound astounding, if the claims are to be believed.

I would have liked just a regular USB-A port on the side, just one would have been good. The 16-inch version is a smidge larger in dimensions than my existing 15-inch late 2016 box, but its appreciably heavier. It must be down to the size of the battery - which reflects on the battery life, again incredible if the claimed life is true.

Magsafe is back, but they're also retaining charge via Thunderbolt 4, thankfully. So yeah on the whole a pretty amazing new lineup of MBP's.
Standard User ian_c
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Tue 19-Oct-21 01:47:32
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
They managed expectations pretty well with the M1, such that most reviewers found it exceeded expectations, eveb under Rosetta2.

No mention of ethernet in the power brick, a la iMac M1. That would have been cool.

Standard User stniuk
(experienced) Tue 19-Oct-21 04:58:01
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: ian_c] [link to this post]
 
An interesting rundown of the new chips inside these macs. Impressive stuff.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/17019/apple-announced...

Also a nice roundup of the new machines
https://youtu.be/uhIdijSrnVc

Edited by stniuk (Tue 19-Oct-21 05:23:26)

Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Tue 19-Oct-21 07:32:31
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: stniuk] [link to this post]
 
Thanks for the links. Here’s another good YT review. Each and every number Apple quotes with these machines seems hugely impressive (if they’re true) whether it’s claimed battery life or number of transistors on that monster M1 Max SoC (can’t really call it a CPU).

Will be thoroughly interesting to see how well these actually perform when the tin hits the streets in the next weeks, but if Apple aren’t overcooking it then high-end intel based Windows laptops have a big problem.
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Tue 19-Oct-21 08:20:18
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: ian_c] [link to this post]
 
In reply to a post by ian_c:
They managed expectations pretty well with the M1, such that most reviewers found it exceeded expectations, eveb under Rosetta2.

No mention of ethernet in the power brick, a la iMac M1. That would have been cool.

Proof will be in the pudding when folks get to start using them. However with the claimed performance on tap, Rosetta-based apps (what’s left of them) should be a stroll in the park. The Max in particular has some phenomenal graphics capability.

The massive SoC approach seems to work. Huge performance and minimal power consumption. They’re the only ones doing it to this scale. With their own silicon they can add whatever they want - 16 core neural engine with 11 trillion ops/sec anyone? Pretty bonkers.
Standard User TinyMongomery
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Tue 19-Oct-21 11:58:03
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
Tempted by the MacBook Pro.

But I think I'll give the $19 cleaning cloth a miss.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Proud to be "woke".
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Tue 19-Oct-21 21:23:43
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: TinyMongomery] [link to this post]
 
Ordered mine. Coming in 2 weeks.
Standard User MilesR
(regular) Wed 20-Oct-21 11:46:06
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
In reply to a post by Pheasant:
Ordered mine. Coming in 2 weeks.


Just the cleaning cloth, or did you opt for a MBP too? laugh

TalkTalk Future Fibre - 500Mbps / 75Mbps
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Wed 20-Oct-21 17:37:05
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: MilesR] [link to this post]
 
Haha. Just the tin. Gave the merch a miss 😎
Standard User ian_c
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Thu 21-Oct-21 12:30:56
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
I do find myself unexpectedly curious to know what is so special about the cloth (not enough to shell out, mind!), since they were included in the super-duper expensive screen (XDR?) with the mesh option. To be fair, the definitely-not-Velcro hook and eye used on the Apple Watch sports bands is definitely much better than Velcro.

Apparently you can't get the cloths before December now...

Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Thu 21-Oct-21 14:42:42
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: ian_c] [link to this post]
 
First a chip shortage, then an (elemental) silicon shortage. God forbid there’s a microfibre shortage 😂
Standard User TinyMongomery
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Thu 21-Oct-21 16:45:33
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: ian_c] [link to this post]
 
The cloth is certified to work on all Apple devices.

Apparently, someone has produced a rootkit to make it work on Android devices.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Proud to be "woke".

Edited by TinyMongomery (Thu 21-Oct-21 16:46:41)

Standard User TinyMongomery
(eat-sleep-adslguide) Thu 21-Oct-21 16:47:30
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
Presumably only a small shortage.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Proud to be "woke".
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Fri 29-Oct-21 00:37:54
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
Tin has started to hit the streets...

M1 Max vs Intel 16" MacBook Pro: Just Benchmark Madness!
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Tue 16-Nov-21 19:04:52
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
Mine turns up tomorrow apparently. Should be interesting!
Standard User Pheasant
(knowledge is power) Thu 09-Dec-21 19:40:07
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Re: Experiences with M1 based Mac’s


[re: Pheasant] [link to this post]
 
Bid my old 15-inch MacBook Pro adieu today as I finally packed it up to trade-in. It's winging its way to Lutterworth as we speak.

Replacement M1 Max MBP running for little over a week now - so far so good. Quiet, deadly fast, and super cool - CPU temps stable around 43-46C compared to the 6th gen Intel which would hover around 73-78C with lots of fans running.

Have started playing around with Windows 11 for ARM (Insider Preview) under Parallels - pretty easy install. Boots and runs in around 7 seconds so also fairly snappy.
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