Tag: 14 inch macbook pro

Best Travel Laptop Deal 2024: Pro Video Editing Beast // Unboxing and Review

Are you in the market for the best travel laptop in 2024? Whether you’re an avid video editor, app developer, or just someone who loves a good deal, this is the perfect find for you. I recently got my hands on what I believe is the best travel laptop Apple makes at an unbeatable price—it’s time for an upgrade!

Buy it here: MacBook Pro 2021 M1

Why I Needed a New Laptop

In less than 30 days, I’m going backpacking across Europe for a month. Naturally, I’ll need to edit YouTube videos and work on my apps during the trip. While I hope to get a few months ahead, I can’t risk going without a powerful machine. My previous laptop, a 2015 MacBook, simply can’t keep up anymore. It freezes during video editing, and doesn’t support new macOS updates—meaning I’m missing out on key features for building iOS apps. So, it was time for an upgrade.

This new machine? The 2021 MacBook Pro with the M1 chip. It’s not one of those overly expensive, $3,000 models that lose value quickly. This is a smart buy, and here’s why it’s the perfect travel laptop for creators.

Who Should Get This Laptop?

If you’re someone who travels often, edits videos, creates music, or develops apps, you might find this laptop is exactly what you need. It’s designed for high-performance tasks without the high price tag. Whether your laptop is from 2020 or earlier, upgrading to this M1 MacBook Pro will make a huge difference in your workflow.

My Previous Experience

I originally bought a 2015 MacBook Pro a couple of years ago to learn iOS app development. It worked great for that purpose and only cost me under $500. Before that, I was a Windows user, but once I switched to macOS, I fell in love with its simplicity, efficiency, and multitasking abilities.

One of the things I appreciate most about Macs is how smoothly they allow you to work with multiple desktops. Swiping between them is so intuitive, and it’s a feature I wish existed on Windows. Plus, apps like Logic Pro (professional music production software) are exclusive to macOS, which is another reason I made the switch.

Why I Chose Mac Over Windows for Travel

MacBooks just work better for creative professionals like me. For video editing, app development, and even coding, they offer a seamless experience. The build quality is top-notch, especially when it comes to the keyboard and trackpad. There’s a level of precision and comfort you just don’t find on other laptops. And let’s not forget how easy it is to transfer files between my iPhone and MacBook with AirDrop—another feature that makes Apple products ideal for travel.

While I still use a Windows desktop at home, I’m officially switching to MacBooks for my laptop needs. It’s all about portability, efficiency, and a workflow that suits my creative projects.

The Unboxing

Alright, time for the big reveal! Inside the box is a 2021 MacBook Pro with the M1 chip. I bought it refurbished, which saved me even more money. However, I was a bit disappointed to find a large scratch on the laptop’s casing. Luckily, this is just cosmetic, and I plan to get a case anyway. Despite that, the keyboard and trackpad feel incredible, and the machine is lightning fast. It booted up smoothly, though I’ll admit it took me a second to get the language settings right.

I’m really excited to put this laptop through its paces and see what kind of videos and apps I can create. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be testing it out and comparing it to my custom-built PC, which also has high-end specs.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for more reviews and comparisons, including updates on how the M1 MacBook Pro handles heavy-duty tasks like video editing while I’m traveling. I’ll also be sharing some tips on how I’m able to backpack across Europe for a month, as well as how I’m making money while I’m there.

Want to follow along on my journey? You won’t want to miss what’s coming up next!

Check out the MacBook Pro 2021 M1 (affiliate) here: Buy Now.

MacBook M1 Pro vs. Custom PC: Which is Better in 2024?

If you’re in the market for a new computer in 2024, you may be torn between a MacBook M1 Pro and a custom-built PC. Both machines have their strengths, but the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs. Let’s break down the advantages of each and help you decide which one is best for you.

Custom PC: The Ultimate Setup for Power Users

A custom-built PC gives you full control over your setup, which can be a game-changer if you work from home or need a machine capable of handling large workflows. Here are three main reasons you should consider building a desktop over getting a MacBook.

1. Customization and Upgradability

When you buy a MacBook, what you see is what you get. With a custom PC, however, you can personalize your setup from the keyboard to the speakers, and everything in between. Not only can you upgrade your components as needed, but you can also tailor the entire system to suit your workspace. For those who want the flexibility of upgrading over time, a desktop PC is a great choice.

2. Power for Large Workflows

If you’re a music producer, video editor, or work with large projects, a desktop PC with multiple monitors and tons of RAM is ideal. It allows you to tackle massive workflows with ease, and you can scale up your system as needed. Whether it’s handling 3D rendering, animations, or 4K video editing, a custom PC can offer more power for the money.

3. Gaming Performance

Let’s face it, gaming on a MacBook doesn’t come close to what a custom PC can offer. If gaming is an important factor for you, then a Windows desktop is the clear choice. With a custom PC, you can build something powerful enough to handle the latest games at high frame rates and resolutions.

For a solid custom PC setup, check out this Incredible Custom PC. (affiliate)

MacBook M1 Pro: The Mobile Productivity Powerhouse

On the other hand, the MacBook M1 Pro is an absolute beast for productivity, especially if you’re someone who values mobility. Here’s why you might choose the M1 Pro over a custom desktop PC.

1. Work From Anywhere

The biggest reason to opt for a MacBook M1 Pro is the freedom it gives you. If you don’t like being tied to one location—whether you want to work from a coffee shop or even while traveling across the globe—a laptop is essential. Having the ability to take your workstation wherever you go can significantly boost your productivity, especially if you’ve had bad experiences with Windows laptops in the past.

2. Incredible Productivity Features

The MacBook M1 Pro comes with features that make multitasking a breeze. One standout is the ability to swipe between multiple desktops effortlessly, which can greatly enhance your workflow. This feature isn’t available on Windows PCs, and even on a powerful custom desktop, it doesn’t feel as smooth or intuitive.

For video editors, the M1 Pro excels in handling modern file formats. Whether you’re editing footage from a Sony camera or a DJI drone, the MacBook M1’s built-in codecs allow you to work with multiple 4K clips at once, faster than a desktop PC at the same price point. While desktops might render files faster, the editing process on a MacBook is smoother, which makes a big difference when you’re in the middle of a project.

3. Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem

If you own an iPhone, the MacBook M1 Pro becomes even more valuable. The convenience of AirDrop—which lets you transfer files between devices in seconds—can’t be overstated. This feature is particularly useful for anyone creating content on their phone and transferring it to their Mac for editing.

Another major plus is access to exclusive apps like Logic Pro, a professional-grade music production software used by many of the top artists in the industry. Logic Pro is only available on Macs, making the M1 Pro the best choice for musicians or producers who want to create on the go.

For an amazing deal on the MacBook Pro M1, check it out here. (affiliate)

Which Should You Choose?

  • Choose a Custom PC if you need an upgradable, highly customizable setup for home use, if you regularly tackle large workflows, or if gaming is a key part of your life.
  • Choose a MacBook M1 Pro if you value mobility, need a high-performing laptop for video editing and music production, or want seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds?

Ultimately, both the MacBook M1 Pro and a custom PC have their strengths. If you work from home but want the flexibility of working anywhere, you may find that owning both a desktop for heavy-duty tasks and a laptop for on-the-go productivity gives you the best of both worlds.

So whether you’re working on the next big project at your desk or editing YouTube videos at your local café, there’s a machine that fits your needs. Choose wisely based on your workflow and lifestyle!

Stay tuned for more reviews on the best tech coming to you!