Is the MacBook Pro M1 14-Inch the Ultimate Travel Laptop for 2024?

As travel becomes an integral part of many professionals’ lives, the quest for the perfect portable workstation continues. Enter the MacBook Pro M1 14-inch—Apple’s powerhouse that’s making waves for its performance and portability. After a whirlwind of travel adventures and rigorous testing, here’s a deep dive into why this laptop might just be the best travel companion you can have in 2024.

Size and Portability

One of the standout features of the 14-inch MacBook Pro M1 is its size. At nearly the same dimensions as the MacBook Air, it’s surprisingly compact, fitting comfortably into most bags without adding excessive bulk. This size strikes a balance between portability and usability, offering a screen that’s ample enough for editing and multitasking, yet compact enough to easily carry around.

Video Editing Performance

When it comes to video editing, the M1 chip’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. The 2021 M1 Pro MacBook excels in handling demanding tasks like 4K and drone footage with ease. Its built-in video codecs allow for faster editing compared to many custom PCs, making it a powerful tool for those who need robust performance on the go. This efficiency is especially evident in rendering and exporting videos, where the M1 Pro outperforms many newer models and higher-priced options.

Why Not the M2 or M3?

While newer models like the M2 and M3 chips are available, the M1 Pro still holds its ground impressively. The 2021 M1 Pro’s architecture allows it to deliver superior performance compared to some of the more recent, lower-spec versions. Unless you need the absolute latest specs or a larger screen, the 14-inch M1 Pro remains a compelling choice for travelers and professionals alike.

Versatility for Creators

This MacBook Pro is favored by many YouTubers and video editors for good reason. It supports various creative tasks effortlessly, from music production to video editing. The seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including AirDrop, simplifies file transfers and enhances workflow efficiency. The device’s sound quality and overall performance make it a solid choice for creative professionals who need a reliable and versatile machine.

Conclusion

In summary, the MacBook Pro M1 14-inch offers an excellent blend of performance, portability, and value. Priced around $1,000 used, it provides remarkable power for its size, making it an ideal travel laptop. If you’re looking for a machine that can handle intensive tasks while remaining compact and convenient, this MacBook Pro might be the perfect fit for your next adventure.

For those interested in exploring this laptop further, check out the MacBook Pro M1 14-inch (affiliate) to see if it meets your travel needs.

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.