Tag: best laptops for college students 2024

MacBook M1 Pro 14 Inch vs 16 Inch: Which is Best for You in 2024?

Are you stuck trying to decide between the MacBook M1 Pro 14-inch and the 16-inch models? I know the struggle — it took me weeks to figure it out when I was in the same boat. But I’ve tested both models, and by the end of this article, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which one suits your needs. Let’s dive into three reasons why you might want the 14-inch model, and three reasons why the 16-inch might be a better fit. Hopefully, this will be the last article you need to read before making your choice!

Why the 14-inch MacBook Pro M1 Might Be Best for You

1. Portability is Key
The 14-inch MacBook weighs 3.5 lbs, while the 16-inch comes in at 4.7 lbs. That 1.2 lbs difference may not seem like much at first, but if you’re carrying it around all day, you’ll notice it, especially when traveling. Whether you’re hiking, commuting, or just running around the city, every pound counts. The 14-inch is also about two inches shorter vertically, making it a better fit in smaller bags, leaving room for other travel essentials.

2. You Don’t Need the Extra Screen Space
Ask yourself this: Do you really need a bigger screen? If you don’t work with apps that demand tons of screen real estate — like video editing software with multiple windows and settings — the 14-inch may be more than enough. If you’re just browsing the web, writing, or even recording music, you likely won’t benefit from the extra two inches the 16-inch offers. Trust your intuition — if a bigger screen has never made a huge difference in your workflow, the 14-inch should do just fine.

3. Budget-Friendly Option
This might be the deciding factor for many people. A refurbished 14-inch MacBook can be found for around $1,000. I managed to grab mine for about $950, which is a fantastic deal for such a powerful machine. The 16-inch model, however, usually runs around $1,200 refurbished. That $200 difference can go a long way, especially if you’re looking to buy extra accessories like a USB-C hub, a nice case, or a keyboard cover. If staying within a budget is a priority, the 14-inch is a great option.

Why the 16-inch MacBook Pro M1 Might Be Best for You

1. You Need (and Love) a Bigger Screen
If you value working on a larger display, or if it’s non-negotiable for your workflow, the 16-inch model is likely the way to go. This is especially true for video editors or creatives who need to see tiny details and enjoy having a large playback screen. The 16-inch’s larger screen can save you time and effort by allowing you to see more of your project at once, and it can make you more efficient in the long run.

2. You Require More Power
Do you need powerhouse features like faster rendering, better speakers, or more RAM? The 16-inch excels in this department, making it ideal for professionals who work with large video files, complex coding projects, or even machine learning. You also get superior speakers, especially when it comes to bass, which can make a noticeable difference when you’re listening to music or editing sound. For those doing heavy-duty tasks, the extra processing power will make your workflow smoother and faster.

3. Future-Proofing is Important to You
Spending an extra $200 for all these features might seem like a lot, but think of it as an investment. The extra power and screen real estate will mean you’re less likely to feel the need to upgrade in a year or two. That could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over time. Plus, the 16-inch offers a larger trackpad, better cooling, and it runs quieter during long sessions, all of which enhance the user experience.

Final Thoughts: How to Decide

If portability and budget are your primary concerns, the 14-inch is a great choice. It’s still a powerful machine, and unless you absolutely need the larger screen and added power, you likely won’t feel like you’re missing out. On the other hand, if you prefer a larger screen for tasks like video editing or need the extra performance for intensive work, the 16-inch is worth the extra money.

Not sure which to pick? One option is to test both models yourself. Purchase one, try it for a few weeks, and if you feel like you’re missing out on features, return it for the other model. Both versions come with a 30-day hassle-free return policy, so there’s no risk in giving it a shot!

If you’re ready to buy, I’ve included links to the exact versions I purchased below. Full disclosure: these are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

I hope this article made your decision easier, and you’re one step closer to picking the right MacBook for your needs!

Is the MacBook M1 Pro 16 Inch the Best Travel Laptop for 2024?

Traveling is becoming more popular than ever, and many people are working remotely, whether they’re in Thailand, Europe, or simply another state. If you’re like me and need a laptop that can handle heavy workloads like video editing while on the go, the MacBook M1 Pro 16-Inch might be the perfect option. After backpacking through Europe for 30 days with this laptop, I’ve tested it in all sorts of environments — from tight plane seats to cramped trains. So, is the 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro the best travel laptop for 2024? Let’s dive in.

Portability: Is 16 Inches Too Big?

When you think of a travel laptop, you probably want something portable — perhaps a 14-inch or even a MacBook Air comes to mind. But here’s the deal: I was traveling to edit videos every single day, sometimes for hours. With that workload, I needed the extra power of the 16-inch model, and it didn’t disappoint. Surprisingly, the size wasn’t an issue. I expected the 16-inch to be bulky, but it’s actually only slightly larger than the 15-inch MacBook Pro I was used to.

Despite the larger screen, it fit easily in my backpack and was portable enough to use in tight spaces. Whether I was on a train, in bed at a hostel, or even in a coach seat on a plane, I had no problem using it comfortably. The bigger screen was a game-changer for video editing, giving me the real estate I needed to be productive.

Power and Performance on the Go

The 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro is an absolute beast when it comes to performance. For someone who’s editing videos while traveling, this is a huge advantage. The built-in SD card slot made it easy to transfer footage, and the USB-C ports helped me quickly transfer audio from my DJI mic setup. The whole editing experience was smooth and seamless, and the laptop never once struggled to keep up.

Even more impressive were the speakers. For a travel laptop, you usually don’t expect great sound, but the MacBook’s speakers blew me away. It felt like I was watching a movie with a high-quality sound system — not something you’d normally experience on a laptop, especially when traveling.

Does It Attract Too Much Attention?

One concern I had before traveling with this laptop was safety. The MacBook Pro is an expensive piece of tech, and I didn’t want to become a target for theft while exploring unfamiliar places. My solution was simple but effective: I used a wood-themed case that covered the Apple logo. With the case on, the laptop looked like any other device, and I felt much more comfortable carrying it around.

If you’re worried about safety while traveling, I highly recommend getting a case that conceals the laptop’s high-end appearance. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how secure you feel carrying such a pricey item.

Does the Weight Matter?

Let’s talk about weight. At 4.7 pounds, the 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro is heavier than some alternatives like the MacBook Air. But here’s the thing: I used it every single day, so the weight was never an issue. In fact, the weight was worth it because of how much I used the laptop for work. I carried lighter items on my trip that I barely used, and those were the things I regretted packing — not the MacBook.

Whether I was hiking or walking through city streets, I never once thought the MacBook was too heavy. It’s all about how much you’re going to use it, and for me, it was more than worth the extra weight for the power and screen size.

Is There a Better Option?

Could another laptop have been a better choice? Maybe a smaller model or a newer MacBook M3? For the type of work I was doing — video editing with a need for performance and screen real estate — the answer is no. The 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro was perfect. The larger screen, powerful performance, incredible speakers, and solid build quality made it the ideal travel companion. For only a couple hundred dollars more than the 14-inch model, the 16-inch version provided more than twice the value for me.

Conclusion: The Best Travel Laptop for 2024?

For anyone who needs a laptop capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing while traveling, the MacBook M1 Pro 16-Inch is, without a doubt, the best option. The size, weight, and power make it perfect for creative professionals on the go, and I’d choose it over any smaller or less powerful laptop every time.

If you’re interested in checking out the MacBook M1 Pro 16-Inch, here’s the link to the version I use. If you prefer a different color, you might also want to look at the Space Gray version, which may even be cheaper depending on demand.

Note: The links provided are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Happy travels!