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.
The TechWanderer 