January 26, 2023

The New Macbook Pros M2 and M2 Max: Memory Faster Wifi Are Worth It

The New Macbook Pros M2 and M2 Max: Memory Faster Wifi Are Worth It

The new MacBook pros launched last week and while they look pretty similar to last year’s models they do feature the new M2 PRO and M2 MAX processors. There is more to the story and if you have a MacBook Pro that came before the M1 launch two years ago, it is time to upgrade.

This blog is about these new units and what some are calling the “wow” factor.

Why Upgrade Your MacBook: Faster Wifi

These new MacBook Pros look the same but they are not – they are beasts under the aluminum hood. Most of the reviews that are out are talking about slower disks but most of that will not be noticeable. What you will notice is faster Wifi.

Wi-Fi 6E is part of these new MacBook Pro models and early tests from reviewers show substantial increases in performance if you have the right router. To me jumping from 600 MB download speeds on older models and then going to 900 MB on the same network is a big deal.

Doubling Down on Memory and Storage

Memory used to be an issue on Macbook units – not anymore. You can get units with 64 GB of memory or jump to 96 of unified memory and then add a 4 or 8-terabyte SSD. This is not something Macbook Pro users had even considered, let alone the Gamers who build their own maxed-out Windows machines.

How Much Memory Do You Need?

To be fair, 16 or 32 GB of Ram should be plenty for the average knowledge worker. For gamers and video editors, these new units are must-have upgrades. However, as many have experienced, the Chrome browser is a memory hog. No machine can run well if a user has over 40 Chrome sessions running (sessions not tabs). So, users also have a responsibility to manage their applications.

Lessons From the M1 Rollout

I have had an M1 Macbook for over 2 years. It just runs and it has had zero issues. It runs cooler than any unit I have had and it does not have a fan. So, given the success of the M1, the new units are not surprising.

Battery Life Means Not Worrying

Myself having an M1 Macbook Pro unit – the biggest thing I can observe is that these machines offer superb battery life. You really don’t have to worry as much as before. These units can run on battery for most domestic flights. Even on an overseas flight, you are probably talking about one small charging session.

Bottom Line

Suffice it to say, these new M2 Pro and M2 Max units are beasts in disguise. They will meet and exceed your expectations. If you have older MacBook Pro units, this is the time to upgrade. The Wifi 6e performance makes this a no-brainer decision.