If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook Pro, this decision tree for the M1 Pro | Max models may be able to help. It shows you every possible configuration with the CPU, GPU, RAM, Power Adapter, and SSD. “And when I say 18 configurations, I’m not even counting the choices on SSD size. All 18 configurations come in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4GB and 8TB. And yes, I verified that you can configure the bottom-of-the-line M1 Pro with an 8TB drive and you can configure the top-of-the-line M1 Max with only 512GB. That means there are actually 90 different ways you can configure the new Apple Silicon MacBook Pros. Unless you layer in the option of color with grey vs. another grey, which makes the grand total 180 different configurations.”
MacBook Pro
Adobe's Announcements and Apple's New Stuff, with Jeff Gamet - ACM 558
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet take a look at all the announcements Adobe unveiled this week, as well as some of Apple’s mew stuff, including macOS Monterey, new MacBook Pros, and the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.
Teardown of Apple's 140W USB-C GaN Charger
Much has been made of Apple’s new 140W USB-C GaN charger for the MacBook Pro. So ChargerLAB did a teardown to try and see what all the fuss is about. (Hat tip to AppleInsider for spotting this video.)
Zoom Updates for M1 MacBook Pro With Auto-Generated Captions
Zoom announced new features aimed at helping business communications and remote workers. The app has been optimized for the 2021 MacBook Pro.
Podcasts
MacBook Pro Notch Menu Bar Issues Surface
The first notch menu bar problems have already surfaced with the MacBook Pro. App menu items and system status icons pull a disappearing act.
Is the New MacBook Pro as “Pro” As It Could Be?
The new MacBook Pro is certainly a welcome upgrade. However, with some components already outdated, is it as “pro” as it could be?
Plugable Launches New Universal Docking Station
If you split work hours between home and office, plugging in everything cuts into productivity. This universal docking station cures that.
WaterField Designs Reveals Sexy Attaché for 2021 MacBook Pros
WaterField Designs announced a carrying case for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros called Tech Folio Brief.
New MacBook Pro And AirPods 3 Available in Stores
The new MacBook Pros containing the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are available online and in Apple retail stores, as are AirPods 3.
Cool Stuff Found
Battery Buddy Makes Charging Your MacBook More Fun
Let’s face it, the default battery indicator on MacBooks is pretty boring. If you want to liven it up a bit, consider the terminally cute (and free) app Battery Buddy by Neil Sardesai. This indicator shows your MacBook’s battery charge using cute smiley faces. Fully charged, the indicator smiles at you, but he grows less happy and more sad as your battery drains. When you plug in, your little battery buddy gets a charging icon next to him.