The Base M4 MacBook Pro is All You Need (Skip M4 Pro & Max)

[@macrumors]

Note: Nano-texture is $150 for MacBook Pro. $200 for iMac.

[@jdsd_]

Its more like 300-400$ more when you take into account that third party sellers usually offer 10-15% discount for the base models compared to the original Apple price. So buying the same MBP from Apple is already a few hundred bugs more expensive than lets say BestBuy + 150$ for Nano-texture. Considering that, its not really worth it imo, only if you would get a custom build anyways.

[@abc123fhdi]

get a nano screen protector instead for $30

[@ilvbunnies]

@@jdsd_ $1699 for a base MBP M4P (Best Buy Christmas Eve Door Buster Special) vs $2149 for a base MBP M4P + Nano-Texture (Apple).

[@MarkWilkinson-jl2ef]

Upgraded from a 2020 Intel MBP, waited through 3 generations of M processors to get this base M4 with Nano Texture. I did upgrade to 32GB Ram and 1TB. I use the machine as a personal coding machine and it's been superb. I can't recommend the Nano Texture enough, I have a non-Nano Textured M2 MBP for work, and not having nano texture on that machine is very annoying now.

[@method341]

I never use mine in natural sunlight. Will I notice a difference

[@carlosdelacova1943]

I purchased the base14-inch M4 MacBook Pro and it is awesome and great for all my projects. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Great video!! Thank you

[@JEwisethinkers]

I've been working on the M1 MacBook Air 16 gig ram model since it came out. My primary reason for choosing the air was the wedge shape design, and the lower price. While I still love the MacBook Air the entry-level MacBook Pro is something I may try out in the future as a video editor author, and digital artist. It's nice to see that for creative professional such as myself Apple is during the pro line of laptops to our needs without having to completely break our bank in the pursuit of getting a powerful laptop.

[@newQns]

You are quite right... BUT: When checking the deals retailers offer for the M4 Pro base models, at least in Germany, you notice that you just have to add 200-300€ to get this one. And I think that these (in the best case scenario) 200€ are absolutely worth it; I just paid ~1900€ including tax for my M4 Pro MacBook Pro and the best deal for the M4 MacBook Pro is around 1700€. 200€ extra for +8Gb uRam, the M4 Pro Chip (12/16), TB5 and an extra fan, higher uRam-bandwidth, yadayada... I would say that's a no-brainer, wouldn't you? If we are talking about the stock/Apple-prices or if the M4 models will get deals like the one the M4 Pro base model variant has, I absolutely agree with you though.

[@vhateg]

Where did you get the M4 Pro for 1900?

[@matthewpurcell5498]

I got an M4 pro from Amazon for $1750 during cyber week

[@camkeena6874]

its $400 dollars in the US and its def not worth it. 99% of people who use the new m4 will probably almost never get chip to 100% Utilization. Macos is super optimized and the m1 is half as fast and people with the m1 are asking why they would ever upgrade. The days of needing a new laptop every 5 years because it slows down is over. Buy the m4 save the $400 and then in 5-7 years but a new ~$1600 laptop. It'll be WAY faster than the m4 pro

[@matthewpurcell5498]

@@camkeena6874It all just depends on your needs and uses. Obviously the pro chip isn’t meant for everyone and that’s okay. For me, personally I’ve got mine cranking at 450% utilization regularly.

[@jdsd_]

@@vhateg 1.900€ hab ich nicht gefunden, aber für gut 2.000€ gibts den aktuell

[@brieninsac]

Originally I was going to get a M4 Pro, however the Black Friday deals on the M4 Max only netted out to be a few hundred dollars more. Love it!

[@initialisms2970]

How much?

[@TheRealAfroRick]

Yep. If you caught the doorbuster Black Friday sales, the price drops at the high end were 4-500 off

[@Livingstonesmusic]

I haven’t bought a laptop in 12 years but have my eye on the new MacBook Pro m4 z is it worth the extra $300-$400 to go from 16gbs to 24gbs? My main use is for streamyards and playing guitar over backing tracks while livestreaming and Maybee running another application or two at the same time and video editing.

[@ericdraven7857]

I would recommend M4 but not for everyone. As a user that has the first M1 MacBook Pro with 16GB ram and 2 TB SSD, I’ve need a ton of more ram, a ton of more storage and a bigger screen so I’m eyeing the maxed out 16” MBP. Especially based on a few videos I’ve seen on it. However, just blanket saying everyone should get the base model is not accurate at all. Not one good IT tech would do that. Every user is different and will require different needs. My brother will need more than the base model for ram but the smaller screen is ideal and maybe bump up the SSD to 1TB but he won’t need anything near a max chip. My mother would be a base model user. I would just put anything in excess on my NAS.

[@reyash4]

do you think base m4 with 32 gb of RAM and 1 tb of storage is good for programming?

[@mrparts]

lol the base M4 is as fast as last years M3 PRO , but now these people are acting as if this is a basic machine for browsing the web and watching KZbin only :D :D :D

[@1TechCritic420]

Not even what he was saying. Lol. Maybe actually listen. 90% of people don't need more than 16GB period.

[@eii8794]

Max it out !! I know I am !!

[@Mooooooof]

It’s a great step up from the Air, even once it gets the same chip. The improved thermals, ports, display makes it worth it.

[@FFCOACHDAN]

I understand the step up but I love my M3 Air, nice not to lug around a heavier lab top.

[@perrylund3995]

I am trying to figure out which M4 MacBook Pro to get in replacing my 2019 Intel i7 16 inch MacBook Pro. Seems like a base M4 is fine. I teach college and need to use Parallels to run both Windows and Mac environments. I move to classrooms where I plug into HDMI. I run Visual Studio Code, but also Windows Visual Studio 2022 and other Windows software. Python, Java, C#, and some web programming are part of my teaching. I use ScreenPal for some video recording and Zoom for some non local students. Seems like the MacBook Pro M4 would be fine.

[@tipoomaster]

There is a difference in the display in that they silently added Quantum Dot, which really makes it feel like 120Hz should. Blurbusters said the last one felt like the slowest 120hz panel they've ever seen, but the QD brings it to about normal for a 120hz gaming laptop, which is a huge change.

[@1TechCritic420]

QD has nothing to do with refresh rate at all. It's literally just a coating on the screen. It's for better color and brightness. Not one thing to do with quantum dot.

[@tipoomaster]

@1TechCritic420 I didn't say it impacts the actual refresh rate lol, go learn more. It impacts pixel persistence and especially cyan-shift, which was very slow in M1-M3 MacBook Pros despite the 120hz panel. The QD makes the pixels in motion ghost less. Go see what BlurBusters said about it, they'd know. I love when people who know so little try to correct people anyways lol.

[@alksjda]

is it powerful enough for web browsing and microsoft word?

[@quentin1982]

Of course it is

[@macrumors]

yes lol

[@tiny_the_200]

Just barely

[@sotonin]

M1 Macbook air is what you want.

[@sotonin]

@@tiny_the_200 You are smoking crack.

[@changez77654]

Generally I agree with this - but if you are talking about best bang for your buck/what you need right now without spending crazy money, then its really really hard to look past a used/refurbished macbook pro from a couple of years ago. Depending on your 90% use case, you could even drop the pro. I still maintain that the 500 USD m1 (!) macbook air gets a lot done for a lot of people.

[@imTaro-tv]

Can i use adobe apps on this?

[@TheLonelyMoon]

First time considering getting an MBP, so I'm not quite sure how capable they are, so I'll shoot my shots here. My main software are Zbrush, Blender, CSP and game engines. I'm an indie artist, so I'm not working with high spec games, but I'd still like my devices to be fluent on anything it does. Also do video editing and photo editing as a hobbyist Astronomer, who takes and stacks photos. Would a Pro M chip better suited for me? Or a base MBP be suffice for me?

[@ABlindGirlWithHerDog]

Could one use IMovie on this and be fine?

[@louis_sharp]

Absolutely

[@MikeDold]

Lol

[@louis_sharp]

@@ABlindGirlWithHerDog you will need 32GB of Unified Memory to run Word though

[@BeeRoyLee]

@@louis_sharpthis guy is joking

[@RHeidenreich572]

You’re joking right? This will run everything you can throw at it. Minus top tier gaming. M5 or M6 base will be on par with NVIDIA 4080/4090 series easily if not dust them.

[@dfxxfd5561]

Unified memory is the most important for me because I want it for software development so I have bought 16" mbp with 48GB. It is huge jump from my old 15" mbp 2016.

[@Équinoxe_1]

I just kept the base storage as 90% of my stuff is on my iCloud

[@TheRealFrostysaur]

I picked the M4 MacBook Pro chip up as my first ever MacBook. It’s pretty sweet. I have a $25 tinted screen protector that has an anti glare instead of paying the $200 nano texture. It runs my games amazingly well and the speakers are just.. wow. I wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy lol but I don’t mind.

[@dmack346]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. I'm really on the fence with getting the Mac Book m3 15 inch 16g 512 hard drive vs this Baseline M4. I'm not a graphic guy at all and don't need it for any of that type of work. I have the 4th gen iPad Pro and a iMac from 2017 that didn't make the cut for Apple Intel so I'm in the hunt. I want my purchase to hold me for the next several years.

[@deanmeixner]

I bought the base model but upgraded the ram and storage, I had originally looked at an Air, but with a better screen, extra ports, it was a no-brainer. It's connected to a monitor 95% of the time, but it makes it so much easier than carrying around a Mac mini.

[@BeeRoyLee]

I did same but ended up with m4 pro because it was only around $100 difference.

[@gringochueco3886]

Your setup is exactly mine. Except to be happy for several years.

[@nathanreedy4380]

This is what I am going to do as well. I don't need the power of the M4 Pro chip, but I do want the 14" pro chassis with the ports & the mini LED screen & the 1 fan for cooling & since I am planning on keeping the machine for the long haul, I will be getting one with upgraded memory & storage but still saving $ by getting the M4 chip Instead of the M4 Pro chip. Thanks for the video, I am so glad to see a review of the model with just the M4 chip.

[@deanmeixner]

@@nathanreedy4380 I had originally ordered an Air a few days before the M4 release, specced out 24gb/2tb, even tho the price came down when the M4 was released, I got the same specs on the M4 for just $100 more than I had originally planned to spend, it was a good deal for me.

[@j.j4090]

Could the base m4 MacBook Pro last for 7-9 years if you just use it for writing and web surfing, and just use apps like pages, numbers, notes, reminders? No video ending or other demanding tasks, and keeping the A.I. turned off?

[@macrumors]

Probably can last as long as Apple continues to support it with updates

[@Mista300c]

Will it be good for djing

[@edvardb-mh7jh]

djing for macbook pro? interesting thought xd

[@krishnarana1291]

Dell UltraSharp 27 U2723QE vs LG Ergo - 32UN880 please compare 🙏🙏

[@bernhardscholler6747]

Merry Christmas to you. Thanx for your videos of 2024. I really enjoy your content. Best greetings from Austria / Europe.

[@abc123fhdi]

Just get a 15" air to get the bigger screen, or get the smaller screen pro there is some price overlap.

[@nutral13]

Not upgrading without max ram , still got Intel Mac , too broke to upgrade been trying to save for years and years

[@pb7658]

The nano-texture isn’t a coating, it’s just a variation of the screen on the MacBook Pro.

[@rbvan]

How do you find photo/video editing on the 14”. I sold my 16” MBP 2019 and am on the fence about the screen size. I do have a 27” monitor if needed at home but am curious if 14” is too restrictive if working at a cafe, etc.

[@sv1201]

I had the same dilemma and still went with 16", I feel it gives me more screen real estate to work on photos and coding. Plus, I got a good deal from B&H.

[@nikoablaga4041]

this is exactly what i needed to hear

[@macrumors]

I got you 👊

[@ilmeridionaleitalian]

For me the M4 iPad Pro, and Mac Mini are all I need for the Apple ecosystem. I have an iPhone because I do prefer it over android. Once the framework came out and laptops were truly modular and not as much e-waste I got the framework. You might ask why a framework, and an iPad, well, I really like having a tablet and the iPad Pro with a keyboard really does everything I need to do on the go with the ecosystem that the iPhone maybe won’t do if not as well

[@briancollier5145]

probably do not need a laptop any longer, but if I do get a laptop the base macbook pro looks the way to go. Thinking strongly of switching to the Mac Mini for my next mac (and first M series Mac)

[@DivineWard777]

I need the M4 Max to play Baldur's Gate 3 at native 4K

[@1TechCritic420]

No you don't. I can play on a base M3 at 4k. smh.

[@the.prime.sunshine]

The audio sounds weird. I hear a slap back delay which does not help the quality herein. Just food for thought.

[@Rockfuel-YT]

Could this run LR with layer masks applied smoothly? I'm using iMac 2017 with i7 4.2 and it is a real struggle with large files in LR.

[@djxcel23]

That really shouldn’t even be a question. Each model of M models are so much stronger then intel

[@carlosmcse]

Unless you're trying to edit layers of 8K raw footage from a RED movie camera the M4 won't hesitate on anything you throw at it. You can do smooth masking in LR on a 5 year old iPad Pro 11".

[@gerardofaustin8156]

The mic sounds better on the MacBook Pro. It has more base you might makes your voice sound a little squeaky more like a high-pitched sound in it. I’m not sure why but I’m listening through my AirPods Pro second GEN so maybe it’s that.

[@obvinpro]

I think the laptop mic sounds more richer than your actual mic setup. I prefer the laptop mic over your setup.

[@DavidKiyohara]

Sounding a little under the weather Dan, Take care of yourself.

[@macrumors]

Not really sick but do have some sinus stuff going on so it’s causing my voice to be a bit raspy

[@MrDudleytheCat]

Fan noise?

[@macrumors]

No fan noise for me

[@cjeelde]

According to other channels: MBP14 M4 Pro is better! Less fan noise during more heavy load thanks to two fans and each one don't need to max out. M4 Max is worse than M4 Pro and I suspect it's because it got way more GPU cores that creates much more heat that will force the two fans to spin even faster which creates more noise. MBP14 M4 Pro is the sweetspot if you want as little fan noise as possible. And maybe you shoud go for the so called "binned" M4 Pro that got less CPU/GPU cores. If you use MBP14 M4 standard with simple workload then the fan noise will probably be zero or very very low. M4 Pro will bring you TB5 which is great. TB4 is only 40 Gbps so you cannot reach that 7+ GB/s for the best SSDs, only ~3-4 GB/s (externally). Note that TB4 is 40 Gbps and TB5 is 80/120 Gbps. 80 Gbps is for non-displays devices such as SSDs. 120 Gbps is for displays.

[@JayfkProductions876]

As a music composer & editor, i'de never choose base model for anything 😂 I've learnt hard lessons in the past.

[@ialimijororakotoniaina3274]

That's true but as I am planning to keep my laptop for at least 5 years at least I think M4 Pro is the sweet spot

[@initialisms2970]

I have never owned a Macbook or any brand laptop in over 12 years, found this model open box at Best Buy, 512 gb storage 16 RAM I'm just a casual user and still don't know how to use it much, but I treated myself with the new iPhone 16 Pro Max as well and the newest laptop, I'm lovin it! Still a lot to learn though.

[@ryankelly8077]

Once you get use to the U.I (user interface) of a Mac, you’ll never want to go back to a PC. The spec bumps aside, with the ecosystem of apple, as well as the security the IOS offers compared to windows, once you configure your Mac, you’ll find yourself saying “why didn’t I get a Mac sooner”!!

[@langeldonao]

I have the 16 inch m4 pro and it’s amazing

[@WePiphany]

My M1 MacBook Pro is still crushing all the photoshopping, video editing, graphic design, app design and everything else I throw at it.

[@datbme29]

Can you elaborate on your specs for your M1 mac pro and how it crushing?

[@beace4436]

i’m a software dev, i don’t know whether to get an M4 24GB 1TB for £1790 M4 12core 24GB 512GB for £1820 M4 14core 24GB 1TB for £2140

[@Naturelover-nl24]

2nd one is the best to go

[@spacegoat_3d801]

Why not all 3 ?

[@beace4436]

@@spacegoat_3d801 lol

[@georgegl3192]

What is with all these reviewers going for the midnight color? I feel sad!!

[@macrumors]

I prefer silver but wanted to show the new option for the base model

[@BremeMETRO]

if you don't do anything more than roblox/minecraft and some 4k editing and garageband buy m4 regular anything more buy m4 pro and max 0:02

[@ChiTwnKid96]

i wish there was base m4 16''

[@Septhy1]

But why not skip the M4 Macbook Pro for a potential M4 Macbook air ? 🤔

[@mootsym]

If you really want promotion and a little more breathing room with the idk .. .7” increased screen size. Also better speakers and more ports.

[@AMZtechofficial]

Spot on, Dan! Honestly, the base M4 MacBook Pro is such a beast for what it offers-like, that third Thunderbolt port? Chef’s kiss. And I love how you highlighted the nanotexture display-definitely a game-changer for those working on the go. For real, though, this thing can handle almost anything unless you're pushing crazy-heavy workloads. If anyone’s debating between the M4 and the M3 MacBook Pro, I broke it all down in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqVaWCueMl9p80 (Ultimate M4 MacBook Pro vs. M3 MacBook Pro Comparison)

[@swegukiin]

lol bought a m1 air 8gb with this reasoning and regretted it 4 years later. Don’t ever buy apple base model

[@andrealvarez1385]

I agree, never buy base if you intend to keep the device for long term, regardless of any recommendations.

[@tas6s]

When m4 air is out air will be 🎉

[@mootsym]

Center stage doesn’t do much for me. I find it distracting to watch and a bit of a gimmick. If I’m FaceTiming .. chances are I’m gona be in front of my laptop looking at who I’m talking to, not chopping vegetables on various countertops or hanging pictures or whatever.

[@macrumors]

Nice to have in case you do decide to move around but can always turn it off if needed

[@BeeRoyLee]

Great advice!

[@sotonin]

BS. For an everyday joe they don't even need an M4 at all. that crowd needs only a M1 Macbook Air. period. Everybody else a pro M4 is a better choice.

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

True, but M1 is not sold anymore. M3 it is.

[@yippiecalle421]

@@xmaverickhunterkxI think still sold in Walmart

[@1TechCritic420]

It is concerning that you think a discontinued four-year-old laptop is a better choice. The M4 MacBook Air is priced similarly to the M1 model when it was initially released, which is why you would suggest the M4. Furthermore, it offers four years of software support beyond the M1’s lifespan. However, it appears that you have overlooked the main point of his argument. He is suggesting that if one intends to purchase a MacBook Pro, the base model suffices.

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

@@1TechCritic420 Having the M1 Pro, I still think it's an amazing computer and if it was still sold by Apple I'd recommend it over anything for 99% of people.

[@americanprincess851]

@@1TechCritic420the M4 MacBook Air hasn’t been released yet just the MacBook Pro M4.

[@RogerTing]

Be nice if it has touch screen. I would missed the signature feature with mail attachments on the mail app - of the M4 iPad Pro. I gave up my 2021 iPad Pro 1TB to my kids and wanted an M4 iPad Pro ... but looking at the MacBook Pro - for LESS MONEY!?

[@GrimmyShots]

Webcam looks worse than a 12 year old Logitech C920 if you ask me.

[@vacowboy75]

3:52 - Base MBP has 256gb storage

[@chromex3336]

Not anymore

[@vacowboy75]

@ chromex336 - I stand corrected. Thanks

[@Iamarman79]

Can someone sponsor me one .... I am a student would be grateful for the help 😢

[@Moody_Blues_]

Apple made a really, really, REALLY big error in MacBook Pro configurations. In the past (as in: Intel era) you had to upgrade to the 15/16" for the best GPU performance and best CPU chips, you couldn't get a 13/14" with a dedicated GPU card for example. That was one of the strong points with Apple Silicon, even a 14" could be M* Max or on the other end the base 14" M* Pro had the same GPU performance. But now they screwed up by just putting the M4 into the 14" chassis only. Why Apple, why?! I absolutely want/need the 16" but I don't need a huge amount of power. Yes, I can opt for a 15" M3 Air or wait for the M4 version to come out, but that doesn't have 120 Hz, no nano-texture option, it only has 2 USB-C ports and none on the side where I dock my laptop at my desk, no SD card slot, no HDMI and so on. It's just not a Pro laptop and I get that, but why not simply make a 16" M4 MacBook Pro, Apple?! Now you force me to choose between a 14" display which I don't want or a much more expensive M4 Pro 16" of which I don't need the performance. It's really weird that in 2024 (2025 almost) we're still stuck at such bullshit decisions by Apple. Tons of (expensive) upgrade options: 16/24/36/48/etc GB RAM, SSD storage options, M4/Pro/Max and CPU/GPU core count options, nano texture or not, 14" or 16". Everything's possible, but no, an M4 16" is too much to ask for. Too bad because I will now simply stick with my 16" M1 Pro and not spend any money on Apple until they release a M5/M6 or whatever in 16".

[@kholterhunt5734]

You sound sick.

[@macrumors]

Not really sick but just some sinus stuff that’s causing my voice to be a bit raspy

[@669rd]

Blah blah blah there isn’t an opinion and seems like all utubers is pushing for the nano texture all at the same time. while I’ve been using standard glass screen for the past 12 years with no issue with reflections whether indoors or outdoors. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@macrumors]

We never had it on a MacBook and it’s new. So that’s the reason why we are all talking about it. It’s good. If you don’t like it then you don’t have to buy it 🙂

[@PuffyPrime]

Really wishing the base M4 MacBook Pro came in a 16” option

[@mex5341]

for all needs you showed in this video , you'd be fine with Macbook Air m1.

[@macrumors]

I wouldn’t go that far. The ports are important and I do love this display compared to the air.

[@gstevens6948]

Wow, my M3 MBA is a dinosaur and obsolete now. I better run down to the Apple store right quick and get the new one. 🤷‍♂️

[@BobbieGWhiz]

Don’t feel that camera looked all that good.

[@superjesus4307]

No, Pro is the only one worth getting.

[@Lihto87]

It's worth buying M4 pro because of extra ram and power for 400$. Macbook pro M4 pro totally best buy.

[@Blütenstaub-x9z]

Can't be, because the screen is too small. So I don't need to watch the video.

[@thatsnothowyousaymyname]

Too late

[@macrumors]

I’m sure you’re still happy either way haha

[@alcylon]

Dont need that over priced junk.Period

[@Somebodycousin]

There is some really annoying reverb on your vocals.

[@KevinMerckx]

Stop saying shit.

[@macrumors]

No