First Impressions of the New MacBook Pro M4
& Tips to Get the Most Out of It
Let me start by saying, unboxing the new MacBook Pro M4 was chef’s kiss. I mean, Apple knows how to make you feel like you just joined an elite club of tech enthusiasts. Coming from my trusty M1 Mac Mini, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but wow, this thing has already blown my mind. Here’s the scoop on my first impressions, how it stacks up against my Mac Mini, and some tips to get your shiny new MacBook running like a pro.
How the MacBook Pro M4 Stacks Up to My M1 Mac Mini
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—what’s so special about the M4 MacBook compared to my beloved M1 Mac Mini? Spoiler: A lot.
1. Portability: Freedom at Last
With the M1 Mac Mini, I was basically chained to my desk. Sure, it was great for a home setup, but sometimes I wanted to work at a café or—let’s be real—on the couch. Enter the MacBook Pro M4: same insane power, but now it goes wherever I go.
2. Speed
The M1 Mac Mini was already fast, but the M4 chip? It’s like Apple took that speed, fed it a double shot of espresso, and said, “Go.” Whether I’m editing videos, multitasking like a maniac, or diving into AI tools, this thing doesn’t even flinch.
3. All-Day Battery Life
The Mac Mini doesn’t do batteries—because it’s, you know, a desktop. But with the MacBook Pro M4, I can go all day without hunting for an outlet. It’s like magic.
4. That Liquid Retina XDR Display
Okay, confession: I was using a decent (but not mind-blowing) dual monitors with my Mac Mini. The MacBook Pro M4’s screen, though? WOW. It’s bright, smooth, and makes everything look like it was touched by a team of perfectionist graphic designers.
5. Ports Galore
My Mac Mini made me live the dongle life, but the M4 MacBook said, “Not today!” It has an HDMI 2.1 port, an SD card slot (photographers, rejoice!), and MagSafe charging. Practical and classy.
6. Killer Sound
No offense to the Mac Mini, but its audio output wasn’t exactly thrilling. The MacBook Pro M4’s six-speaker system? That’s a whole concert in your lap. Crystal clear, deep bass, and no external speakers required.
First Impressions: Why the MacBook Pro M4 is My New Best Friend
Whether it’s the lightning-fast performance, insane battery life, or the sheer beauty of the display, the MacBook Pro M4 feels like a personal upgrade on every level.
Tips for Setting Up and Getting the Most Out of Your MacBook Pro M4
If you’re unboxing yours soon (or you’ve just done it), here are a few things you’ll want to do right away:
1. Make the Switch Easy
Use Migration Assistant to transfer everything from your old Mac—or go the manual route if you like starting fresh. (Pro tip: Keep your desktop clean. You’ll thank yourself later.)
2. Customize Your Vibe
• Set up trackpad gestures to make swiping around feel natural.
• Add a fun wallpaper. Trust me, it makes opening your Mac 100x more exciting.
• Tweak your Focus Modes to block distractions during work (or binge-watching).
3. Keep It Updated
First things first: Check for macOS updates. Apple’s updates are like coffee for your Mac—keeps it running smoothly.
4. Install Your Go-To Apps
Some of my must-haves: Notion (for organizing life), Adobe Creative Suite (for editing magic), and CleanMyMac X (because who doesn’t love a clutter-free Mac?).
5. Protect Your New Baby
Get a case. Seriously. Also, enable Find My Mac because losing this gem would be tragic.
6. Sync It Up
If you’ve got other Apple devices, make sure everything’s talking to each other. AirDrop, Handoff, and Sidecar (using your iPad as a second screen) are a dream come true.
7. Learn Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app is like a secret productivity weapon. Automate tasks and save time for more important things—like your next coffee break.
Final Thoughts
The MacBook Pro M4 isn’t just a laptop—it’s a whole vibe. Compared to my M1 Mac Mini, it’s got the portability, performance, and pizzazz to keep up with my busy (and creative) lifestyle. If you’re thinking about upgrading from an M1 device, I say go for it. You won’t regret it.
Now, let me be honest—every time I buy an Apple product, I tell myself, “This is it, no more Apple stuff!” But here I am, slowly building an Apple shrine. Between the seamless ecosystem, the sleek designs, and the way everything just works, Apple has me hooked.
From AirDrop to Sidecar, Handoff to iCloud syncing, the way Apple products work together is like having a tech dream team that just gets me. I can start a project on my MacBook, edit it on my iPad, and send it off on my iPhone without missing a beat. Everything is so smooth and seamless—and this is coming from someone who also has Microsoft and Android products.
Because of Apple’s ecosystem, I have noticed that I am replacing more and more of my tech with Apple.
What about you? Are you team Apple, team Microsoft, or trying to live that dual-platform life? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tech loyalty stories!
Until next time…Bye!