MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2021): A Nostalgic Revival with Modern Tech and Controversial Notch

This is the eagerly anticipated update for the MacBook Pro. It showcases a redesigned aesthetic along with a mix of new and familiar user-friendly functionalities, as well as the next phase in Apple’s custom silicon evolution with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Apple appears to have addressed user complaints from earlier MacBook Pro generations by adjusting the layout and specifications, bringing back the MagSafe charging system, an SD card slot, and an HDMI video output. The contentious Touch Bar has been removed, which previously occupied space in the function key area without meeting expectations. Instead, we have a novel feature – a notched display.

So, should creatives and heavy multitaskers hurry to purchase this laptop? Does it resolve all your issues, and what does it really mean to use a device with a notch? I’ve had the opportunity to spend a day with the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro, and while it’s premature for a complete review, here are some initial impressions.

A fingerprint sensor for Touch ID is located in the top right corner of the keyboard.

To start, the new MacBook Pro models are quite pricey, which is to be expected. The base 14-inch model begins at Rs. 1,94,900, featuring the M1 Pro chip with eight active CPU cores and 14 GPU cores. This version also includes a standard 512GB SSD and comes equipped with a 67W MagSafe charger.

An upgraded model offers the same M1 Pro processor but includes 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, priced at Rs. 2,39,900. This version comes with a 1TB SSD and a more robust 96W MagSafe charger. Custom configurations allow you to upgrade to the M1 Max processor, with options for up to 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. Your fully-loaded 14-inch MacBook Pro can reach a price tag of Rs. 5,79,900.

As always, components are soldered in place, meaning if you don’t opt for upgrades at purchase, there’s no way to add them later, and third-party alternatives at lower prices are not available. Apple’s tiered pricing has shifted from steep to exorbitant – yet customers have limited choices.

If budget isn’t a limiting factor and you’re keen, here’s what’s new. You receive three Thunderbolt 4 ports (supporting charging, DisplayPort video output, and USB4 40Gbps data transfers), an SDXC card slot, an HDMI output, and the new MagSafe 3 charging port. Apple includes MagSafe chargers with all new MacBook Pros, and this time, the cables detach from the power brick, utilizing a USB Type-C connection. This offers considerable adaptability. MagSafe 3 is not physically compatible with earlier versions either on the charger or device side, but it produces the same gratifying ‘thunk’ sound upon connection, and it includes a status LED as before.

The new MacBook Pro marks the return of MagSafe, along with an HDMI port and SDXC card slot.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is just slightly wider and deeper than the existing 13-inch version. All configurations are available in Silver and Space Grey. Weighing 1.6kg, it’s not a featherweight by current standards, yet it’s manageable and easy to transport. The build quality is excellent – the hinge operates smoothly and feels sturdy; the lid remains rigid without any flex under pressure, and overall, it has a well-balanced feel. The only downside is that the notch designed to assist in lifting the lid has sharp edges.

In-depth details regarding the keyboard and trackpad will be included in our full review – not much has altered in this regard. The standout feature is the display. Apple has introduced mini-LED backlighting, and the resolution of 3024×1964 is impressively sharp. Apple claims “Extreme Dynamic Range,” with the backlight capable of achieving 1000 nits for sustained maximum brightness and 1600 nits at peak brightness. The refresh rate is now adaptive, reaching up to 120Hz, and it supports DCI-P3.

Additionally, there is the notch. You might not notice it immediately due to a cleverly crafted default wallpaper and a thicker, darker macOS status bar. The cursor for the trackpad remains positioned behind it except when dragging items. In most scenarios, the Finder or the app’s menu bar fits to the left, while the OS status icons are on the right. Sometimes it might not all fit, but so far I have not encountered this issue.

The contentious notch is somewhat concealed by the taller screen and the thicker status bar.

Videos in 16:9 ratio are letterboxed, meaning the notch will not intrude. When using applications in full-screen mode, they remain below the notch, with the area next to it shown in black. It feels like a portion of the screen cannot be utilized; however, it’s important to note that these are simply additional pixels in a taller rectangle; the notch does not encroach into previously usable space. Overall, while the notch doesn’t significantly hinder content, it can be distracting. I will reassess this aspect after extensive use of the new MacBook Pro in the full review.

It’s unfortunate that Apple didn’t implement Face ID in this recovered area, but there is a fingerprint sensor on the keyboard. Regarding performance with demanding content creation software, battery longevity, and the overall experience, we have a comprehensive review on the way. If you’re considering an upgrade and whether it’s worth the significant investment in a new MacBook Pro, stay tuned to Gadgets 360.