The Mac with M1: a solution for your company?
Maybe you have already heard about Apple’s new processor, the M1. Read here why purchasing a Mac is more interesting than ever before.
In an earlier article we explained the advantages of the Mac as compared to a Windows PC. Perhaps you have seen the light and are now truly considering purchasing an Apple computer. Now Apple also has a new processor: the M1. Let us explain why purchasing a Mac is more interesting now than ever before.
Apple made a special announcement in November 2020: for the first time since 2006, Mac models were now available with a new type of processor. The new M1, as the processor was christened, is replacing the Intel i5, i7, etc. The M1 was fully developed by Apple itself, as it did in the past with the iPhone and the iPad with their A processors and the Watch with the S processors. So it is not an entirely new concept, but it is a big surprise, especially because Apple announced that in time it would stop using Intel processors for the Mac.
We won’t dig too deep into the technical details – look in the box below if you are interested in them – but we do want to tell you something about what this new M1 can mean for you, your employees and your business.
Computing power
Firstly: if you are still torn between Windows or Mac, the choice has been made much easier, because the M1 is a real powerhouse. Every test has shown that it is significantly faster than the Intel series. Not only thanks to the processing speed, but also because of its deliberate design to ensure it is optimally attuned to the computers for which it is intended: the Mac models. They are also highly economical and therefore ideal for notebooks like the MacBooks.
The M1 is actually a complete computer on a chip. It contains not only the CPU – the central processing unit found in every computer – but also the graphics processing unit, the memory and all of the subsystems and sub-subsystems that a computer needs.
Another aspect that must not be forgotten is the Neural Engine. That part of the chip provides for machine learning, which apps can use. For example, if you use high-level image processing software, the Neural Engine accelerates the processing. Apps that process large quantities of data can do so much faster thanks to the Neural Engine. There are many ways in which apps can use the M1’s machine learning, and even more software will be released that does this as well in the time to come.
Models
Four Mac models with M1 have now been launched that can be ideally used in your company, as the M1 computers are not only significantly faster, but also more energy efficient and considerably less expensive.
MacBook Air
If you are a consultant, recruiter or healthcare professional, to mention a few examples, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice. With the M1 chip on board, the MacBook Air has suddenly become a powerful tool for any business. With prices starting from EUR 933 (exclusive of VAT), it is also worth the effort to compare a MacBook Air to a Windows PC. The MacBook Air has a Retina display with True Tone, Touch ID and two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports.
MacBook Pro 13 inch
If you need a bit more power, then the MacBook Pro with 13-inch screen is the one for you. If you use graphics, or are a designer or musician, for example. In addition to Touch ID, the Pro has Touch Bar: a small touchscreen at the location of the function keys that offers handy shortcuts for every app. The MacBook Pro has a more robust battery, so that you can work longer with it than with the MacBook Air before needing to recharge.
Mac Mini
If you prefer a desktop for your business, you might consider the Mac Mini with M1 processor. Like most desktops, the Mac Mini does not have a screen, but that leaves the choice between buying an expensive display or making do with relatively inexpensive one up to you. For the record: you can connect two displays if you want. The Mac Mini has a land-based Gigabit network connection, of course, as well as Wi-Fi.
iMac
The new iMac with 24-inch screen is all you will ever need. With its beautiful design available in seven colours, which is only 11.5 mm thick thanks to the M1 processor. Its power cable in the same colour as the iMac will make your desk look tidy. The same applies to the keyboard (with Touch ID!), the mouse and the optional trackpad. It has six speakers, no less, with which you can listen to music or watch video in Dolby Atmos.
The Mac with M1 processor is a giant leap forward in terms of computing power, graphic performance and energy efficiency. Music to the ears of any business owner, especially with its interesting price tag.
