M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac reviews: Impressive upgrades, even the base models – 9to5Mac

The first reviews for the M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac have just dropped. Apple’s first M4 Macs arrive in stores and users’ hands tomorrow. And based on these early impressions, there should be a lot of very satisfied customers soon.

Surprisingly strong M4 base models

One common theme among reviews is that the base model M4 Macs, thanks to 16GB of RAM especially, are more compelling than ever.

Where this is perhaps most surprising is the M4 MacBook Pro, which earns a lot of praise.

Jason Snell at Six Colors says, “I’m happy to report that, as of now, the $1599 base-model 14-inch MacBook Pro really feels like a full member of the family.”

Antonio G. Di Benedetto writes at The Verge:

The biggest difference this time is that the entry-level MacBook Pro doesn’t really feel like a compromise. The base configuration has enough memory and storage to be actually worth considering, and it has all the ports and creature comforts of the higher-end Pros. Even the nano-texture screen upgrade feels worth it. For the first time in a long time, it actually feels like a Pro.

Does the M4 chip alone merit an upgrade?

Reviews generally found that while the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max were all impressive, they also aren’t huge leaps ahead of last year’s M3. Even if you have an M2 Mac, you still may not be compelled to upgrade.

Christopher Null at WIRED:

Perhaps you’re skipping a generation, and figure you’ll jump from the M2 to the M4? My hunch is that if you felt you could wait for the M4, well, you can probably hold out for the M5.

This isn’t exactly a bad thing, but more a testament to the strengths of Apple silicon. It’s the other changes of the M4 line, like additional RAM, nano-texture option, improved camera, and more that really make these models stand out.

Nano-texture makes a worthy upgrade

Reviewers are also glad to have the nano-texture option on more Macs than ever.

Brian Heater writes at Tech Crunch:

Simply put: If you’re buying a new Pro and plan to go outside ever, spend the additional $150…Now that it’s available, I plan to get it for any MacBook I get, going forward. Working outside a couple of times a week is a great way to break up the monotony of an office job.

Mac mini’s power button placement

What about the redesigned Mac mini’s power button? Apple moved it to the bottom of the Mac, which earned some derision online.

Chris Welch writes at The Verge:

Do I wish the button were someplace else? Sure. Pressing it requires reaching over the Mini and lifting the unit up slightly. It’s silly but hasn’t negatively affected my experience in any material way.

Similarly, Jason Snell writes at Six Colors:

Ultimately, is the power button placement a little annoying? Sure. Is it the kind of thing that should keep you from buying this machine? No, it really isn’t.

Brenda Stolyar writes at WIRED:

It’s just weird. You’ll probably leave this thing on all the time but, like the USB-C port on the underside of the Magic Mouse, it’s just an awkward design choice.

New 12MP Center Stage camera is actually a good camera

Apple touted its new 12MP Center Stage camera in its MacBook Pro and iMac introductions. But the company always talks up its cameras, despite past models disappointing.

Fortunately, it sounds like this year is actually different.

Antonio G. Di Benedetto at The Verge:

Apple has a history of shipping disappointing webcams, even on its $1,599 Studio Display that costs as much as the M4 MacBook Pro and the just-released iPad Mini. But the MacBook Pro’s new 12MP camera has nice contrast even when I’m backlit by a window, and its Center Stage software that keeps you in frame works well enough without being overly aggressive on reframing

Jason Snell at Six Colors:

It’s new and improved—so improved that I could tell the difference the first second that I turned it on. In a challenging low-light environment, the original Center Stage camera on an Apple Studio Display can look fuzzy, blotchy, and low contrast. The new Center Stage camera on the M4 iMac looks sharper, with more contrast and much more natural-looking skin tones. It’s what Center Stage should’ve looked like all along, and it’s a nice upgrade.

There are also video reviews and first impressions available on YouTube. Here are a handful to check out.

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