As technology continuously advances, it has become our everyday routine for people to use computers for work and hobbies. Well-known companies make various laptop models, but the Apple MacBook Pro is a popular and famous model for its outstanding performance. In that sense, in this essay, I will define the specifications, strengths and weaknesses, applications, prices, competitors, and improvements of the MacBook Pro.
The first specification of the MacBook I would introduce features three memory chips: M3, M3 pro, and M3 max, which shows the enhancement of memory storage than the previous design. M3 Pro provides up to 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and 36GB unified memory. It has up to 80% faster CPU, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker sound system which will help people to be immersed in their projects. The battery life is up to 22 hours on a single charge, and the graphics provide excellent visual elements when playing games and designing, along with improved speed and screen resolution. Support for MacOS programs, and charging locations have also increased to three, including the Headphone jack.
The advantage of the Macbook is that it has a touch bar above the keyboard. I once used the MacBook keyboard without the touch bar and I didn’t know the difference. However, when I used the touch bar, I realized the convenience of it. It made it easier to google it and adjust the screen brightness and the sound. Also, there is a Touch ID button in the upper right corner. This can allow people to log in to their MacBook with their fingerprint recognition. Also, Apple allows people to link the Macbook with an iPhone or iPad using an iCloud account. Lastly, I prefer to use a trackpad rather than a computer mouse. This could be because I have used the trackpad for five years so it feels weird to use the mouth. But using the trackpad has a larger space to move and easier to scroll or move the mouth.
However, the disadvantage of using Macbook Pro is that Macbook is heavy to carry. I had to carry my Mavbook in my bag when I went to school and it was too hard and heavy to carry and move all around all day. Unlike other computers, Apple uses a certain USB type, which is USB-C. The charger takes up too much space but since I can’t use another charger for the Macbook, I always have to bring a Macbook charger. And when I had to print, I couldn’t connect without a line, therefore, I had to buy a USB-C connector. Also, the Apple Macbooks are more expensive than other computers because of the software and hardware. Lastly, Apple doesn’t provide a lot of applications on the computer. When I tried to install the game, I couldn’t install it because the Apple app store in my Macbook didn’t provide the service. Even though it is not a game, there are fewer apps that we can install on the Macbook.
The Macbook has main applications and the most well-known application is Safari. This is the basic web browser for MacOS and provides efficiency when people are web browsing. Secondly, there’s a contact app, which shows the contacts of people, using the iCloud account. If you have an interest in making music, Garageband is an app that I also have used conveniently for making music. It has a lot of tools that can help you to create your creative music. iMovie was one of my favorites, and this application was very useful when it came to making videos or high-quality short movies with smooth editing tools. Pages are very useful when you want to write down some stories. It has various options and formats that can make the stories or documents more professional and creative.
The price ranges of Macbooks are all similar but also different. The Macbook that I am using right now came out in 2022 and it cost me around KRW 320,000, which is around $290. However, the new Macbook that came out in 2023 cost KRW 360,000, which is around $320, which is much higher than mine. Since the Macbooks are being upgraded, the price also rises. However, the price increase caused by the upgrade may put a financial burden on some consumers. Despite the advanced program and performance, the price of a MacBook is a considerable hesitation to purchase.
The most noticeable competitor of the Apple Macbook is the Samsung Galaxy Notebook. Both models are designed to make customers feel sophisticated in terms of design. The price range of the Galaxy varies depending on the product, but the MacBook maintains a high price range overall, so there is also a price difference. However, the Galaxy Notebook is easier to use when it comes to convenience since the Galaxy Notebook uses Windows while the Apple MacBook uses MacOS, it takes some time for people who have been using Galaxy products for a long time to access Apple. Galaxy Notebook and Apple Macbook have different systems, but they are trying to make users feel comfortable using their systems.
The future improvement that I may wish to include is a lock for the camera. There are some crime records in which people’s notebook cameras have been hacked and their private information has been sold. Therefore, people use tape, stickers, or covers to cover the camera. However, I would improve by putting the cover system inside of the Macbook. Therefore, if we decide to cover our camera and open it for a certain time, we can set this in the settings. Another improvement is that voice to text typing. Unlike Siri, as I speak the sentence, the Macbook would recognize the sound and type the sentence on the screen without me typing the keyboard.
In conclusion, With the new model, the features are more advanced, but according to my experience using the Macbook Pro, it seems to be a mixture of good features and drawbacks. Overall, MacBook use is efficient and convenient. However, the high price, which is difficult to approach prematurely, is proportional to performance, but it may be another downside. It is hoped that Apple will gradually improve issues such as camera security and high prices and that more people will prefer MacBooks in the future.
By: Areum Irene Kim
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