Video Review: Three Months With the M2 Max MacBook Pro

Apple in January 2023 introduced new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are equipped with next-generation M2 Pro and ‌M2‌ Max chips. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera picked up a 14-inch ‌M2‌ Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ when the machines were released, and he's been using it daily for the past three months in preparation for a longer-term review on Apple's latest chip technology.


The 2023 14 and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models haven't changed in design since Apple introduced the M1 Max and M1 Pro models, so the main difference is the chipset. In terms of performance, there is a noticeable difference between the ‌M1 Max‌'s performance and the ‌M2‌ Max performance. The ‌M2‌ chip is able to handle intensive video editing tasks with ease, and it's not too far off from the M1 Ultra.

Dan's 14-inch machine has 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, and there are also noticeable improvements in SSD speeds. As for the size, the 14-inch form factor is better for travel, though it is nice to have the larger display real estate of the 16-inch machine, and you'll also notice thermal management deficiencies between the 14 and 16-inch models.

Dan has a lot of other thoughts on the ‌M2‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌ models compared to the prior-generation versions and other Mac options, so the full video is well worth watching.

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Top Rated Comments

ELman Avatar
27 months ago
Dan's a good guy.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dan Barbera Avatar
27 months ago

Dan, did you seriously put a 3,000 dollar MacBook Pro on that pillar next to the water?

Anyway, I agree, new colors need to be introduced. I think most of the Pro colors on the iPhone Apple has introduced since iPhone 12 would look great on the MacBook Pros:

- Pacific Blue
- Sierra Blue
- Deep Purple
I might have and I maybe, definitely was terrified in the process. Anything for the shot!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coffeemilktea Avatar
27 months ago
I've been using the 16 inch with the Pro chip and 1TB of storage and it's been the best computing experience of my life. :cool:

(now if only it could play Elden Ring :p)
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
27 months ago

Dan's a good guy.
Agreed! @Dan Barbera keeps it real. His reviews are honest, personable, and well-transparent.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dan Barbera Avatar
27 months ago

Dan's a good guy.
❤️
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rychiar Avatar
27 months ago

M1/M2 both look appealing, my only concern is how they will be in a few years. My current 2017 Macbook pro with an Intel i7 and 16GB RAM runs Ventura like absolute crap, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't curse it for running slow or for the fans always being maxed out when working.
Those were garbage machines from the start. These should last much longer, externally and internally
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)