About three weeks ago, I wrote about the Apple M1 chip, concluding that the new MacBook Pro 13 does most things for most people. Of course, most people aren’t developers, and they aren’t using exotic design software. Most people use computers for mundane tasks. 

So, I scratched my head when I read a much-shared piece that lamented the M1-powered Apple machines. John Gruber has written an excellent response to all the negative commentary. I suggest you read it to get a more in-depth understanding of the state of the M1 MacBooks. 

Unfortunately, today’s media narratives must remain in the obeisance of attention. Sadly, the controversy is the currency for relevance. When it comes to new technology, we rarely take the time to think through the long-term impact of technological breakthroughs and changes. Experts dismissed the iPhone when it launched. Chipheads joked about Apple’s smartphone chips. No one could imagine that Nvidia could be more valuable than Intel. The M1 is a long-term shift, not just for Apple, but for the entire industry. However, the future can be boring when you are seeking attention now. 

Since publishing my original review, I have installed the beta version of the M1-optimized Adobe Lightroom CC and Adobe Photoshop. Their performance on the M1 MacBook Pro has left me slack-jawed. I am not saying the beta software is without its faults. Still, I increasingly find myself sitting on the couch comfortably editing photos on the new laptop, even though I have a more expensive, tricked-out MacBook 16 within an arm’s reach. 

And yes, it does everything else — Zoom calls, web, emails — without so much as a whisper or getting hot under the collar. Call me boring, but that works for me – and, I suspect, for most people.

December 3, 2020, San Francisco.