4K HDR MOVIES LOOK GREAT WITH PERFECT INKY BLACKS AND RICH, DELICIOUS COLORS

keyboard to be easier to type on (this review was written using it) and with physical Function buttons within easy reach, you no longer find yourself staring quizzically at the Touch Bar while trying to work out which option does what.

Fire up a movie or music video and that Liquid Retina XDR display and improved sound system really are a joy to watch and listen to. 4K HDR movies look great with perfect inky blacks and rich, delicious colors while the audio output is excellent, with crystal clear dialogue and sound effects. The ProMotion 120Hz display (a first for the Mac) is super– bright too, with its 10,000 miniLEDs achieving 1,000 nits average brightness and is capable of displaying one billion colors. The MacBook Pro also supports more external displays than any of Apple’s M1–equipped laptops: M1 Pro MacBook Pros supports two external displays at up to 6K; while M1 Max versions can handle three 6K displays and a 4K TV running at 60Hz at the same time.

The MacBook Pro has always felt like the Apple laptop to go for when you want more power and performance; while the regular M1 has made that moot for the most of us, the new MacBook Pro still has the power to perform and to disarm.

THE BOTTOM LINE. Power, performance, poise. With a whole host of incredible, impactful improvements, this is the best Apple laptop the company’s made in years. We’ll take two. ROB MEAD–GREEN