A few weeks ago we decided to purchase a new Mac Mini with the M1 processor to replace our 2016 MacBook Pro which I use to edit all our videos. We made the purchase in part because we needed a new editing station, but also because we wanted to test this new ARM-based processor to see if it would meet all the hype. Spoiler alert: this is as good as you hear!
If you watch the video, you will see that the Mac Mini is no longer there at all and that it was actually about 2.5 times faster to perform exactly the same Final Cut project compared to our 2016 MacBook Pro. And these statistics alone were enough to convince me that we should keep the Mac Mini, but I was honestly more excited about the performance gains by an ARM-based processor versus the Intel processor in our older Macbook Pro from 2016 is delivered. .
The Mac Mini is a true testament to the capabilities of ARM processors when built from the ground up for a specific purpose as Apple did here with the M1 chip. This machine – and the other laptops that Apple announced with the Mac Mini – proves that the ARM architecture has extremely impressive processing power, and in the case of laptops with the M1 chip, it can also deliver exceptional battery life. Not to mention the fact that these chips are generally cheaper than Intel’s counterparts on the market.
Finally, the M1 buzzes me with excitement about Google developing their own, own silicone. If Google can build a drive specifically designed for Chrome OS and Chromebooks, it could be an industry advancement and could deliver a similar experience to the Mac Mini with the M1 drive. So here’s hoping Google’s their best and best work on the next generation ARM chip for Chromebooks.
