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L.C. in Atlanta, Georgia listens on AM920 The Answer and asked: “Wanted to ask about the new Apple processor compared to the Intel processor and – if we’re purchasing a new MacBook – whether we should be looking toward moving to the new Apple processor or sticking with the Intel processor”
L.C. if you already have a MacBook, theres no rush to move. The majority of Apple computers still run Intel processors and they will be supported for a long while.
If youre buying now, then yes, go for Apples processor over any stock of machines with Intel processors still floating around. Youll get better battery life, a chip made for what Apple has in mind for the future, better native support for mobile apps on desktop, and youre guaranteed support for a long while.
Keep in mind that Macbooks are premium computers and like most other premium computers they last a long time. You might as well futureproof as much as you can in terms of ensuring compatibility with new features and later iterations of the operating system.
If youre a more technical user, read up on the software you use. Were not aware of many programs not working, but some involved one like Docker require workarounds right now.
Docker is a special case since its virtualization software and it will be patched to support the new chips, but its probably a good idea to check whatever software you rely on, especially if its more closely tied into the hardware like virtualization software is, so youre not dead in the water for a few weeks or stuck putting in place a work around while everything gets updated.
Having said that, since that hasnt been a very widespread issue, yes, go for the new technology over the old one if youre buying now. If youre on an Intel MacBook now theres no rush to move to Apples M1 chip, your computer will continue to work just fine.
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