Apple - MacBook Pro 14" Laptop - M3 Max chip Built for Apple Intelligence - 36GB Memory - 30-core GPU - 1TB SSD - Space Black

So game dev here. I use a lot of programs, and really felt nervous about moving to an arm based architecture in order to get my work done. Apple has come a long way. I tried to keep using Windows for my dev work. I frankly got tired of a few things: 1. Windows and Unity freaking out over SSD Security and blocking programs from working (have had to redo per folder security many times). 2. Random software breaking and simply not working until a full restart. 3. Driver updates interrupting me in the middle of work with a black screen. 4. Ads everywhere. I had to google search to find how to turn them off in the settings. With this laptop, I think that the GPU speed, plus raytracing, plus basically the fastest cpu out there, I was ready to switch. I was not disappointed. I set up all my environments, tested and set up my VM, and tried to work. I have really increased the amount of work done each day because I don't have to waste time fixing Window's problems. Serious, if you have never had a Mac, and are happy with Windows, DO NOT TRY a MacBook. You will find out just how much broken software you have become used to. It's sad. It will never be the same. This MacBook: 1. Great battery life. No worries about it dying in the middle of a project. 2. Screen is smooth, and the blacks are almost OLED level black. None of that $3k Windows Laptop Backlight bleed (Really Asus???). 3. Mac Speakers and Mic are on another level. The Laptop's mic can substitute for an actual stand alone mic in a pinch with noise isolation on. I do it all the time. 4. Even pushing hard, with the fans at full blast, the fan noise is gentle almost. I have gotten it to push hard in some games here and there. 5. Mac OS is way more stable. And I like that it's consistent across the board UI wise. Dark Mode is actually Dark Mode throughout. This Mac is actually worth the price imho. It get's out of the way so you can focus on the things you need to focus on. You don't worry about it. I love that about my Mac. If you don't buy this specifically for gaming, and want a solid computer, this is it. You can get away with gaming, but they are not there yet. Crossover and VM's tackle most of the issues, but anti cheat simply doesn't work on ARM, not even Windows ARM. So be aware of that. It chews through Unity and VSC projects like butter.

This is a fantastic computer, to date the best MacBook Pro I have owned. My first Mac was the SE-20 (20gig). It is fast! It has the power expected when purchasing. From Parallels desktop (19) running Widows (11) for business to multi media platforms like Final Cut Pro it seamlessly and quickly responds faster than any previous Mac by far. You can see the numbers and comparisons, in the end you have to buy what you need, or take a step up and be happy. I’m happy I purchased this build and recommend it! More than I expected.

Bought this as the only true upgrade from my M1 Pro for Logic music production. Before settling on the Max, also tried two M3 Pro variations and one M2 Pro. Those were great, but just a sideways step in performance from the M1 Pro. Also, M3 Max is the only 14" stock config at BestBuy with 36gb ram. Pluses: +decent battery life for light tasks +exceptional performance +easy to clean the smudges (space black) +no fan noise during everyday tasks +great screen and speakers Minuses: -battery drains quickly when pushed, and noticeably worse than M3 Pro/M2 Pro overall -Will get warm, but not hot -theoretically better in some workflows but hard to notice the difference -unclear value for money -a smidge heavier than the other M3 14" pros Overall, this is a great machine, but so are the other 14" Macbook Pros. I'm not convinced there is value since even this entry level max is hundreds of dollars above the others, but luckily BestBuy offered an awesome deal when stacking the rewards on top of it--making this purchase just a touch less painful.