MARCH 2020 • TECH ADVISOR 41With the new mic set-up, it seems like it would be a
good opportunity to update the built-in camera. Nope.
We’re still stuck with a 720p FaceTime HD rig. So while
Apple thinks you can create professional-quality audio
with this laptop, you’ll still need an external camera if
you want to make a high quality video. Granted, even
if there was a better camera, you’re not going to shoot
video with it like you would with a handheld camera.
It would primarily be used for talking head videos or
making FaceTime calls. But wouldn’t it be nice if even
those videos had better image quality than what you
get with the 720p FaceTime HD camera?
Verdict
Apple aimed to satisfy its user demands with the 16in
MacBook Pro, and it has produced a laptop with a lot to
like. Most people won’t mind the overall size increase,
especially since it pays off with a bigger screen and a
larger battery that provides a longer run time. I don’t
think I’m exaggerating when I say that no one will miss
the butterfly keyboard, especially since the new scissor
keyboard is so satisfying. The performance boosts,
while not overwhelming, are still impactful – you’ll
notice them more if you’re into media production.
Where the 16in MacBook Pro might disappoint is
with people who are ready for Apple’s next big thing.
There’s a growing sentiment with long-time users that
the upgrades Apple releases are too iterative. They
are ready for a new design, ARM processors, a next-
generation display, Face ID, and more. While no one
outsideofApplereallyknowsthecompany’splans,
youcan bet that they’re working on the next big