Techtober went straight to November of this year. The first week of the month was busy at Engadget HQ, as we published a number of high-profile reviews in recent days. There's Apple's MacBook Pro and Mac mini along with the beastly (and expensive) PS5 Pro. Plus, we've got another virtual reality headset and more e-readers for library lovers. Read on to catch up on all of this week's reviews and a sneak peek of what's coming next.
Apple MacBook Pro (2024) review
Apple
Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro is better than ever thanks to its M4 chips, Thunderbolt 5 support, and slightly brighter displays.
- Fast M4 chips
- Brighter screen
- Sharp 12MP Center Stage Webcam
- Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Pro/Max
- Long lasting battery
amazon;itemcost:$1,549;sellerN:amazon;pos:3;sec:large-product;elm:affiliate_link;itc:0;pkgt:horizontal-cta-1;slk:$1,549 at amazon;” class=”rapid-with-clickid peer clear-right box-border block w-full min-w-60 rounded-(40px) px-7 text-center hover:no-underline hover:opacity-100 active:opacity-60 @xl/p:w-9/12 commerce-cta-btn-primary bg-inkwell py-3 font-semibold leading-5 text-white hover:bg-charcoal hover:text-grey-hair active:bg-charcoal active:text-grey-hair peer-(&):mt-3 dark:bg-white dark:text-batcave dark:hover:bg-bob dark:focus:bg-bob dark:active:bg-bob” href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DLHWM5FB&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=pnr-product-module&providerId=amazon&featureId=dynamic-offer&itemName=MacBook+Pro+14-inch+%282024%29&merchantName=amazon&itemSourceId=B0DLHWM5FB&brand=Apple&categoryId=328&price=1549.0&salePrice=1549.0&custData=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&signature=AQAAAS9_I2uM7hgum8eHiHGwdXCuPo42fGEWwO3AGfWTRMCd&contentUuid=efa1cfcb-435b-4edd-99b7-88cdd1899b61″ rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank”>$1,549 at amazon
Our Mac expert, Devindra Hardawar, had a busy week. Posting four reviews in total, it focused primarily on a double dip from Apple. It put the new M4-powered MacBook Pro to the test in 14- and 16-inch sizes. As expected, the new chips offer a speed boost, but there are also upgrades to the display, webcam, and battery life. Spec upgrades are still expensive, but if you opt for a machine powered by the M4 Pro or M4 Max, you'll also get Thunderbolt 5 support.
“If you're running an M1 MacBook Pro, or still using an Intel model, you'll definitely see some noticeable performance improvements on these machines,” he explained. “But if you have an M2 or M3 MacBook Pro, the M4 hardware doesn't represent a quantum leap.”
Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro, 2024) review
Apple
Apple's smallest Mac mini is more powerful than ever thanks to the M4 and M4 Pro chips, and it's a better deal with 16GB of RAM to boot.
- The M4 Pro chip is incredibly fast
- 16 GB RAM standard
- Front USB-C and headphone ports
- Smaller design takes up less space
- Lightning 5 with M4 Pro
- Spec upgrades are too expensive
- Fan makes noise under heavy workloads
- Without SD card reader
amazon;itemcost:$580;sellerN:amazon;pos:3;sec:large-product;elm:affiliate_link;itc:0;pkgt:horizontal-cta-1;slk:$580 at amazon;” class=”rapid-with-clickid peer clear-right box-border block w-full min-w-60 rounded-(40px) px-7 text-center hover:no-underline hover:opacity-100 active:opacity-60 @xl/p:w-9/12 commerce-cta-btn-primary bg-inkwell py-3 font-semibold leading-5 text-white hover:bg-charcoal hover:text-grey-hair active:bg-charcoal active:text-grey-hair peer-(&):mt-3 dark:bg-white dark:text-batcave dark:hover:bg-bob dark:focus:bg-bob dark:active:bg-bob” href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DLBTPDCS&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=pnr-product-module&providerId=amazon&featureId=dynamic-offer&itemName=Mac+mini&merchantName=amazon&itemSourceId=B0DLBTPDCS&brand=Apple&categoryId=325&price=579.99&salePrice=579.99&custData=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&signature=AQAAAXmnQTI2cgPs-8jHL3sczk7_zx2LIaFgQlctLmUX5WZO&contentUuid=efa1cfcb-435b-4edd-99b7-88cdd1899b61″ rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank”>$580 on amazon
The second part of Devindra's double-header was the new Mac mini, which is now also powered by Apple's M4 chips. You'll notice the biggest speed increase with the M4 Pro here and 16GB of RAM is now standard. Of course, a key change is the smaller size, and the front-mounted USB-C and headphone ports will come in handy.
“The Mac mini was the fastest computer I've reviewed this year, at least as far as CPU tests go,” he wrote. “I've grown accustomed to being impressed by Apple Silicon, but the M4 Pro in our review unit (which was also equipped with 48GB of RAM) was a bigger step up than I expected.”
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro review
Engadget / Sony
The PlayStation 5 Pro is the most powerful console ever created, but you'll pay a high price for its performance. Thanks to a faster GPU, it finally delivers 4K, 60fps performance for PlayStation gamers, with a dash of new ray tracing features.
- Faster GPU enables 4K/60 performance
- PSSR ai scaler works well
- New ray tracing capabilities
- May update PS4 titles slightly
- Comes with a 2TB SSD
- Expensive
- so expensive
- No disk drive
- Not all games have Pro upgrades
amazon;itemcost:$699;sellerN:amazon;pos:3;sec:large-product;elm:affiliate_link;itc:0;pkgt:horizontal-cta-1;slk:$699 at amazon;” class=”rapid-with-clickid peer clear-right box-border block w-full min-w-60 rounded-(40px) px-7 text-center hover:no-underline hover:opacity-100 active:opacity-60 @xl/p:w-9/12 commerce-cta-btn-primary bg-inkwell py-3 font-semibold leading-5 text-white hover:bg-charcoal hover:text-grey-hair active:bg-charcoal active:text-grey-hair peer-(&):mt-3 dark:bg-white dark:text-batcave dark:hover:bg-bob dark:focus:bg-bob dark:active:bg-bob” href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0DGY63Z2H&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=pnr-product-module&providerId=amazon&featureId=dynamic-offer&itemName=PlayStation+5+Pro+Console&merchantName=amazon&itemSourceId=B0DGY63Z2H&brand=PlayStation&categoryId=1294&price=699.0&salePrice=699.0&custData=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&signature=AQAAAcnJmUvqg6AECfYgke5ysUndBWSaeUwOl0Iw2r_mB0vn&contentUuid=efa1cfcb-435b-4edd-99b7-88cdd1899b61″ rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank”>$699 on amazon
Devindra also helped senior gaming reporter Jessica Conditt with the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro review this week. It's no surprise that the duo have confirmed that the PS5 Pro is the most powerful console ever created, powered by a faster GPU that unlocks 4K/60fps action. There are also new ray tracing features and the console comes with a 2TB SSD. But you'll pay a high price for this one and not all games have Pro level upgrades for you to enjoy.
“There is no doubt that the PS5 Pro is a niche product, not an upgrade aimed at all PS5 owners,” they said. “It's aimed at Sony devotees who want the absolute best PlayStation experience and who will never upgrade to a gaming PC.”
HTC Vive Focus Vision Review
HTC Vive
The Vive Focus Vision is a stylish, premium standalone VR headset that can also deliver solid VR for PC. But it also uses old hardware, is plagued by software issues, and is expensive compared to the Meta Quest 3.
Devindra finished his marathon week with the latest HTC Vive VR headset. Unfortunately, a great design is hampered by a high price, a limited game library, and older components. Simply put, “it still offers decent standalone VR, despite using an outdated CPU and glasses,” he explained. “But for a $999 headset, it's a shame HTC Vive didn't work harder to make the Focus Vision stand out.”
Kindle Paperwhite Signature (2024) Review
amazon/Engadget
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is one of the most luxurious e-readers you can buy, but some may not need to pay extra for all the cool features.
- Screen displays crisp text in beautiful warm lighting
- Flush front screen and soft-touch back feel premium
- Noticeably faster page changes and scrolling
- Warm front light with automatic adjustment is useful
- Power button on the bottom edge is easy to activate accidentally
- I can't adjust the touch screen controls
- Fewer page and font adjustments than the competition
- The exclusive features of the Signature are not essential
amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition;subsec:commlist;elmt:amazon;itemcost:$200;sellerN:amazon;pos:3;sec:large-product;elm:affiliate_link;itc:0;pkgt:horizontal-cta-1;slk:$200 at amazon;” class=”rapid-with-clickid peer clear-right box-border block w-full min-w-60 rounded-(40px) px-7 text-center hover:no-underline hover:opacity-100 active:opacity-60 @xl/p:w-9/12 commerce-cta-btn-primary bg-inkwell py-3 font-semibold leading-5 text-white hover:bg-charcoal hover:text-grey-hair active:bg-charcoal active:text-grey-hair peer-(&):mt-3 dark:bg-white dark:text-batcave dark:hover:bg-bob dark:focus:bg-bob dark:active:bg-bob” href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0CFPP8C33&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=pnr-product-module&providerId=amazon&featureId=dynamic-offer&itemName=amazon+Kindle+Paperwhite+Signature+Edition&merchantName=amazon&itemSourceId=B0CFPP8C33&brand=amazon&categoryId=2082&price=199.99&salePrice=199.99&custData=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&signature=AQAAAaIqPmZMcw8B5T1X2IDMDBKoj4_vlTl2UHbYvPrctKHz&contentUuid=efa1cfcb-435b-4edd-99b7-88cdd1899b61″ rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank”>$200 on amazon
Commerce editor Amy Skorheim this week reviewed both the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and the new standard Kindle, pitting them against each other in a head-to-head showdown. While the OG is still a workhorse, the more premium option offers more features. But, as Amy discovered, you may not need them.
“It comes down to whether you think an intense experience will make you read more,” he said. “If so, then it's probably worth the price increase in the long run. But if you're just looking for an easy way to read books, go for the basic Kindle.”
The next round of reviews
I know I previewed this week's Sonos Arc Ultra review, but our audio expert (hello!) needed a little more time to test the soundbar. I double promise one will arrive early next week for your Veterans Day reading. We still have a new Mac on the horizon and we hope to finish the review of the iMac (2024) next week as well. And there will be another review from amazon soon with the updated Fire HD 8.
