I’ve focused on my own workstation just a few times in several years of handling Cult of Mac setups coverage (this is setups article number 569 for me, by the way). Well, now it’s that time again, thanks to two major new upgrades in my personal rig. First, I replaced my trusty silver M1 Pro MacBook Pro with a brawny M4 Pro model in space black. And second, I installed a set of bookshelf speakers right in the workstation for the first time.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Dual-display setup replaces M1 Pro with M4 Pro MacBook Pro
Several years ago I typed away on a PC laptop propped up on a box on a messy, dusty desk. Then, in part because I started writing about Apple-oriented setups and a lot of other subjects for this website around then, I swapped out the HP laptop for a 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro and made it the center of an evolving setup, last updated in a big way in October 2023. I added dual displays, Logitech and other input devices, plus various chargers, docks and audio gear. Then I moved to a new home and got new furniture, like a standing desk and a decent office chair, among other items. And this past weekend marked the next major setup changes for me.
Now I’ve got the supercharged M4 Pro MacBook Pro in the mix, plus an Edifier MR3 2.0 Monitor Speaker System (essentially a set of compact studio monitor speakers that I’ll cover in another setups post as well as a review soon). I also added a Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station.
M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/512GB)
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
So I acquired the new laptop at an Apple Store Friday morning and put it in play immediately, following data migration and macOS 15.1 update. I put the slick space black machine on a vertical laptop stand in clamshell mode (closed), behind one of my external displays. It’s a beautiful machine, yet I choose to hide it, basically. Really there’s just too much going on up on my desk shelf, especially with new speakers.
As I note in my in-depth hands-on review published today, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB memory/512GB SSD storage) is an absolute beast. Honestly, the 2021 M1 Pro MacBook (16GB/512GB) it replaced — with $705 in trade-in value toward the new one — was still enough for my relatively modest uses. But the new machine is advanced enough to be “future-proofed” for at least a few years, perhaps several. And if I decide I’m going to move beyond tasks like writing, web publishing and basic photo editing to, say, competitive gaming or software development, I’ll be set.
No redesign, but plenty of new capability
Photo: Apple
Visually, there’s almost no difference between my old laptop and my new one — other than the color. My M1 Pro was silver. My new M4 Pro is space black. Maybe it’s just the novelty of the change, but I’m pleased with the dark-gray color. And I’m psyched knowing how much power rests under the hood. And it packs Thunderbolt 5 ports, something I’ll be happy about in the near future (for now Thunderbolt 4 suits me fine).
Performance-wise, the new machine is noticeably faster. And its display looks even better and is easier to see in bright light, like sunlight. Battery life lasts up to 22 hours (24 hours on some M4 models). Plus it packs a 12MP Center Stage webcam that keeps you in the video frame even if you move around. All in all, it’s quite a badass laptop and worth an upgrade from M1 models or before, or from M2 or M3 models if you absolutely need top-notch performance.
Features:
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
- MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip handles Apple Intelligence tasks and more.
- My configuration is 24GB RAM/512GB SSD, with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU.
- Up to 22 hours of battery life.
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1,600 nits peak brightness and 1,000,000:1 contrast.
- View and control what’s on your iPhone from your Mac with iPhone Mirroring.
- Stay framed with a 12MP Center Stage camera.
- Enjoy quality sound with three studio-quality mics and six speakers with Spatial Audio and support for Dolby Atmos.
- Stay connected with three Thunderbolt 5 ports and a MagSafe 3 charging port, SDXC card slot, HDMI port and headphone jack.
- Supports up to two external displays.
Shop these items now:
This Apple laptop features an M4 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU and the same lightweight design we all know and love. Available in space black or silver.
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- 24GB unified memory (configurable from 16GB to 36GB)
- 512GB SSD storage (configurable to 1TB)
- Same design as previous models
Computer:
Displays and monitor light:
- 27-inch Alogic Clarity Pro Touch Monitor
- 27-inch Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 4K Monitor
- Oowolf computer monitor light
Input devices:
- Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac wireless keyboard
- Logitech MX Anywhere 3 Mouse for Mac
- Magic Trackpad 2
Wrist rests, desk mat, mouse pad:
Audio:
- Edifier MR3 2.0 Monitor Speaker System
- Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Furniture and charger:
- Silybon Ergonomic Office Chair
- Fezibo Electric Standing Desk and Monitor Stand
- Journey Nova 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.
