The base MacBook Pro models have faced criticism for being positioned between the budget-friendly MacBook Air and the high-performance Pro models. Users found themselves needing to invest more for enhanced features or opting for the Air, which met many of their needs. However, with the introduction of the new M4 chip, Apple has made significant improvements to the base model. This enhancement makes it a more attractive option, especially as it is now available at its lowest price ever.

You can currently purchase the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip at Amazon and B&H Photo for $1,399, which is a significant $200 off the regular price. Best Buy has it listed for $1,499, offering a $100 discount; however, My Best Buy members can also receive a further discount of $75.95, bringing the final price down to $1,424.

The M4 chip itself is a significant upgrade over the M3 from the previous year. It’s equipped with a 10-core CPU, which Apple boasts has the best single-threaded performance on the market, alongside a neural engine that’s twice as fast as before. While the raw performance gains might not be immediately noticeable in everyday tasks, they’re there when you push the laptop with more demanding workloads. But the real game-changer is the memory; this model starts with 16GB of RAM, double what was offered in previous base models. This upgrade not only supports Apple’s new Apple Intelligence features coming in macOS Sequoia but also ensures the laptop can handle more intensive tasks without breaking a sweat.

Moreover, the M4 MacBook Pro comes with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, enhancing connectivity options, which is a boon for creatives and professionals who juggle multiple peripherals or external displays. The webcam has been upgraded to a 1080p model with a taller field of view, supporting the new Desk View feature, which adds a layer of convenience for video calls and presentations.

For those whose work involves heavy 4K or 8K video editing, complex photo editing, or intense programming sessions, you might still want to consider stepping up to the M4 Pro or M4 Max variants. However, for the majority of users — from students to office workers, from hobbyists to those dabbling in content creation — this base M4 MacBook Pro at this price point is a fantastic deal.

In terms of design, it retains the sleek, professional look that MacBook Pros are known for, now available in Space Black or Silver. The screen remains a Liquid Retina XDR display, providing stunning visuals whether you’re working on spreadsheets or watching movies.

To sum up, if you’ve been eyeing a MacBook Pro but were put off by the price or the specs of the base models in previous generations, now’s the time to reconsider. This deal represents not just a discount but a leap in what the baseline MacBook Pro can offer. It’s not just about getting more for less; it’s about getting the right machine for your needs at a price that feels justified. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or making the switch from another brand, the M4 MacBook Pro at this price is hard to ignore.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.