[synicalx]

In this comparison though, your entry level CPU (the M1) is holding its ground against a top of the line CPU performance-wise and beating it on power and thermals. To me that feels like a HUGE improvement, it's like an i3 performing the same as an i9.

[diffeomorphism]

No, that is nonsense. Apple only sells $1000+ devices and unsurprisingly none feature an "entry level" CPU. Just like a gaming laptop maker might only sell i7 and i9 models. Nobody would call an i7 "entry level" just because it is the cheaper of the two.

[synicalx]

Ok then, entry level on Apple's scale. The i9 MBP's were the previous generation of "top of the line" CPU's offered, and the M1 is the "bottom of the line". An i9 MBP would start at around $3500-4000AUD whereas you can get an M1 Air for ~$1100AUD.

If I was to pay the same for an Apple Silicone MBP as I did for a previous gen i9, I would be getting an M1 Max which absolutely demolishes laptop i9's and has none of the thermal issues.