If you don't care about max current performance (frankly you probably don't), then picking up a used M1 pro or M1 max is a much better value proposition. It doesn't seem like the other upgrades are very substantial, maybe Wifi 6E but displays, design, otherwise it's likely to feel essentially the same.

Honestly, unless there is any specific feature added that you find important (the wifi update or whatnot), a refurbushed/discounted m1 pro seems like a no-brainer choice under a more restricted budget.

It's a spec bump, possibly meaningfully so but if you are on an Intel machine or want two monitors and can find a M1 14inch for ~$1500-$1700 that's a killer upgrade no matter what.

Does the M1 14inch support 2 monitors? I was under the impression every M-based laptop only supports a single external monitor.

> I was under the impression every M-based

That’s the “base” M1/M2. The M Pro supports 2, and the M Max 4, up to 6k (except for the 4th display on the Max, because HDMI).

M2P is also limited to a single display if you need 8K (not sure the M1P supported that at all).

It's only the air that is limited to a single monitor. I have an m1 pro and it's running two monitors daily. 4k, one 32:9 1440p ultrawide

14 inch M1 Pro supports two external displays, 14 inch M1 Max Supports four, all four can be 5K.

Sadly, Apple knows exactly how to get my money from me.

> all four can be 5K.

Only 3, the HDMI out is limited to 4K.

Shoot you are right, they are port limited on the fourth display. (as the M1 Max has double the hardware from the M1 Pro so one can assume it can support quad 5K, but it has only three Thunderbolt 4.)

I am running two Studio Displays off of my M1 Pro 14-inch

Yes. Source: Runs an M1 14" Pro on 2 monitors.

What would possibly make the M1 MBP preferable to the new one?

Lower price. Esp with offers, or refurbished ones.