With 128 bit vectors, the M1 is less of a vector computer than the x86 competition, which all have 256-bit or 512-bit vectors. As you note, the firestorm core's

With 128 bit vectors, the M1 is less of a vector computer than the x86 competition, which all have 256-bit or 512-bit vectors. As you note, the firestorm core's real strength is in its scalar execution (and when it comes to the vector units, it can do twice the operations/cycle as the x86 competition, giving it comparable throughput even for vector workloads). So the M1 generally impressing people in its performance seems like it'd support the author's point, and anecdotes about it underwhelming would contradict it? Unless the author was referring to the specialized matrix multiply unit and neural engine?