More than a decade ago, a two-hour conversation began the day. The art director was in the habit of slipping into a black wardrobe every day for reasons most didn’t care about. His wardrobe was in the minority in office but nobody could deny that he was in the visible minority. He made me believe that the idea was simple: It’s a flattering colour, a colour that symbolises power as well as elegance.

The new space black variant of the new MacBook Pro (14- and 16-inch options) configured with either the M3 Pro or M3 Max, brings back the decade-old conversation.

Sure, television sets come with black frames and so do some phones but here it’s not just about slapping on a layer of paint on aluminum. A new chemical compound is being used to achieve a certain level of black. It can also deter fingerprints, which is often a problem with all things black on gadgets. Also, space black is not true full-on black. It’s probably a darker/darkest shade of grey. But what our eyes will see is black.

Black has been out of circulation among Apple designers for some time. The “BlackBook” MacBook in 2006 is a memorable one. The space black option sends out an important message — it’s a machine for professionals, like coders, 3D artists, sound engineers, video editors… I can go on and on. Working on a space black MacBook Pro gives out “pro” vibes. It at least shows that the user is serious.

Also, think of this: We are back at work after a pandemic-induced pause. What goes best with most business suits — a black laptop that you can carry under your arm. It’s a reminder that those dreadful days can be put in some dark corner of the mind while we try to go about the business of busyness.

Ready to be delivered November 7 onwards (you can order now), the space black variant of the MacBook Pro will offer a good opportunity to muzzle the light and let Black Sabbath turn at 33-1/3 on the turntable while you finish your latest project. Of course, don’t let the black coffee go cold.