Are the base spec models useless?

[-pete-]

So my 2013 Macbook Pro is on it's way out, the battery doesn't last quite as long as it once did, the screen has some dings in it, the performance when coding on my casual web dev products sometimes isn't always the best. It's done well but I'm finally ready to take the plunge and buy something to last me another 10 years.

I asked on Discord wether the base model M2 Air or M1 Pro was a better bet and was basically told "don't waste your money", which is strange to me because my 10 year old dual core 8Gb RAM Pro is fine, it's just got a slow processor and slow ram which is causing it to take longer than I would like to do basic tasks.

Bearing in mind, I don't do a lot on this it’s literally just:

- Netflix in bed
- Reading websites and shopping
- Signing documents
- Looking at and _very_ light edits of photos of the kids
- Some light coding of my toy Python and javascript web apps

I’m not:
- Editing multiple 4K videos at once
- Producing music
- Playing games

Does the base model cover all my use cases? If not, then why do they even sell it!?

 

[kitKAC]

Yes, a base model would be fine for you.

 

[MacDaddyPanda]

I'm using the base model 15" MBA M2. I use it only for youtube, podcasts, general internet surfing in my back yard while smoking a cigar. It runs nice and smooth. Battery life is excellent. I had a Samsung Laptop I was using for this. And that thing would drain to 50%-60% by the time I was done with my cigar. The MBA took 3-4 sessions in my backyard before hitting around 50%. So Yeah I'd say it's more than adequate for your use case. RAM never dips into swap. But on my MBAM2 I don't usually have a ton of tabs open. Or other apps.

 

[auxbuss]

No, the base spec models are not useless.

I replaced my 16Gb 2013 MBP with an 8Gb M2 Air, and the Air stomps all over the MBP on absolutely everything; and the MBP is no slouch, as you know.

 

[MrAperture]

So my 2013 Macbook Pro is on it's way out, the battery doesn't last quite as long as it once did, the screen has some dings in it, the performance when coding on my casual web dev products sometimes isn't always the best. It's done well but I'm finally ready to take the plunge and buy something to last me another 10 years.

I asked on Discord wether the base model M2 Air or M1 Pro was a better bet and was basically told "don't waste your money", which is strange to me because my 10 year old dual core 8Gb RAM Pro is fine, it's just got a slow processor and slow ram which is causing it to take longer than I would like to do basic tasks.

Bearing in mind, I don't do a lot on this it’s literally just:

- Netflix in bed
- Reading websites and shopping
- Signing documents
- Looking at and _very_ light edits of photos of the kids
- Some light coding of my toy Python and javascript web apps

I’m not:
- Editing multiple 4K videos at once
- Producing music
- Playing games

Does the base model cover all my use cases? If not, then why do they even sell it!?

Base M1 would even be perfect for your use case. Only $750.

 

[1BadManVan]

Base M2 is perfect fit for your use case and will be a very worthy upgrade over your current set up. Had my m2 air nearly a year now and by far my favourite laptop.

 

[h.gilbert]

I have a 2016 8GB Pro and it does all those tasks you mentioned except coding (I don't code) fine. I'd imaging the M1/2 machines would be more than enough.

 

[arcite]

Base model is great; my past three Macs have all been base models.

On the other hand, check the Apple refurb store; you may snag an upgraded unit, or even a MBP 14 at a great price.

IMHO.... skip the M1, the M2 is more future proof.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

OP, since this is on your mind, 500 posts by Apple fans (who can pretty much always be counted on to push the Apple-favorable answer to any such question) should not completely mitigate your own concern. Base model does have issues, the biggest of which is the "half speed" SSD. Fans will argue that's no issue and "you won't notice" but it's there nonetheless... and should you get into anything during life of device with some dependency on SSD speed, you MIGHT notice.

Easy solution: don't buy base model. Buy at least a minimal upgrade. And/or watch refurb store to buy one that is better than base model for 10-15% less.

The only big benefit of base model is minimum price. While Apple basically robs Apple customers with ridiculously overpriced "upgrades," Apple has also made itself the only option for such upgrades. As in anything where one entity has a complete hold on a market, exploiting that hold is just too tempting... especially when the customers themselves will passionately argue FOR their own exploitation.

That shared, one upgrade tier will cost a few hundred. To upgrade both RAM and SSD, it's a few hundred times two. For a device you'll use for upwards of 5-8 years or so, the added upgrade cost of around $400-$600 works out to less than $100/yr. Allocate a little extra money (wait a few weeks to accumulate a bit more money if necessary) and get a computer that eliminates that doubt in your head. Or again, refurb store with upgrades may get you about 15% off that few hundred in upgrades.

To your thread question: NO, base config is not useless. Buyers can use a base config Mac just fine. However, at least a minimally upgraded one is a better Mac with very tangible benefits.

If the thread question was "is buying an Intel Mac in 2023 useless?" the answer would be the same. Intel Macs are still Macs and still function just fine. Yes they are older but they still compute. Fans would be harsher towards this topic if that was your question because now is the time to push what Apple wants to sell now (which is no longer Intel Macs).

In short: "useless" is an extreme word. If I fired up a 2002 PowerMac or a 1991 Amiga 2000, I could get some computing use out of either. Commodore 64? Yep. Atari 2600? Yep. Etc. As long as a computer can compute, there is some usefulness in it.

 

[StoneJack]

Do basic car models drive?