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Buying a new mac
- Thread starter TarekDaas
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I’m actually researching a MacBook for very similar interests (heavy GIMP user). I’m currently looking into the M2 MacBook Air with 16 GB unified memory and 512 GB SSD storage.
I’m planning on the 13 inch model, 15 inches is too big for me to actually be mobile when needed. However, I am short and stocky so the 15 inch model may be right for you.
For photo editing the key is (1) enough RAM (2) screen size and quality. To me, that would indicate either the 15" MBA (I myself bought one with 16/1), or actually skipping ahead and getting a discounted M3 MBP, because they are running some pretty strong sales of the 14" M3 MBP (B&H etc.).
There are two considerations. By the time you've upped the RAM and/or SSD on the MBA, you are moving into the discounted M3 14" MBP territory. The advantage of the MBA for your purposes is the larger screen - which is important when you're working with photos. The advantage of the M3 MBP is the slightly better - although smaller size - quality of screen. These appear to be your choices, seems to me, based on your requirements.
I wouldn't worry overmuch about the size of the SSD, because you likely will be working with an external SSD/HDD anyway, so the base 256GB would seem fine - and yes, it's slower than the 516GB, but for practical purposes for your workflow it won't matter.
Now, if you needed a heavy duty video editing rig, then things like the graphics in the M3 might be important, but for photo, M2 is more than enough. YMMV.
There are two considerations. By the time you've upped the RAM and/or SSD on the MBA, you are moving into the discounted M3 14" MBP territory. The advantage of the MBA for your purposes is the larger screen - which is important when you're working with photos. The advantage of the M3 MBP is the slightly better - although smaller size - quality of screen. These appear to be your choices, seems to me, based on your requirements.
I wouldn't worry overmuch about the size of the SSD, because you likely will be working with an external SSD/HDD anyway, so the base 256GB would seem fine - and yes, it's slower than the 516GB, but for practical purposes for your workflow it won't matter.
Now, if you needed a heavy duty video editing rig, then things like the graphics in the M3 might be important, but for photo, M2 is more than enough. YMMV.
Hobby or income producing? Looking for max portability, max screen, or max value?
Unless you're talking about time being money, I don't think that the CPU matters all that much. For occasional amateur use, the MBA is fine. If you're going to stress the computer with high resolutions or complicated filters, the Macbook Pro is probably what you want. If you are looking for lightweight travel, the 13" MBA is your pick. If your eyes are older, like mine, or if you just want a bit more screen space, the 15" MBA or 16" MBP is what you want.
None of these choices are going to be direly wrong, IMO. You don't say your budget or your buying country. I suspect that you'll want more than the base 8GB; whether you need more than 16GB depends on exactly what you are doing, the resolution of the photos you are working with, etc. 16GB is probably OK unless you are sure that you need more.
Unless you're talking about time being money, I don't think that the CPU matters all that much. For occasional amateur use, the MBA is fine. If you're going to stress the computer with high resolutions or complicated filters, the Macbook Pro is probably what you want. If you are looking for lightweight travel, the 13" MBA is your pick. If your eyes are older, like mine, or if you just want a bit more screen space, the 15" MBA or 16" MBP is what you want.
None of these choices are going to be direly wrong, IMO. You don't say your budget or your buying country. I suspect that you'll want more than the base 8GB; whether you need more than 16GB depends on exactly what you are doing, the resolution of the photos you are working with, etc. 16GB is probably OK unless you are sure that you need more.
"Guys if I brought a cheap macbook pro 2019 i9 16gb ram will it be fine till I get the new macbook?"
Bad idea.
Do this, and you'll end up spending MORE in the long run.
First:
What is your budget?
Folks can't advise unless you're willing to tell us.
Can you buy from Apple online (you haven't told us where in the world you are)?
I suggest you visit the Apple online refurbished store:
If you can afford it, get either
2021 MacBook Pro 14"
or
2023 MacBook Pro 14"
Bad idea.
Do this, and you'll end up spending MORE in the long run.
First:
What is your budget?
Folks can't advise unless you're willing to tell us.
Can you buy from Apple online (you haven't told us where in the world you are)?
I suggest you visit the Apple online refurbished store:
Refurbished Mac Deals - Apple
Save up to 15% on a refurbished Mac. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.
www.apple.com
2021 MacBook Pro 14"
or
2023 MacBook Pro 14"
Grab a factory refurb 16” M1 Pro @ Microcenter. Running about $1350 + you get Apple warranty. If you have one nearby. M1pro is totally capable machine and you do get the great screen for a cheaper price. Maybe you’ll lose a few seconds in rendering, but you’ll probably never notice the difference. That 16” screen on the MBP is the absolute best for color clarity and size.
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I don’t think I’d do that. Any intel MacBook, for that matter. Support will gradually decrease for those and we’re already seeing Apple Silicon-exclusive OS features (although I can’t currently remember what that was
)As suggested elsewhere in the thread, I too think the M2 MBA should be a good choice. I myself am using a base M1 MBA for photo editing and that’s fine - but I’d get more RAM if I were to buy one now.
I’m using an external screen when at home so 13” are fine for me. I don’t like bigger laptops much.
The very definition of memory hogs. It's been that way with Adobe apps for quite some time, too. While I am someone who thinks 8GB is fine for people doing web browsing, email, Facetime with the grandkids, etc., if you are going to spend many hours a week doing imaging on this thing then get 16GB minimum.
Are you going to pair the laptop with a large screen, when you are at home? If so then save some money and get a smaller screen on the laptop.
Laptop screens are a pain for image editing. I bought (and still have) a 17" MacBook Pro (yes, Apple use to make 17" laptops) for use while I was living/travelling overseas, and I did a lot of photography on it, but 17" is still too small for full time imaging use, IMO.
We all seem to expect MBA M3 models to appear Real Soon Now (in March?), at which time the M2 MBA will be old hat. Which implies they will be less expensive on the refurb store, eventually.
Also, if you are going to be using the laptop on-the-go, then maybe you'll want to spring for a larger SSD inside. Those who use these devices at home can just plug in external SSDs. Or maybe you'll be fine with an external SSD you will carry with you. I used external portable HDs with my 17" MBP.
Right now the Refurb store has a 15-inch MacBook Air Apple M2 Chip w/ 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for $1,439.00 . Eventually you'll find M2 refurbs like this a bit cheaper from other vendors (but only buy from authorized vendors so you can get Apple Care, which you'll want for a laptop.)