Buying Advice: Mac Pro vs Air, M2 vs M3, Storage

[The.Fake.Mountaineer]

I am looking to upgrade from my current Mac.

Current Model (model # A2337): MacBook Air M1 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU 13-Inch (2020)

Needs: I'm just a step above a computer noob. I like using all of the bells & whistles, customizing settings, decent amount of apps, lots of documents (esp. in OneDrive). Seems to take up tons of space & I've ran out of storage before but moved everything to OneDrive when I got it through school. I am about to start medical residency & need to be able to run Epic EMR on my computer, which has been DIFFICULT with this model. Also need to be able to hold many more documents. I've lost important documents before while trying to transfer them between clouds/onedrive & would like enough storage to keep backups of important things on my computer (like wedding pics, research, grant proposals, etc). I'm also pretty impatient & want something that will generally run fast.

I'd like to get a MacBook Pro but don't understand the M2 vs M3 & basic vs pro vs max enough to make a good decision. I don't have a super tight budget but only willing to spend up to $2,500 & only if it is really worth it. Also open to getting a MacBook Air if I really don't need a Pro, just not computer savvy enough to know what I need.

 

[picpicmac]

need to be able to run Epic EMR

Had to google it... and ... oh no, it's one of those medical records database management monsters. Google also informs me that the history of the Epic EMR includes problems with running on a Mac, that supposedly the company addressed in 2023.

only willing to spend up to $2,500

Several MacBook Pro models can be had for that. You qualify for the Education Store with its 10% discounts.

 

[kschendel]

It sounds like what you need most is more storage, and (possibly) more RAM. I'm unsure about the RAM issue, as Epic ought to be running as client-server without a lot going on at the client side. I very much doubt that you need the extra power of a Pro.

I'd suggest the M2 Macbook Air, either 13" or 15" as you prefer, with 16GB RAM and at least 1TB storage. The 2 TB, 13 model puts you at $2100 or so before discounts, the 15" is a bit more. The base M2 model (8 core CPU and 8 core GPU) has more than enough computing power for what I think you are doing.

Another possibility might be adding external storage to your current Macbook. If you use it on the go a lot, that might not be too practical.

 

[risswex]

In terms of the M1, M2, or M3 chip, the M1 is already a powerful processor, and unless you are engaging in extremely resource-intensive tasks, it should serve your needs well. The upcoming M2 is likely to bring improvements, but the current M1 should still provide a smooth experience for your requirements.

 

[refxian220]

My wife (Peds Rehab Fellow) uses Citrix to run EPIC on her 2018 MBA (intel i7-i think-, 8RAM/256HD) and doesn’t have much trouble so I’m a little surprised that it has difficulty on an M1. There could be any number of complications though.

I think RAM would probably be where you’d get the biggest boost.

I am looking to upgrade from my current Mac.

Current Model (model # A2337): MacBook Air M1 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU 13-Inch (2020)

Needs: I'm just a step above a computer noob. I like using all of the bells & whistles, customizing settings, decent amount of apps, lots of documents (esp. in OneDrive). Seems to take up tons of space & I've ran out of storage before but moved everything to OneDrive when I got it through school. I am about to start medical residency & need to be able to run Epic EMR on my computer, which has been DIFFICULT with this model. Also need to be able to hold many more documents. I've lost important documents before while trying to transfer them between clouds/onedrive & would like enough storage to keep backups of important things on my computer (like wedding pics, research, grant proposals, etc). I'm also pretty impatient & want something that will generally run fast.

I'd like to get a MacBook Pro but don't understand the M2 vs M3 & basic vs pro vs max enough to make a good decision. I don't have a super tight budget but only willing to spend up to $2,500 & only if it is really worth it. Also open to getting a MacBook Air if I really don't need a Pro, just not computer savvy enough to know what I need.

 

[3SQ Machine]

Not familiar with Epic EMR, but definitely do homework on the ideal specs before dropping some change. Make sure you know the bottleneck so you spec it right.

If you can snag a sale, the best bang-for-buck would probably be a discounted 14" M3 or M2 Max model, if you don't mind fan noise and some heat. I've seen them touch the $2500 range at times, but that's with the "base" config 1tb/36gb ram. Again, given your specific use case it's probably best to make sure that the specs are sorted right first before picking up anything.

 

[gilby101]

If you can snag a sale, the best bang-for-buck would probably be a discounted 14" M3 or M2 Max model, if you don't mind fan noise and some heat.

Did you read the OP's usage? Nothing mentioned suggests that a Max is needed. Likely a waste of money, better spent on storage and RAM.

Current Model (model # A2337): MacBook Air M1 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU 13-Inch (2020)

Can you tell us in what way this Mac is not meeting your needs. What storage and RAM does it have?

I am guessing (and only a guess) is that it does not have enough storage and likely tight on RAM. Does it have a big enough screen? Is light weight an important criterion to you? With what you have said about your use, I doubt you need a more powerful CPU.

Nobody above seems familiar with EPIC EMR (except by googling). What problems does it have on a Mac? And am I right in assuming that your use would be as a client to an EPIC backend somewhere?

Are you allowed to use a personal computer to access the EPIC system?

 

[Ben J.]

You have a very capable machine there.
If you're experiencing performance problems, first thing I'd check is the amount of free space on your disk. If it's filling up, that can bring any mac to its knees.

 

[The.Fake.Mountaineer]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I have more info below. Definitely thinking it's a RAM & storage issue.

What storage and RAM does it have?

More of my current Air's specifications (if this isn't the right info, let me know where I might find what you're asking for)

• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage (Macintosh HD): 245.11 GB
  • Dumb question... is this the Disk?
  • I'm very anal about deleting all of the unused apps & documents, quitting apps/closing windows im not currently using

Can you tell us in what way this Mac is not meeting your needs.

I have a lot of problems with lagging & apps shutting down unexpectedly (with an error message with tons of coding I don't understand). Some examples below:

• For example, when I ended up making a 400+ page Word document of notes with a lot of formatting & embedded link. I also ran into syncing & saving this with OneDrive & ended up losing a lot of changes because of some error in the autosave/autorecover (per my school's IT desk).
• Running big google spreadsheet → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VRhEjyNQcspLlmTuRKTdHgT7r_0uaUf9-gC8hl0s6Ww/edit#gid=778020048
• Having a 1,000 page textbook PDF open & annotating it while simultaneously searching things in a browser, taking notes in Word, & making a lecture in PowerPoint.

Other than some pretty intense note formatting & running these apps, im not doing any real "design" (like photography, videography, etc.)

What problems does it have on a Mac? And am I right in assuming that your use would be as a client to an EPIC backend somewhere?

• EPIC EMR -- lagging, shutting down unexpectedly
  • One organization had me download a huge Citrix app to access Epic through & another organization had me just go through a web browser & opened Epic within the browser. I prefer the app for ease of access & workflow but had more issues with the app shutting down unexpectedly.
  • I can access Epic from my personal computer for charting at home & use it for a way more efficient workflow when I'm seeing patients all over the hospital.
  • I believe you are right in assuming I'm a client to an Epic backend but not familiar enough with this type of terminology (I even had to look up what RAM was haha)

Does it have a big enough screen? Is light weight an important criterion to you?

I don't really care about the Air's light weight. I'm not very clear on the difference between what the Air & Pro have to offer other than weight though. I do tend to like the extra space the pro has as far as keyboard & screen. I had a 16" Lenovo laptop before my Air & definitely missed having the bigger screen. I'm leaning towards a 14-15" screen but not something I need.

 

[gilby101]

Definitely thinking it's a RAM & storage issue.

8 GB RAM and ~250 GB disk (SSD) is very much the base model.

The Activity Monitor screenshot suggests that, at that time, the RAM was well loaded but not excessively. Yellow graph being the simple indication. You should have a look when you have your large documents open and are suffering lagging, etc. Insufficient RAM is the most likely cause of lagging.

At 75% full your disk should be ok, but I would not want utilisation going much higher. The amount of system Data is a bit of a concern, but (in general) macOS will manage this without too much issue.

Your large documents will certainly consume RAM. Evidence is hard to gather, but I would be nervous of multiple large documents being open on a minimal RAM Mac. Lag when moving from one running app to another is a sign of RAM stress. Run Activity Monitor when you are changing between large documents and see if Memory Pressure goes much higher (which would be a bad sign).

It is many years since I have used Citrix, but it is certainly a large complex. If possible talk to hospital IT about appropriate configuration of Mac - though they will probably only quote suitable spec for when nothing else is running on the Mac.

You need some comments here from active Citrix users.

On replacement:

• Your use should not require a high spec processor. So an M2 or M3 will be enough. No need for Mx Pro or Mx Max.
• MacBook Air (MBA) is lighter and has no fans (always quiet). But the compromise is fewer USB-C ports and only one external monitor and generally slower at prolonged demanding tasks like video processing (which you are not doing). It only comes with M2 processor (no M2 Pro, etc).
• MacBook Pro (MBP) (which can have M3, M3 Pro or M3 Max processor) is about 50% heavier, but has more connectivity (ports, monitors) and better quality screen. Because it has a fan it can do more sustained processing. The M3 processor will be more than sufficient.
• Don't get a base model. Upgrade to at least 16GB RAM and 500GB disk (SSD).
• Right now, the MBP has latest M3 processor, whilst the MBA has M2. I would not worry too much about that.
• Compare look and feel of MBA and MBP (along with different screen size) in your local Apple retailer. Only you can decide on weight and size.

 

[picpicmac]

For example, when I ended up making a 400+ page Word document of notes with a lot of formatting & embedded link.

Over the years I have had Word (for Mac) crash on me when embedding very large images. The issue here, for you, may simply lay with Word.

I opened the link to the Google Sheet you posted, with my old iMac (with only 5GB of RAM), and while slow to scroll Chrome did not crash for me. If it is crashing for you then I suspect that is the result of whatever version of Chrome you are using, breaking something.

As with gilby101, it's been a long time since I've used anything with Citrix, and for some reason it brings up negative feelings from the past.

The Apple Refurb store has 16/512 spec M2 MBA and M2 MBP offerings for well under your price limit. Why not pick one up, try it for a week and see if it works for you. If you need to return it you've got 14 days.