Allen, thanks for these ideas. What you said about 64GB is "educational" for me. I'll remember. Re Vision Pro. As a kid, Dick Tracy had a watch he could speak to other ons. That was like out-of-this-world "star wars". Vision Pro is my adult Dick Tracy watch. Can't begin to comprehend it.
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Decision: M2 now, while await M3
- Thread starter Skyblazer
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OP wrote:
"Just discovered the Mac Mini M2 Pro is not available on the 10% discount Apple veterans site. only 8-CPU, 10-GPU, 16 Neural, 24GB, 512 for $719.
The recommended Mini M2 Pro 10-CPU, 16 GPU, 16 Neural, 32GB, 512 retail is $1699 and not available at Vets discount site."
Where did you get this idea?
Seems to me that anything available in the Apple refurb store (non-veterans discount) will also be available after you sign in with the veteran's discount. It was that way when I looked there.
What's "available" at the Apple refurb store can change daily.
You may need to check back a few days in a row.
Coming from a 2014 iMac, an m2pro Mini (any CPU version) would probably do you fine. Just get enough RAM (at least 16gb) and the right sized SSD.
"Just discovered the Mac Mini M2 Pro is not available on the 10% discount Apple veterans site. only 8-CPU, 10-GPU, 16 Neural, 24GB, 512 for $719.
The recommended Mini M2 Pro 10-CPU, 16 GPU, 16 Neural, 32GB, 512 retail is $1699 and not available at Vets discount site."
Where did you get this idea?
Seems to me that anything available in the Apple refurb store (non-veterans discount) will also be available after you sign in with the veteran's discount. It was that way when I looked there.
What's "available" at the Apple refurb store can change daily.
You may need to check back a few days in a row.
Coming from a 2014 iMac, an m2pro Mini (any CPU version) would probably do you fine. Just get enough RAM (at least 16gb) and the right sized SSD.
MacProFCP, thank you for your kind and generous words. Truth is, getting the gov to pay you to play with a $100 million jet fighter toy is the all-time great scam. Started at $300 a month. Job; deliver a nuke 5-times as powerful at Hiroshima all by myself in a single seat F-100. After 10-years, pay was $995 a month to dodge SAMs and MiGs over N.Vietnam. It's a helluva deal if you can get in on it.
Sister turns 100 next month. Other sister turn 98 in January. Point: I may have two more computer purchases ahead of me.
A nearby craigslist offers a new-sealed M2 Ultra for $3600. Has receipt from Costco June purchase. Same price at Vets program, but I would pay no 8% sales tax. If he gets down to $3,000, I may roll the dice.
I hope you get many more computer purchases in your life. If you’re going for Craigslist, don’t get scammed. Pick it up in person and bring a friend with you.
I do many things and one of them is flying airplanes(commercial multi).
I could never be a fighter jock but I’m happy there are people out there like you who are willing to protect freedom.
Fishrrman, I'll go back and check the Apple Vets Discount site and look for refurbished. Hadn't noticed it before. Thanks.
Embarrassing to admit; I got scammed Christmas eve purchasing a brand new in the box Apple Ultra watch. It was a fake. He knew I was a Vet. He was all charm, called me Boss, like prisoners addressing guards.
I was a TWA pilot hired Jan 1966. Went from Mach2 F-105 to copilot on a Constellation. B-727, B-707, L-1011, Lockheed Jetstar and Learjet rating.
Quite the career.
I wish. I can’t afford the pay cut to go from my current position to FO.
PULLED THE TRIGGER----HERE'S THE DEAL
Mac Studio M2 Ultra, Apple Vets site, refurbished
24-CPU, 60-GPU, 32 Neural, 64GB memory, 1TB
$3,059 or $3296 with CA tax
Pickup at local Apple Store Wednesday. (Advantage; they data transfer)
Have until Jan 08, 2024 TO RETURN if I can't figure out how to operate the thing.
For comparison if buying a new Mac Studio at Vet prices; New M2 Max, $1799, $360 64GB mem, $180 1TB
$2339 or $2520 with tax
So, apples to apple memory, I'm paying $776 more for a refurb ULTRA instead of a new M2 Max
For another $100 2 x TB3 to TB2 cables will enable connection to 2 old 27" TB displays, if "no joy", I get 2 new 27" displays.
This is pretty much like buying a $460,000 Ferrari GTB to shop cheap clothes at Costco.
I WELCOME IN ANY AND ALL OPINIONS ABOUT THIS PURCHASE
USING WORDS LIKE STUPID IS PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE
I HAVE UNTIL JAN 08 TO RETURN AND ALL IS FORGIVEN
ALL OF YOUR ASSISTANCE TODAY PREPARED ME TO GRAB THE REFUB ULTRA
THE ONLY LOSERS ON THIS DEAL; GRANDDAUGHTERS REDUCED INHERITANCE
I'm blown away by the expertise and generosity of this forum for giving great insight and sharing their knowledge and experience. MANY, MANY, THANKS
Mac Studio M2 Ultra, Apple Vets site, refurbished
24-CPU, 60-GPU, 32 Neural, 64GB memory, 1TB
$3,059 or $3296 with CA tax
Pickup at local Apple Store Wednesday. (Advantage; they data transfer)
Have until Jan 08, 2024 TO RETURN if I can't figure out how to operate the thing.
For comparison if buying a new Mac Studio at Vet prices; New M2 Max, $1799, $360 64GB mem, $180 1TB
$2339 or $2520 with tax
So, apples to apple memory, I'm paying $776 more for a refurb ULTRA instead of a new M2 Max
For another $100 2 x TB3 to TB2 cables will enable connection to 2 old 27" TB displays, if "no joy", I get 2 new 27" displays.
This is pretty much like buying a $460,000 Ferrari GTB to shop cheap clothes at Costco.
I WELCOME IN ANY AND ALL OPINIONS ABOUT THIS PURCHASE
USING WORDS LIKE STUPID IS PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE
I HAVE UNTIL JAN 08 TO RETURN AND ALL IS FORGIVEN
ALL OF YOUR ASSISTANCE TODAY PREPARED ME TO GRAB THE REFUB ULTRA
THE ONLY LOSERS ON THIS DEAL; GRANDDAUGHTERS REDUCED INHERITANCE
I'm blown away by the expertise and generosity of this forum for giving great insight and sharing their knowledge and experience. MANY, MANY, THANKS
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Other than the resale value Studio Ultra is of zero value add to you (or me) over a Studio Max; just added cost and added complexity in the chip electronics. You or I would benefit more from more RAM in an M2 than from a Max Ultra. What is the RAM in the CraigsList M2 Studio Ultra deal?
Beefed up to the same 64 GB RAM as a base Studio Ultra, the M2 Studio Max is $2800 full retail. I would put the same 96 GB RAM in an M2 Studio Max that I put in the M2 MBP, making the M2 Studio Max $3200 before your vet discount. IMO a 96 GB RAM M2 Studio Max will be of more value to many users than a 64 GB RAM M2 Studio Ultra will be; only if the Ultra had the same RAM would I say go for the Ultra at the same price. However, TBH any configuration of Studio Ultra will overperform either of our likely computer needs over the life cycle of the box.
I had intended for months to buy an M2 Studio Max, but Apple delayed so long releasing them (like they are now delaying release of the M3 Studios) that I had to buy the M2 MBP instead. It is an absolute joy to have that much power available, no limits when working. If you do buy an M2 Studio with at least 64 GB RAM you will be thrilled with its performance. Incase you are intent on the buy/resell route, 32 GB RAM would meet your needs today and would only be limiting later in the life cycle of the box.
Allen, thanks for your excellent points. Ultra standard is 64GB, 1TB, so this is what the CL ULTRA has. In my comparison; I brought the Vet's price Max 2 up the 64GB and the 512 memory to 1TB. I share a similar situation with you, that is, concerned my 2014 iMac 27 may not last until the M3 arrives. I waste a lot of time chasing email craziness. If the refurbished ULTRA doesn't knock my socks off.....I have until Jan 08 to return it. No harm, no foul.
My recent post missed your post here but has my [long] commentary. Summary is that IMO at the same RAM you should get the M2 Studio Max instead of the M2 Studio Ultra and apply the $$ saved to testing out an Apple Vision Pro, buying bigger than 27" displays, whatever.
Either M2 box you will love it, I guarantee. Make me an offer to sell your M2 when you want to trade up to M3... ;~)
Same-same 65GB and 1TB in both M2 Max and ULTRA, So, I'm "wasting" $776 by purchasing the refurb ULTRA over the new M2 Max. In both cases, I'll go from stop light to stop light in the same time. Maybe the ULTRA has enough "shelf-life" to pass on to 13-year old granddaughter when the M6 arrives. She has about 100 times more computer savvy than me. Did I mention that in cars and electronics I go for total overkill. It kills me to buy the down-market version of cars/electronics only to learn one day it doesn't have HUD (heads up display) etc. Your assistance has been invaluable to my decision today....THANKS
These days a M2 Mac Studio Ultra it isn't a bad personal purchase to satisfy a want, if you plan on passing it along when you upgrade later.
The M2 Mac Studio Max would likely have satisfied your needs a bit better, but what is the fun in that.
I also see the humor in you buying more capable machine for less money than many spent on their M2 Max laptops, simply because you didn't need a laptop.
The M2 Mac Studio Max would likely have satisfied your needs a bit better, but what is the fun in that.
I also see the humor in you buying more capable machine for less money than many spent on their M2 Max laptops, simply because you didn't need a laptop.
Glad you survived the F-100 and can now enjoy Macs! And, anyone who talks/thinks HUD should take a look at the Apple Vision Pro.
The question now is, if you now buy an M2 Ultra Mac Studio, will you
I personally think the M2 Ultra is overkill enough to stay there for a few more generations, given the fact that it’s the most powerful chip right now, and I don’t think the M3 Ultra will make it any slower. However, keep in mind that a minimum 20% of performance improvement, as well as RayTracing, will come with the M3 Ultra, but you don’t play videogames so you won’t miss the RayTracing, in my opinion.
It’s up to you, but I think the M2 Ultra could give you enough joy to wait for the M5 or M6 generation, where more substantial changes are expected, including a new process node and an architecture optimized for the AI features coming in the next years.
Just to throw in an extra option - have you considered an iPad Pro instead??
Coupled with the keyboard, it’s pretty much like a laptop and will easily handle your news reading/Netflix etc…….
Haven’t read through the entire thread so apologies if its already been ruled out - but I replaced my M2 MacBook Air with an iPad Pro/Keyboard/Pencil and it serves me perfectly well for mobile use, or general use around teh house etc (granted, I do have an M1 Max laptop on my desk to other work).
Coupled with the keyboard, it’s pretty much like a laptop and will easily handle your news reading/Netflix etc…….
Haven’t read through the entire thread so apologies if its already been ruled out - but I replaced my M2 MacBook Air with an iPad Pro/Keyboard/Pencil and it serves me perfectly well for mobile use, or general use around teh house etc (granted, I do have an M1 Max laptop on my desk to other work).
Very much like me! lol
I know exactly what you mean, I like top end stuff too. Doesn’t mean I need it, but it’s ’nice to have’!
And lol at the ‘When I upgrade…’
It’s not even ‘If I upgrade….’
You already know it’s gonna happen! lol Love it!
first, thank you for your service.
It sounds like you really enjoy being on the cutting edge of technology, which has me very curious about something.
As most of your usage seems to be related to consumption, and you admit yourself that the specifications of the Max studio are overkill for your usage, why would you not opt for an Apple Vision Pro?
Sure, it only has the M2, but it’s a totally new experience and operating system, and if you’re looking for cutting edge, it’s that.
while it definitely seems complicated to understand how it works, the actual usage of the device (as demonstrated by Apple) seems simple enough that anyone could pick it up.
I dare to say that it even looks easier to use than macOS, the current operating system you’re using.
And most importantly, it seems to fit all of your qualifications perfectly.
No need for monitors or any connection to them, AVP can be your monitor.
And for the ultimate experience, you could pick up a used M1 Mac mini or MacBook Air for probably around $400-500, and as demonstrated by Apple, you can automatically run macOS apps off of that Mac alongside Vision Pro apps.
And even a basic M1 with 16 GB of ram will still be leaps and bounds ahead in performance compared to your 2014 iMac.
I understand you’ve already purchased a M2Ultra, and it should absolutely serve your needs fine, but definitely don’t rule out not getting that M3 ultra and instead trying out an AVP.
The main reason I don’t think an iPad would work is because the OP is already using multiple 27 inch monitors, and the largest an iPad can get is 12.9 inches plus a single external display.
AVP seems to have most of the same software as the iPad, but the screen can be any size you want, not to mention content consumption (especially video) is going to best both the iPad and Mac.
AFTER ACTION REPORT (WRAP UP)
Purchased: Prices do not include CA sales tax
$3,059. Bought Mac Studio M2 ULTRA (Veterans site refurbished)
$2,339. Vet-New Compare to M2 Max upgraded to 64GB-$360 & !TB-$180
$1,899. Vet-New Compare to Mac Mini M2 Pro upgraded to 32GB and 1TB
$1350. Each. Bought 2 Studio Display at Costco (sales ends Monday Nov 27)
$1439. Vet-New Compare Studio Display with 10% discount
$174. Needed newer Magic Keyboard compatible with Silicon Mac
I'm grateful to all who offered information which was invaluable in making my decisions.
After dropping $6339 for this kit, all in with tax, I discovered the source of the bat guano crazy email malfunctions, which forced the "buy" decision for new kit. Some clumsy unskilled clutz turned the filter off so no emails would be shown in the Inbox. Wait til I catch that jerk.
Purchased: Prices do not include CA sales tax
$3,059. Bought Mac Studio M2 ULTRA (Veterans site refurbished)
$2,339. Vet-New Compare to M2 Max upgraded to 64GB-$360 & !TB-$180
$1,899. Vet-New Compare to Mac Mini M2 Pro upgraded to 32GB and 1TB
$1350. Each. Bought 2 Studio Display at Costco (sales ends Monday Nov 27)
$1439. Vet-New Compare Studio Display with 10% discount
$174. Needed newer Magic Keyboard compatible with Silicon Mac
I'm grateful to all who offered information which was invaluable in making my decisions.
After dropping $6339 for this kit, all in with tax, I discovered the source of the bat guano crazy email malfunctions, which forced the "buy" decision for new kit. Some clumsy unskilled clutz turned the filter off so no emails would be shown in the Inbox. Wait til I catch that jerk.
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I wish I could buy just one Studio Display at that price in Costco. But here we have to pay 1770€ for just one of those monitors in this side of the Atlantic.
Enjoy your new M2 Ultra Mac Studio!!! That's an absolute beast, and will easily last you several years still being overkill.
Enjoy your new M2 Ultra Mac Studio!!! That's an absolute beast, and will easily last you several years still being overkill.
Why didn't you go for a single, larger OLED display? Superior display tech, lot less money. Would have run beautifully on a studio.
As far as I know, the 4K resolution is not optimal for macOS. The 5K resolution of the Studio Display is pixel-perfect for macOS.
I hear that. But I have a 4k OLED + studio. Looks amazing. Renders text beautifully. It’s Windows that has those problems.
In relation to what you want to spend, what you seem to know - you're definitely an 8/10.
Seeing your use case I'd recommend that you could do a test run.
You can buy M3 iMac 16GB, 1TB+ for $2099. Use it for a week and see if it works for you:
1. as fast as you need (it will and will for x years)
2. with 24" display
3. with your connected 27" TB monitor as a second display
If it would be working for you without flaws you can keep it and spend those thousands dollars reserved for M2/M3 Studios eg. for travel, car etc. If it doesn't work for you you can return it after week to Apple and you will know much better what you want/need to buy in nowadays Apple product line.
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