Does it make sense to get the Base M3 with 16 GB Ram?

[xxBlack]

I saw on reddit quite a few post about Best Buy recent sale but unfortunately I'm in the EU and not the US.

I bought the Macbook Air M3 with 16/512 but I prefer the Speakers and Display of the Pro model.

I bought the Air for 1.500 € and now have the option to get a refurb Macbook Pro M3 (so base chip) with 16 GB Ram and 512 GB SSD for 1850 € on apple website

Note it's refurb but I don't mind that as its from apple directly.

Well the other option is the M3 Pro 18/512 on Amazon for 2.150 € which is the cheapest option. However amazon often steals products out of the package (so you receive a bag of sand instead of a mac which happend quite often) so I'm a bit turned off. All other websites are still like 2.300-2.500 € for the M3 Pro.

Amazon doesn't sell the Base M3 with 16 GB unfortunately.

So would you get the normal M3 Chip with 16 GB which is 300 € less?

I don't really need the extra power from the Pro chip, I also don't need the extra Port on the right side.

Mostly I do basic stuff like browsing, watching youtube/netflix ,doing small editing in CapCut of my GoPro Footage (but just basic which the Air handled fine) and small editing of photos in Photomator Pro

I also have one Studio Display so I don't need dual monitor.

Basically I'm fine with an Air but want the extra Speaker and Display which would cost 300 more instead of over 600 €.

 

[erichui84]

I would just stick with the normal base m3 and save your money since it does everything you need.

 

[smirking]

Basically I'm fine with an Air but want the extra Speaker and Display which would cost 300 more instead of over 600 €.

I'm not sure exactly what the question is. Since your M3 Air of the same specs does everything you need just fine, it seems to me that you've already answered your own question.

If you're asking if it makes sense to spend the extra money for the screen and the speakers, it's a judgement call. I do really like the speakers and the screen is very nice, but honestly can't tell the difference between a Retina screen and a ProRes screen without putting them side by side. I have both and use both daily. ProRes is nice, but it wouldn't drive a decision to upgrade.

Personally, I'd stick to the Air and buy some nice bookshelf speakers if you really want amazing sound. The MBP speakers are truly great for laptop speakers, but they're still a far cry from proper speakers.

 

[bellflyer14]

Which MBA did you buy? 13" or 15". If you bought the 15" and are considering the 14" pro, the screen is smaller and it is noticeable in my opinion

 

[xxBlack]

Which MBA did you buy? 13" or 15". If you bought the 15" and are considering the 14" pro, the screen is smaller and it is noticeable in my opinion

I have the 13". I like the size of the 14" as its bigger but not as big as the 15" (checked that out in an apple store)

 

[xxBlack]

I'm not sure exactly what the question is. Since your M3 Air of the same specs does everything you need just fine, it seems to me that you've already answered your own question.

If you're asking if it makes sense to spend the extra money for the screen and the speakers, it's a judgement call. I do really like the speakers and the screen is very nice, but honestly can't tell the difference between a Retina screen and a ProRes screen without putting them side by side. I have both and use both daily. ProRes is nice, but it wouldn't drive a decision to upgrade.

Personally, I'd stick to the Air and buy some nice bookshelf speakers if you really want amazing sound. The MBP speakers are truly great for laptop speakers, but they're still a far cry from proper speakers.

I know but I hear often that the normal M3 is too expensive or is a scam but i think they often refer to the 8 gb ram (which i will not buy)

 

[Ctrlos]

Apple Intelligence is going to blow up over the next few years.

Get 16gb.

 

[specialstyle]

I saw on reddit quite a few post about Best Buy recent sale but unfortunately I'm in the EU and not the US.

I bought the Macbook Air M3 with 16/512 but I prefer the Speakers and Display of the Pro model.

I bought the Air for 1.500 € and now have the option to get a refurb Macbook Pro M3 (so base chip) with 16 GB Ram and 512 GB SSD for 1850 € on apple website

Note it's refurb but I don't mind that as its from apple directly.

Well the other option is the M3 Pro 18/512 on Amazon for 2.150 € which is the cheapest option. However amazon often steals products out of the package (so you receive a bag of sand instead of a mac which happend quite often) so I'm a bit turned off. All other websites are still like 2.300-2.500 € for the M3 Pro.

Amazon doesn't sell the Base M3 with 16 GB unfortunately.

So would you get the normal M3 Chip with 16 GB which is 300 € less?

I don't really need the extra power from the Pro chip, I also don't need the extra Port on the right side.

Mostly I do basic stuff like browsing, watching youtube/netflix ,doing small editing in CapCut of my GoPro Footage (but just basic which the Air handled fine) and small editing of photos in Photomator Pro

I also have one Studio Display so I don't need dual monitor.

Basically I'm fine with an Air but want the extra Speaker and Display which would cost 300 more instead of over 600 €.

In short. Yes. Get the base model if that's what you need. The extra ram, CPU etc is nice to have -- but unless you're hammering on it with intensive stuff, you'll be more than fine.

 

[xxBlack]

got it yesterday and I'm happy. Just miss a bit the thinn and light design of the air but screen and speakers are worth it.

 

[specialstyle]

got it yesterday and I'm happy. Just miss a bit the thinn and light design of the air but screen and speakers are worth it.

hell yeah