M1 Pro/M1 Max config for a non-creative-pro?

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

5 year you could be editing 8k video.

Sure, but even the spec I want to get would be able to do that NOW....

So, I wanna make something clear that my OP does (in bold text no less), but I'll post it here again for those that don't want to read my novel of a post. I am not a creative professional. Yes I'm wanting/aiming to get a very professional grade system but I want it for the purpose of longevity for 5+ years. So many times after I get a computer does it get obsoleted in less than 6 months, making me have buyer's remorse. I want to try and avoid that as much as possible and get a more powerful system than I need/want now so I won't regret it later. Also as I say in my "novel" I'm excited to get an M1 series MacBook Pro because I grew up with 68k and PowerPC Macs, and to me it felt the most special and unique to be a Mac user. I do have an M1 Mac mini, though I got it for a specific purpose. Furthermore, I want this M1 Pro 14" (for $2499 and not $1999) to have with me on a trip coming in mid-November. Lastly I've never gotten a machine with my own money on launch before, so there's that.

 

[KPOM]

I beg to differ. I feel that it'll become obsolete faster than a more advanced configuration. The name of the game is longevity, if you actually read my post.

I’m pointing to the financial aspect of it. Inflation is real again. Just buy the base, invest the rest and in a few years just buy another new device. That’s my main point.

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

Honestly, if I were you I would look at the base config and up it to 32gig + whatever storage you think you need. About the same price, but probably more capable in the long run since you can't upgrade later.

Edit - A M1 pro with 32GB is going to have a longer life than an M1 Pro Max with 16GB.

Re: your edit, I could CTO any of the configs I've been debating in my head, but it'd arrive AFTER my aforementioned in my previous to this one post trip coming up for me in November. I might possibly get the $2499 14" "stock" to have during my trip, and then maybe trade it in for a higher spec (RAM really) model if I need to... I don't know yet.

 

[KPOM]

I’m pointing to the financial aspect of it. Inflation is real again. Just buy the base, invest the rest and in a few years just buy another new device. That’s my main point.

The point is that the base is always the best value. It depreciates the least.

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

I’m pointing to the financial aspect of it. Inflation is real again. Just buy the base, invest the rest and in a few years just buy another new device. That’s my main point.

Again, I respectfully disagree. As I've said many times in this thread, I'm trying to get a system that'll last me several years without worry.

 

[smoking monkey]

It's obvious you want the 14" so get that. And max it out as best you can with your budget. Don't try and save money. It amuses me when people nickel and dime on a 1 time 4-7 year purchase that'll turn out to be barely 10 cups of coffee a year over the span of the computer. Spend as much as you can. What's important is how you stack the computer together. Do you need more Ram or HD or GPU?

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

It's obvious you want the 14" so get that. And max it out as best you can with your budget. Don't try and save money. It amuses me when people nickel and dime on a 1 time 4-7 year purchase that'll turn out to be barely 10 cups of coffee a year over the span of the computer. Spend as much as you can. What's important is how you stack the computer together. Do you need more Ram or HD or GPU?

Well I want a well rounded system, but I highly doubt a brick and mortar Apple store (not their online store) on launch day (Tuesday) is gonna have any CTO options available to get right then and there. I could have easily put in my order online the past few days, but I'm not sure what I want and it would likely not arrive before I leave on my November weekend getaway. I mainly want 32 GB of RAM and I'd keep the 1 TB SSD that comes with the $2499 tier config (with the additional RAM it'd be like $2899 I believe).

Also, I agree. I wasn't asking people to price out a config for me, and it's not their concern how I spend my money. I was more asking what would be the best for me to have for my use case(s). Yes as stated many times in this thread any of the M1 Pro/M1 Max configs are SUPER overkill, but that's good because that means I'll have power for the future when things need it.

 

[KPOM]

It's obvious you want the 14" so get that. And max it out as best you can with your budget. Don't try and save money. It amuses me when people nickel and dime on a 1 time 4-7 year purchase that'll turn out to be barely 10 cups of coffee a year over the span of the computer. Spend as much as you can. What's important is how you stack the computer together. Do you need more Ram or HD or GPU?

Look at trade in Values. Apple couldn’t care less about the upgrades. All they care about is which generation CPU and whether it works.

 

[macintoshmac]

After reading 33 posts, I have to think that the OP's mind was made up well before he even posted, and somehow, only looks for helpful validations/ justifications/ encouragement to go ahead with the USD 2499 purchase - no less and no more.

You tell him a lower spec will be just fine, he will respectfully disagree. You tell him go for the higher spec, he will tell you that is a little too much, but fair point. There was no real point to the thread, only sought some encouragement and validation towards the model his heart and mind are dead set on.

 

[nigameash]

Get the 14" with the base M1 Max Chip (double memory bandwidth) with 32GB memory along with any storage option that would work for you. I'd recommend at least 1TB from a long term perspective.

 

[leman]

Base 14" with 16GB and 6+2+14 cores will be more than sufficient for you use case. But buy whatever you want, it's important that you are happy with your computer.

 

[flapflapflap]

Seriously? With inflation at today's rates you are getting less than a 1% return.

With today’s “transitory” inflation, you’d get a negative return.

 

[chumps]

I'd go with the base spec for whatever size you prefer. They're both amazing. If you ever feel 'creative' and feel the need to expand there's always next year. The Mini-LED alone is worth the price of admission if you care about content consumption.

Signed,
A creative person.

 

[smoking monkey]

Look at trade in Values. Apple couldn’t care less about the upgrades. All they care about is which generation CPU and whether it works.

I don't buy a computer to trade it in. I buy a computer to use it. Besides, the OP never mentioned trade in.

 

[ShiggyMiyamoto]

I don't buy a computer to trade it in. I buy a computer to use it. Besides, the OP never mentioned trade in.

Correct. I do have my 15" Intel MBP I theoretically COULD trade in towards an M1 Pro config, but it's going to be my dad's after I get the M1 Pro I end up getting.

 

[darthbane2k]

I refuse to use a Mac with the touchbar. It doesn't make sense to me, though I do know it's useful for many people depending on their workflows.

Not quite sure why you’re so offended by the Touch Bar. ‘Refuse to use’ sounds a little over the top, but then again others have said the same thing about a lack of SD card slot ?
For light video editing the touchback actually is useful. You see no benefits to it displaying your timeline?
As for light photoshop work - again what’s so offensive about the Touch Bar.
Now if you relied on the function keys for macros , programming shortcuts etc then yes I’d understand.

I think people are just looking for an excuse to be appalled by the original M1 laptops because they lust the new ones, and thats absolutely fine to just buy what you desire, however there’s no need for hyperbole.

 

[Lihp8270]

As mentioned in the end of my OP I specifically requested against M1 MBA/MBP recommendations... The 17h of proposed battery life of the M1 Pro 14" would be awesome, as my current 15" barely lasts 4h with light use.. and that's with its battery having had been replaced by Apple. Thanks for your response all the same.

Tbf, your reason for not wanting the M1 recommendation was due to the Touch Bar.

The MBA was a reasonable suggestion and probably is the best machine. Anything else is overkill so just get the base model of the new one.

Easy.

 

[Serban55]

What a ridiculous post…”Tell me…what should I get guys?” Then proceeds to disregard everyone and touts exactly what OP wants. Well, then don’t post here and get what you want. End of story.

Agree. there are many users that just search for attention..i mean how other strangers should know better what you to get/need ?!
This topic can be closed

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Just admit... You want the highest-spec and need us all to justify it for you.

 

[dahlblom]

Base 14 inch should be your go to option - having in mind that it´s stronger than M1 and should fit every prosumers needs.

 

[MauiPa]

On the Touch Bar, you do know that you can set it to always be the function keys? I love my Touch Bar. I'm OK if others don't, but is it really an emotional issue?

 

[Vazor]

Buy the 2499 model. There you go, enough validation?

 

[dugbug]

8 core? As in the the base $2k base config? I know even the binned M1 Pros are powerful, but I'm looking to get the higher spec base config for $2499. Also I'm wondering if in-stores on Tuesday they'll have anything but the base configs of each specced out model...

That base unit embarrasses the industry equivalents including the intel macs. The 8 core here is also 6P/2E vs the M1 Airs with 4P/4E. With what you listed, I would get the base unit, pop for additional $20 to upgrade the power supply, and consider 32GB only because unified ram has benefit that your GPU can use it too.
-d

 

[alien3dx]

really confuse with this thread ? If you want to buy those spec buy it . For me , i purchase without thinking as long it does it job. Either it will prolong till 6 years maybe yes consider as bonus but if for safe side , better 3 year cycle inventory standard. 4k still rare usage and 8k more rarely . 1080p most on these day youtube , so keep calm and bought those system you wanted .

** past few month do small video tutorial crud.. my old imac 2017 no problem render those quicktime and edit via da vinci resolve 17.

 

[profcutter]

The whole buying the top spec to avoid obsolescence thing is pretty passé. Think about your current 15 inch machine. Is there anything that a base 15 inch from the same era can’t do that the top spec can? I also have a top-spec model 2015, and it’s still loud and slow and hot when I ask it to do anything, but it runs big sur just fine. I’m not sure buying a higher end model at this point will stave off obsolescence any more than a base model. When apple stops supporting a certain year’s model, all of them are obsolete, not just the low specs.