MacBook Pro M3, or should I try to find a refurbished M2 option?

[Alifbaa]

Hi there,

I'm currently using a late 2013 MacBook Pro 15inch (16GB/1TB), and it’s been struggling for a while .

Apart from web browsing/emails/Word/watching video, my main work is transcribing audio recordings (Audacity) into Excel. I don’t think this is particularly heavy usage, but I’m also using it more now for home studio projects with Logic, and that’s pushing things to the limit. I also run an external monitor, and occasionally edit video.

I’ve a budget of £2500 max, and I’m drawn towards the 14inch Macbook Pro form. The connectivity options mirror much of what I already have. I’ve found my current Mac cumbersome too when travelling/carrying out fieldwork, so the smaller screen is appealing. 1TB SSD is ample for me, as I store my .WAV files on a separate drive. I had considered a MacBook Air, but a lot of my fieldwork is in the Middle East, and I think I would regret not having an onboard fan to counteract any adverse effects from the climate.

I was waiting for the M3 chips to come along before I bought a new Mac. The reviews aren't helping though, and I’m in a loop of buyer’s confusion. I’m sure that any M series chip is going to be a great upgrade for me, so is there an obvious choice here? I always think that buying the latest is best (M3), but maybe I’m just as well going for a very good M2-based machine too.

Any advice on specs/options would be much appreciated!

 

[jimmy43]

I recently got a 14in M3 Max base config. I was coming from a 16 inch 2019 intel, and also had a 16 in M1 Max from work.

Comparing the 2 16 inchers (M1 vs Intel), the intel one was much lighter and more portable. The M1 was quite fast, but it was terrible for going from office to office. You can feel that thing in your backpack. The 14 inch I have now I can still get plenty of display space (I run it at it's highest resolution to fit more things on the screen), and the form factor is close to perfect in terms of weight and usage on various surfaces and the lap. Of course, no overheating whatsoever (intel is terrible for this)

When it comes to buying laptops, I always recommend to get the latest / best specs possible, as it's just not possible to update after the fact. M3s have many small benefits (better efficiency, ai processing which will be important in the future, etc). Based on your budget, I would configured 3 options from the UK apple store for you:

- M3 Pro with 11 core cpu /14 core gpu with 1tb ssd/ 36gb ram: 2699 (slightly over, but no compromises on speed, space or ram.)
- M3 Pro with 12core cpu/ 18 core gpu and 1tb ssd / 18gb ram: 2499 (right on budget, with a small compromise on ram)
- M3 with 8 core cpu / 10 core gpu 1tb ssd / 24 gb ram: 2299 (under budget, compromise on speed)

Given your use cases, the middle option makes the most sense, as you get the best possible performance, while keeping a similar ram/storage configuration as you have now.

Don't listen to people saying to get the M2, the M3 is faster and more efficient, is more future proof (with more AI support) and will provide you with more value over the lifetime of the laptop.

 

[Alifbaa]

Many thanks for this!

My concern has been whether I was buying enough ram, as I’ve read many times that this will be of most benefit in the long run (I don’t see me changing my next Mac for a good while). I think this is why I’ve been considering refurb models. You can get more ram for your money, if you’re willing to sacrifice having the latest chip/model.

The middle option you’ve suggested does make a lot of sense. I need to draw the line in terms of cost somewhere, rather than getting drawn into the ‘add another couple of hundred quid’ scenario. Based on my use, do you think 18gb ram would be enough?

 

[Flash1420]

Whatever you end up choosing, just make sure to focus on RAM. I would go with the base 14-inch with 24GB RAM and a 1TB of storage if you prefer. Trust me, 24GB of RAM might seem like overkill but in a few years you will thank me for it.

 

[halledise]

+1 REFURB M2 with suitable specs.
for your stated usage, M3 has no clear advantage that i can see.
( a refurbed 16” M2 at Apple Store Australia prices out at roughly £1820 )

 

[Alifbaa]

Whatever you end up choosing, just make sure to focus on RAM. I would go with the base 14-inch with 24GB RAM and a 1TB of storage if you prefer. Trust me, 24GB of RAM might seem like overkill but in a few years you will thank me for it.

Yes, this is where my thoughts are too.

+1 REFURB M2 with suitable specs.
for your stated usage, M3 has no clear advantage that i can see.
( a refurbed 16” M2 at Apple Store Australia prices out at roughly £1820 )

The closest refurb (UK) there is at the moment is a 14 inch M1 Max, with 32gb RAM and 2TB SSD. £2449.00

Is that a better overall deal with my usage in mind, compared to the options outlined above?

 

[halledise]

M2 Pro. 32GB. 1TB. £2159

 

[Alifbaa]

M2 Pro. 32GB. 1TB. £2159

I completely missed this, thanks 👍