MUST Buy in December - M1/Intel - No Selling/Waiting

[Rainshadow]

I have an unusual opportunity to purchase a Mac through work since they found out I can do video creation, and some graphic design work. I’m creating a handful of educational panels, stickers, pamphlets along with a dozen educational videos every year - or will be expected to. I’m currently doing this work on a personal 7 year old MacBookPro 13”. It does Not handle what I’m throwing at it anymore.

I would prefer a 24” iMac or even a 16” MacBookPro if only for the screen size. I was going to do the 27“ 2020 IMac 8 core because i can, but after the reviews, I’m having second thoughts And work was starting to groan at that price tag (but they didn’t say no).

Being realistic about what I actually NEED, these M1 computers seem to be more than enough power with a promise of forward compatibility. Add in the portability and battery life and those are huge pluses.

I’m most concerned about the Adobe suite. I use Ps, Indesign, and Illustrator. But Rosetta 2 seems to be running these programs great as is. Any issues seen here yet? I‘ll also use fcpx. And that’s apparently a beast On these new chips.

I can’t sell the computer and upgrade later and I have to purchase something in 2 weeks due to funding. I’ve been asking for years and they finally relented when I told them I was done working on my personal computer. This is my shot.

Given my use case, if you HAD to purchase 1 Mac to use for 5-7 years right now, what would it be? They want the price around 2,000 but have provided up to 2500 to account for taxes and wiggle room.

 

[turbineseaplane]

5-7 years?

M1 all the way

 

[weaztek]

No question it would be a Mac Mini M1 with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.

External SSDs work excellent over Thunderport when you want a larger drive that's also portable.

 

[deeddawg]

I’m currently doing this work on a personal 7 year old MacBookPro 13”. It does Not handle what I’m throwing at it anymore.

[...]

Given my use case, if you HAD to purchase 1 Mac to use for 5-7 years right now, what would it be? They want the price around 2,000 but have provided up to 2500 to account for taxes and wiggle room.

Buy the M1 MBP13 with 16/1TB -- mini would also be good if that fits your usage scenario.

Adobe is actively working on their stuff and in the short term you can likely cover and hiccups with your existing system.

I wouldn't anticipate a current Intel system to keep getting feature updates beyond the next three years, so you could be "stuck" with your Adobe suite at that point if they add features dependent on new OS versions that aren't available on Intel in five years.

 

[Rainshadow]

Buy the M1 MBP13 with 16/1TB -- mini would also be good if that fits your usage scenario.

Adobe is actively working on their stuff and in the short term you can likely cover and hiccups with your existing system.

I wouldn't anticipate a current Intel system to keep getting feature updates beyond the next three years, so you could be "stuck" with your Adobe suite at that point if they add features dependent on new OS versions that aren't available on Intel in five years.

That’s a good point about using my current setup for fill-in if needed. Hadn’t considered that. Thanks.

 

[leman]

I'd definitely get a M1 machine — either a laptop or a desktop, depending on what you need. They will only get better over time as new software becomes available. For long-term use, I would avoid Intel-based machines.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

I'd definitely get a M1 machine — either a laptop or a desktop, depending on what you need. They will only get better over time as new software becomes available. For long-term use, I would avoid Intel-based machines.

This. And RAM maxed out at 16 is a must for your use case. And you will need a good big monitor, regardless of Mini or MBP. I think it could boil down on your budget whether you prefer a certain amount of portability or even better peripherals.

(Next year, you might have to set up a surprised face, saying: "Whaaat? It was crystal clear that the essential Adobe software for what you want from me is on subscription. Everyone knows this! So please hand the annual fee of $x to me...")

 

[UltimateSyn]

M1 13" MacBook Pro + LG UltraFine 24" 4K

 

[Rainshadow]

This. And RAM maxed out at 16 is a must for your use case. And you will need a good big monitor, regardless of Mini or MBP. I think it could boil down on your budget whether you prefer a certain amount of portability or even better peripherals.

(Next year, you might have to set up a surprised face, saying: "Whaaat? It was crystal clear that the essential Adobe software for what you want from me is on subscription. Everyone knows this! So please hand the annual fee of $x to me...")

? I like the suggestion. Luckily they already pay for the Adobe suite. The problem was more “Can’t you buy a $500 computer to do this stuff?” More like they were willing to pay small amounts every year, but the big chunk was their issue. We’ve gotten over that though. For the moment.

I definitely will be getting 16gb Ram if going with M1 and higher if intel where possible.

thanks again

 

[4sallypat]

No question it would be a Mac Mini M1 with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.

External SSDs work excellent over Thunderport when you want a larger drive that's also portable.

Agreed, M1 Mini w/ 16GB - for the heavy duty work you are planning, dual display capability, and no need to worry about a small laptop screen, you would be able to do some serious photo & video work!

 

[Rainshadow]

Thanks folks! I thought it would be a bit more of a toss-up, but it’s pretty clear the M1 is the preferred option right now. having my current setup available in the meantime helps for sure.

Now I just have to search my soul regarding the mini vs the macbookpro. I have a very lightly powered pc desktop that I could tie in with a kvm to save space and have a large screen, or I could opt for the mobility of the MacBook.

I like larger screens, but I also like to be able to work on the kitchen table, in bed, and even while on vacation occasionally... but maybe I shouldn’t be doing that anyway ?

decisions... decisions...

 

[deeddawg]

Thanks folks! I thought it would be a bit more of a toss-up, but it’s pretty clear the M1 is the preferred option right now. having my current setup available in the meantime helps for sure.

Now I just have to search my soul regarding the mini vs the macbookpro. I have a very lightly powered pc desktop that I could tie in with a kvm to save space and have a large screen, or I could opt for the mobility of the MacBook.

I like larger screens, but I also like to be able to work on the kitchen table, in bed, and even while on vacation occasionally... but maybe I shouldn’t be doing that anyway ?

decisions... decisions...

The bolded options are not mutually exclusive. You should be able to tie a MBP to your existing large screen.

Depending on your desk setup, the simplest method would be just use the big screen as a 2nd display with the MBP open. Use one of the other inputs on the back of the monitor and switch source via monitor controls. Or it'd likely autoswitch if you're willing/able to just sleep the PC when you wish to use the display with the MBP.