Needing a new MacBook: which one and should I wait for new model?

[ej88]

I'm currently using a 2008 MacBook Pro running Snow Leopard. It's slow, finicky, and who knows how much longer the HDD will hold out, so I hope to buy a new MacBook this year, but I have some reservations.

First, I use my computer extensively but for relatively simple tasks. Mostly Internet browsing, iTunes, simple Word docs and Excel. Not photo intensive, minimal streaming (at least for now), no coding or intensive graphics. Essentially, a basic level computer user. Not particularly savvy about computers.

So my requirements are: #1 Longevity (BIG #1, I don't want to have to replace this in <5 years). #2 Sufficient memory for my uses. #3 Good performance for my uses. #4 Price.

When I buy, should I go with 256G or 512G? A lot of my current 160G memory is taken up by my lossless iTunes library. Will 512G run noticeably faster for my uses, is it worth the extra $200? Will 512G last longer?

8G vs 16G RAM? Again, worth the extra $200 for 16G for my uses, would I notice much difference in performance?

Advantages of Pro vs. Air?

Is Apple coming out with a newly designed MacBook this year, meaning I should wait for now? If so, what have you heard and why wait?

I've been reading a lot of concern for the wear the new M1 processor is putting on the SSD drive, possibly vastly reducing the lifespan of those computers. This sounds like a MAJOR concern. Should I spend the extra $$ to get an Intel chip machine and avoid the M1? The Intels are several hundred $$ more.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Cookie18]

Nobody knows how long Intel machines will continue to be supported but unless you need an Intel machine for something specific that the M1 machines can't do, like running BootCamp, you're likely to get a lot longer out of an M1 than you would an Intel machine as essentially Intel Macs are being discontinued across the board. Apple aims to make the transition period last two years so as of around November next year Intel Macs will be squarely in the past. There's a lot of arguments about why Intel Macs will or will not be supported and for how long but the basic answer is that nobody knows. The only thing we do know is that they are being discontinued quite rapidly and Apple Silicon is the future.

As for the SSD issues, M1 Macs are first gen products and there are always going to be issues to iron out. However, it seems like the issue is more on the software side of things and it isn't being very widely found. It's likely that a software update can fix it and it's even more likely that you wouldn't experience it because it's happening in a minority of cases.

The Pro is better for sustained workloads such as video editing but the Pro and the Air are essentially the same computer. I believe the Air would be more than enough for the needs you described. If you feel like you need the 512GB you can get an Air with that for about the same price as the base MacBook Pro, that's a much better deal.

As for new designs, they are certainly coming as all things are but nobody really knows when. It's possible new designs are released later this year but it will likely only be for the higher end models at first. It's pretty safe to get an M1 Air or Pro right now.

 

[pmiles]

Lifespan... based on whose definition? By some people's definition, my Mac Pro tower should have curled up its toes three times over by now. In the grand scheme of things, most computers never get used to their full potential and are often replaced too early all because something else is slightly faster or pushes a few more pixels.

Your 2008 machine is still running. It's probably slow due to poor housekeeping on your part and poor OS optimization on Apple's part. Yes, Apple does indeed push updates written specifically for newer hardware at the detriment of older hardware. So you machine, phone, et al seems to slow down just in time to make the next hardware release look all the more faster.

So in a nutshell... all the media hype and et al is getting you in the mood to buy something you don't need yet. Add into that possibly that "free" COVID money the government is sending everyone, and people seem to think buying a new computer is just the thing to make their lives oh so much better. It's a computer. Your toaster is just a likely due for an upgrade, if not more so than your computer is.

I liken it to owning a pet. Sure they have shorter lifespans, but do you trade them in for a newer model just because they slow down a little? Put them to sleep because you can't bare to watch them die? Your computer gets mothballed every couple of years without even a second thought. Yeah, the landfill is filling up with all this junk, but no worries, we can all just switch to electric cars and make up for it.

I say wait. You've waited this long, you can wait even longer. By then, everything that you are looking at will be considered "slow" by the current standards and will need to be replaced anyway. It's not like it's your pet or anything.

 

[ej88]

pmiles, you're quite correct about the housekeeping. I've never installed an antiviral on this machine, and have no idea how to "clean it up". Any quick recommendations on how to clean it up so it runs better?

I know there are a number of junk products that purport to clean your mac that you'd never want anywhere near your computer, so a good product idea would be welcome.

 

[Apple_Robert]

From what you described, the M1 MBA will do what you need and more.

 

[AdamNC]

I would suggest the M1 MBA with 8/512 config. Plenty of power, I see getting 5-7 years of good use would be easy.

 

[ej88]

I would suggest the M1 MBA with 8/512 config. Plenty of power, I see getting 5-7 years of good use would be easy.

That's exactly what I'm leaning towards. I'm intrigued by the new MacBook Pros coming out second half of this year, but the likely price point for those could be up to double what I'd pay for that Air. My only real issue with any 13.3" screen is it's smaller than my current 15" on my 2009 Pro.

 

[pmiles]

pmiles, you're quite correct about the housekeeping. I've never installed an antiviral on this machine, and have no idea how to "clean it up". Any quick recommendations on how to clean it up so it runs better?

I know there are a number of junk products that purport to clean your mac that you'd never want anywhere near your computer, so a good product idea would be welcome.

The best way to clean up a computer is to do a clean install. Basically erase the hard drive, reinstall the OS and applications. Just backup your data (word documents et al) to an external hard drive. You end up with a machine just like it was when you first bought it.

Don't waste your time with programs that promise to clean up your Mac. They usually make more problems then they potentially fix. I'm also not a fan of software that clones your system as a backup. They tend to put all the crap back when you restore stuff. Defeating the whole point.

Take an inventory of what apps you have installed and use. Make sure you still have access to the programs either thru download or on disc so that you can reinstall them. Skip those things that you know you never use anymore. Just put on what you actually use frequently. Remember to jot down any specific settings or preferences that you would normally set at install. Good example of this is your email host settings. A lot of this is stored in the cloud for you these days, but it's always a good idea to have it down on paper as you set up you computer again for the first time.

Another thing you might consider is potentially upgrading the device if you haven't already done so in the past. Such as additional RAM or perhaps replace the internal drive with an SSD. OWC is a good place to look for some quick ideas for updates. I bring this up because someone who has held on to a computer for a long time is likely to see such upgrades as a significant boost without emptying the wallet. Plus it keeps you running the stuff you are familiar with. You buy a new computer, it's starts off with Big Sur. Not everyone has been a fan of Big Sur. It could also mean you need to update your other software to run on it.

Apple will be introducing a lot of new machines over the next two years. The ones they release first are the ones that will be replaced first... for no other reason than they were test vehicles for Apple, not the intended final designs.

 

[AdamNC]

That's exactly what I'm leaning towards. I'm intrigued by the new MacBook Pros coming out second half of this year, but the likely price point for those could be up to double what I'd pay for that Air. My only real issue with any 13.3" screen is it's smaller than my current 15" on my 2009 Pro.

The 13.3 is fine. I had a HP with a 15.6 before and honestly after 24 hours because of how crisp and beautiful the MBA screen is I don't miss the larger size. The colors are amazing.

 

[AdamNC]

This is a screen shot of my background and on my MBA it almost looks 3D.

 

[ACB 123]

With this new M1 chip Apple is going to keep spoon feeding us improvements to it overs the next several years. So there's no getting it at it's peak. You ready for new, go for it now.

 

[jeremiah256]

You’ve had your computer for over 12 years, using only 160GBs, so if you wanted, you could get the base MacBook Air with 256GBs, and in a few years, purchase an external SSD if needed.

You’re going from a 2-core, HDD, 4GB RAM computer to 8 cores, where each single core runs laps around what you have now, twice the amount of RAM, that will also be faster, and I can’t even describe how much you’ll enjoy going from a HDD to a SSD. Much better screen, lighter, no fan.

The main change that you may not like is the loss of ports. And if you’re using dual monitors, well, you’re out of luck. So, be advised you’re also going to be purchasing a hub that has the connections you’ll need for any legacy equipment you might have.

But, once you’re settled, you’ll be set for five years easy with your use case.

 

[ej88]

Thank you all, everyone has been very helpful for a non-savvy computer user. Many good points.

I'm going to go with the MBAir with 8GB RAM and 512GB memory.

jeremiah256, Excellent advice. Yeah, I'm tired of all the wonkiness of the old machine and would like a nicer screen. I'll definitely be buying a hub for my USB 2.0 CD player, rechargeable bike lights, older hubs etc. Not using an external monitor, but that may change and I'd only be using one. The Plugable 7-in-1 looks like a good choice for a hub: https://plugable.com/products/usbc-7in1/

pmiles, thanks a lot for the detailed response to cleaning up my computer. I may actually do that for my old one as a backup machine and for legacy work. I'm hoping the new MS Office I'll put on the Air won't mess with my Word and Excel file formats much considering the old MS Office I've been using is from 2008.

 

[AdamNC]

You will enjoy it a lot. I love mine....

 

[jeremiah256]

Thank you all, everyone has been very helpful for a non-savvy computer user. Many good points.

I'm going to go with the MBAir with 8GB RAM and 512GB memory.

jeremiah256, Excellent advice. Yeah, I'm tired of all the wonkiness of the old machine and would like a nicer screen. I'll definitely be buying a hub for my USB 2.0 CD player, rechargeable bike lights, older hubs etc. Not using an external monitor, but that may change and I'd only be using one. The Plugable 7-in-1 looks like a good choice for a hub: https://plugable.com/products/usbc-7in1/

pmiles, thanks a lot for the detailed response to cleaning up my computer. I may actually do that for my old one as a backup machine and for legacy work. I'm hoping the new MS Office I'll put on the Air won't mess with my Word and Excel file formats much considering the old MS Office I've been using is from 2008.

No problems. Please keep us informed about how the transition went. And I’ve been eyeing the same hub.

 

[satcomer]

Sense you getting a M1 you should use the free Onyx every three months run the maintenance routines and let the program reboot your machine to keep your M1 Mac in top form!

Plus only look only for Big Sur programs with the M1!

 

[AdamNC]

You do not need anything like Clean my Mac, or Onyx or any other cleaner app. The caches take care of themselves now.

 

[ej88]

You do not need anything like Clean my Mac, or Onyx or any other cleaner app. The caches take care of themselves now.

Are you saying that I don't need to buy any antiviral for the new Airs? That's one problem with my old computer, I never put any antiviral on it and I imagine after 12 years there's probably junk on it that I have no idea how to get rid off without doing a complete wipe and start over.

 

[MBAir2010]

I'm currently using a 2008 MacBook Pro running Snow Leopard.

you are a great person and i admire you very much!
Snow Leopard is great, but limited in 2021
well for internets and iclouding

now to read the rest of your post!

 

[MBAir2010]

I've been reading a lot of concern for the wear the new M1 processor is putting on the SSD drive, possibly vastly reducing the lifespan of those computers. This sounds like a MAJOR concern. Should I spend the extra $$ to get an Intel chip machine and avoid the M1? The Intels are several hundred $$ more.

this is why i did not buy a new MacBook, which the MacBook-gates these recent years, i lost trust in their notebooks.
BUT
only time will tell on the ssd-gate
so
people here love them M!s and i think you deserve a reward
just to let you know ssd space won't increase speed on the MacBook but ram would help
8 should be enough but if you have the extra funds
the next line should feature a photo card and mag-safe chord
if you can wait.

you should be fine with "going to go with the MBAir with 8GB RAM and 512GB"
then worry about extras, and antivirus software can slow down a mac, i never used them since well i purchased my first imac in 1999

 

[Brian1230]

Cant go wrong with the m1 MacBook Air. just got one in rose gold 256/8gb. it is so awesome and amazing battery life.

 

[cakeloverpro]

Cant go wrong with the m1 MacBook Air. just got one in rose gold 256/8gb. it is so awesome and amazing battery life.

I have one. 16 gb/ 1 TB. Since most of my work is fintech and compiling rust code.... its AMAZINGLY fast for that workload. Now that intellij is native silicon.

Compared to the 2019 Macbook Pro 16... its faster in my work load. I am waiting on either iMAC m1x or macbook pro 16 m1x. they land, i get the corporate card out and buy it.