Not a Power User, But Want Pro Motion - Which 16” MBP?

[sidgriffey]

Hi,

I am trying to decide MBP 16” build. I am not a photo or video editor, but I want 1tb ssd for sure and pro motion is important enough for me to go mbp as is 16” for the palm rest real estate.

Would it make sense to get the m3 pro? Or is it dumb to get 18gb of ram? I could get 36gb of ram but is it dumb to upgrade a m3 pro to that? What would you do? I get education discount btw.

 

[Bigwaff]

The 16" M3 MBP is M3 Pro or M3 Max. You don't need M3 Max chip based on your statement. Use the $$$ to upgrade storage and RAM. If you are not editing high resolution photos or videos, I'd get 18GB RAM and as much storage as you could afford. Also, budget for AppleCare+. There is no upgrade after purchase so if any component fails, it's an entire motherboard replacement. Very expensive fix w/out AppleCare+ after initial warranty runs out. Keep in mind, you have to commit to AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchase. It used to be within 1 year from purchase during the initial warranty period, but that has changed.

 

[MacDevil7334]

You will be perfectly fine with the base M3 Pro configuration with 18 GB of RAM. Heck, if the vanilla M3 was an option on the 16”, I would say to get that.

You might also consider looking for a 16” M1 or M2 model at a discount. Places like B&H have some nice sales right now. Could be a good way to get more computer for less money. You don’t need the latest chip for your uses.

 

[Mr. Dee]

I think 32 GBs is the new 16 GBs, but the new default above that is 36 GBs. If I were in the market, storage and RAM are the two that I would upgrade. I would go with the base mode M3 Pro 16 inch and choose 36 GBs and 1 TB of storage. It messes with you psychologically though, because once you cross the 3K mark, you say to yourself, might as well move to a Max chip. Apple really plays a game here to get you to spend more. If its the big screen you are after, I would rather go for that M1 Max model BH Photo has with 64 GBs of RAM AND 4 TB storage. That beast is not gonna go obsolete anytime soon. MKBHD and so many other YouTubers are keeping theirs.

 

[Al Rukh]

I’m not sure why you’re not considering a M1 Max model instead? It’s probably the best value per performance. If you have access to buy a certified refurbished directly from Apple, it’ll be perfect. Add an AC+ and you’re set for the next 4-5 years.