Studio Purchase Decision

[tstafford]

Folks,

I'm giving my Intel Air to my kids as their first computer. Will be set up as a desktop in a common area and should work perfectly for web browsing and whatnot. Means I "need" another machine for me!

Struggling with the decision as to whether to pull the trigger on a Studio, MBA M2 or wait. While I am not a power user at all (no content creation, coding or whatnot) the one thing I insist on is the ability to support multiple monitors. I am currently running two ASD plus using the laptop screen with my MBP 14 (which I love). I would use three monitors if I get the Studio. Would then use my MBP to "replace" my Air as my travel machine. I really love the MBP14 screen, resolution, size, etc. It's the best laptop I've ever owned.

Questions:
Is now a bad time to buy a Studio? Seems that Apple is about to refresh some machines with the M2 Pro, Ultra, Extreme chips. I'd be very happy to get an M1 Ultra Studio at a discount if that's coming. But a refurb works for me too.

Am I right in assuming that for light tasks the M1 Max Studio should last for years? I'm fine purchasing an M1 machine if it will be good for three or four years at least. I don't want to replace my desktop machine with any frequency. Should I wait (impatiently) for an M2 Ultra Studio?

Anyone think I am better off just to continue using the MBP14 as a "desktop" and replace the Air with the base model M2 Air (again just browsing, e-mail and office docs). I kind of hate the idea of two laptops - they seem to get outdated faster for whatever reason.

I am leaning toward a refurb M1 Ultra Studio, accepting that it will soon be "prior gen" but recognizing it does everything I want and should do so for years. I realize this is a fairly open ended question. Thanks for any advice. It's a confusing array of products and they seem to change so quickly.

Best,
Tim

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

It will likely be 6-12 months before the Studio is updated.

 

[maflynn]

Struggling with the decision as to whether to pull the trigger on a Studio,

Can I ask why you're focusing on a Studio, when it seems the MBA was meeting your needs? Why not get a Mac Mini?

Looks like you're focusing on the M1 Ultra which 4,000 dollars, not my money but that does seem like over kill for a family computer that is just for "web browsing and what not"

Why not consider the iMac?

 

[tstafford]

Can I ask why you're focusing on a Studio, when it seems the MBA was meeting your needs? Why not get a Mac Mini?

Looks like you're focusing on the M1 Ultra which 4,000 dollars, not my money but that does seem like over kill for a family computer that is just for "web browsing and what not"

Why not consider the iMac?

Sorry, maybe I got my chips confused.

Studio - If I were to buy I would get the base model which I thought was the "ultra" and $2K (cheaper refurb) not $4K. I def don't want to spend any more than $2K.

Mini - I don't believe the mini can support either two ASD via thunderbolt nor three external displays of any kind. Requirement for me is two ASD (I already own) and a third monitor of some kind (doesn't need to be 5K). If folks believe the next mini can support three monitors inc. two ASD that would be a great solution.

MBA - That is a viable alternative. I am going to add one machine - could be Studio, could be M2 Air. Looking for advice from y'all on what is best.

 

[bobcomer]

The Studio Ultra is the very top end model. You would want the Studio Max if you got a Studio. Seems like a bit of overkill though.

Why not just use your 14" MBP for both traveling, and desktop at home (in clamshell mode)? It supports 3 external displays. Unless you like redundancy like I do. I have an intel Mac Mini and a Studio Max, plus a couple Windows machines. I have a Windows laptop for traveling.

 

[tstafford]

The Studio Ultra is the very top end model. You would want the Studio Max if you got a Studio. Seems like a bit of overkill though.

Why not just use your 14" MBP for both traveling, and desktop at home (in clamshell mode)? It supports 3 external displays. Unless you like redundancy like I do. I have an intel Mac Mini and a Studio Max, plus a couple Windows machines. I have a Windows laptop for traveling.

Ah - I def mean the "Max". Sorry.

MBP - Three monitors? Really? I thought the most it could do is two plus its own display. I have the base model with M1 Pro chip. If it can support three then that is easily the choice - would then just buy an M2 Air as my knock around device.

 

[bobcomer]

Ah - I def mean the "Max". Sorry.

MBP - Three monitors? Really? I thought the most it could do is two plus its own display. I have the base model with M1 Pro chip. If it can support three then that is easily the choice - would then just buy an M2 Air as my knock around device.

Clamshell mode can support 3 external, as the internal monitor isn't used. (Supposedly, I don't have a MBP to test -- the specs say it does.)

I'm not a good person to comment on the Air, it didn't fit my usage at all. I need active cooling...

 

[osplo]

If you are not going to do content creation or coding it means you will be using more a single CPU at a time, so the single core speed will be more important to you than the GPU or multicore CPU speed.

So you will be (marginally) happier with an M2 machine than an M1. But again, I don't think you'll notice in everyday use.

I have both an M1 Air and a Studio MAX. Both are super speedy. For light tasks there is no difference. The Studio is overkill for you I think. Anyway, if you buy it, it will serve you well for far more than 3 years. Maybe 5 or more. Even 10.

 

[Apple2GS]

The best thing about the Mac Studio is that it has 32GB of RAM and supports 5 displays in the base model. No need for expensive upgrades or custom order delays. Don't tell anyone, but the Apple education store and its discounts are open to all.

 

[tstafford]

The best thing about the Mac Studio is that it has 32GB of RAM and supports 5 displays in the base model. No need for expensive upgrades or custom order delays.

This is what makes it appealing to me. Would probably wait on refurb to save some $$.

Thanks to all who have replied. So far, I've learned:

• Studio Max not Ultra!
• I tried a third monitor on my MBP14 and couldn't get it to work - oh well
• Folks think the Studio is overkill but will last a long time

More input is welcomed. I really appreciate all the help so far - impressed by this forum and folks offering their assistance.

 

[jr5x]

I would wait for the October Apple hardware announcement and get a Mini M2 Pro with 24GB RAM if they release it. If they don’t, get the cheapest Studio.

 

[tstafford]

I would wait for the October Apple hardware announcement and get a Mini M2 Pro with 24GB RAM if they release it. If they don’t, get the cheapest Studio.

That makes sense to me. I guess I was not optimistic that the new Mini will support two ASD and a 4K monitor as a third. But probably makes sense to wait and see.

Setting price aside - do folks think a M1 Max Studio or an M2 Mini will last longer? I don't mind spending a little more if I can get longer life.

 

[jr5x]

That makes sense to me. I guess I was not optimistic that the new Mini will support two ASD and a 4K monitor as a third. But probably makes sense to wait and see.

Thinking about it some more, Apple may limit the Mini to a non-Pro chip at a lower price point and/or limit it to two displays, which would mean you’d want the Studio. It’s only a month away to find out, though.

 

[satcomer]

To me those waiting for Mac Mini Pro are going to be disappointed! If you Pro stuff then look at the Studio Max!

 

[tstafford]

To me those waiting for Mac Mini Pro are going to be disappointed! If you Pro stuff then look at the Studio Max!

Thanks. I have a suspicion that my three display desire is going to make the Mini a no go.

Once again, thanks to everyone who has replied. Appreciate your generous help.

 

[BotchQue]

Setting price aside - do folks think a M1 Max Studio or an M2 Mini will last longer? I don't mind spending a little more if I can get longer life.

In my limited experience, Apple's software support fizzles out before any hardware issues crop up. Eight years seems to me to be the replacement point.
At the eight-year point my credit union wouldn't interface with my original MBA (due to the OS), at nine years even Wikipedia (??) would not (again, OS), and then at the ten year point my trackpad got wonky, it overheated often and the (second) battery only lasted 90 minutes; it was time to put the ol' girl down.
I'd bet either the Studio or Mini will last longer than either of us; it'll be the OS support that will require the next hardware upgrade.

 

[spunkybart]

Eight years seems to me to be the replacement point.

I think that you're probably correct on 8 years. I have a 10 year old iMac which is still working great for browsing and email, music, and a lot of other stuff. But photo editing apps, especially when they use the GPU, are slowing down and becoming annoying. But I can't complain at all about a 10 year lifespan!

 

[Zest28]

Why not the $1599 14” MBP?

 

[Kimmo]

Folks,

I'm giving my Intel Air to my kids as their first computer. Will be set up as a desktop in a common area and should work perfectly for web browsing and whatnot. Means I "need" another machine for me!

Struggling with the decision as to whether to pull the trigger on a Studio, MBA M2 or wait. While I am not a power user at all (no content creation, coding or whatnot) the one thing I insist on is the ability to support multiple monitors. I am currently running two ASD plus using the laptop screen with my MBP 14 (which I love). I would use three monitors if I get the Studio. Would then use my MBP to "replace" my Air as my travel machine. I really love the MBP14 screen, resolution, size, etc. It's the best laptop I've ever owned.

Questions:
Is now a bad time to buy a Studio? Seems that Apple is about to refresh some machines with the M2 Pro, Ultra, Extreme chips. I'd be very happy to get an M1 Ultra Studio at a discount if that's coming. But a refurb works for me too.

Am I right in assuming that for light tasks the M1 Max Studio should last for years? I'm fine purchasing an M1 machine if it will be good for three or four years at least. I don't want to replace my desktop machine with any frequency. Should I wait (impatiently) for an M2 Ultra Studio?

Anyone think I am better off just to continue using the MBP14 as a "desktop" and replace the Air with the base model M2 Air (again just browsing, e-mail and office docs). I kind of hate the idea of two laptops - they seem to get outdated faster for whatever reason.

I am leaning toward a refurb M1 Ultra Studio, accepting that it will soon be "prior gen" but recognizing it does everything I want and should do so for years. I realize this is a fairly open ended question. Thanks for any advice. It's a confusing array of products and they seem to change so quickly.

Best,
Tim

Ah - I def mean the "Max". Sorry.

MBP - Three monitors? Really? I thought the most it could do is two plus its own display. I have the base model with M1 Pro chip. If it can support three then that is easily the choice - would then just buy an M2 Air as my knock around device.

The best thing about the Mac Studio is that it has 32GB of RAM and supports 5 displays in the base model. No need for expensive upgrades or custom order delays. Don't tell anyone, but the Apple education store and its discounts are open to all.

The Studio Max sounds like a great choice for your use case.

One thought, FWIW, you might want to consider maxing out the memory at 64GB.

Once you buy, you're stuck with your choice of RAM and "enough" memory has a sneaky way of seeming "not quite enough" in a couple of year's time.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[tstafford]

The Studio Max sounds like a great choice for your use case.

One thought, FWIW, you might want to consider maxing out the memory at 64GB.

Once you buy, you're stuck with your choice of RAM and "enough" memory has a sneaky way of seeming "not quite enough" in a couple of year's time.

Good luck with your purchase!

Thank you. Appreciate the advice from everyone. Still mulling the decision.

 

[pshufd]

Clamshell mode can support 3 external, as the internal monitor isn't used. (Supposedly, I don't have a MBP to test -- the specs say it does.)

I'm not a good person to comment on the Air, it didn't fit my usage at all. I need active cooling...

My testing indicates that you can only run 2 external monitors.

 

[bobcomer]

My testing indicates that you can only run 2 external monitors.

In clamshell mode? (internal monitor not used, laptop closed) And I was talking about the M1 Pro MBP and above, not the 13".

 

[pshufd]

In clamshell mode? (internal monitor not used, laptop closed) And I was talking about the M1 Pro MBP and above, not the 13".

Yup.

Lots of discussions about this when the M1 Pro launched.

From Apple Tech Specs: Up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors (M1 Pro) or

 

[KingofGotham1]

Yup.

Lots of discussions about this when the M1 Pro launched.

From Apple Tech Specs: Up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors (M1 Pro) or

... or Up to three external displays with up to 6K resolution and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors (M1 Max)

If the OP wanted to upgrade to the M1 Max on the MBP he could get more than 2

 

[pshufd]

... or Up to three external displays with up to 6K resolution and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors (M1 Max)

If the OP wanted to upgrade to the M1 Max on the MBP he could get more than 2

Yup.

My original intent was to run 3 4k monitors off my MacBook Pro 16. I assumed that the M1 Pro would support at least three external displays since earlier models did so. It was rather crazy on launch day and I was more concerned about being able to get one quickly. I realized after I received it that I could not do three external displays.

So I went in another direction for my desktop setup and just use the MacBook Pro 16 exclusively as a laptop about 99% of the time. It has the added benefit of not having to plug and unplug and that I don't have to carry it around the house. I mainly use the laptop in the living room and my office is in the basement.