What to do while I wait for hardware/software to become compatible with Silicon

[johnnyindia]

Hi everyone.

I bought an M1 Macbook Air as the specs for audio production were phenomenal...unfortunately, the hardware I use (Lynx Aurora(n) Thunderbolt) is not currently compatible with Silicon, so I have to return the M1 Air for now and get an intel based system...it seems the 27" iMac is still a good investment and being that I can upgrade the RAM with aftermarket, should be fine for my audio production needs until everything is compatible with silicon. Might not be a bad idea to have a backup system anyway, or I could always sell/trade in the intel iMac later in the year when the next iteration of silicon Macbook Pros come out, which would probably be even superior to the MBAir for production..


Should I go for a 27" iMac, or is there a better suggestion for a temporary system that I can sell/trade in and not lose much $ while I wait for all my hardware and software to become silicon compatible? Open to any suggestions!

 

[satcomer]

You found that with then new M1 chip you fell into the trap! Many audio DAWs took up to three years to catch up to the changing from PPC to Intel! This should tell you many DAWs are abandonware at best these days! So when learning a new DAW do your homework fir the next three years!

If you serious at Audi DAWs look at the shareware from Rogue Amoeba especially the excellent program called Loopback because many podcasters seem to love this program!

 

[velocityg4]

With any new system you’re going to take a big hit in the used market. The more expensive. The bigger the hit.

With the iMac it’ll depends a lot on the price, performance and features of the AS models. When they come out. As MacBooks, at least some, took a bigger than usual hit

Unless your specific equipment is still manufactured or the manufacturer stated they are updating. It may never make the AS transition. At least some of it.

If you want the minimal loss. Buy used off eBay. Then sell used locally for cash.

I’d just prepare for the idea that. Whatever Intel Mac you buy. Is something you’ll be using until you buy new equipment. To replace the stuff that never transitions.

 

[johnnyindia]

The Lynx hardware is new and they're almost compatible with M1, but not yet, and I have projects that need to be completed in the next few weeks/months. So a silicon Mac will be compatible by the end of the year I'm sure, as well as most of the software I use....but I have a few months right now where I can't wait.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"but I have a few months right now where I can't wait."

As you've discovered, it's not a good idea for someone in audio production to buy an m1 Mac unless they are CERTAIN that the hardware/software they use is supported on the new platform.

I'd plan on "sticking with Intel" for at least another year or two.

Having said that, I'd suggest an Apple-refurbished 2019 iMac.
Why 2019?
No t2 chip inside...

In any case,
DO NOT BUY an iMac unless it has an SSD in it...!
I'd recommend the 27" size, because you can add RAM on your own.
You CANNOT ADD RAM to a 21" iMac without taking it apart...!

 

[johnnyindia]

OP wrote:
"but I have a few months right now where I can't wait."

As you've discovered, it's not a good idea for someone in audio production to buy an m1 Mac unless they are CERTAIN that the hardware/software they use is supported on the new platform.

I'd plan on "sticking with Intel" for at least another year or two.

Having said that, I'd suggest an Apple-refurbished 2019 iMac.
Why 2019?
No t2 chip inside...

In any case,
DO NOT BUY an iMac unless it has an SSD in it...!
I'd recommend the 27" size, because you can add RAM on your own.
You CANNOT ADD RAM to a 21" iMac without taking it apart...!

Thanks...what's the deal with the t2 chip? Will look into apple refurbished with an SSD 27". Any other specs to make sure it has for audio production?

 

[johnnyindia]

Will the graphics card affect fan noise? Is there any benefit to upgrading the graphics card if I'm not doing photo/video/gaming? Number one concern is fan noise while recording.