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Sweetsugar

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 14, 2020
27
5
So I'm looking for my first MacBook. I use Microsoft office, canva, sims 4, and want to start again with a little photoshop. In another topic said someone that the sims 4 not run on the new MacBooks? I'm wondering if I can take the air or needed the pro. Also I don't have experience with a 13 inch. What do I need when I would like to use a second acreen?
 

deeddawg

macrumors G5
Jun 14, 2010
12,467
6,570
US
Any issue with Sims is likely to be more related to when/whether Sims is recompiled for the new architecture.

I'd suggest waiting a couple weeks to see what folks report as systems begin to get into users hands. First orders should be delivered early next week. Until then we're largely working from guesses and supposition and hearsay.

Same for actual info on the differences between the MBA and MBP in running applications.

Anyway -

Dunno what canva is, other stuff should be fine on either option.

To use a 2nd screen, it should be as simple as plugging in a USBC to HDMI (or Displayport or whatever your monitor needs) cable between computer and monitor, with power plug in the other port. If you want to use other stuff, a USBC or Thunderbolt3 dock should work well. Wide variety of options. I'm currently using an inexpensive one from Amazon with my 2020 MBA -- with the single cable connection I have an external drive for timemachine, 1080p HDMI monitor, and power. No, I don't know if it'll handle 4K displays or fast HDDs, but it works fine for what I have.
 
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4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
Yes, wait awhile to see what others say in real life.

Office and Photoshop will be fine with the M1 Air but gaming is something I leave to my PCs.

OTOH, I am eagerly waiting for my M1 Mini due in a few days...

Looking to run 2 27" displays and see it will replace my 16" MBP.....
 

Sweetsugar

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 14, 2020
27
5
Thank you so much. Great that I can run photoshop on a air. I take a look in a extern screen because I don't have one now. Do I need a special mouse and keyboard or can I use the same I use for my windows laptop?
 

leman

macrumors Core
Oct 14, 2008
19,520
19,669
Sims 4 are not available for macOS as far as I know, so you won't be able to run them on your MacBook. Any other steam game that is available for macOS should work though.

You can use the same external mouse and keyboard if you so desire.
 

deeddawg

macrumors G5
Jun 14, 2010
12,467
6,570
US
Thank you so much. Great that I can run photoshop on a air. I take a look in a extern screen because I don't have one now. Do I need a special mouse and keyboard or can I use the same I use for my windows laptop?

Yeah, Photoshop is going to work fine - or be fixed quickly if it doesn't. Likely same with any other mainstream app.

You can use your mac with an external display in one of two ways:

First is with the mac open, and extended desktop so you have two screens. That's how I'm working right now at my weekend place. Some stuff on the 2020 Intel Air display and some on my (old) 1080 24" external monitor sitting to the side and behind.

Second is to use what's called clamshell mode -- macbook closed and the external display is the primary. External keyboard and pointing device of course. This is what I have at home. While you can use (I imagine) any bluetooth keyboard and mouse, I highly recommend the Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2. These have a nearly identical feel (IMHO) to the macbook keyboard and trackpad and provide a much more seamless transition when you switch between clamshell & open modes.
 

Sweetsugar

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 14, 2020
27
5
Great! I don't have played sims for years because it doesn't run on my laptop so I thought it was nice to play again haha.
 

Sweetsugar

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 14, 2020
27
5
Second is to use what's called clamshell mode -- macbook closed and the external display is the primary. External keyboard and pointing device of course. This is what I have at home. While you can use (I imagine) any bluetooth keyboard and mouse, I highly recommend the Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2. These have a nearly identical feel (IMHO) to the MacBook keyboard and trackpad and provide a much more seamless transition when you switch between clamshell & open modes.
Does this something for the life time of the MacBook? And can I buy every screen or doesn't not everything fit?
 

deeddawg

macrumors G5
Jun 14, 2010
12,467
6,570
US
Does this something for the life time of the MacBook? And can I buy every screen or doesn't not everything fit?
I'm unsure what you're asking.

If you're asking about whether clamshell mode causes problems with the battery -- it has in the past when the system was rarely not in clamshell mode and left charging all the time. With recent software updates in the past year this ought not to be a problem. Still, best to remove from power and exercise the battery periodically.

You'll need to re-phrase your screen question, I don't understand.
 

Sweetsugar

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 14, 2020
27
5
Yes, that's what I mean. I have now a windows laptop which is 7 years. I'm wondering if a second screen reduces the lifetime of a battery or the hole MacBook.
 

deeddawg

macrumors G5
Jun 14, 2010
12,467
6,570
US
Yes, that's what I mean. I have now a windows laptop which is 7 years. I'm wondering if a second screen reduces the lifetime of a battery or the hole MacBook.

Presumably you'll be using the external display at a desk where you also have power, so you won't run down the battery of the laptop.

As for longevity over the years - that's not going to be affected by whether you do or don't use an external display.

Plus, if you should feel you need to replace the battery in a few years note that the cost at Apple to do this on an Air is currently $129. So that's really not a big deal. https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service
 

virginblue4

macrumors 68020
Apr 15, 2012
2,027
700
United Kingdom
Sims 4 are not available for macOS as far as I know, so you won't be able to run them on your MacBook. Any other steam game that is available for macOS should work though.

You can use the same external mouse and keyboard if you so desire.

Sims 4 was released on macOS in 2015.
 

macddy

macrumors member
Nov 10, 2020
35
18
Sims 4 are not available for macOS as far as I know, so you won't be able to run them on your MacBook. Any other steam game that is available for macOS should work though.

You can use the same external mouse and keyboard if you so desire.
Sims 4 has been released for mac LONG ago.
 
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