Tony
@tmck_photography31 Jul
Macbooks (pls forgive if this has been done)
Hi all. About to buy my first Macbook for editing and working on 'zine projects. I'll be using Lightroom or similar, and an external 1TB SSD so storage isn't a huge factor (yet). Screen size isn't an issue. Do i go Air or Pro? 16gb or 24gb M processors: all amazing? Is a higher M overkill? Thanks in advance
I’d recommend Pro and invest in Ram
Even if its seems expensive now it will extend the life a couple of years probably. For LR and external SSD can work well and still be fast enough. So I’d favor RAM before anything else.
Thanks Bruno. That's most helpful.
Following Bruno's good advice, I would say the Air is excellent also (use it for design/dev/photo) and the M Series all good. I'm running a M4 Macbook Air with 32GB Ram and 2TB. The Pro does give you more ports, but that's easily solvable on the Air with a simple dock.
Basically since the M came out it's been great, and M3/M4/M5 all good. For me the 15" Air is a nice sweet spot, and I use it docked with monitor. If I was doing it again, I'd focus more on Ram than anything else, and even consider a refurbished M4 instead of an M5 if the price was good and it meant I got more RAM.
In my mind the Pro's are excellent (used to have one) but only come into their own if you do heavy 3D or Video work, and the Air plenty. We are in a golden age of good macs!
Thanks Al!
Air! Don’t waste your cash on a Pro. Does the job. Get 1tb and max out the RAM - job jobbed
I think even an Air with huge storage and memory may be pushing £1800?
Although I am looking at refurbished
One thing I like about my Pro is the internal SD card reader - saves one more dongle (if your camera uses SD). Also the fans do often engage when doing a big import/export in LR.
I went for a 24/512 M4 Pro last year (used for software development as well) and I'm happy with the RAM but wish I had larger storage. I have an external SSD but it would be more convenient to have more projects internal.
Yes, the convenience of SD reader is nice.
I have a MacBook Pro 16", and it's my most-used device. Even though it's a bit heavy to take with me when travelling, I'm always grateful to have it when I do bring it.
The deciding factor for me was the screen quality. The XDR screen on the pro is as good as their new £3000 studio display, and editing photos on it is very nice.
However, i haven't kept up with the newer airs. Their screens might be as good now?
I've heard the screen is a joy and at least one review said it's worth the extra cost alone.
@heroesforsale may I ask which chip/processor and RAM you went for please?
I just picked up a used M4 MacBook Air with 16GB ram for about £800 and it's incredible.
Backmarket Josh, or Apple refurb? They may even come from same stock tbh.
Backmarket
edited
Thanks. Also, digressing, love the new site/interface etc. Well done.