this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2023
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Purchasing Advice - MacBooks (alien.top)
submitted 2 years ago by TheAwesomeGuy11@alien.top to c/apple@hardware.watch
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I know you guys are sick of these posts, but I really am stuck. I've got a few options - and I'm happy to spend up to the most expensive one - however not sure if I need to

Here is some background: I am a final year high school student whose laptop just died and need a new one for the rest of school + into university. I do web browsing, school essays/assignments and lots of editing in lightroom/photoshop as I am a photography student

Here are the options I present to myself:

13" MBA M2 10 core GPU, 16gb ram, 512gb storage - $2,369

14" MBP M3 Base Model + 16gb ram - $2,799

Or on the refurbished store: 14" MBP M1 Pro 8‑Core CPU and 14‑Core GPU, 16gb ram, 512gb storage - $2,399

Refurbished 14-inch MacBook Pro Apple M2 Pro Chip with 10‑Core CPU and 16‑Core GPU - Space Grey - $2719

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Or if there are any other ones that you guys may recommend? It has to be able to handle lots of multitasking (as I tend to do many tasks at once over many apps, hence ram upgrades), and photo editing in photoshop/lightoom

Thank you all to advance

(Edit: Prices in AUD)

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[–] badger_flakes@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

I have the MBA M2 and do the same stuff as you and it’s incredible.

If you need the ports get the MBP - but I love that the air has no fans and stays quiet. Had no issues in Lightroom or photoshop at all on my air.

[–] Anishx@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Go to the refurbished section and buy the m1 max/ultra if u can, Minimum 16Gb of ram .

The reason u should go for the refurbished :

  1. Apple is a control freak with their products, based on various testimonials form apple employees themselves. If they see a defect, it's a complete replacement of the part. The Refurbished models come with the same warranty from apple, + the refurbishment is a total replacement. There are almost no scratches that are visible.
  2. Much much more cheaper. Might even save $700 sometimes
  3. Comes with better configurations, so u don't have to spend time on choosing and spending too much.

If that's not possible, Do the same with M2 Pro, Minimum 16gb of ram.

Good deal :

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FPHF3LL/A/refurbished-14-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m2-pro-chip-with-12%E2%80%91core-cpu-and-19%E2%80%91core-gpu-space-gray?fnode=2666d99e8e111bbfa90f62e8944b86672204637aee5b9e4bf713131951fc9d97c04507de094ae7301db925306723553ab852aba884ab08512d7a1646b87f1eb7e76e08fd9514af72ba7c908b37532d5e

Best deal :https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FPHH3LL/A/refurbished-14-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m2-pro-chip-with-10-core-cpu-and-16%E2%80%91core-gpu-silver?fnode=2666d99e8e111bbfa90f62e8944b86672204637aee5b9e4bf713131951fc9d97c04507de094ae7301db925306723553ab852aba884ab08512d7a1646b87f1eb7e76e08fd9514af72ba7c908b37532d5e

If u buy the 1st one, don't buy an external ssd. I'd strongly suggest considering the 2nd, + an 2tb nvme ssd (WD black SN850x, one with DRAM cache in it) + a nVMe usb 3.2 gen 2 ssd enclosure. (this saves a ton of money bc 1. u don't buy from apple 2. It only takes 5 minutes to hack a great ssd which will give u better speeds than the ones that are pre glued together, 3. it's surprisingly more rigid and portable & don't come with obsolete connectors. I did the same, so if u need pics of what i did, reach out)

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(All macbook pros)

[–] aomt@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Option 2 seems better to me.

[–] C638@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

If you can afford it, I would get 32Gb or more of RAM. That will make the biggest difference in your processing speed, especially it you multitask a lot. Ideally, you'd get a 14" MBP M3pro with 36GB of RAM