MacBook Choice Help

youngbub on 22/11/2024 - 07:30
Last edited 22/11/2024 - 07:31

Hi,

My 2012 MacBook Pro is finally on its way out and I’m looking for advice on which model is better value for money and reccommendations please.

I do digital scrapbooking and small amounts of photo editing in photoshop elements. I will be studying next year but not anything that requires demanding software. My MacBook has done well even getting me through work from home during covid where it needed multiple databases open so would like something just as good.

We are an Apple household with iPads, phones and iMac so would like to keep with Apple to keep it easy.

Thank you

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

    • snapper17 on 22/11/2024 - 07:59
      +2

      Can you please tell me which non Apple laptop you know of that lasts 12 years?

    • oscargamer on 22/11/2024 - 08:13
      +4

      I'm not a fan of Apple and I don't own any of their devices, but your comment is not correct. Yes to premium price, but their products are usually top tier.

      • sumyungguy on 22/11/2024 - 11:34

        Part of that price premium is the inclusion of all the software needed for general tasks supplied out of the box by Apple. Many Apple users spend nothing on apps for the life of their hardware purchase. When a Windows user I always had to pay for something or other.

        • CrispyChrispy on 22/11/2024 - 11:40

          Would argue otherwise.

          Example: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/magnet/id441258766?mt=12

          And the Adobe suite ain't magically free on MacOS you know…

          When a Windows user I always had to pay for something or other.

          Then you were doing something wrong.

          • sumyungguy on 22/11/2024 - 11:49

            @CrispyChrispy: I didn't say every Apple user. I don't create at a level that requires Adobe Creative Cloud. MS Office isn't readily available for free but sure you don't have to use it. Not trying to convince you to switch, just flagging there are key differences in the two competing worlds.

        • ihfree on 22/11/2024 - 11:42
          +2

          For me, it's the other around. For example, I've paid for two window managers, a file manager and image editing app.

          My purchases are generally just small programs that do things better. I think either system, you could very easily get away with just the OS cost.

          Even when I've set up systems for other people on Windows generally it's all free software - a quick visit to ninite/packagepicker and a system is usually good to go.

        • McSquintus on 22/11/2024 - 12:26

          I find it the opposite, same for Android and iOS.

          On Android most things are generally free or a one-off payment, where iOS most things are a subscription.

    • ihfree on 22/11/2024 - 11:26

      Got any links to back your claims of low performance? or actual alternative recommendations and reasons as to why?

      • MrThing on 22/11/2024 - 13:25

        Enjoy your tiny hard drive and tiny ram

        It's so tiny

        • ihfree on 22/11/2024 - 13:28
          +1

          Will do. To be clear, which system are you referring to?

          My MBP 64gb/1TB which is about 1/3rd full?

          Or my desktop with 32GB/9TB?

  • mskeggs on 22/11/2024 - 07:44
    +5

    Any of the recent MacBook Airs will be fine for your needs. I’d get the m2 with 16gb and 256gb, as it has a good balance of price/longevity.
    You could wait for the next series, but i suspect it won’t be a huge upgrade.

  • snapper17 on 22/11/2024 - 08:03

    I would get the m3 16gb/512gb model. Do not get the 256gb as they sometimes put slower dads in them. You should also get an external ssd drive to store your photos videos when processing ect.

    Wait till the 29th of nov as you will get an Apple gift card free with the purchase.

    You can buy Apple gift cards with a 10% discount making it even cheaper

    • LanceVance on 22/11/2024 - 08:21

      The slower 256GB flash storage was only an issue on the M2 generation, was fixed on the M3.

    • MrThing on 22/11/2024 - 13:26

      Lol 512gb hard drive, 2010 is calling and wants their hard drive back

  • LanceVance on 22/11/2024 - 08:21
    +1

    Get an M2 or M3 with 512GB storage via the Apple Edu store.

  • sumyungguy on 22/11/2024 - 09:41

    When I'm perusing in-store it's the 15-inch Air that seems somewhat appealing

  • lilbudgie on 22/11/2024 - 09:52

    I was the same when my 2012 model mackbook packed it in when the battery expanded and broke everything last year. I only ever used it as a desktop however and so I bought a macMini and I am more than happy with it. I don't move it though as it always just stays on my desk If you don't need mobility a macMini is a good option.

  • freefall101 on 22/11/2024 - 11:05
    +2

    Any of the M-series macs will do you fine. I would probably look at going with 16GB now that Apple has made it the new baseline, you'll be more likely to get a longer period of software updates.

    My partner went from a 2012 mini and 2014 mbp to a M1 and M2 version of each, she does a fair bit of photoshop work and can't tell the difference between them. Also does some light (think Stardew Valley) gaming and hasn't had any issues. She's yet to have any actual issue in terms of speed or even ram limitations (the mini is 8GB).

    • jk82 on 22/11/2024 - 12:30

      I second this. Look at your budget and find a macbook with M2, M3 or M4 that fits what you're willing to pay and go for it. If you think you'll be using "Apple Intelligence" in the future it's probably safest to go with the new M4 but otherwise, any of them will perform really well for the next 5+ years.

      • MrThing on 22/11/2024 - 13:27
        -2

        Apple users need apple intelligence as they need to be told what to do by their apple overlord otherwise they will just walk into walls all day

        • ihfree on 22/11/2024 - 13:36

          How's that working out for windows users with copilot and recall?

          Are you personally seeing a reduction in wall collisions?

        • sumyungguy on 22/11/2024 - 13:54

          Why are Apple haters so passionate? Hatred of PC lovers isn't reciprocated by Apple users.

        • miwahni on 23/11/2024 - 01:44

          On the other hand, Apple users generally know the difference between "your" and "you're".

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