Which Mac to Buy :guide to Choosing the Apple Computer
Which Mac to Buy : guide to Choosing the Apple Computer
The transition to Apple Silicon is almost over, with a team still to leap the company’s new processor: the Mac Pro. A team aimed exclusively at professionals who require a lot of power and with a price not suitable for all budgets. For the rest, both MacBook and several desktop Macs already integrate the M1 chip. Need to know which one to buy? We will clear your doubts.
Laptop or desktop?
Another key point when buying a new Mac computer is to be clear about whether you want a desktop or a laptop. While the laptop allows you to work anywhere, the desktop is usually more powerful and has a larger integrated screen, like iMacs.
Using your laptop can be connected to an external monitor if you want to work more comfortably. At the same time, at home or in the office, some models work as a hub and allow you to power the computer through USB port -C.
In this aspect, it is necessary to analyze the use that is going to be made of the computer, what is the user’s job and if there are future projections that may require certain changes. Suppose you will develop mainly in a specific office space. In that case, a desktop may be a better option, so there is no concern about autonomy/battery / that its performance could be improved somehow.
The determining factor: the budget
Money is the determining factor in acquiring a device unless it is intended to finance. If you prefer to pay it all at once, you should know how much you will spend and what the user needs. This is because if you are on a tight budget and opt for a MacBook Air for high-quality video editing regularly, there are better options.
Currently, it is possible to buy a Mac computer for 799 euros (the Mac mini with M1 chip, although to this you have to add the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, easily amounting to more than a thousand euros). However, it is intended for something other than excessively demanding jobs that require raw power to be carried out.
desktop computers
mac mini
It was one of the first computers to incorporate processors developed by Apple, and now it is available with the new generation of chips to provide a better experience. The small but powerful Mac mini has been updated with the M2 and M2 Pro, two options for different types of users, depending on the use.
The M2 chip model features an octa-core CPU (four high-performance and four highly efficient) as well as a 10-core GPU, so users can quickly perform everyday tasks, from browsing the Internet to work in multitasking with several applications at the same time. It can be configured with up to 24GB of unified memory and 2TB of internal SSD storage, allowing users to work on applications like Adobe Photoshop up to 50% faster.
In addition, it can simultaneously play two video clips in 8K ProRes 422 quality at 30 fps or up to 12 video clips in 4K ProRes 422 at 30 fps. Two monitors can be connected to it. The base price of the Mac mini with the M2 chip is 719 euros, a slightly lower RRP than the first generation.
The model with the M2 Pro chip is intended for users who require more power. With a processor of up to 12 cores (eight high-performance and four high-efficiency) and a GPU of up to 19 cores, it can be configured with up to 32GB of unified memory and 8TB of SSD.
Its Neural Engine is 40% faster than the M1, and the team can play up to five videos in 8K ProRes 422 at 30fps or up to 23 videos in 4K ProRes 422 at 30fps. Apple says it’s up to 14 times faster than the most vitamin-powered Mac mini with Intel. Three monitors can be connected to it. Its PVP starts at 1569 euros.
Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer with M2 Chip Octa-core CPU and Ten-core GPU: 8GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Gigabit Ethernet
iMac
Following the transition to Apple Silicon, the all-in-one desktop computer is only available in one size: 24 inches. Apple may add a larger iMac in the future, but it’s the only option now. It maintains the iconic design of the previous generations but with some touches to make it more modern and a wide color palette to choose the tone we like most, which we also see in other company products.
It has a Retina 4.5K display with a 4,480 x 2,520 pixels resolution that supports millions of colors, 500-nit brightness, and a wide color gamut (P3) and True Tone technology. It incorporates the M1 processor, but depending on the version (i.e., the price you are willing to pay), it will come with a seven or eight-core GPU. Part with 8 GB of unified memory can be a maximum of 16 GB (it is important to choose to buy it since it cannot be expanded later).
It has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports (up to four USB-C in more advanced configurations) supporting data transmissions up to 40 Gb/s, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Gigabit Ethernet on the power adapter. (not available in the basic version, only in more advanced configurations).
With Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, it has Magic Mouse (wireless mouse) and Magic Keyboard (keyboard) peripherals. If we opt for one of the most advanced configurations, the keyboard will have a Touch ID fingerprint sensor to facilitate login and transactions in online stores.
MacStudio
Following the concept of the Mac mini, the Mac Studio is Apple’s new desktop computer for users looking for raw power. Configurable with the M1 Max or M1 Ultra chip, depending on your needs (and your budget), it has dimensions of 19.7 cm wide by 19.7 cm deep and 9.5 cm high. The weight varies from 2.7 kg to 3.6 kg depending on the choice of processor.
With 32GB of base unified memory, which can be expanded to 64GB or 128GB with the M1 Ultra, storage options range from 512GB SSD up to 8TB, depending on how many programs and files need to be stored. It supports up to five monitors simultaneously in case multiple screens are required to work comfortably. For example, this could be four Pro Display XDR monitors over USB-C and one 4K monitor over HDMI.
It comes with four Thunderbolt 4 ports that support DisplayPort, USB 4, and USB 3.1 Gen 2; two USB-A ports up to 5 Gb/s; 10GB Ethernet; 3.5mm headphone jack; and on the front two USB-C ports (up to 10 Gb/s) along with an SDXC card slot. However, with an M1 Ultra, those two USB-C ports are also Thunderbolt 4.
The team is designed for demanding users, not domestic, so the price is unsuitable for all pockets. The most “economical” version starts at 2,329 euros, with the M1 Max chip, 32 GB of unified memory, and 512 GB of SSD. The model with M1 Ultra, 64 GB of unified memory, and 1 TB of SSD amounts to 4,629 euros.
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Mac Pro
The last desktop to mention is the Mac Pro, Apple’s most powerful (and expensive) computer. After criticism of the previous model with a cylindrical format and many years without updates, the company launched its most brutal equipment (technically speaking) at the end of 2019. A throwback to the tower design of the pre-2013 Mac Pro, it’s designed by and for performance.
Manufactured in a stainless steel structure wrapped in an aluminum casing that can be removed to access the components and be able to update them from home if necessary, it comes in two “flavors”: a tower model for 6,499 euros or a rack for 7,199 euros.
This computer does come with a Magic Mouse 2 mouse and Magic Keyboard with a numeric keypad, but not with a monitor. Although users can choose the one they want, Apple launched a new monitor with the Mac Pro, the 32″ Pro Display XDR, which stands out for its 6K resolution and image quality (monitor support is sold separately). In addition, it can be configured with standard or nanotextured glass, indicated in case of being unable to adjust the ambient light due to having a matte finish.
laptops
MacBook Air M1
The MacBook Air is one of the lightest and thinnest laptops on the market and one of the first Apple computers to transition to Apple Silicon with the M1 chip. According to Apple, the CPU is up to 3.5 times more powerful, the graphics up to five times faster, and the longest battery life in a MacBook Air to date.
However, one of its most curious points is that it does not have a fan, which makes it ultra-silent equipment without negatively affecting performance. Apple offers two preconfigured options with 8 GB of unified memory that differ mainly in internal storage: 256 GB ( 1,129 euros ) or 512 GB SSD ( 1,399 euros ).
It maintains the 13.3″ Retina display with True Tone technology, the Magic Keyboard backlit keyboard with a scissor mechanism, the Force Touch trackpad, Touch ID, and two USB 4 (Thunderbolt) ports.
Apple MacBook Air Laptop (2020): Apple M1 Chip, 13-Inch Retina Display, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID Sensor, Space Gray
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MacBook Air M2
Apple keeps the MacBook Air M1 in the catalog for those who want a more affordable computer with good autonomy and optimization. Still, the MacBook Air M2 is also available, the new generation of the ultrabook with a slightly renewed design and several interesting new features.
With a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a brightness of more than 500 nits, a wide color gamut (P3) and one billion colors, and a weight of 1.24 kg, it integrates the M2 processor with an eight-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Its autonomy is up to 18 hours per charge and offers, for the first time, a 1080p HD FaceTime webcam for high-quality video calls, along with three microphones and four speakers with spatial audio.
Regarding connections, it comes with MagSafe to recharge your battery more safely, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack. The price of the equipment for the base version, with 256 GB of internal SSD storage and 8 GB of unified memory, is 1,519 euros.
MacBook Pro
In the Apple catalog, we find three MacBook Pro models. The first, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, is the most affordable option. It integrates the M2 processor with unified memory options of up to 24 GB and ultra-fast internal storage starting at 256 GB. The autonomy of this laptop is up to 20 hours per charge, so depending on the use, it could be used perfectly for a whole working day without going through the plug. Part of the 1,449 euros.
Apple has the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro in its catalog for the most demanding users.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro features a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a native resolution of 3,024 x 1,964 pixels, up to 1,000 nits of sustained brightness, and ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It incorporates the M2 processor. Pro (with up to 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU) or M2 Max (with up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU) and up to 96 GB of unified memory. Internal storage starts at 512 GB, although users who need more space can add up to 8 TB.
With up to 20% faster performance than the M1 Pro and up to 80% faster Adobe Photoshop image processing than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro, the price of the base model, with M2 Pro chip, 16GB of unified memory and 512 GB of internal SSD storage is 2449 euros in the Apple Store and authorized providers.
Compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, it has a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a native resolution of 3,456 x 2,234 pixels, up to 1,000 nits of sustained brightness, and ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It incorporates the processor M2 Pro (configurable with the M2 Max in a more advanced version) and 16 GB of unified memory (which can be more if configured before purchase) in the base model and a range of up to 22 hours of Internet browsing.
It has an SDXC card slot, HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port, three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40 Gb/s), and USB 4 ( up to 40 Gb/s), as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The price of this equipment starts at 3049 euros.
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Which Mac to Buy : guide to Choosing the Apple Computer
