Best Value Macs To Buy - What Apple Mac Configuration Should You Get?
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- čas přidán 13. 11. 2023
- In this video we cover the best value in Macs that you should buy today. We cover the entire line of M2 and M3 Macs including the M2 Mac mins, M1 and M2 MacBook Airs, M3 iMacs, M3 MacBook Pros, and the M2 Studios. If you are thinking what Mac is best for you we hope this video will help you decide what Mac you should buy and what Mac is the best value for the money.
Macs That we cover in this video:
M2 Mac Minis - amzn.to/40CBk4w
M3 iMacs - amzn.to/40C4MYq
M1 MacBook Air - amzn.to/3FVsIwx
M2 MacBook Air 13" - amzn.to/46gyqnt
M2 MacBook Air 15" - amzn.to/3N6iUnt
M3 MacBook Pros - amzn.to/3MIBima
M3 Pro MacBook Pros - amzn.to/3MKvN6a
M2 Mac Studios - www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/ma...
Thanks for watching this video and please subscribe for more than 500 Apple Mac related videos where we talk about Mac products, services, tips, tricks and more. Disclaimer - if you use a link above to make a purchase there is a chance the channel can receive a small commission to help us make more videos. Thank you. - Věda a technologie
Great points!!!
Thanks for some feedback on this.
Thanks!
Thanks for that and I appreciate that for sure. I rarely get those so thanks again.
You make it easy to choose. Honestly, a nice breakdown!
Appreciate the feedback and for watching the video.
Early here for Craig’s video. Looking forward!
Wow, early for sure. Thanks for watching.
I liked how You presented everything, You seem like a very knowledgeable man. Just subscribed, looking forward for more good videos!
Thanks for watching and for the sub. Appreciate that.
Craig, I think your recommendations are absolutely spot on. I especially liked your recommendation to look at last gen devices to save a lot of money with slightly less performance.
Thanks Bryan. The last Gen are so good it will come down to pricing for sure. This holiday they should go pretty low.
Thinking about buying a laptop to go along with my mini and iPad. Thanks for all the comparisons and other useful information.
Welcome and thanks for finding the channel and for watching.
Great review! I currently have an M2 15'' Air, and my daily workflow includes editing videos on DaVinci, images on Photoshop, and frontend coding, all of that with many browser tabs open. I am quite happy with its performance.
Yes, the Air can work great for sure. Even with 8 GB it can power through it but I do run into issues from time to time with 8 GB but the CPU is great.
This video came out at the right time for me. I have a m1 mini, and I use it to write on. I’ve been toying with going mobile (air/pro) laptop. For only using word im thinking about m2 pro like you said. I want one that will last five years. So maybe the 2k pro one?
Yes, the M2 Pro is one of the best systems out there even after the M3s came out. That thing is punching above it's price for sure.
This is very useful thank you. I’m considering the Studio Max and wondered at what point would 64 gb be a worthwhile upgrade.
Thank you. I feel that you really need to have a reason for 64 GB since Macs use the ram quite well. Unless you need that 32 GB is more than enough for most things including video editing and items similar to that.
I have been looking at at the Studio you reviewed. Of course the monitor is the issue, which I would need that also. I do photo editing of RAW files. I was looking forward to the new iMac, but am disappointed with the base M3. Maybe maxed out-higher level chip, 24 RAM it works. Monitor for a studio can be such an expense since for photo editing at least 4K is essential. Thoughts?
I did a review of a Benq monitor that is 32" but it's not cheap - normally can get it for $900 on sale but need to wait for sales. Yes, the M3 imac with 16 or 24 GB Ram would be fine for almost any task. You can always try it and then return it if it doesn't meet your needs but I'm guessing that would be very good for photo editing and the like. My M1 iMac can do most of that and it only has 8 GB ram.
Go M1 or Mac Mini!
For $1679, Picked up 16” M1 Pro refurbished by apple (essentially brand new) with full 1yr Apple warranty.
Was in a sealed box from a well known discounter. 10/16 core count, 16GB RAM, 1TB. Does everything i ask in Davinci and Lightroom. Better than any M3 at that price and was $2700 new.
Nice deal for sure. That M1 system is still more than capable and will last many years.
Thanks for the tips man. Great video. I currently have the M1 MacBook Air and am looking to upgrade. I am considering either a 15 inch M2 MacBook Air with the 16GB/512GB configuration from the Apple Refurbished store for $1,429 or the 13-inch M2 Air with the 16GB/256GB config refurbished for $1,099. Ever since I have switched to Mac from Windows, I have since enjoyed my time with macOS and I will most likely never switch back. I hope you have a good happy holidays.
Thanks for the feedback. That will just come down to how much you want to spend and how much storage you want since they are basically the same computers. If you want the larger screen also the 15" is nice but if traveling a ton the 13" can be great.
That Mac studio is on sale right now for $1799 only until the 16th of this month. What a buy and that’s at B&H photo
Nice info thanks for posting
@@craigneidel I just ordered me one.Thanks
@@Worthfishing those are nice computers. Good luck with everything.
Apple care is a must with soldered ssds. So, it should be added to the price. Especially, on the 8 gb Macs which will undoubtedly do some memory swapping with the ssds
I have never added Apple care but I know it can be risky. But good point for sure.
If you want to do 4K video editing or blender or photoshop even as a an amateur just for fun, you want a system with m2/m3 max and 64gb ram, unless you want to wait around forever for stuff to load/render.
Maybe blender but all can do 4k edits. I have shown in multiple videos even m1 air with 8 GB can do 4k and it might take few more minutes. Yes if you are doing professional work get a better system but you can make it work if on a budget.
Hi Craig, I've become a big fan of your videos recently. I'm in a unique situation. I have a 16GB, 1TB Intel MacBook Pro with an Intel chip that's still going strong. I got a good deal a new M2 MacBook Air for about $1650. In your opion, is it worth holding onto that or waiting until the eventual new MacBook Pros that are completely revamped, likely around 2024-25 ,when my current system will probably be dying? I mostly use this computer for web browsing, email, etc. and have a more recent PC with similar specs for work. Thanks so much!
Edit: I do some photo and video editing, but not as much as I did a few years ago when I got the Intel machine. Even though I don't do a ton of demanding work anymore, I'll probably go with a MacBook Pro just for the extra ports and longevity.
Thanks and I appreciate the nice words. Are you saying you already purchased the M2 Air? If so then I would just hold onto that until at least 2024 to see what else comes out. That machine is capable of doing video editing and other tasks for sure and unless you are creating videos with more than like 4 x 4K streams then you should not run into issues especially with 16 GB of ram. In any case I still don't think people with M1s need to upgrade yet unless it's work that can save you a bunch of money per hour like studio work.
@@craigneidel Thanks for the response Craig. I have an M2 Air that I haven't opened because I'm still using my 2105 Intel, which still handles everything I throw at it. I know it's just rumors, but apparently there are going to be major updates next year or 2025, so I'm wondering if it's worth holding onto the machine until that happens or updating now. Again, this is a unique situation. Thanks again.
I would just use the Air and enjoy it before it loses value. It will be much faster then the Intel chip I would think and since you already bought the computer why not open it up and use it unless you sell it right away. But you would most likely lose money on it.
Thanks Craig, I ended up buying that iMac. Coming from a 2010 iMac it should be an improvement. I also got a flash sale for 64gb ram for $109.00
Nice deal and thanks again for the super thanks before. You should enjoy it and I think iMacs are the most fun in the Mac lineup since you get the incredible screen and a larger screen to view content on. The iMac is what got me interested in creating a channel. Good luck with everything.
Costco - Mac mini - Apple M2 Pro Chip 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD $1100
Costco - Mac mini - Apple M2 Chip 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD $500
Costco - Mac mini - Apple M2 Chip 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU - 8GB Memory - 512GB SSD $690
Costco - Mac Studio: Apple M2 Max chip with 12‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 512GB SSD - $1850
Costco - MacBook Air (13.3-inch) - Apple M1 Chip 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD $750
Costco - MacBook Air (15-inch) - Apple M2 Chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 256GB $1050
Costco - MacBook Pro (14-inch) - Apple M2 Pro Chip with 10-Core CPU and 16-Core GPU - 16GB Memory - , 512GB SSD $1800
Thanks for the pricing updates.
What stand are you using for your iMac? I have a blue M1 and your stand matches it really well.
It's actually a hub with an SSD inside. Check out my channel and look for iMac hub or stand by minisopuru and you should find it. I did a video on it about a year ago.
@@craigneidel thanks Craig. Much appreciated
Welcome.
I know SSD is faster and I know a lot of folks use cloud options, but it drives me crazy to see how expensive storage has gotten. I have a 2017 iMac that cost me around $1,000 and it came standard with 8gb and 1TB of storage.
Yes, the storage pricing at Apple needs to change soon for sure.
What are your thoughts on choosing between a M1 Max, 64 GBs, 2 TB for $2500 vs M3 Pro, 36 GB, 512 GB for 2399? The deal is from B&H
That's really close to call. I think both are good deals so go with the one that works for you best. If you need 2 tb that's a great deal and it's a max. Only downside is about 2 years of support but it still have 5 or more years.
Excellent video. Thanks.
The M3 base MacBook Pro is too expensive for light users and quite useless for professional users with only 8 gigs of RAM
Yes, that is kind of what I said but not useless. It's still a nice machine and can handle most tasks but just not for video editing or any type of higher end work with only 8 GB. The Pro is the one to get.
@@craigneidel I’m into music production, 3D graphics and programming with VSCode, Android Studio and Xcode. Synths, plugins, emulators etc easily eat up 8 gigs of memory
yes, that would most likely eat up the 8 GB.
Hi Craig, Thanks for the videos. I have the ability to purchase a brand new 27" mid 2020 Imac, 3.3 ghz, 512 ssd drive,8 gig ram for about 1100$. How do you think that compares to the new Imacs? thanks!
They are just different. I think if you but that and add some ram from OWC for like $60 you would be very happy with it because of the screen and overall experience. But the M3s with 16 or 24 GB of ram should be faster. I made a video on the 2020 27" a few weeks ago so check out my channel for what I think in more detail but I do like them quite a bit. It's a touch choice and really might only come down to the extra OS support on the M3s but I would have no issue getting a 2020 27" right now.
@@craigneidel thanks!
Welcome and thanks for watching.
IMHO, the 2020 iMac will do everything you would want it to accomplish. I would bring the RAM up to 32GB. I have 3 27 iMacs (2015) and they perform flawlessly (I use OpenCore to run Sonoma). However; for faster video editing I use my Mac Studio Max or my MacMini M1. The 2020 iMac will plow right through videos with no issues, but be prepared to wait a few extra minutes for it to render and export when compared to the M1-M3 systems. For $1100 I would invest in a newer M1-M3 and bypass the 2020 iMac. As for a monitor, pick up a good 4K which can be purchased for less than $300 on sale), and you'll be pleased. Granted it's not a 5K as the 2020 iMac.
Thanks for the added info Eduardo. Those are all good points.
The base M2 Mac Mini with 16GB of RAM is great value when mixed with an LG QHD screen (144hz refresh rate) for average non-professional users. Kids 17 or younger, college students, or those with light weight professional need. Also, the QHD screen is in line with Apple's scaling display.
- M2 Mac Mini with 16/256GB is $799 without discounts.
- LG QHD 27-inch monitor is $297 ($200 on Black Friday sale).
- Accessories (1080p web camera, wireless mouse, and used Magic Keyboard with Touch ID) is $97
Total = $1,193
Yes, the M2 Mac Mini is for sure a great system if you have a good monitor. I always say what makes macs good are the screens.
well done, you got me laughing with brain surcergy scene:)), my short perspective on the devices is mini is only if you have full desktop setup, studio if you keep keep it, imac best all in one value for desktop, dont get any upg except ram if you multi task if not pass, ssd storage is also keept in bin so clean that, ethernet get router, macbooks are complicated even for me, airs are best value for package if you use ram alot if not cheapest one only, pro's i disagress with base m3 pro since it may lack pro chip but comes with all tehnology pro has making it twice as good as air even with extra ram if you value options, and pro and max chip unbinned only, ram 16gb for basic use, 32+ for anything else.
Thanks for the info. On the M3 Pro I'm not saying it's not a good chip but for $1,600 I just would not get a computer with 8 GB of ram going into 2024. They still work fine but there is a bunch of AI type programs coming and other items that could require more ram in the coming years.
Thanks, you’ve made me hesitate buying a MacBook Air 15”, it’s looking less good value
They are nice if you like that form factor and are doing heavy lifting editing. I would buy one but since I do a bunch of edits I would spend the money to get the m2 Pro or the M3 Pro. Of course it depends if the computer is making money etc. to justify that upgrade as these are not cheap. The Airs are great machines so either way I think you will be happy. I just like to say try and get 16 GB is you can swing it.
Hey Craig, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply; I found an upgraded Air on the Apple Refurb site and so got a few upgrades for less money. Thanks, great video!
Nice, that is the way to go. Thank you.
I have the Mac mini m1, i took a year watching videos before buying n money wise it was a good choices but 8g shouldn’t be accepted as i need a much powerful comp. Every utubers have sold apple as a good worth computers but they lied and it sucks. The M1 imac is cheaper but still 8g.. it’s a shame we can’t upgrade as we used to buying more ram when u can!!! So I’m watching the M3 imac but damn the price…laptops are so expensive it’s just stupid. like your videos, just people should take the fact europe is way more expensive than the states! The Mac mini is $100 more even 200 compared to the states which is more annoying for a mac user for decades. As for the Hard drive i got lots of external ones that help working. Everybody know the ram is just a juice to the hard drive, remember when OS 9 had that virtual memory you could change on software well now it still works the same way the HD is used to give you memory space… anyway cool video
The M1 will be fine for most things with 8 GB but I also now recommend 16 going into 2024. But, it really depends on what you are doing. For everyday use the 8 GB can work fine but yes Apple should give us more ram for the money and that is a fact.
As of 2023, 16GB is the minimum decent amount of RAM. It is shameful that Apple is still releasing new MacBook models with only 8GB of RAM, which is insufficient for many users’ needs, and charging a premium price for the decent 16GB. This practice is not only unfair to customers, but it also shows a lack of respect for their intelligence and needs.
I agree somewhat. I think 8GB some can still get away with like on the $750 M1 Air. But when you spend up to $1,599 I do believe no computer should ship with 8 GB and that is true for sure.
Hello, need some advice here. I'm planning to buy my first macbook, still considering either to buy m2 air 13 inch or m3 base model. My workflow only includes web browsing, emails, microsoft words, excel, powerpoint, and sometimes 4k video editing during holidays. I am excited to see all the specs from m3 base model, especially the ports, but after seeing the 8gb ram, i'm afraid its not future proof. With mba 13 inch m2, i can do upgrades of ram, ssd etc, but no fan?? Malaysia has hot climate, worried about the mba performance. And i need ports for sd card and hdmi for meeting or presentation. Is it worth it getting the m3 base and spend more money upgrading the ram, or stick with 8gb. Or buy mba with upgrades. How i wish refurbished macbook 14inch pro with m2 pro available in malaysia! It would've solved this 🥲
Thanks, and yes if you can't get the M2 Pro refurbished then it's a tough one. I don't think you need to worry about the fan in the M2 Air. With 16 GB of ram those can do everything you need it to do. But if you want the ports and nicer screen etc., the M3 Pro is very nice but if it was me I would invest in the $200 to get the 16 GB of ram. Then if you create more videos later you have the extra power. Also, you should be able to sell that for like 60% value in 4 years so look at it as if you are only paying 40% of the price. But, I fully get it and that price is huge for a ton of people so if you find a much better deal on the Air then get that. Those are fully capable and are perfect. Plus much lighter to travel with etc. Some people just buy them for the form factor. Good luck and it's fun to hear that you are from Malaysia and watching.
Thanks!
Wow, thanks for that John. I appreciate this for sure and I don't get this very often (maybe 4 times now) and when I do I'm always shocked for it. Thanks again for the gift here and for watching.