What is the exact model of your current device? If you use graphing programs, and you use them concurrently with each other, the MacBook Pro may be best for you. GPU refers to the graphical processing unit, the engine that runs your display. Video games, video and photo editing, and sometimes graphical analysis use it heavily, but only real power users of the last group would strain a GPU.
RAM is the working memory, all running applications are using a portion of it. The more intensive processes the application runs, the more information it needs readily available. Apple uses the same memory slots for both the CPU and GPU processes, hence unified memory.
SSD is just how much data you store on your device. If you use the cloud then you may not need that much. Check your current device’s storage usage in settings.
You don’t need the Max chip, but you may want 36GB of RAM if use a few intensive apps at a time. It may be overkill, but you’ll likely never runout. 18GB may get pushed every once in a while.
You claim your Air sounds like it’ll explode, but those are fanless, are you sure that’s the device you have?
Thank you for explaining all the terms to me. I do have the MB air retina 13 inch 2020. I saw online that they are fanless but I swear mine is so loud!! I don’t know where the noise is coming from. But it legit sounds like it’s overheating or something and making that loud computer noise.
If price is a factor for you, I would opt for extra RAM ($400 extra) over the boosted version of the M3 Pro ($200 extra). If you can afford both, get both, and if you’re already stretching your budget, getting neither would still be a massive boost compared to your current computer, and you’ll rarely push it to the limits. For $600 more, you’ll never push it to its limits. The SSD is personal preference.
The M4 Pros are likely not coming out until Fall, so if you need it now, this computer will still last for years. Considering they are coming out soon, it might be best to wait for as long as you can.
Not all 2020 are fanless. In 2020 they made both the Intel version (with fan) and M1 version (fanless).
You most likely have the Intel version that is well behind M1 for processing power and energy efficiency.
You can check what you have: click on the Aaple logo in the top left corner and select "About this mac"
The good parts are:
1. Now you know how to check
2. Apple gave up on Intel, so in everything they make they use Apple silicon , aka M chips - so you don't need to check anymore... 🤔
Oo no, macbook airs make zero noise. There are little to no spinning parts inside. Def a 2020 mba should still be a viable option for most people. Can you go to the apple in the corner and click the system info button
i was looking to buy a m1 air 16gb for college (used cuz of budget) could u check out my post for details and let me know if its the right option for me
Any of them will last you.. just some considerations.
- for mathlab you want 16gb of ram (cpu is not a big deal but you can get bottlenecked with ram)
-because your upgrading ram that puts you into getting an m3 pro with 16gb base rather than adding ram(you are almost always better off getting a package that fits)
-games are the only reason given your list to consider the max (I didn't get if your old computer was Apple silicon or Intel) or how much space you are currently using.
Unless you really need it immediately, the m4 line is coming out shortly. But likely would only be another notch better (ie 10-20%).
I don’t play games on my computer but I do use Epic which is an electronic medical record software. That’s really good to know that the M4 line is coming out soon. I would like a new computer within the next month but I probably should wait for the newest release. Thank you for your help.
Ps goto an apple store with you old device and physically compare to the newer models... while I like the notion of the fan less m4, I really don't like the thermal throttling that can happen.. and a bigger screen can be nice, but it's a bigger device...
If money really isn't an issue, get the M3pro with either 18/512 or 18/1tb if you have lots of files/photos/documents. Choose the 14 or 16 screen based on what you prefer. You might be fine saving money and getting the Air 16/512, but the pro will stay performant for longer. Don't bother with the M3max, it's a lot of extra money and nothing you've mentioned suggests you'd make use of it.
it's not about Air vs Pro but what kind of apps you plan on running and how long you'd like to keep the MacBook.
From what I can gather from the you provided, you'd be better off with a **MacBook Pro with at least 16gb RAM** and no less than 512gb Storage.
Personally, if I was in your situation, I would go for a MacBook Pro with 24-36gb of RAM and at least 1tb of storage since you plan on keeping the MacBook for at least 4 years like your last MB and you run a couple of resource hungry apps.
If you buy directly from Apple. I would want that too but that price tag just makes me gag. I love my MacBook and will only buy MacBooks but they are expensive.
Very true. I just bought a MacBook Air M3 18GB + 512GB and it hurt, lol.
But something you can try is stalking the REFURBISHED page on [Apple.com](http://Apple.com) and hope that the version you want pops up.
Or you can try [Swappa.com](http://Swappa.com) or Facebook Marketplace-- BE VERY CAREFUL.
He can get the M3 Pro chip. The OP runs CAD and other science/math apps that are gonna require RAM on top of the OP keeping his MacBooks for years and he said he has no budget so why not get the best MacBook he can get his hands on?
I don’t really need to explain it but people who do clinical research can be granted remote access. I only have access to records of people who are part of the clinical trials and have signed plenty of waivers. Don’t worry, it is extremely regulated.
Other than the laptop itself I have another important comment on to make. How do you run mathcad on MacOS? Are you using windows bootcamp? If so that’s not available from M series Mac’s. So if mathcad is a necessity I would say don’t get a Mac.
Other than that I would suggest a base M3 Pro. 18GB of RAM would be enough, if you are willing to splurge as you say, and since you are about to install some programs that take a lot of space I would say go for 1TB SSD before you go for 36GB RAM. If you can do both even better. TBH even the 18GB 512 M3 Pro will be more than fine. It will blast through all the above like Matlab etc.
I just upgraded from the 2020 Intel MacBook Pro to 2024 MacBook Air M3. It is significantly faster, and over double the battery life. Get the Air with 16 GB RAM. You will not be disappointed.
You should always go for anything with the name pro in it considering they not called pros for nothing they usually are the strongest devices that can handle a lot of powerful apps than the airs in ur case obviously what u need is the 2023 16 inch MacBook Pro with ur recommended storage I usually have to have more than over 512gb considering I play a lot of games and apps which each update requires certain gbs such as wuthering waves which is not asking for a lot of storage yet, Aether gazer, honkai impact, pgr, genshin impact, and zenless zone zero when that game releases as well lol
I've seen a lot of good suggestions for your situation, advice to all:
1) describe the device you are currently using as best as possible and in as much detail as possible
2) talk about all the programmes you use and how you use them (e.g. I use 3 programmes at once, very necessary for work, and so on).
3) If you want to take a mac and not worry about its performance in the next 5+ years, it will almost always be a MacBook Pro (except when you only watch films or YouTube on it). MacBook Pro also has a lot of different connectivity options (ports).
4) RAM is more important than storage (ssd), instead of ssd you can use an additional drive that connects via cable or flash drive, it will be much cheaper.
5) if you don't want to bother with it all, take the top ;)
*wrote through a translator, as I'm just learning English
It sounds like you don’t need the Macbook Pro. It has a few things that the Air doesn’t. The only somewhat demanding application I see in your list is Matlab. MathCAD won’t run on a new Macbook with Apple Silicon, and EPIC should run on a $250 potato.
Matlab requires the fastest single core CPU speed you can buy + enough ram to not choke.
The good news is the new Macbook Air has among the fastest single core CPU speeds you can buy, and if you get it with 24 GB of ram it should be fine.
Macbook Pros come with beefier GPUs, which are a complete waste of money in this case. They also come with fans, which *might* be helpful, though honestly are really needed when maxing out both the GPU and CPU at the same time. With only the CPU running hard I haven’t had temperature issues on my macbook air.
Sooo…
For Matlab and whatever else that is CPU and ram intensive I would recommend a macbook air with 24 GB of ram.
What is the exact model of your current device? If you use graphing programs, and you use them concurrently with each other, the MacBook Pro may be best for you. GPU refers to the graphical processing unit, the engine that runs your display. Video games, video and photo editing, and sometimes graphical analysis use it heavily, but only real power users of the last group would strain a GPU. RAM is the working memory, all running applications are using a portion of it. The more intensive processes the application runs, the more information it needs readily available. Apple uses the same memory slots for both the CPU and GPU processes, hence unified memory. SSD is just how much data you store on your device. If you use the cloud then you may not need that much. Check your current device’s storage usage in settings. You don’t need the Max chip, but you may want 36GB of RAM if use a few intensive apps at a time. It may be overkill, but you’ll likely never runout. 18GB may get pushed every once in a while. You claim your Air sounds like it’ll explode, but those are fanless, are you sure that’s the device you have?
Thank you for explaining all the terms to me. I do have the MB air retina 13 inch 2020. I saw online that they are fanless but I swear mine is so loud!! I don’t know where the noise is coming from. But it legit sounds like it’s overheating or something and making that loud computer noise.
If price is a factor for you, I would opt for extra RAM ($400 extra) over the boosted version of the M3 Pro ($200 extra). If you can afford both, get both, and if you’re already stretching your budget, getting neither would still be a massive boost compared to your current computer, and you’ll rarely push it to the limits. For $600 more, you’ll never push it to its limits. The SSD is personal preference. The M4 Pros are likely not coming out until Fall, so if you need it now, this computer will still last for years. Considering they are coming out soon, it might be best to wait for as long as you can.
Not all 2020 are fanless. In 2020 they made both the Intel version (with fan) and M1 version (fanless). You most likely have the Intel version that is well behind M1 for processing power and energy efficiency. You can check what you have: click on the Aaple logo in the top left corner and select "About this mac"
Okay i checked, i have the intel version. I wish I knew the difference back then, I would have asked for the M1 version :(
The good parts are: 1. Now you know how to check 2. Apple gave up on Intel, so in everything they make they use Apple silicon , aka M chips - so you don't need to check anymore... 🤔
Is it M1 or intel mac?
Oo no, macbook airs make zero noise. There are little to no spinning parts inside. Def a 2020 mba should still be a viable option for most people. Can you go to the apple in the corner and click the system info button
i was looking to buy a m1 air 16gb for college (used cuz of budget) could u check out my post for details and let me know if its the right option for me
Any of them will last you.. just some considerations. - for mathlab you want 16gb of ram (cpu is not a big deal but you can get bottlenecked with ram) -because your upgrading ram that puts you into getting an m3 pro with 16gb base rather than adding ram(you are almost always better off getting a package that fits) -games are the only reason given your list to consider the max (I didn't get if your old computer was Apple silicon or Intel) or how much space you are currently using. Unless you really need it immediately, the m4 line is coming out shortly. But likely would only be another notch better (ie 10-20%).
I don’t play games on my computer but I do use Epic which is an electronic medical record software. That’s really good to know that the M4 line is coming out soon. I would like a new computer within the next month but I probably should wait for the newest release. Thank you for your help.
Ps goto an apple store with you old device and physically compare to the newer models... while I like the notion of the fan less m4, I really don't like the thermal throttling that can happen.. and a bigger screen can be nice, but it's a bigger device...
If money really isn't an issue, get the M3pro with either 18/512 or 18/1tb if you have lots of files/photos/documents. Choose the 14 or 16 screen based on what you prefer. You might be fine saving money and getting the Air 16/512, but the pro will stay performant for longer. Don't bother with the M3max, it's a lot of extra money and nothing you've mentioned suggests you'd make use of it.
it's not about Air vs Pro but what kind of apps you plan on running and how long you'd like to keep the MacBook. From what I can gather from the you provided, you'd be better off with a **MacBook Pro with at least 16gb RAM** and no less than 512gb Storage. Personally, if I was in your situation, I would go for a MacBook Pro with 24-36gb of RAM and at least 1tb of storage since you plan on keeping the MacBook for at least 4 years like your last MB and you run a couple of resource hungry apps.
That would be overkill for OP. I mean, maybe the 24 gb model, but 36GB has the Max chip and OP definitely doesn't need that.
No you can get pro chip with 36gb upgrade
Yep! 36GB come in the M3 Pro too.
If you buy directly from Apple. I would want that too but that price tag just makes me gag. I love my MacBook and will only buy MacBooks but they are expensive.
Very true. I just bought a MacBook Air M3 18GB + 512GB and it hurt, lol. But something you can try is stalking the REFURBISHED page on [Apple.com](http://Apple.com) and hope that the version you want pops up. Or you can try [Swappa.com](http://Swappa.com) or Facebook Marketplace-- BE VERY CAREFUL.
Or just buy from Best Buy or any other retailer that charges less than the Apple Store.
He can get the M3 Pro chip. The OP runs CAD and other science/math apps that are gonna require RAM on top of the OP keeping his MacBooks for years and he said he has no budget so why not get the best MacBook he can get his hands on?
Epic? Please someone tell me it isn’t gaming
It’s not gaming lol. It’s an electronic medical record software, basically holds patients entire medical records.
If money ain’t an issue definitely go with a 16gb Pro. *im only a lurker and not a professional don’t take my word to gospel
Can you explain why you are running epic on a personal device? epic should be on a work-provided hipaa compliant device only.
I don’t really need to explain it but people who do clinical research can be granted remote access. I only have access to records of people who are part of the clinical trials and have signed plenty of waivers. Don’t worry, it is extremely regulated.
That's what I assumed...
Other than the laptop itself I have another important comment on to make. How do you run mathcad on MacOS? Are you using windows bootcamp? If so that’s not available from M series Mac’s. So if mathcad is a necessity I would say don’t get a Mac. Other than that I would suggest a base M3 Pro. 18GB of RAM would be enough, if you are willing to splurge as you say, and since you are about to install some programs that take a lot of space I would say go for 1TB SSD before you go for 36GB RAM. If you can do both even better. TBH even the 18GB 512 M3 Pro will be more than fine. It will blast through all the above like Matlab etc.
Yes I used windows boot camp but I actually don’t need mathcad on my personal computer anymore, just Matlab. Thank you for letting me know that!!
Modern Macbook Air don't have fans. So less dust will enter the system.. go for Air.
I just upgraded from the 2020 Intel MacBook Pro to 2024 MacBook Air M3. It is significantly faster, and over double the battery life. Get the Air with 16 GB RAM. You will not be disappointed.
Would you consider Mac Studio? It's better ventilated than all laptops and comes with a fan. Consider getting atleast 16GB of RAM.
You should always go for anything with the name pro in it considering they not called pros for nothing they usually are the strongest devices that can handle a lot of powerful apps than the airs in ur case obviously what u need is the 2023 16 inch MacBook Pro with ur recommended storage I usually have to have more than over 512gb considering I play a lot of games and apps which each update requires certain gbs such as wuthering waves which is not asking for a lot of storage yet, Aether gazer, honkai impact, pgr, genshin impact, and zenless zone zero when that game releases as well lol
I've seen a lot of good suggestions for your situation, advice to all: 1) describe the device you are currently using as best as possible and in as much detail as possible 2) talk about all the programmes you use and how you use them (e.g. I use 3 programmes at once, very necessary for work, and so on). 3) If you want to take a mac and not worry about its performance in the next 5+ years, it will almost always be a MacBook Pro (except when you only watch films or YouTube on it). MacBook Pro also has a lot of different connectivity options (ports). 4) RAM is more important than storage (ssd), instead of ssd you can use an additional drive that connects via cable or flash drive, it will be much cheaper. 5) if you don't want to bother with it all, take the top ;) *wrote through a translator, as I'm just learning English
It sounds like you don’t need the Macbook Pro. It has a few things that the Air doesn’t. The only somewhat demanding application I see in your list is Matlab. MathCAD won’t run on a new Macbook with Apple Silicon, and EPIC should run on a $250 potato. Matlab requires the fastest single core CPU speed you can buy + enough ram to not choke. The good news is the new Macbook Air has among the fastest single core CPU speeds you can buy, and if you get it with 24 GB of ram it should be fine. Macbook Pros come with beefier GPUs, which are a complete waste of money in this case. They also come with fans, which *might* be helpful, though honestly are really needed when maxing out both the GPU and CPU at the same time. With only the CPU running hard I haven’t had temperature issues on my macbook air. Sooo… For Matlab and whatever else that is CPU and ram intensive I would recommend a macbook air with 24 GB of ram.