Help me buy a new Mac
March 4, 2016 6:37 PM Subscribe
I'm leaving a job that provided me with a new-ish MacBook Air, and I need to replace it. I'm torn: Macbook, Air, Pro, retina, non-retina, desktop Mac, etc. My entire digital life - home and work -is with Apple, so I am not interested in PCs.
Help me overthink a plate of pretty, functional, slightly-overpriced beans.
The current computer is from early-2014. To replace my work computer exactly (slowest processor, lowest storage & 8 GB RAM) would cost me just over 1k.
However, I do a fair amount of video editing (I am a flipped class teacher, and I like making things for YouTube), have a really good DSLR camera that creates lots of very large video files. I don't use many apps apart from Photos, Camtasia, and Adobe CC suite (mostly After Effects). Everything I create outside of the video editing is through Google Drive. My work computer handles most of that, but rendering takes forever, Camtasia crashes a TON (that wasn't the case on my Macbook Pro a few years ago), and it crashes fairly frequently. I would love to make my projects faster and easier.
I travel a ton and have chronic health problems that include back pain, so weight is a factor here, and it's one thing I absolutely love about my current computer - it barely adds any weight to the bag at all. My 2012 Macbook Pro + 3rd gen iPad were more problematic in that regard - together they had to be at least 6.5 lbs.
I've looked through all the options, and I'm really torn. I know that 16 GB of RAM would probably make video editing and rendering times better. I also think the retina screen is worth it, but I'm not sure. I tend to use external hard drives for video editing (I only have 128 GB now, and most of that is taken by Photos), so I don't know if it's worth upgrading storage or going for something higher to begin with.
If this were your choice, what would you do?
Option 1 - 13-inch Macbook Air, similar to what I have. Just over $1k. Slightly worried that this option means buying a computer that's already out-of-date.
Option 2 - 13-inch Macbook. Slower processor (1.2 GHz - why is this so much slower?!), more storage (512 GB Flash storage - not clear on difference b/t flash and ATA), same amount of memory. Weighs less than the Air. The single port thing worries me a little, and having to buy another extra power cord annoys me (I had to get Magsafe 2 converters for my current computer). Looks cooler in Gold. $1.5k.
Option 3 - 15-inch Macbook Pro w/retina screen. Processor at 2.5 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB flash storage (or 512 GB for an extra $270 - worth it?). Having a bigger screen does make editing easier - I noticed that a lot when I went from a 2008 17-inch MBP to the 13-inch mid-2012 MBP. There isn't that much more screen space, given how low quality the 2008 screen was, but I did have trouble running the same screen-capture set up. Comes in just under 2k, and at 4.5 lbs.
Option 4 - 13-inch Macbook Pro w/retina screen. Only slightly heavier than the Air. Double the storage (512 GB Flash storage) and better processor (2.9 GHz) and 16 GB RAM. Just under $1900.
Option 5 - Option 1 (used for travel0 + Mac 21.5-inch w/retina screen (for editing), 2.8 GHz, 1 TB ATA storage, 16 GB RAM. That does mean that I can't do video work when I travel, which is not ideal. Or at least I would have to limit editing during travel - but that's where most of my editing gets done right now. 1k + $1430 = $2430
While I'd rather not throw too much money at this problem, money is not enough to make the deciding vote. I also need to upgrade my iPad - I own the iPad 3rd gen and it barely runs simple apps, and my work iPad is an iPad Air. A refurbished iPad Air 2 would be about $550, and that seems like the best option on that front. If I should consider a different iPad I'm happy to overthink THAT plate of beans too.
I would buy Apple Care on any computer, which means option 5 would be over 3k unless I downgraded the iPad purchase a bit (and I'm open to that). I need to buy by the end of May, though I'd prefer to do it sooner. Is something going to change drastically in that time period? Am I better off waiting?
Is there something else I should be considering? Hope me!
The current computer is from early-2014. To replace my work computer exactly (slowest processor, lowest storage & 8 GB RAM) would cost me just over 1k.
However, I do a fair amount of video editing (I am a flipped class teacher, and I like making things for YouTube), have a really good DSLR camera that creates lots of very large video files. I don't use many apps apart from Photos, Camtasia, and Adobe CC suite (mostly After Effects). Everything I create outside of the video editing is through Google Drive. My work computer handles most of that, but rendering takes forever, Camtasia crashes a TON (that wasn't the case on my Macbook Pro a few years ago), and it crashes fairly frequently. I would love to make my projects faster and easier.
I travel a ton and have chronic health problems that include back pain, so weight is a factor here, and it's one thing I absolutely love about my current computer - it barely adds any weight to the bag at all. My 2012 Macbook Pro + 3rd gen iPad were more problematic in that regard - together they had to be at least 6.5 lbs.
I've looked through all the options, and I'm really torn. I know that 16 GB of RAM would probably make video editing and rendering times better. I also think the retina screen is worth it, but I'm not sure. I tend to use external hard drives for video editing (I only have 128 GB now, and most of that is taken by Photos), so I don't know if it's worth upgrading storage or going for something higher to begin with.
If this were your choice, what would you do?
Option 1 - 13-inch Macbook Air, similar to what I have. Just over $1k. Slightly worried that this option means buying a computer that's already out-of-date.
Option 2 - 13-inch Macbook. Slower processor (1.2 GHz - why is this so much slower?!), more storage (512 GB Flash storage - not clear on difference b/t flash and ATA), same amount of memory. Weighs less than the Air. The single port thing worries me a little, and having to buy another extra power cord annoys me (I had to get Magsafe 2 converters for my current computer). Looks cooler in Gold. $1.5k.
Option 3 - 15-inch Macbook Pro w/retina screen. Processor at 2.5 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB flash storage (or 512 GB for an extra $270 - worth it?). Having a bigger screen does make editing easier - I noticed that a lot when I went from a 2008 17-inch MBP to the 13-inch mid-2012 MBP. There isn't that much more screen space, given how low quality the 2008 screen was, but I did have trouble running the same screen-capture set up. Comes in just under 2k, and at 4.5 lbs.
Option 4 - 13-inch Macbook Pro w/retina screen. Only slightly heavier than the Air. Double the storage (512 GB Flash storage) and better processor (2.9 GHz) and 16 GB RAM. Just under $1900.
Option 5 - Option 1 (used for travel0 + Mac 21.5-inch w/retina screen (for editing), 2.8 GHz, 1 TB ATA storage, 16 GB RAM. That does mean that I can't do video work when I travel, which is not ideal. Or at least I would have to limit editing during travel - but that's where most of my editing gets done right now. 1k + $1430 = $2430
While I'd rather not throw too much money at this problem, money is not enough to make the deciding vote. I also need to upgrade my iPad - I own the iPad 3rd gen and it barely runs simple apps, and my work iPad is an iPad Air. A refurbished iPad Air 2 would be about $550, and that seems like the best option on that front. If I should consider a different iPad I'm happy to overthink THAT plate of beans too.
I would buy Apple Care on any computer, which means option 5 would be over 3k unless I downgraded the iPad purchase a bit (and I'm open to that). I need to buy by the end of May, though I'd prefer to do it sooner. Is something going to change drastically in that time period? Am I better off waiting?
Is there something else I should be considering? Hope me!
Have you looked at the Apple certified refurbished webpage to see what is offered there? Often the same computers as retail only cheaper (because refurb) and still able to be covered by AppleCare. It's worth checking out -- maybe you will find something better than you think you can afford there.
posted by hippybear at 7:04 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 7:04 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
At very least, wait until the end of the month to see what the absolutely-positively-gonna-be-announced new MacBook Pro and iPad models look like, and what those new machines do to the existing range.
posted by holgate at 7:09 PM on March 4, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by holgate at 7:09 PM on March 4, 2016 [7 favorites]
I had a MacBook Air and switched to a 13" Retina MacBook Pro (your option 4). It is a great machine, I like the upgrade and would recommend it. An reasonable external screen for home isn't that much more.
posted by procrastination at 7:19 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by procrastination at 7:19 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
Also what do you mean that your iPad 3rd Gen barely runs apps? I have a "new iPad" and it runs everything I want it to run. Maybe you need to do a backup-wipe-restore on that device to get it running more smoothly?
posted by hippybear at 7:23 PM on March 4, 2016
posted by hippybear at 7:23 PM on March 4, 2016
Response by poster: Looking at the refurbished selection of Macbook Pros (which I have looked through - my new iPad will most likely be refurbished), I wouldn't save enough to make it worth it to me.
@hippybear - My 3rd gen iPad was really heavily used for four years. The home button only works about 1/3 of the time. Apps crash a lot. The OS has been updated recently (though not to the most recent iOS, which I read wasn't great with this model of the iPad), followed by a total factory reset. I'm still having issues with it. It's also the smallest storage size (16 GB) and that makes it almost impossible to download more than one video to watch during long flights. I prefer watching on the iPad (as opposed to phone or laptop) due to the space limitations in coach seats and given that you can't use laptops at take-off and during landing. And right now, I'm paying for an iPad data plan I can't even really use.
I figured waiting until the typical mid-March announcements would be a good idea.
posted by guster4lovers at 7:53 PM on March 4, 2016
@hippybear - My 3rd gen iPad was really heavily used for four years. The home button only works about 1/3 of the time. Apps crash a lot. The OS has been updated recently (though not to the most recent iOS, which I read wasn't great with this model of the iPad), followed by a total factory reset. I'm still having issues with it. It's also the smallest storage size (16 GB) and that makes it almost impossible to download more than one video to watch during long flights. I prefer watching on the iPad (as opposed to phone or laptop) due to the space limitations in coach seats and given that you can't use laptops at take-off and during landing. And right now, I'm paying for an iPad data plan I can't even really use.
I figured waiting until the typical mid-March announcements would be a good idea.
posted by guster4lovers at 7:53 PM on March 4, 2016
Option 4. My 13" MBP Retina is the best macbook i've worked with (it's my work machine). I've had a couple iMacs, 11" Air, 15" MBP and now the 13" Retina MBP. For me, it's the perfect balance of processing power, screen size, weight & portability. I do have it maxed out to 16GB though; I couldn't do my job with less. I did buy a cheapie 27" monitor (i think i paid $200) for the odd time i need more screen real estate at home.
posted by cgg at 8:16 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by cgg at 8:16 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]
Option 2 - 13-inch Macbook. Slower processor (1.2 GHz - why is this so much slower?!),
I think you mean 12-inch Macbook? It's slower because they went for an ultra-thin design (thinner than the air) which meant no fans, which meant it could dissipate less heat, which mean a slower processor. I've never edited video on a 12-inch Macbook, but I suspect it wouldn't be very good for that. At least it would be slower than a Pro. I also don't like the keyboard on this, as the keys have less travel, once again so it could be ultra-thin.
posted by bluecore at 8:25 PM on March 4, 2016
I think you mean 12-inch Macbook? It's slower because they went for an ultra-thin design (thinner than the air) which meant no fans, which meant it could dissipate less heat, which mean a slower processor. I've never edited video on a 12-inch Macbook, but I suspect it wouldn't be very good for that. At least it would be slower than a Pro. I also don't like the keyboard on this, as the keys have less travel, once again so it could be ultra-thin.
posted by bluecore at 8:25 PM on March 4, 2016
Response by poster: @bluecore - yes, the 12-inch...sorry. These numbers blur together after a while. I didn't know if apple had created some fancy processor that clocked slower speeds but functioned at a higher level than the numbers indicate for the Macbook. That all makes sense. Thanks.
posted by guster4lovers at 9:20 PM on March 4, 2016
posted by guster4lovers at 9:20 PM on March 4, 2016
an iPad data plan I can't even really use.
My understanding is that those iPad data plans can be switched on and off, and you don't have to pay for months during which you aren't going to use it. You might want to research that.
posted by hippybear at 9:31 PM on March 4, 2016
My understanding is that those iPad data plans can be switched on and off, and you don't have to pay for months during which you aren't going to use it. You might want to research that.
posted by hippybear at 9:31 PM on March 4, 2016
Option 4 - 13-inch Macbook Pro w/retina screen. Only slightly heavier than the Air. Double the storage (512 GB Flash storage) and better processor (2.9 GHz) and 16 GB RAM. Just under $1900.
I'll second that this is probably your best option. About 6 months ago I upgraded from an 11 inch macbook air to the 13 inch retina Macbook pro with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. (Incidentally if you do video and photo work, I would definitely recommend paying the extra money for the 512 GB; I debated over which size to get, but I am so, so glad I went with 512.)
It's obviously not going to be as light as the air or 12 inch macbook, but it's still pretty light, all things considered. However, if portability is a concern, which it sounds like it is, I would stick with the 13 inch over the 15 inch. You could always get an external monitor for times when you want the bigger screen.
When I was getting ready to replace my Air, I was actually originally planning on getting the 12 inch Macbook, but since I like to do some video editing and uploading and miscellaneous tasks like that, I ultimately decided against it. I also felt like I'd be paying a similar price for a much lesser machine compared to the Pro; the trade off wasn't worth it for me. (I did actually end up getting an ipad for when I want ultra portability.)
I guess the one other important consideration is how long and how much to do you expect to use this computer. For me, personally, I spend a very, very significant portion of my day on my laptop. It's what I use for work, but like 99% of my free time is also spent with this computer. I also hope to keep this laptop for a minimum of four years, hopefully more, so that factored in to my decision as well.
tl;dr: I LOVE my 13 inch Retina Macbook, and I have never regretted choosing it over the other available options.
posted by litera scripta manet at 10:11 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'll second that this is probably your best option. About 6 months ago I upgraded from an 11 inch macbook air to the 13 inch retina Macbook pro with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. (Incidentally if you do video and photo work, I would definitely recommend paying the extra money for the 512 GB; I debated over which size to get, but I am so, so glad I went with 512.)
It's obviously not going to be as light as the air or 12 inch macbook, but it's still pretty light, all things considered. However, if portability is a concern, which it sounds like it is, I would stick with the 13 inch over the 15 inch. You could always get an external monitor for times when you want the bigger screen.
When I was getting ready to replace my Air, I was actually originally planning on getting the 12 inch Macbook, but since I like to do some video editing and uploading and miscellaneous tasks like that, I ultimately decided against it. I also felt like I'd be paying a similar price for a much lesser machine compared to the Pro; the trade off wasn't worth it for me. (I did actually end up getting an ipad for when I want ultra portability.)
I guess the one other important consideration is how long and how much to do you expect to use this computer. For me, personally, I spend a very, very significant portion of my day on my laptop. It's what I use for work, but like 99% of my free time is also spent with this computer. I also hope to keep this laptop for a minimum of four years, hopefully more, so that factored in to my decision as well.
tl;dr: I LOVE my 13 inch Retina Macbook, and I have never regretted choosing it over the other available options.
posted by litera scripta manet at 10:11 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
I've got a 12" MBr for personal stuff. It's great! For me. Terrible for your uses, though. It really is very slow compared to...
the 13" MBPr I've carried for work for years now. Fully-specced they aren't cheap, but they're serious machines and I think they'll suit you nicely.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 10:48 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
the 13" MBPr I've carried for work for years now. Fully-specced they aren't cheap, but they're serious machines and I think they'll suit you nicely.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 10:48 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
> However, I do a fair amount of video editing (I am a flipped class teacher, and I like making things for YouTube), have a really good DSLR camera that creates lots of very large video files. I don't use many apps apart from Photos, Camtasia, and Adobe CC suite (mostly After Effects)
So, I'm an author, post production consulting/instructor and mod over at Reddit on /r/editors (but still <3 Metefilter.) I'm cross platform, cross editorial (Adobe, Apple, Avid).
Most macs are usually a little behind hardware times in general (due to Apple's release process.) And the buyers guide on MacRumors says all the laptops are in a "don't" buy" space
Can you wait 90 days? That's the guess when they're going to refresh - and there's an Apple announcement (I think) in about two weeks. When they refresh, you'l likely see some deals on the older models.
I have a 15" rMBP stocked to the gills and recycle it every 18-24 months.
If you're going to do video editing, you should skip the Mac book and Macbook air.. While they may work (and will work better with FCPX than Ppro), these systems are designed to be light over anything else.
Generally speaking, a desktop system always beats a portable. Apple makes it impossible to upgrade RAM on a laptop. So, if you're going this route - Max the ram. I wouldn't touch a system with less than 512 GB SSD or you'll be constantly trying to do storage management.
Evaluate exactly how much 'portable editing' you do. Everyone thinks they'll end up editing everywhere. Unless you're a freelancer editing in someone else's office, you're prizing convenience over power.
I'd prefer to see a discrete video card - especially for premiere. I haven't seen if the integrated Intel cards pack enough punch for the Mercury Playback Engine to get video acceleration. I wouldn't touch an Premiere system that doesn't get this benefit. We're talking 300% benefit (or more) for things that video card helps with. Sadly that's not encoding. But it is scaling + color correction.
Get a second screen for home editing if a laptop is a purchase.
Yes, get Applecare with a system...but I skip it for iPads. Unless you have kids/breakage. I don't know if the iPad3 has a lightning cable. One very, very cool note for mobile editing - Duet Display allows using a lightning cable on a Mac or PC and use an iPad (or iPhone) as a 2nd display. Because it's a direct connection, it's under 1ms response time.
posted by filmgeek at 3:55 AM on March 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
So, I'm an author, post production consulting/instructor and mod over at Reddit on /r/editors (but still <3 Metefilter.) I'm cross platform, cross editorial (Adobe, Apple, Avid).
Most macs are usually a little behind hardware times in general (due to Apple's release process.) And the buyers guide on MacRumors says all the laptops are in a "don't" buy" space
Can you wait 90 days? That's the guess when they're going to refresh - and there's an Apple announcement (I think) in about two weeks. When they refresh, you'l likely see some deals on the older models.
I have a 15" rMBP stocked to the gills and recycle it every 18-24 months.
If you're going to do video editing, you should skip the Mac book and Macbook air.. While they may work (and will work better with FCPX than Ppro), these systems are designed to be light over anything else.
Generally speaking, a desktop system always beats a portable. Apple makes it impossible to upgrade RAM on a laptop. So, if you're going this route - Max the ram. I wouldn't touch a system with less than 512 GB SSD or you'll be constantly trying to do storage management.
Evaluate exactly how much 'portable editing' you do. Everyone thinks they'll end up editing everywhere. Unless you're a freelancer editing in someone else's office, you're prizing convenience over power.
I'd prefer to see a discrete video card - especially for premiere. I haven't seen if the integrated Intel cards pack enough punch for the Mercury Playback Engine to get video acceleration. I wouldn't touch an Premiere system that doesn't get this benefit. We're talking 300% benefit (or more) for things that video card helps with. Sadly that's not encoding. But it is scaling + color correction.
Get a second screen for home editing if a laptop is a purchase.
Yes, get Applecare with a system...but I skip it for iPads. Unless you have kids/breakage. I don't know if the iPad3 has a lightning cable. One very, very cool note for mobile editing - Duet Display allows using a lightning cable on a Mac or PC and use an iPad (or iPhone) as a 2nd display. Because it's a direct connection, it's under 1ms response time.
posted by filmgeek at 3:55 AM on March 5, 2016 [2 favorites]
RMBP has barely changed in design in 3 years, just faster processors.
The biggest change on that front is less in processor speed and more in power efficiency. I have a 2015 13" retina MBP and I can get twelve hours from a battery charge without really trying. My work laptop is an older model and it's pretty much dead after eight hours. And the force touch trackpad is neat.
Another recommendation for the 13" MBP here. I was replacing an old 11" Air and would have been happy with the spec bump, but I couldn't bring myself to buy a non-retina Mac. After having a couple generations of retina iPhone and a retina iPad I just couldn't excuse the screen. And the 12" MacBook just seemed like a really bad computer to buy the first model of. They're more "iPad with a keyboard that runs OS X" and less "powerful computer that happens to be small." After a model refresh or two I'm sure they'll be more compelling though.
posted by fedward at 6:32 AM on March 5, 2016
The biggest change on that front is less in processor speed and more in power efficiency. I have a 2015 13" retina MBP and I can get twelve hours from a battery charge without really trying. My work laptop is an older model and it's pretty much dead after eight hours. And the force touch trackpad is neat.
Another recommendation for the 13" MBP here. I was replacing an old 11" Air and would have been happy with the spec bump, but I couldn't bring myself to buy a non-retina Mac. After having a couple generations of retina iPhone and a retina iPad I just couldn't excuse the screen. And the 12" MacBook just seemed like a really bad computer to buy the first model of. They're more "iPad with a keyboard that runs OS X" and less "powerful computer that happens to be small." After a model refresh or two I'm sure they'll be more compelling though.
posted by fedward at 6:32 AM on March 5, 2016
Another vote for the 13" rMBP, I do Virtual Machining and such and think an Air or MB would have a heck of a time supporting that kind of load. I've had it for a few years now and it's still chugging along like a champ, despite having to skimp a bit on the RAM at the time due to budget constraints. Definitely max out the RAM if you are doing video editing.
posted by jet_pack_in_a_can at 7:06 AM on March 5, 2016
posted by jet_pack_in_a_can at 7:06 AM on March 5, 2016
Another vote against the 12" Macbook. I have one, and before this had an air. The only thing I like better about this model is the screen (which is retina, and beautiful). The lack of ports is only occasionally annoying, but super-annoying when it is. The keyboard is often frustrating. The trackpad is (shockingly) too big, such that I'm constantly mousing accidentally, and there is no space left to rest my fingers when not typing. Did I mention the keyboard is irritating?
What I wish I'd gotten, and what I think you should get, is the $1400 13" Macbook Pro. It seems like the only real need-to-have for you on the more expensive model is more storage. You can get a really nice external enclosure for much less than $500. Or better yet get two, and back everything up. 128GB is plenty for apps and active work.
posted by contrarian at 7:15 AM on March 5, 2016
What I wish I'd gotten, and what I think you should get, is the $1400 13" Macbook Pro. It seems like the only real need-to-have for you on the more expensive model is more storage. You can get a really nice external enclosure for much less than $500. Or better yet get two, and back everything up. 128GB is plenty for apps and active work.
posted by contrarian at 7:15 AM on March 5, 2016
Just to chip in again, the 13in rMBP is the machine I'm likely to buy as soon as the new models appear: maxed out RAM, nearly-maxed out storage, with the assumption that I'll be using it for the next five years. But because the new models are rumoured to have a exterior redesign (closer in some ways to the MacBook, though with ports) that should mean the older models appear in the Apple online refurb store at decent prices. Your call.
posted by holgate at 7:20 AM on March 5, 2016
posted by holgate at 7:20 AM on March 5, 2016
I have a 13" Air and although I like it a lot I can't really recommend it if you want to do much video editing. I do some very light weight editing with iMovie and the machine really struggles as the cooling fan goes full blast.
posted by LastOfHisKind at 11:07 AM on March 5, 2016
posted by LastOfHisKind at 11:07 AM on March 5, 2016
Response by poster: Thanks everyone. I think we've decided on the 13-inch MBP with upgraded memory and storage. I really appreciate the input and advice. We will also wait out the reveal to see if that changes anything. I've read some crazy rumours...and even if it's not something that interests me, it will possibly make the older generation cheaper.
@hippybear - The iPad is the primary "line" through Verizon, and my partner's phone is now on the same account. The family plan thing would make it more expensive to remove it than to just leave it as is until I have another device to add.
Again, thanks to all. This has been super helpful!
posted by guster4lovers at 9:52 PM on March 5, 2016
@hippybear - The iPad is the primary "line" through Verizon, and my partner's phone is now on the same account. The family plan thing would make it more expensive to remove it than to just leave it as is until I have another device to add.
Again, thanks to all. This has been super helpful!
posted by guster4lovers at 9:52 PM on March 5, 2016
I just want to mention that as a teacher you are probably eligible for education discounts, either through an apple store or through a third party discount seller like b&h. Also if you can wait until the new Macbook pro drops, there will likely be a significant discount to previous versions.
posted by gryftir at 2:53 AM on March 6, 2016
posted by gryftir at 2:53 AM on March 6, 2016
Response by poster: Thanks to everyone for the answers and help thinking through this!
I ended up with a gently used 2014 15" Macbook Pro with 16 GB ram, 256 GB hard drive, and a 2.5 GHz processor.
I love it. And it was only $1100. Winning all around.
And I have more than enough left in my computer fund to get a refurbished iPad Air 2 now.
Again, thanks for the help! I may not have taken all the suggestions, but I did use them to help me figure out what I wanted and why. And best of all, I have a computer I love now. I can't believe the difference between the 13" Air and the 15" MBP Retina. Night and day.
posted by guster4lovers at 9:13 PM on June 16, 2016
I ended up with a gently used 2014 15" Macbook Pro with 16 GB ram, 256 GB hard drive, and a 2.5 GHz processor.
I love it. And it was only $1100. Winning all around.
And I have more than enough left in my computer fund to get a refurbished iPad Air 2 now.
Again, thanks for the help! I may not have taken all the suggestions, but I did use them to help me figure out what I wanted and why. And best of all, I have a computer I love now. I can't believe the difference between the 13" Air and the 15" MBP Retina. Night and day.
posted by guster4lovers at 9:13 PM on June 16, 2016
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The 13-inch Macbook Pro is probably your best bet, having used both it and the 15-inch. The screen difference isn't so significant in my opinion. The Air is going to be frustrating for video editing, I imagine, and the tiny one-port Macbook is a non-starter.
Buy a cheap large monitor if you want to edit videos at home, and plug a laptop in that you're actually happy with.
posted by vogon_poet at 6:55 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]