If you’re buying a new Mac this year, what specs to recommend?
I have updated each of the categories with new recommendations as needed. All prices lifted directly from Apple Australia
MacBook Pro
13 inch models (New Model 6 June 2022)
Entry- M2, 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD $1999
Nice machine, but I’d still spend an extra $300 to double the RAM. Extra $600 for 24GB RAM, not so sure- if you need the computer to last a long time- spend the money!
Better- M2, 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2299
This one has the same CPU/ GPU combo, but has 512GB of storage. So basically it’s one model with a bunch of options, thanks Apple. Yes, I’d still get the extra RAM for $300, and this one is the pick because of the extra storage.
14 inch models (New Model January 2023)
These new 14″ models were introduced with M2 chips at the same time as the 16″ versions, in January 2023- with similar specs and upgrades all the way to match the 16″, so you basically have a choice of screen size- go configure them the same and find out the extra screen real estate doesn’t cost much! These are very powerful machines. But you may not want to carry a big beast around so…
Entry- M2 Pro, 10 core CPU, 16 core GPU, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD $3199
Nice machine, price has gone up $200 over the older M1 model, but extra $600 to double the RAM to 32GB
Better- M2 Pro, 12 core CPU, 19 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD $3999
These have the M2 Pro processor, and can be upgraded to the M2 Max ($400 buys you 50% more graphics cores, not really a whole new chip) it’s $150 more than the M1 version but now has double (1TB) of storage. So basically it’s one model with a bunch of options, thanks Apple. Extra 16GB RAM for $600, if you spend $700 upgrading to the M2 Max chip with 38 GPU cores, you can go all the way to 96GB RAM for another $1200 more!
Best- M2 Pro, 12 core CPU, 30 core GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD $4999
These have the M2 Max processor, and can be upgraded to the M2 Max (with 38 vs 30 GPU cores) for $300. Extra 32GB RAM (64Gb total) for $600, if you spend $300 upgrading to the M2 Max (38 GPU cores) chip, you can go all the way to 96GB RAM for $1200 extra!
16 inch models (New Model January 2023)
Did someone say MOAR POWARRRRR?
Entry- M2 Pro, 12 core CPU, 19 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $3999
Entry model has gone up $150 with M2 introduction, slightly more ‘cores’
Pretty beastly for a starting model, pay $300 extra if you do a lot of image work to get the 30 core GPU, or $700 to go all out with a 38 core GPU. On base model $600 will upgrade you to 32GB RAM, and $300 to go to a 1TB SSD. Best Buy? If I’m buying this model, it means I’m trying to save money- this means I’d probably buy the base model and be happy- or pay $600 for the extra RAM, $300 for double SSD space and suddenly the next one up looks good…
Better- M2 Pro, 12 core CPU, 19 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD $4249
This model has a 1TB drive, for exactly the upgrade price on the lower model. So if you need 1TB just buy this model- it’s likely to come into stock earlier than a CTO version of the lower model. But if you need upgrades, boy do we have loads of upgrades- but nothing much worth having except upgrading to 32GB RAM for $600.
Still this is a great choice
Best- M2 Max, 12 core CPU, 38 core GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD $5599
Hear that? That was the sound of millions of nerds across the world gasping as Apple unveiled this machine. Oh my!
This one upgrades from the M2 Pro chip to the M2 Max, with extra phwoar… It already has 1TB storage, already has 32GB RAM, already has a 32 core GPU. But- here comes the upgrade train- you can go to 64GB RAM for $600, and if you’re still looking in Mum’s purse for a few extra hundies, you can go to a 2TB SSD for <only> $600 more. Then Apple will blow you a kiss and say ‘nice work kid’ just like Indiana Jones, but while running away with all of your cash.
MacBook Air
13 inch models (New Model 6 June 2022)
Entry – M1, 8 core CPU, 7 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD $1499.
A $300 upgrade to double the RAM is expensive, but definitely do it if buying this model. Remember the storage is not large, but these are a decent, lightweight laptop with stunning battery life.
Better- M2, 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD $1799
It costs $300 more, but has an M2 chip and 1 more core in it’s GPU, so you’re paying $300 for that? At the risk of sounding like a broken record, spend $300 on the RAM upgrade. Comes with a 30w USB-C power adaptor.
Interesting twist- if you upgrade to a 10 core GPU for $200, and also spend $300 to upgrade to 512GB storage, Apple will throw in one of their new dual output USB-C adaptors (normally a $30 upgrade). Problem- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
Best- M2, 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2299
It costs $50 less than the outgoing M1 model, or $500 upgrade from the ‘better’ model, but has 512GB SSD and the upgraded 2 more cores in it’s GPU, so you’re paying $200 for them. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, spend $300 on the RAM upgrade. Apple will allow you to switch this out for one of their new dual output USB-C adaptors. Problem- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
15 inch models (New Model 6 June 2022)
OMIGOD OMIGOD a 15″ MacBook Air!
Entry M2, 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD $2199
The world has been asking for a 15″ version of the MacBook Air, like, forever…
Specs are comparable to the mid range 13″ model, but 2 extra GPU cores for $500 extra, let’s call it $300 for the bigger screen. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, spend $300 on the RAM upgrade. Ships with the dual output USB-C adaptor. Problem- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
Better M2, 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2499
This one is exactly $300 extra and that is exactly the price of the 512GB SSD upgrade, so this isn’t really a different model, just a different SKU with that larger SSD. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, spend $300 on the RAM upgrade. Ships with the dual output USB-C adaptor. Problem- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
iMac
24 inch models (New Model May 2021)
Apple has introduced M1 Apple Silicon to the entry level iMac. These now have a 24″ 4.5k Retina display instead of the older 21.5″ display and come in a variety of colours. There is one config of the older Intel 21.5″ still available, probably for the education market
Entry- M1, 8 core CPU, 7 core GPU, 256GB SSD $1999
This machine is hampered with only 2x Thunderbolt/ USB 4 ports and NO ethernet. Don’t do it!
Better- M1, 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU, 256GB SSD $2299
This model has 2x combo Thunderbolt/ USB 4 ports AND 2x USB 3 ports as well as ethernet and a keyboard with TouchID.
Broken record- please add $300 for more RAM
Best- M1, 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU, 512GB SSD $2599
This model has the same 2x combo Thunderbolt/ USB 4 ports AND 2x USB 3 ports as well as ethernet and a keyboard with TouchID. But it also has double the storage, which is a $300 option on the model below. So it’s not really a different model, just a different config. Again, please add $300 for more RAM
– These are all available with a VESA mount adaptor so they can be hung on a wall etc. but they have to be ordered in this config, not an after purchase decision.
27 inch models
No more 27″ iMacs- it’s possible that Apple will release a new Apple Silicon based iMac with an even larger screen, but no one knows yet…
Keyboards and Mice
The Magic Mouse is the standard inclusion for iMacs now, and it’s a great mouse, or buy for $139 separately. Get the Magic Trackpad for around $70 extra (or $209 separately) if you like but I’m not a massive fan.
there are 3 keyboards to choose-
Magic Keyboard–
don’t buy, it’s annoyingly small and featureless, and yet available for $139 separately
Magic Keyboard with TouchID –
YASSS, we wants this one so we can unlocks our preciousss computer with a finger stab. $70 upgrade or $209 from Apple Store separately.
Magic Keyboard with TouchID and Numeric Keypad–
Even better- this one has a full sized keypad so people who like numbers can love them a little more… $110 upgrade during an iMac purchase or $279 separately
Mac Studio
(New Model 6 June 2022)
Entry M2 Max, 12 core CPU, 30 core GPU, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD $3299
New M2 model is $200 more, but also has 2 more CPU cores, 6 more GPU cores, it’s almost a bargain! Very similar specs to the 16″ MacBook Pro and these can be configured until your wallet cries for mercy. On this model, I’d probably consider upgrading to 64GB RAM for $600, and maybe the 1TB storage for $300, but then you’ve just shortened the gap to the M1 Ultra…
Best- M2 Ultra, 24 Core CPU, 60 Core GPU, 64GB RAM, 1TB Storage $6599
Compared to the previous M1 model, this one – is $500 more expensive, has 4 more CPU cores, 12 more GPU cores. You need to decide if you want more internal storage at ridiculous prices, or a single RAM upgrade to 128GB for… $1200 or maybe 192GB RAM for $2400
Standard config actually in stock- for most of the life of the M1 model they have a 6-12 week wait!
Mac Pro
(New Model 6 June 2022)
We finally have a new Mac Pro, and it’s… interesting.
The ‘entry level’ model is an 24-core M2 Ultra powered device at $11,999 and can be ordered with up to 192GB RAM to support up to 22 simultaneous streams of 8K ProRes playback. Give us a call if you’re thinking of ordering one of these, we’ll walk you through the upgrades to get you the best value for your $$
Mac mini
(New Model 17 January 2023)
New M2 models available!
Entry- M2 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage $999
The new M2 model is $100 cheaper and has 2 more GPU cores, Apple is messing with you…Yes, get the extra RAM…Upgrade to 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150. These are a great device, but please remember it’s kind of an iPad in a box- not really suitable for complex work.
Better- M2 8 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB Storage $1299
Same machine with double the storage. Upgrade to 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150 Er, get the extra RAM, you hearing me?
Best- M2 Pro, 10 core CPU, 16 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage $1999
This is $700 more than the cheaper model, but for that you get 2 more CPU cores, 6 more GPU cores, and double the RAM to 16GB.
Effectively this means you are paying $400 for the CPU and GPU upgrade, that’s not an outstanding bargain. Upgrade to 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150 which is an outstanding bargain!
Summary
Don’t buy a machine with less than 8GB RAM- always get 16GB+ if you can
Do get advice from Servicemax if you have any questions!