If you’re buying a new Mac this year, what specs to recommend? What’s the best computer for an office worker, architect, engineer, or marketer? Hopefully this article will help!
I have updated each of the categories with new recommendations as needed. All prices and specs lifted directly from Apple Australia. Geekbench scores from Geekbench.com
MacBook Pro
| Price in $AUD | Model Name | Specification | Name of chip | RAM | Storage | Number of CPU cores | Number of GPU cores | Geekbench single core score | Geekbench multi core score |
| $2,499 | MacBook Pro 14″ M5 | M5/16GB/512GB | M5 | 16GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 4263 | 17862 |
| $2,799 | MacBook Pro 14″ M5 | M5/16GB/1TB | M5 | 16GB | 1TB | 10 | 10 | 4263 | 17862 |
| $3,099 | MacBook Pro 14″ M5 | M5/24GB/2TB | M5 | 24GB | 2TB | 10 | 10 | 4263 | 17862 |
| $3,299 | MacBook Pro 14″ M4 Pro | M4 Pro/18GB/512GB (12-core) | M4 Pro | 18GB | 512GB | 12 | 16 | 3909 | 20498 |
| $3,999 | MacBook Pro 14″ M4 Pro | M4 Pro/18GB/512GB (14-core) | M4 Pro | 18GB | 512GB | 14 | 20 | 3925 | 22669 |
| $4,999 | MacBook Pro 14″ M4 Max | M4 Max/18GB/512GB (14-core) | M4 Max | 18GB | 512GB | 14 | 32 | 3854 | 25548 |
| $5,999 | MacBook Pro 14″ M4 Max | M4 Max/36GB/512GB (16-core) | M4 Max | 36GB | 512GB | 16 | 40 | 4020 | 26675 |
| $3,999 | MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Pro | M4 Pro/18GB/512GB (14-core) | M4 Pro | 18GB | 512GB | 14 | 20 | 3925 | 22669 |
| $4,599 | MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Pro | M4 Pro/24GB/512GB (14-core) | M4 Pro | 24GB | 512GB | 14 | 20 | 3925 | 22669 |
| $5,599 | MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Max | M4 Max/18GB/512GB (14-core) | M4 Max | 18GB | 512GB | 14 | 32 | 3854 | 25548 |
| $6,799 | MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Max | M4 Max/36GB/512GB (16-core) | M4 Max | 36GB | 512GB | 16 | 40 | 4020 | 26675 |
13 inch models (Discontinued)
14 inch models (New Models October 2025)
These new 14″ models were introduced with M5 chips – everyone is super excited about M5, but have a look at the Geekbench scores- single core scores are great, but this is an entry level chip, and will get better when the M5 Max and other variants arrive.
Entry- M5, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD $2499
Nice machine, can get a matte ‘nano texture’ display on any of these computers for $230 extra, but extra $300 to go to 24GB RAM or $600 to double the RAM to 32GB
Better- M4 Pro, 12 core CPU, 16 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD $3299
These have the M4 Pro processor, and can be upgraded to the M4 Max ($1100 buys you 50% more graphics cores). So basically it’s one model with a bunch of options, thanks Apple. Extra 24GB RAM for $600, if you spend $1550 upgrading to the M4 Max chip with 40 GPU cores, you can go all the way to 128GB RAM for another $1500 more!
Best- M4 Max, 14 core CPU, 32 core GPU, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD $4999
These have the M4 Max processor, and can be upgraded to the M4 Max (with 40 vs 32 GPU cores) for $450. Extra RAM options unlocked when you upgrade the processor, you can go all the way to 128GB RAM for $1500 extra- but only if you upgrade the CPU!
16 inch models (New Models November 2024)
Entry- M4 Pro, 14 core CPU, 20 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD $3999
Warning- all these machines are pretty chungus- you’ll loathe carrying it around. Pretty beastly for a starting model, pay $1100 extra if you do a lot of image work to get the M4 MAX 33 core GPU, or $1600 to go all out with a 40 core GPU. On base model $600 will upgrade you to 48GB 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- M4 Pro, 14 core CPU, 20 core GPU, 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD $4599
This model has double the RAM, for exactly the upgrade price on the lower model. So if you need 48GB RAM 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!
Still this is a great choice- note we’ve left out a model with 36GB RAM and 1TB of storage for $5699, if you need more storage than RAM
Best- M4 Max, 16 core CPU, 40 core GPU, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD $6499
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 M4 Pro chip to the M4 Max, with extra phwoar… It already has 1TB storage, already has 48GB RAM, already has a 40 core GPU. But- here comes the upgrade train- you can go to 64GB RAM for $300, 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
| Price in $AUD | Model Name | Specification | Name of chip | RAM | Storage | Number of CPU cores | Number of GPU cores | Geekbench single core score | Geekbench multi core score |
| $1,699 | MacBook Air 13″ M4 | M4/16GB/256GB (8-core GPU) 13″ | M4 | 16GB | 256GB | 10 | 8 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $1,999 | MacBook Air 13″ M4 | M4/16GB/512GB (10-core GPU) 13″ | M4 | 16GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $2,299 | MacBook Air 13″ M4 | M4/24GB/512GB (10-core GPU) 13″ | M4 | 24GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $2,099 | MacBook Air 15″ M4 | M4/16GB/256GB (10-core GPU) 15″ | M4 | 16GB | 256GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $2,399 | MacBook Air 15″ M4 | M4/16GB/512GB (10-core GPU) 15″ | M4 | 16GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $2,699 | MacBook Air 15″ M4 | M4/24GB/512GB (10-core GPU) 15″ | M4 | 24GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
13 inch models (New Models March 2025)
Entry – M4, 10 core CPU, 8 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD $1699.
A $300 upgrade to get 24GB RAM is expensive, but definitely do it if you plan to push it hard. Remember the storage is not large, but these are a decent, lightweight laptop with stunning battery life.
Better- M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $1999
It costs $300 more, so you’re paying $300 for double the storage. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, spend $300 on the RAM upgrade if you plan to extend it’s life or push it hard. Comes with a 35W USB-C power adaptor.
Interesting twist- you can switch to a Apple 70W single port adaptor for no extra charge. Tip- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
Best- M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2299
Spending $300 on the RAM upgrade gets you from 24GB to 32GB. Again, you can switch to a Apple 70W single port adaptor for no extra charge. Tip- 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 Models March 2025)
Entry M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD $2099
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. Again, you can switch to a Apple 70W single port adaptor for no extra charge. Tip- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
Better M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2399
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. Again, you can switch to a Apple 70W single port adaptor for no extra charge. Tip- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
Best M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2699
This one is exactly $300 extra and that is exactly the price of the 24GB RAM upgrade, so this isn’t really a different model, just a different SKU with that larger RAM. Ships with the dual output USB-C adaptor. Again, you can switch to a Apple 70W single port adaptor for no extra charge. Tip- the dual port adaptor outputs around half the power- so you can charge 2 things at once, but at half the speed…
iMac
| Price in $AUD | Model Name | Specification | Name of chip | RAM | Storage | Number of CPU cores | Number of GPU cores | Geekbench single core score | Geekbench multi core score |
| $1,999 | iMac 24″ M4 | M4/16GB/256GB (8-core GPU) | M4 | 16GB | 256GB | 8 | 8 | 3767 | 13200 |
| $2,399 | iMac 24″ M4 | M4/16GB/256GB (10-core GPU) | M4 | 16GB | 256GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $2,699 | iMac 24″ M4 | M4/24GB/512GB (10-core GPU) | M4 | 24GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
24 inch models (New Models November 2024)
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- M4, 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD $1999
This machine is hampered with only 2x Thunderbolt/ USB 4 ports, no TouchID and NO ethernet. Don’t do it!
Better- M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD $2399
This model has 4x combo Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as ethernet and a keyboard with TouchID.
Options- $300 extra for ‘nano texture’ glass, $40 for a keyboard with numeric keypad
Best- M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2699
This model has the same 4x combo Thunderbolt 4 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. Options- $300 extra for ‘nano texture’ glass, $40 for a keyboard with numeric keypad
Besterer- M4, 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD $2999
This model has the same 4x combo Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as ethernet and a keyboard with TouchID. But it also has 24GB of RAM, which is a $300 option on the model below. So it’s not really a different model, just a different config. Options- $300 extra for ‘nano texture’ glass, $40 for a keyboard with numeric keypad
– 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 (Discontinued)
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 $149 separately- now with USB-C.
Get the Magic Trackpad for $60 extra (or $209 separately) if you like but I’m not a massive fan. Also now USB-C
There are 3 keyboards to choose-
Magic Keyboard– don’t buy, it’s annoyingly small and featureless, and yet available for $149 separately
Magic Keyboard with TouchID – YASSS, we wants this one so we unlocks our preciousss computer with a finger stab. $40 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… $100 upgrade during an entry level iMac purchase, $40 extra for other iMacs or $279 separately
Mac Studio
| Price in $AUD | Model Name | Specification | Name of chip | RAM | Storage | Number of CPU cores | Number of GPU cores | Geekbench single core score | Geekbench multi core score |
| $3,499 | Mac Studio M4 Max | M4 Max/36GB/512GB (14-core CPU) | M4 Max | 36GB | 512GB | 14 | 32 | 3854 | 25548 |
| $6999 | Mac Studio M3 Ultra | M3 Ultra/48GB/1TB (28-core CPU) | M3 Ultra | 96GB | 1TB | 28 | 60 | 3905 | 30524 |
(New Models March 2025)
Entry M4 Max, 14 core CPU, 32 core GPU, 36GB RAM, 512GB SSD $3499
New M4 model is $200 more, but also has 2 more CPU cores, 2 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 $300- BUT- this also requires you upgrade the CPU for $450, making it $750, and maybe the 1TB storage for $300, but then you’ve just spent $4849 and shortened the gap to the M3 Ultra…
Best- M3 Ultra, 28 Core CPU, 60 Core GPU, 96GB RAM, 1TB Storage $6999
Compared to the previous M2 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 RAM upgrade to 256GB for… $2400 or maybe 512GB RAM for $6000 – but this also requires a $2250 CPU upgrade- OUCH!
Mac Pro
(New Model June 2023- possibly discontinued?)
We finally have a new Mac Pro, and it’s… interesting.
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
| Price in $AUD | Model Name | Specification | Name of chip | RAM | Storage | Number of CPU cores | Number of GPU cores | Geekbench single core score | Geekbench multi core score |
| $999 | Mac mini M4 | M4/16GB/256GB | M4 | 16GB | 256GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $1,299 | Mac mini M4 | M4/16GB/512GB | M4 | 16GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $1,599 | Mac mini M4 | M4/24GB/512GB | M4 | 24GB | 512GB | 10 | 10 | 3767 | 15100 |
| $2,199 | Mac mini M4 Pro | M4 Pro/24GB/512GB (12-core) | M4 Pro | 24GB | 512GB | 12 | 16 | 3909 | 20498 |
(New Model November 2024)
Entry- M4 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage $999
Upgrade to 24GB RAM for $300 or 32GB for $600, 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150. Amazing little workhorse with plenty of grunt for specific projects.
Better- M4 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage $1299
Same machine with double the storage. Upgrade to 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150
Betterer- M4 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB Storage $1599
Same machine with 24GB RAM. Upgrade to 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150
Best- M4 Pro, 12 core CPU, 16 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB Storage $2199
This is $600 more than the cheaper model, but for that you get 2 more CPU cores and 6 more GPU cores.
Effectively this means you are paying 30% more for 33% better multi core speed. Upgrade to 10Gigabit Ethernet for $150 which is an outstanding bargain!
Summary
Apple now ships all machines with at least 16GB RAM. Get more if you are playing with AI or want to extend the usable life of the computer.
Do get advice from Servicemax if you have any questions!
