Please help: Choosing Macbook Pro to purchase

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Please help: Choosing Macbook Pro to purchase

I'm looking for advice on what Macbook Pro to purchase.

For context, I am still using an early 2015 13-inch Macbook Pro with a 2.9 GHz intel Core i5 and 16GB of RAM.

I would be using the laptop for video watching/downloading, internet browsing as well as graphic design work. I have the Adobe Creative Suite and use programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I would also be using the new AI features in Photoshop. (As of right now I'm using old old old versions of Photoshop, Illustrator etc. which don't have those capabilities)

I'm looking at the new Macbook Pros with the M3 chips. I think I would like to go with the 14" size even though I do design work because I value portability and a lighter laptop.

I don't believe I need the M3 Max but can't decide between the regular M3 and M3 Pro. I also am not sure about what upgrades I would need in terms of RAM. I would like to be able to theoretically have Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign all open at the same time and not experience slowdowns or freezing. I also would love for this laptop to last almost 10 years like my current one has, so I also need to consider "future proofing".

Any suggestions/advice is welcome! Thank you.

Posted on Jan 25, 2024 6:15 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 25, 2024 10:33 PM in response to gilliang3

gilliang3 wrote:

I don't believe I need the M3 Max but can't decide between the regular M3 and M3 Pro.

MacBook Pro - Tech Specs - Apple

Some differences:

The M3 Pro model can drive up to two external displays. The M3 model, only one.
The M3 Pro model has an extra USB-C (Thunderbolt) port, and its Thunderbolt ports support Thunderbolt 4.
The M3 Pro model has more CPU cores. Unless you're running programs that do lots of work, and make good use of multiple cores, this might not make much practical difference.
The M3 Pro model has more GPU cores.
You can custom-order a 4 TB internal SSD on the M3 Pro model.

I also am not sure about what upgrades I would need in terms of RAM.

I would like to be able to theoretically have Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign all open at the same time and not experience slowdowns or freezing.

M3 models come with 8, 16, or 24 GB of RAM. M3 Pro ones come with 18 or 36 GB of RAM. Adobe recommends 16+ GB of RAM for Photoshop, Lightroom, and Lightroom Classic. So you would want to get at least 16/18 GB and might want to consider 24/36 GB. (Beyond that, you would need a M3 Max model.)

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