Purchase Advice Please

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socalresidentsocalresident
Posted:
in General Discussion
I am looking into a new MacBook Pro purchase.

My usage requirements include intense web surfing in which my current machine complains that Safari is using significant energy. I also use Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 Editor - maximum use cases would be 65 MB TIFF files, maybe about five or six open at any one given time. I also develop iOS apps and I've often seen "using significant energy complaints" when using Xcode. I also do web development using Transmit and BBEdit. My current machine is a MacBook Pro 2.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, Radeon Pro 560X 4 GB Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB with 32 GB memory and Sonoma 14.2 OS. It often seems to struggle.

At this point I am looking into an upgrade. My main reason is to get increased storage. I have a lot of photographs and assorted items such that I will need a machine with 8 TB storage.

My notes on what is available are:
M3 Max chip > 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 36 GB unified memory = $5699

M3 Max chip > 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 48 GB unified memory = $6199

M3 Max chip > 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 64 GB unified memory = $6399

M3 Max chip > 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 96 GB unified memory = $6499

M3 Max chip > 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 128 GB unified memory = $7199

Again, I need 8 TB storage; currently I schlep around an external HD and for a number of reasons this has been problematic. I was a little disappointed to find out that Apple only offers 8 TB storage capacity with the M3 Max chip; M3 Pro need not apply.

I'd like to (naturally) spend as little as possible. Would the 14 core 36 GB memory for $5699 work for me? The prices listed are from the apple.com site and do not include Apple Care; I'll likely shop the various reputable resellers for a better deal.

Any advice, comments would be appreciated.

Thank you. 

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 2
    Marvinmarvin Posts: 15,585moderator
    I am looking into a new MacBook Pro purchase.

    My usage requirements include intense web surfing in which my current machine complains that Safari is using significant energy. I also use Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 Editor - maximum use cases would be 65 MB TIFF files, maybe about five or six open at any one given time. I also develop iOS apps and I've often seen "using significant energy complaints" when using Xcode. I also do web development using Transmit and BBEdit. My current machine is a MacBook Pro 2.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, Radeon Pro 560X 4 GB Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB with 32 GB memory and Sonoma 14.2 OS. It often seems to struggle.

    At this point I am looking into an upgrade. My main reason is to get increased storage. I have a lot of photographs and assorted items such that I will need a machine with 8 TB storage.

    My notes on what is available are:
    M3 Max chip > 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 36 GB unified memory = $5699

    M3 Max chip > 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 48 GB unified memory = $6199

    M3 Max chip > 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 64 GB unified memory = $6399

    M3 Max chip > 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 96 GB unified memory = $6499

    M3 Max chip > 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine > 128 GB unified memory = $7199

    Again, I need 8 TB storage; currently I schlep around an external HD and for a number of reasons this has been problematic. I was a little disappointed to find out that Apple only offers 8 TB storage capacity with the M3 Max chip; M3 Pro need not apply.

    I'd like to (naturally) spend as little as possible. Would the 14 core 36 GB memory for $5699 work for me? The prices listed are from the apple.com site and do not include Apple Care; I'll likely shop the various reputable resellers for a better deal.

    Any advice, comments would be appreciated.

    Thank you. 
    The lowest one there at $5699 would be fine. It will still show that apps are using significant energy but it's much faster than what you have.

    You'll be able to get a much better deal if you can manage with 4TB internal. The 8TB adds a lot to the price. The 36GB Max 4TB is $4499 and external 4TB SSDs are ~$250-300 (Apple charges $1200 for the extra 4TB):

    https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Portable-Professionals-MU-PG4T0B-AM/dp/B0CHFSZX9W
    https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-4TB-Extreme-Portable-SDSSDE61-4T00-G25/dp/B08RX4QKXS

    Some laptop sleeves have pockets to put accessories in and these SSDs are very slim:

    https://www.amazon.com/Voova-Waterproof-Protective-Compatible-Chromebook/dp/B0732PH81Y

    Apple used to offer 8TB with the Pro models, they have some refurbs with 8TB.

    https://www.apple.com/shop/product/G14X6LL/A/ M1 Max 64GB 8TB $4549
    https://www.apple.com/shop/product/G14X5LL/A/ M1 Max 64GB 4TB $3659

    The M1 Max 64GB/4TB + SanDisk 4TB SSD + case would be ~$3900.
    Or new M3 Pro 36GB/4TB with the same is ~$4400.
    socalresident
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  • Reply 2 of 2
    socalresidentsocalresident Posts: 4member
    Marvin:

    Thank you for the response and the advice. I had suspected that the minimum $5699 configuration would suffice.

    I understand your point about the external SSDs being a good option and the premium that Apple charges for internal storage. But I'm really hoping to get away from external storage, call it a personal hangup. 

    I've not been crazy about used laptops as they are very vulnerable and prone to breakage especially if they've been mishandled by a previous owner. But I see that Apple gives us a one year warranty and Apple Care is available which is roughly the same situation with a new purchase, so I will think about it. At $4549 it is a $1150 saving for me but I would be sacrificing some computer horsepower. 

    ~paul
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