MACBOOK BUYING GUIDE 2019

I've done more detailed posts (including flagging up the 2nd hand market), but here's a simple summary

A frequent request is advice on buying macs, so I'll repeat some recently given advice (Q was: macbook Air or pro? 13" or 15"):

BEFORE YOU BUY ANY...

It ISN'T necessary to buy one, you have plentiful access to the Media Macs, but of course it will be helpful.

Try to buy in a country with Apple stores (as opposed to resellers like Linehart) so you can get the software bundle (FCPX + more) at a bargain price. Only available at the point you buy a Mac, NOT afterwards, and NOT from resellers, just Apple directly. Which is why I bought a mac Mini last Xmas when in the UK. See this post.

Its widely assumed Apple will release a 16" MBPro in the same chassis/frame size as the current 15" in Sept/Oct 2019. Apparently with a redesigned keyboard (a common MBP fault recently). See Techradar for good mac updates + reviews.

AIR OR PRO?

If possible avoid Air; much less powerful (but is still a decent computer)

Mac Mini (I have one) + iMac are arguably better value; you pay a premium for portability

13" OR 15" ... or 16"

15" is heavier + pricier, but its simply easier to work with more screen space. I've edited a 90min doc on my 2011 13" MBP - perfectly workable, but if I could've afforded it, I'd have had a 15". If possible, have a go editing on both, get a feel for the difference, even if just in a shop.

See what i said above about the new 16".

UPGRADES

Yes, horrifically expensive, but they'll make it work well for longer, + quicker when editing

Try to avoid the 128GB HDD (even with software only, that'll be hard to avoid running out) - see this post

If possible, go for higher CPU + graphics options (BUT later you can add an EGPU, plug-in graphics card)

APPLE CARE

You'd be foolish not to max this out. Macs typically last for years.

Macbook buying guide

Some things you should consider when buying a Macbook. iMacs remain decent value, but the new Macbooks are rather overpriced.

1st: its a big purchase, so research for yourself - Google 'macbook buying guide' for lots of more detailed guides.

BUY SECOND HAND OR REFURBED
The latest Macbooks are overpriced, and the trackbar is a rather foolish addition. IMO.
Apple lists several refurbed models, which are one option, but eBay and other sites for 2nd hand Macs are a good choice. You could simply ask in local Apple retailers too - try repair shops.

Obviously you should consider issues with guarantee (or lack of) when buying 2nd hand. If you can add AppleCare (extended warranty) its arguably worth it: expensive, but peace of mind.

I'm going to focus on Macbooks, but most of my points below apply equally to desktop iMacs.

Best laptop for a student to buy?

Another TechRadar list, with the advantage that they keep updating such lists.

The 13" Macbook Pro features in there - a word of caution. I've edited two 90 minute documentary films, one on a 13" and one on a 15" Mac Pro. I ended up in physiotherapy after scrunching over the 13" for several intensive weeks of near non-stop editing; the screen size necessitates constant zooming in and out and resizing Final Cut windows.

The 15" does too! If you're able to connect to a monitor at home, do so! The portable screen expander I blogged on yesterday might be a big help too (haven't tried one out myself).

The 13" is MUCH better value than the 15", but that small screen size is a big issue for video/image editing!

I've blogged separately on Macbooks - just make sure you get minimum 8GB of RAM!

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