Which Mac?

[L-Dogg]

Hi all….hope you are well.

I have $1800 with which to buy a used Apple computer. I have no idea what to get.
I suppose a big factor is my Universal Audio Apollo 8P which has regular Thunderbolt 1. My 2014 MBPR has 2 TB ports. Unfortunately a couple years ago I broke the display so I’ve been using a smart TV for the display. I just want to get another laptop but that’s why I’m here.


Which MBPR would you consider a good choice in the around $2K used area?
Which processor?

Would I be better off with a Mac Mini of some flavor? Perhaps M1 chip?

Should I look at an IMac instead?

If I choose a computer that has fixed memory and I cannot add more, what is minimum amount I should consider? Is 16GB enough?

I’m sure you’ve all been where I’m at so will understand the kind of advice I need, plus you guys know the latest PT well in terms of it’s demands on processing.

So any help/advice will be much appreciated along with any thoughts you have.

If I have to keep saving up I will but even then…..I’m retired now from working in the film & television entertainment industry ……so I can’t see going over $2500 anyway.

Thank you very much.

[audiolex1]

First, goto:

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/macbook-pro

The reason why is because unlike other used retailers, if there is a mark they will replace the case. Motherboard issue, the whole motherboard is replace.

You can update to a thunderbolt 3 card from UAD. Works on all rack Apollo units.
I just check Sweetwater, and they are selling them for 199 and they use to be 499.

I think that means a big change. Get one now before there is no more stock. You just saved 300 bucks.

If you are going to move around with your system, get the MBP. If it is going to be in a studio than MINI. For cooling.

Go Apple Silicone. It is a bit of a pain to wait for everyone to move over, but when they stop supporting Intel then you have to go there anyway.

Get 16 ram min, 32 max. The GPU aspects don't effect us much yet.

Get at least 1 TB HD space but run off external drives. I've not had luck with the older HHD drives mounting on my MBP. In fact it cause one to not be readable.
I don't know why, but it is concerning. I got a TB4 hub from Sonnet.

If you are staying up to data with Pro tools, eventually it will be all Silicon and working 100 percent. And it will give you enough power.
In the meantime, you can still use the Rosetta bridge which translates the CISC to RISC and works well.

All it is going to do is future proof your system. Going with Intel OSX probably already has an EOL on it. I expect a new Mac Pro soon which will invalidate all the new ones in the field after that.

[L-Dogg]

Wow thanks audiolex1…….great info. Much appreciated.

[Obsidian Dragon]

Audiolex1 pretty much covered it. I'll just add that you should consider the number of Thunderbolt/USB-C ports you'll need. Speaking of Apple Silicon laptops models, the MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro only have two ports while the 14" and 16" MacBook Pros come with four ports. For the Mac Mini, the M2 model has two Thunmderbolt/USB-C ports while the M2 Pro model has four Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.The Mac mini also has two USB-A type ports for devices that can use that connector (older iLok dongles, wired keyboard and mics, etc.) To minimize the need for a Thunderbolt/USB-C hub, I would go with the models that have four ports. You'll need them for your interface, your iLok dongle, external SSD. You might need additional ones for a MIDI keyboard, external monitor screens, wired peripherals like mechanical keyboards and mouse, thumb drives, etc. Consider you equipment and workflow to determine which works best for you.

[audiolex1]

Originally Posted by Obsidian Dragon

Audiolex1 pretty much covered it. I'll just add that you should consider the number of Thunderbolt/USB-C ports you'll need. Speaking of Apple Silicon laptops models, the MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro only have two ports while the 14" and 16" MacBook Pros come with four ports. For the Mac Mini, the M2 model has two Thunmderbolt/USB-C ports while the M2 Pro model has four Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.The Mac mini also has two USB-A type ports for devices that can use that connector (older iLok dongles, wired keyboard and mics, etc.) To minimize the need for a Thunderbolt/USB-C hub, I would go with the models that have four ports. You'll need them for your interface, your iLok dongle, external SSD. You might need additional ones for a MIDI keyboard, external monitor screens, wired peripherals like mechanical keyboards and mouse, thumb drives, etc. Consider you equipment and workflow to determine which works best for you.

Good point on the ports.

Here is a doc that has everything to expand it.

https://www.sonnetstore.com/collecti...derbolt-4-dock

USB Hub could add more USB A ports for external drives and iLoks.

[L-Dogg]

Thanks so much everyone.

[L-Dogg]

Originally Posted by audiolex1

You can update to a thunderbolt 3 card from UAD. Works on all rack Apollo units.
I just check Sweetwater, and they are selling them for 199 and they use to be 499.

I think that means a big change. Get one now before there is no more stock. You just saved 300 bucks.

Thanks a lot for that little nugget!!

I bought one tonight. Be here in 4 days or so.