Is the Macbook 2016 suitable for my needs?

[darksider95]

Good morning everyone,

I am currently considering purchasing the Macbook 2016 m3 model; however, the online reviews have made me concerned that it might not have the power I need to do everything I want to.

• I currently create illustrations in Affinity Designer/ Autodesk Graphic and edit photos in Pixelmator. I usually use around 10-15 layer, texture brushes and layer effects.

• I also edit videos in iMovie, these are around 5-15 minutes long. I use a mix of transitions, titles, audio tracks, colour correction, colour balance and overlay tool (picture in picture, cutaway, etc.).

• I also want this computer to last me around 4-5 years if possible. I am considering the m3 model as this is more in my price range.

Do you feel the Macbook will be able to handle these tasks and last me around 4-5 years?

P.S. I am waiting for Monday to see if anything is announced at Apple’s event, but the reason I am currently leaning towards the Macbook is because a few years ago I had a surgery on my spine and I need something lightweight to carry around with me. The current Macbook Pro (2015) that my brother uses, whilst okay to carry around for a while, is just slightly too taxing on my back to carry around for long periods of the day and having tested the iPad, I much prefer the typical laptop experience.

 

[jarodlee88]

Hi there, I wouldn't recommend the MacBook (2016) as the price to performance isn't that great for your scenario as you need a lot of GPU horsepower for video editing. I would recommend either a high end MacBook Air or even a base model MacBook Pro for that price as these option would most likely last you longer compared to the MacBook (2016). I would only recommend the MacBook (2016) for either casual use like watching videos and browsing the web or student use with iWork or Microsoft Office. Hope this helps you!

 

[SteveJUAE]

Although you state your uses it also depends if your doing 1 a day, a week or month or many as jarodlee88 noted this is more for casual use and normal daily productivity work.

Future proofing and longevity is a very iffy/subjective topic, personally although I change my laptops at least annually and pass them on to my kids then recycle them down to in-laws etc I always err towards top spec

I had one of my old 2012 MBA 11" back for a short while and that is only just been bettered by the rMB but probably would still run casual games for longer periods with fans as full pelt

The jury is still out on some aspects of the rMB longevity re sticky KB and I also think those skinny tiered battery's, If your talking 4/5 years Applecare is 50/50 gamble but at least you have a year to save up if you think its worth while.

If your not Windows phopbic something like the Lenovo 900s will give you more bang for your buck plus the added dimension of touch screen and pen input for your editing, else an open box/refurb top spec rMB would be another option as it's likely even if there is new macbooks announce (doubtful) they will be more expensive and possibly not available till Q4 etc. Although a MBA with proven reliability seems a good buy it's up to if you can live with that screen for 4/5 years, I stopped 4 years back and as fan less is the current flavour it's somethin else to consider.

Tough call but if you can get one on buy and return maybe some of your concerns will be easily answered then just finances to worry about for what model best suits your needs, but I'm sure it wont be the bottom spec unfortunately.

 

[jeremiah256]

If I were you and I were to purchase a computer for full price that I planned to keep for 3-5 years, it would have to have Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) to be future-proofed. The throughput you get with TB3 allows for someone with your use case, which is an above average user of graphic applications, to use an external GPU if needed. It allows you to use 4K monitors (two) at 60Hzs. Your access to large graphic files on external storage will be at blinding speeds. In short, a Mac with TB3 can be turned into a workstation using one USB-C port that goes to a docking station. You add what you need, when you need it.

Long story short, if I were you, I would NOT buy a MacBook. I'd wait and see what comes out of WWDC on 13 June and if Apple brings out a slimmer 13" MacBook Pro with TB3, that is the computer I'd recommend for you.

Edit: Corrected GPS to GPU