Need help choosing a M2 MacBook

[helpmebuy]

So I'm looking to get a M2 MacBook for normal usage (heaviest usage will be Microsoft Office/YouTube.)

I think the Air would be enough but I kinda want the Pro for the fan and notch-less screen.

What would you recommend? Also, will 8GB RAM be enough or may it lag a little bit on normal usage?

I really appreciate your help!

 

[chabig]

I think the Air would be enough

I agree with you. I would not consider the 13" Pro because it's the old design and has fewer pixels on the screen. But if you want it, go for it. 8GB is fine for you. I have 8GB and it handles everything I throw at it.

 

[helpmebuy]

I agree with you. I would not consider the 13" Pro because it's the old design and has fewer pixels on the screen. But if you want it, go for it. 8GB is fine for you. I have 8GB and it handles everything I throw at it.

Thanks. Do you think 8GB will last for a few good years? Or would I need 16GB for a future-proof Mac?

 

[1BadManVan]

Thanks. Do you think 8GB will last for a few good years? Or would I need 16GB for a future-proof Mac?

Always get the most you can realistically afford for future proofing but for your basic usages, 8gb should be fine for a few more years if budget is tight

 

[ericwn]

For office and YouTube streaming any Mac will do. On the other hand, life is short so treat yourself when you can.

 

[chabig]

Thanks. Do you think 8GB will last for a few good years? Or would I need 16GB for a future-proof Mac?

I do. That’s what I have. I don’t ever consider “future proofing.” As far as I am concerned that just an excuse people use to rationalize their buying decision. I believe in buying what I need. If my needs change I’ll buy again later. Used Macs hold value very well and the marginal cost of upgrading surprisingly low.

 

[JaredJenkinsDesign]

If heaviest usage is going to be Microsoft Office and YouTube, then the base model of either will work with 8 GB of RAM. The fan likely won't make much of a difference since you aren't doing any heavy editing or gaming. I would lean towards the Air since it's $100 cheaper and has the redesign. I say go for the MacBook Pro if:

• You don't mind having a 720P webcam or don't use the webcam that often
• Don't mind the old design
• Do not want to deal with the notch
• Want longer battery life
• Prefer the touch bar over physical keys

 

[helpmebuy]

If heaviest usage is going to be Microsoft Office and YouTube, then the base model of either will work with 8 GB of RAM. The fan likely won't make much of a difference since you aren't doing any heavy editing or gaming. I would lean towards the Air since it's $100 cheaper and has the redesign. I say go for the MacBook Pro if:

• You don't mind having a 720P webcam or don't use the webcam that often
• Don't mind the old design
• Do not want to deal with the notch
• Want longer battery life
• Prefer the touch bar over physical keys

Yeah I'm not a heavy webcam user and the old design actually looks good to me.
I'll probably go with the 8GB M2 Pro.
Thanks everyone!

 

[j_in_tx]

any of them at the cheapest configurations is fine for that

 

[mr_jomo]

MacBook Air M1 base - perfect for your usage: will run cool always, 15+ hours battery life, no lag when multitasking, no significant swap slowdown, and handles a 5K external monitor in clamshell without heating up.

The QOL improvements on the M2 Air from the redesign are several and might be worth the extra price for your POV.

A note: get 16 GB if you can - I've noticed an improved speed and responsiveness when having 10+ browser tabs open, 6-8+ Microsoft Office documents open, and these are being worked on in parallel by 2-3 staffers.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

If you can get the upper tier model and bump it to 16 GB RAM, that should easily last you for years. 8GB and 256GB could both leave you hanging a bit over time. And those extra 2 GPU cores wil make a difference too.

 

[bluecoast]

If you’re mostly using one app for a medium length period of time and rarely switch, 8GB is fine.

If you’re constantly task switching between many productivity apps then 16 GB might be a good investment.