Need some advises

[35.2]

Hello all, I am new to here, I am thinking of getting a mac machine, because I have never use a Mac and want to try MacOS, also want to learn light photo & video editing by using iMovie & iphoto (I heard that they are easier to learn and use then the other softwares).

I now have the below equipment:

1. Dell monitor P2418HT

2. Logitech g903 mouse , a Microsoft mouse and 2 keyboards

3. Dell inspiron 7577 laptop (for gamming and work purpose e.g. excel and word related)

4. Dell Inspiron 7737 laptop (spare machine, desktop replacement and for family as they sometimes need a laptop to use around the house)

I was thinking about the Macbook pro 13 nTB (I have checked out the newer models in local Apple store and find that I do hate the touch bar), but have done some research and know that there are keyboard issues and SSD issues in some models. So now I am thinking about the Mac mini, with the mini, I can use the monitor ,mouse and keyboard on the mac mini.

Now I am not sure which one to choose , the mac mini seems to be much more powerful in terms of over performance, but with the macbook, I can bring it out with me if I need to (seldomly), as it is small and light.

So I would like you guys to help me choose (will get a eGPU as both the macbook pro nTB and mac mini does not have a very good graphic card for photo & video editing, probably a Akitio Node) :

1. i5 mac mini and config the ssd to 512G, 10G Ethernet and apple care

2. Apple refurbished macbook pro 13 nTB with 16G ram and 256/512 ssd and Apple care


Thank you very much

 

[Mannaerts]

Is portability a must? There lies your answer

 

[35.2]

Is portability a must? There lies your answer

Hmmm.... rarely, but when I need portability, I might have to take it out for at least half a day......

 

[AnonMac50]

Would you need macOS when you take it out with you?

 

[F-Train]

So I would like you guys to help me choose (will get a eGPU as ... the ... mac mini does not have a very good graphic card for photo & video editing, probably a Akitio Node)...

The Mac mini works perfectly well for photo editing, except perhaps for batch editing of a large number of photographs, and for video, unless you are doing fairly sophisticated editing of 4K video. For standard photo and video editing, an external GPU is an expensive and cumbersome "solution" to a non-existent problem.

 

[Fishrrman]

Since you already have a laptop for portability (even if its Windows), I suggest you try the Mini.
It should work fine with your existing monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.

The "touch" features (of the monitor) won't work with the Mac OS.
You'll need a "USB-c [Mac end] to displayport [monitor end] cable/adapter".
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073H9RG9T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_JOf9Bb3V71BTY?pldnSite=1

 

[35.2]

Since you already have a laptop for portability (even if its Windows), I suggest you try the Mini.
It should work fine with your existing monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.

The "touch" features (of the monitor) won't work with the Mac OS.
You'll need a "USB-c [Mac end] to displayport [monitor end] cable/adapter".
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073H9RG9T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_JOf9Bb3V71BTY?pldnSite=1

Thanks very much
[doublepost=1543800454][/doublepost]

The Mac mini works perfectly well for photo editing, except perhaps for batch editing of a large number of photographs, and for video, unless you are doing fairly sophisticated editing of 4K video. For standard photo and video editing, an external GPU is an expensive and cumbersome "solution" to a non-existent problem.

Ah ok, thanks, because I seen lots of review saying that the intergrated graphic is one of its weakness when doing photo & video editing, for me, i am just going to learn, maybe 1080p only

 

[F-Train]

Ah ok, thanks, because I seen lots of review saying that the intergrated graphic is one of its weakness when doing photo & video editing, for me, i am just going to learn, maybe 1080p only

I have an external GPU. You absolutely do not need one. The integrated graphics will be fine.

 

[35.2]

I have an external GPU. You absolutely do not need one. The integrated graphics will be fine.

thanks so much, so now just thinking, within my budget, not sure which to choose, the i5 with 512G ssd or i7 with 256G ssd, since the ssd is soldered on the board......