Which Mac or Mac Combo Sparks Joy (to Buy)?

[Alvin777]

Hi, just supposing there's no info on how it'll be used, what's the main use or what apps will be run, without scrutinizing too deeply nor weighing cons and pros deeply, just with istincts, which one just sparks joy (ala Marie Kondo) and no regret later purchase (will be paid in 12 mos. to 24 mos. installments)?

Imagine one is in a game show or those instant challenges by some influencers on the streets, a random encounter, with seconds to choose or it could be used this common scenario wherein you want to give a gift to say a spouse, son, daughter, gf, niece, nephew or someone like that and usually you don't have an opportunity to ask (maybe to keep things a surprise or avoid envy from others by being discreet perhaps it's a gift to a favorite someone), you're just making a best judgment gift (expensive gift perhaps coz' maybe a make up for things for not giving gifts many times in the past)?

A to C are about US$2799, all brand new (separate keyboard, headphones- silence for other people and mouse will be used for efficiency):



A) 14" (with Liquid Retina XDR, uses mini-LED) Macbook Pro M5 with M5 Pro 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 48GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD



B) Mac Mini M4 (base M4), 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD

+

Samsung 57" G9 Super Ultrawide monitor (uses mini- LED)



C) 13" Macbook Air M5 with base M5 8-core GPU, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD

+

Samsung 57" G9 Super Ultrawide monitor (uses mini- LED)



D) Macbook Neo with 512GB SSD (with Touch ID) note: US$562 less than US$2799

+

Samsung 57" G9 Super Ultrawide monitor (uses mini- LED)





Thank you.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Your question can't be answered in any meaningful way given you said, "without any info on how it'll be used, what's the main use or what apps will be run.."

Given your request, it all comes down to your budget. If you can easily afford either scenario, then buy the first scenario from Apple and test it for 12 days. If it doesn't fit your needs and wants, return and test the second scenario..

 

[Basic75]

There's a Mac mini on your list from which I deduce you don't need a portable computer. Get the Mac mini.

 

[Fishrrman]

Buy the setup that YOU want...

 

[Alvin777]

Your question can't be answered in any meaningful way given you said, "without any info on how it'll be used, what's the main use or what apps will be run.."

Given your request, it all comes down to your budget. If you can easily afford either scenario, then buy the first scenario from Apple and test it for 12 days. If it doesn't fit your needs and wants, return and test the second scenario..

Hi, you're all right, 57" Super Ultrawide may just be too wide after taking a glimpse of it and may have blurrier texts and UI, most definitely a best fit for gaming.

🙂 Apple 6K 32" multi-monitor for peace of mind is a wiser choice or Apple Vision Pro multi-monitor with Super Ultrawide optionm in conjunction with a Mac, yup nothing beats an all Apple ecosystem for seamless operation.

Thanks.

 

[!!!]

Hi, just supposing there's no info on how it'll be used, what's the main use or what apps will be run, without scrutinizing too deeply nor weighing cons and pros deeply, just with istincts, which one just sparks joy

The iMac G4, or G4 Cube.