Which MacBook ?

[max2]

I never used the MacOS before or even a MacBook.

If a newbie like me wanted to see what it is all about which one would you recommend ? Already have a desktop pc but want a mac on the side or maybe who knows as my main desktop machine.

Mostly want it for one program only on the macos. Though not the only reason.

 

[conmee]

If your budget allows, get a maxed out Mac Pro. The wheels are an additional $900, but... [chef's kiss] 😉

Mac Mini if you prefer desktop, MacBook Air if you want something portable. MacBook Neo if you are budget constrained.

 

[max2]

If your budget allows, get a maxed out Mac Pro. The wheels are an additional $900, but... [chef's kiss] 😉

Mac Mini if you prefer desktop, MacBook Air if you want something portable. MacBook Neo if you are budget constrained.

What does the extra power of say a Mac Pro Max give me ? What exactly is done faster?

Thinking of Mac Mini but not sure if good enough or fast. How cooling for such a small desktop type machine? Can I use display port from my pc monitor to it? If not what about HDMI too ?

 

[conmee]

My first sentence in my previous post was an attempt at humor. Apologies.

The Mac Mini and MacBook Air are generally good for just about everyone. Since you mention you might want the Mac as your main desktop, then Mac Mini is a good choice. Cooling isn't an issue with Macs for the most part. Really depends on what you do, what applications do you use, what is your primary use case/workflow?

 

[max2]

My first sentence in my previous post was an attempt at humor. Apologies.

The Mac Mini and MacBook Air are generally good for just about everyone. Since you mention you might want the Mac as your main desktop, then Mac Mini is a good choice. Cooling isn't an issue with Macs for the most part. Really depends on what you do, what applications do you use, what is your primary use case/workflow?

Yeah I figured that! lol

Just that you can not really game, at least not top AAA titles on macs was not sure why people use max out macs per say?

Mostly will use it for general desktop usage. Plus maybe try this one program that seems cool. Doubt it requires full max hardware.

Betamagic - Movie Explorer Pro

Betamagic Movie Explorer Pro

betamagic.nl

 

[conmee]

I got a maxed out MacBook Pro thanks to the large amount of FOMO/YOLO vibes on this site. 😉 haha Actually, I run a handful of virtual machines for work and I tend to go overboard with configurations. If I'm honest, I could get by just fine with an M5 and 24GB memory but I can't get that combination in a 16" MacBook Pro. So I had to go up the ladder and I figured might as well get the M5 Pro and max out the memory. It will definitely handle anything I need to do for the next 5-7 years.

Lots of folks on this site work with AI/LLM models, professional video/photography/music/design, lots of workloads that can take advantage of a maxed out Mini, Studio, and Mac Pro. For general desktop usage as you mentioned, I think a Mini will be fine. A Mini with M4 chip, 256GB storage and 16GB memory will cost $599. But you can load it up with an M4 Pro, 64GB memory, and 1TB storage for $2,399. It's a great value in base configuration but will scale up to a fairly mighty desktop if you start to max it out. The Mini can get some serious work done.

Yeah, if AAA games are your thing, you'll still need your PC. Having said that the M4 Pro with 64GB will do an admirable job with many games, including AAA titles (native and ports) that arrive later to the Mac, so it's not zero gaming, just limited AAA.

 

[rb2112]

I never used the MacOS before or even a MacBook.

If a newbie like me wanted to see what it is all about which one would you recommend ? Already have a desktop pc but want a mac on the side or maybe who knows as my main desktop machine.

Mostly want it for one program only on the macos. Though not the only reason.

If you are just trying, you could grab an older M1 MacBook for low cost and thus low risk. They will run the latest OS.
If using as "main desktop" you may want the 16 inch version.
Versions such as these can go for about $700-$900 online resellers depending on condition, pick a seller with many sales and very high feedback score.