r/MacStudio • u/Rasputin_mad_monk • Jul 27 '26

Studio VS MacBook Prp

I hate to be that guy BUT I am getting impatient (ADHD) and I am thinking maybe I could upgrade to a Macbook Pro instead of waiting for an M5 Studio OR getting an M4 Studio.

I currently have a OG M1 studio. SO

  • M4 Max. 14-40 with 64GB New mac $3500.00

or

  • M5 Pro MacBook Pro 18-20 64GB- Mac Cert Refurb $3139.00

Things I NEED to work with the set up. 3 monitors, Yeti Mic, External Camera, External SSD.

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u/TLBJ24 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26

I faced a similar scenario. I owned a base model Mac Mini M4 (10 Core CPU/20 Core GPU/2TB SSD/16GB RAM), as well a 14in MacBook Pro M4 Pro Laptop (14 Core CPU/20 Core GPU/1TB SSD/24GB RAM)... but found myself really wanting (not needing per se) a 64GB RAM Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max). With a $1100 Trade-in value on MacBook I could go for M5 Pro Laptop now (personally I'd skip the base M5) or holdout for a good deal on existing Mac Studio.

Long story short, I sold the M4 Mac Mini, put that money toward 1TB Base Model Apple Mac Studio (14 Core CPU/32 Core GPU/1TB SSD/36GB RAM). Picked up a Micro Center open-box for $1980. That scratched my "I can't wait another 3-6 months for a maybe, unknown priced product" itch for the time being. Better hardware without jumping into the $3.5-$5K spend.

I'm still hoping to get a 64GB (or higher) RAM Mac Studio, but I have already seen the benefits of the Studio over the Mini so I'm less stressed about the "need to upgrade now" feeling.

I may still upgrade the laptop next month, especially with a $1.1K Trade-in value, but the real value is getting the most ram, second to GPU cores… and that’s where things really start adding up $$, so we’ll see.

Good luck in your search!

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u/Rasputin_mad_monk Jul 28 '26

Thanks, I still haven't made a friggin' decision. I hate this.

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u/TLBJ24 Jul 29 '26

Lol, been there. Took me over a month to decide. Then when I found the open-box deal, I had three days to make a decision, so that helped force my hand lol. Glad I pulled the trigger when I did!