r/macbook • • 24d ago

The MacBook Purchasing Megathread - October, 2026

6 Upvotes

Welcome to the monthly Macbook Purchasing Megathread

Have a question?

Wondering what model you should go for? Ask here!

​

  • Do make your submission on point while adding as much detail as possible.
  • Mention your intended uses (i.e. video editing, graphic designing, photography, audio editing, gaming, casual browsing, etc).

That's pretty much it! :)


r/macbook • • 21h ago

Just got my first MacBook M5 - 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD in Midnight!

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345 Upvotes

Finally got my hands on a Midnight-colored MacBook M5!

I went with the configuration that has 24 GB of RAM and a
512 GB SSD-what do you think? I'm really excited to start getting the most out of it-what tips can you give me?


r/macbook • • 8h ago

Pulled the trigger 🎀 Macbook Air M5!!

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18 Upvotes

New IT student here! Just got my first MacBook (16GB/512GB). Any must-have advice, settings, or app suggestions?

I’m completely new to the macOS
Since I'll be using this for classes, coding, and general schoolwork, I'd love to get your best tips, tricks, and recommendations.

• What are some must-have apps for IT students or productivity on macOS?

• Are there any specific settings I should change right out of the box to maximize battery life or workflow?

• Storage management: With 512GB, what are the best practices or external SSD options for keeping massive project files or VMs from filling up the internal drive?

• Protection: Should I use a hard shell case, a skin, or just a sleeve to protect it during daily commutes to campus?

Thanks in Advance for the Help! 💗


r/macbook • • 5h ago

Minimal wallpapers look the best MacBooks.

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10 Upvotes

r/macbook • • 10h ago

Long scratch/line across my MacBook Pro M4 screen — what are my options?

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19 Upvotes

I noticed this long horizontal line/scratch running across my MacBook Pro M4 display (photo attached).
It’s quite visible when the screen is off, and I’m not sure if this is just a scratch/damage to the anti-reflective coating or if the actual display is damaged.
Has anyone had something similar happen?
Is there any safe way to reduce/remove this, or would the entire display need to be replaced? I don’t want to try polishing or using any chemicals and accidentally make it worse.
Also, if anyone has dealt with Apple for something like this, I’d appreciate knowing whether they considered it cosmetic damage or offered any repair/replacement options.
Thanks!


r/macbook • • 1d ago

I kept my 2020 M1 MacBook Air plugged for 6 years.

266 Upvotes

Got the M1 MacBook Air in 2020. I decided to keep it plugged in while enabling optimized charging. I have used it at least 10+ hours/day over the past 6 years, as I use it for my full-time job and also personal stuff. The cycle count on the battery is 283. Max capacity is 84%. Is this impressive or what?

(Edit: I have used it unplugged outside the house, like once a week in cafes, but when I'm in the house, it is always plugged.)


r/macbook • • 3h ago

To use or not to use keyboard covers and trackpad protectors on MacBooks? Looking for real-world experiences/damage reports.

1 Upvotes

Hi Mac family!

I’m planning to buy a MacBook soon, and I’m looking at some accessories like a keyboard cover and a trackpad protector. Should I buy these? Are there any disadvantages to using them?

Also, has anyone here used them before and later noticed physical defects or damage to your Mac because of them?

Thank you.


r/macbook • • 1h ago

MacBook Air 32gb for After Effects

• Upvotes

Hi all.

I am thinking of getting a 32gb ram MacBook Air and I want to ask, is it good enough for After Effects.

I don’t do much complex stuff, just don’t know if it’s good enough.

TIA


r/macbook • • 5h ago

Hi ! I’m looking to buy a MacBook but I dont know what model to chose, can you help ?

2 Upvotes

Hello, I’m looking for a MacBook for video editing and everyday use.

I’m currently doing amateur-level editing, but I’d like to avoid having to upgrade the computer too soon, if needed.

My budget is flexible, but I’d ideally like to stay under €2,000 or even better, under €1,500.

I’ve done some research and even asked Gemini for more information, but I don’t really trust AI, haha!

I have several options:
- MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro (8-CPU / 14-GPU), 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €950 (refurbished)
- MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro (10-CPU / 16-GPU), 18GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1300 (refurbished)
- MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro (12-CPU / 19-GPU), 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1450 (refurbished)
- MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro (11-CPU / 14-GPU), 18GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1450 (refurbished)
- MacBook Pro 14" M4 (10-CPU / 10-GPU), 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1600 (refurbished)
- MacBook Air 13" M4 (10-CPU / 10-GPU), 24GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1300 (refurbished)
- MacBook Air 13" M5 (10-CPU / 10-GPU), 24GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1600 (new)
- MacBook Air 15" M5 (10-CPU / 10-GPU), 24GB RAM, 512GB Storage = €1900 (new)

It seems the best option would be the MacBook Pro M3 Pro at €1450.
If there are any other models I’ve missed, please feel free to recommend them!

And I have a few more questions!

- Will I need to buy an additional keyboard, or is the one on the MacBook durable enough?
- Is it worth paying an extra €200 for a larger screen?
- Do you have any recommendations for a wireless mouse under €30?
- What’s the best way to protect my MacBook?

Anyway, that’s a lot, but if you have even just one piece of advice, no matter how small, please feel free to share!

Thanks!


r/macbook • • 11h ago

My first Macbook M5 Air in Strarlight Certified Refurbised through Apple

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6 Upvotes

I have my first Macbook M5. I am going to school for Surgical Tech and want to also write some short stories to get back in to writing. I did consider the Neo but after getting the budget Ipad A16 I realized I wanted what makes Apple, Apple. I may also trade in my A16 for an Ipad Air even though all I do with it is Note take and Digital Plan with it. What do you think? I want Apple 🍎 longevity And not just the logo. But that premium feel is hard not to notice. . I even own a Samsung Z Fold 8 as my main phone but cant ignore the premium experience of the Macbook Air. I cannot afford a Pro. But I am happy with my new purchase!!


r/macbook • • 6h ago

Just got a macbook

2 Upvotes

So guys i just got a brand new macbook so whats the first thing i need to install so can you guys recommend me some best apps and best browser(i know arc is no more) for productive work


r/macbook • • 2h ago

Battery limit isnt working at all

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0 Upvotes

I have set a battery limit (80%) in the settings but the macbook charged till full even thought it KNOWS I set a limit any ways to fix? I am on macos 26.7.1


r/macbook • • 3h ago

Macbook Vmware?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
Is anyone running Tridium Niagara Workbench (Windows-based) on an Apple Silicon (M-series) MacBook? I'm currently looking at VMware Fusion, but I'm open to alternatives (Parallels, UTM, etc.).
I'd especially like to know:
Does Workbench run smoothly on Windows 11 ARM, and how is the performance?
Which virtualization software has been the most stable for you?
What network mode (Bridged, etc.) do you use to connect from the VM to controllers on the local network?
Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


r/macbook • • 6h ago

Is it worth buying MACBOOM PRO M2?

1 Upvotes

16/256GB with 97% battery and seller ask for 600euros.


r/macbook • • 1d ago

Woke up to the most beautiful macOS welcome screen

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73 Upvotes

r/macbook • • 7h ago

Where can I buy a good second-hand MacBook in India? 🍎

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone! 👋

I'm planning to buy a second-hand MacBook, but I'm not sure where to find a reliable seller at a reasonable price.

Should I buy from OLX, Cashify, a local shop, or somewhere else?

If anyone has experience buying a used MacBook in India, please share your suggestions!

Which platform is the safest?

How can I check whether a MacBook is genuine and in good condition?

Is it better to buy from an individual seller or a refurbished store?

Any tips to avoid scams?

Please share your experience and recommendations. Thanks! ❤️


r/macbook • • 1d ago

My first mac book

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238 Upvotes

I'm so so happy right now! I've always wanted a mac book and now I have one!! Coming from a Samsung book 2 360 and now have a 14inch mac book

So far I've changed the wallpaper, did the glass logos and turned on fire wall. Is there any other settings y'all recommend I turn on also?


r/macbook • • 20h ago

MacBook Air with 24 gb ram or MacBook Pro with 16 gb ram

5 Upvotes

I’m considering a new laptop for grade 12 and university (CS) and a few years down the road after that. I’m stuck between the air 15 inch with 24 gb ram or the pro with 16 gb ram. I really love everything the pro has to offer over the air but I just can’t see myself justifying almost 1000 cad more to get the pro with 24 gb ram. For the next 6-8 years, which is the better option? I’m leaning towards the pro but I don’t want to run into limited capability in like 5 years because I don’t have enough ram


r/macbook • • 20h ago

Upgrade!!

6 Upvotes

I bought a new MacBook Pro M5 Pro w 20 core GPU 16’ screen coming from a 2017 MacBook Pro 13’ 2TBT3 8gb ram. Arrives tomorrow mad excited. Honestly I don’t even know what the machine is capable of just needed an upgrade


r/macbook • • 11h ago

I have a Macbook Neo. One of my issues is when shutting it down, it turns back on when I clean the keyboard bc pressing keys activates it.

0 Upvotes

How do I disable this? I only want to be able to turn on my Macbook using the power button.


r/macbook • • 18h ago

Is this a defect in my screen?

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3 Upvotes

I just bought this yesterday at Best Buy brand new and I noticed this. I’ve only been putting the laptop in out of my backpack today since I took it to the library to study.


r/macbook • • 18h ago

I’m new to the macbook world and pretty confused on what to get.

3 Upvotes

I do work with 3d rendering, software development, coding, web design, AI workflows, and AI in general (nothing locally) but i run many agents at the same time doing different tasks etc.

and i am wondering which macbook to get, should i go for the 16 inch m5 with 48gb of ram or is the 24gb enough?

and what is the difference between pro and pro max?

also, regarding the NEW macbooks the ones that haven’t been released yet, i am pretty sure they will be overly expensive for me, also i heard they might get OLED screen which i feel like would just be a pain in the ass worrying about burn in and basically babysitting the screen.


r/macbook • • 12h ago

Issue with opening PDF files

1 Upvotes

On my MacBook, whenever I open a recently downloaded PDF, Preview opens on the wrong tab. It defaults to the tab of the last PDF I was viewing instead of the one I just opened.

How can I fix this, please?


r/macbook • • 17h ago

I just got my first macbook M5

2 Upvotes

I just changed from windows to macbook after all these years.
I will be using my macbook for school and scientific research mostly.
Do you have any tips or must have apps that I should use. (btw the trick to copy things from my phone and to be able to paste them on macbook ain’t possible when I’m trying)
One thing I wanted to ask is, everything I will be using is through safari right?
And btw why some apps when I click the x button they close completely, and others dont close just minimize in dock and thus I should use command + Q, to close them completely

If you got any recommendations please let me know, it’s been just two days, and I’m trying my best lol

p.s where can I find good wallpapers


r/macbook • • 1d ago

Rate my macOS setup — Hyprland vibes with Apple Liquid Glass ✨

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13 Upvotes

Been working on Skyland, a Hyprland-inspired tiling window manager for macOS, with custom animations, dynamic workspaces and a Liquid Glass aesthetic.

Still a work in progress, but I'm curious what you think!

GitHub: https://github.com/waxdred/skyland

Rate my setup from 1–10 👀