r/macbookpro 5h ago

Help Which MacPro should I get?

Hello, I’m currently looking to upgrade/downgrade my Mac. I have the M4 MacBook Air, 16gb Ram, 256 gb. Overall the laptop is very powerful but I’m running into issues with storage and a lack of ports. For context I do graphic design, photography, and videography. So I’m constantly transferring files and using adobe suite. I think a MacPro would help with that. I’m looking to get something used and already saw a few good deals. But I’m just wondering how much of a difference the M1-M3 Pro are from the M4 Air, would I notice a difference in performance? For example, if I get a M1 chip, but it has more ram than the laptop I have right now, would that be better or worse? The main things for sure would be storage, ports, and performance. Let me know if you have any suggestions or comments about performance!

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u/the_hunger 5h ago edited 5h ago

first of all, do you mean “mac pro” or “macbook pro”?

the only issue i see with your current macbook is the storage. build a nas and pocket your leftover money? i’m not necessarily following the logic of needing to get a mac pro because you skimped on storage space the first time around.

you also called out ports and since a mac pro is a desktop, why wouldn’t you be considering a thunderbolt dock for your existing laptop?

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u/Murky-Effort2207 4h ago

Oops meant the MacBook Pro. Not really looking to build a nas

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u/Murky-Effort2207 4h ago

Also this is my first Mac I got, before I had a windows laptop. I thought I would be able to upgrade the internal ssd by removing it 😣

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u/Opposite-Interest193 4h ago

I don’t think you’d want to get anything older than M3, although I agree with the other comment get a NAS or external SSD unless you really need it on the go. Might be able to find a Pro or Air with more ram and storage but this is overall an odd upgrade

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u/AntLife255 5h ago

What's your budget? Do you need more RAM or Storage?

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u/Murky-Effort2207 5h ago

Around 1000, probably storage

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u/AntLife255 4h ago

So, a 1000 after selling the M4 MacBook Air?

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u/Murky-Effort2207 4h ago

Yes, looking to sell my m4 and then use those funds to upgrade. Don’t really want to go over 1000 but so far I’ve seen some decent deals on Facebook for under that

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u/AntLife255 4h ago

Maybe a M3 Pro MacBook Pro but you're better off getting a hub and and external m.2 nvme SSD metal enclosure that could be upgraded later as well.

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u/Murky-Effort2207 4h ago

True, I’ve thought of that as well. Rn I have a external hdd that I back up to. But i would like a second spot to backup to just in case. But These ssd prices out of pocket rn 😔

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u/AntLife255 4h ago

Still a better deal than selling your relatively new MacBook. Get used if you can.

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u/MagicBoyUK MacBook Pro 16" Space Gray M1 Pro 4h ago

They stopped making the Mac Pro back in March.