Choosing Between Mac Studio and MacBook Pro: 5 Key Questions
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When faced with the choice of a Mac Studio or a MacBook Pro, it’s important to ask yourself some key questions to avoid making an expensive mistake. With the powerful M1 chip, every Mac model—from the entry-level M1 to the high-end M1 Ultra—provides excellent performance suited to its intended tasks. The critical factor to consider is whether you are a power user who truly requires the specific capabilities of a higher-end model.
Many potential buyers voice concerns in comments on my YouTube videos, like whether the 16GB M1 chip is necessary for tasks such as video editing and Photoshop. My consistent advice is to invest as much as you can to sidestep buyer’s remorse and enjoy the performance of your new machine, which will likely surpass your expectations.
Now, let's delve into five straightforward questions that can assist you in making your decision between the MacBook Pro and the Mac Studio.
Question 1: What is your budget?
Your dilemma may have begun here, as the base models of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Studio are priced identically at $1,999 (with the UK pricing starting at £1,899 for the MacBook Pro).
Upgrading either model can push the cost well over $6,000, which might lead you to believe they are comparable. However, a significant distinction exists: the MacBook Pro includes a display, keyboard, and trackpad, while the Mac Studio only comes with a power cable.
This difference alters the overall perspective and makes the next question crucial.
Question 2: Do you require extensive multi-core performance?
A recurring theme in discussions about the Mac Studio is that very few users actually need the extraordinary power of the M1 Ultra chip. You should assess your needs in this regard. If your work involves editing multiple streams of 8K video or pushing the limits of audio production, and time is of the essence, the M1 Ultra may be the right choice for you.
However, it’s essential to recognize that you represent a small segment of users. Most readers of this guide likely realize they do not need the capabilities offered by the M1 Ultra.
If you are still reading, let’s proceed.
Question 3: How portable do you need your device to be?
The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be cumbersome for daily use due to its size and weight. In contrast, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is highly portable, fitting comfortably on most desks and easy to carry.
The Mac Studio, while compact, is not designed for portability; it’s unlikely you’ll be taking it to your favorite café. I bought my 16-inch MacBook Pro prior to the Mac Studio's release, and I still prefer it for the flexibility it provides in my workflow.
Consider whether you can work with a powerful Mac that remains stationary or if you need the flexibility of a mobile device.
Question 4: How important is a Retina display to you?
As mentioned earlier, the Mac Studio lacks additional features. To use it effectively, you will need a keyboard, mouse or trackpad, and a display.
When it comes to displays, your choices depend on your expectations. If you’re accustomed to Retina displays on devices like iMacs, MacBooks, or iPads and wish to maintain that quality, your options are:
- Purchase the MacBook Pro for its Liquid Retina XDR ProMotion display, or
- Buy the Mac Studio and invest in a Studio Display.
Keep in mind that the latter option will add $1,599 to your total cost. The Studio Display, despite criticism since its launch, is the only option for a large, sharp display with 5K resolution that isn’t the Pro Display XDR.
If you opt for the Mac Studio and a 4K monitor, the display quality may not meet your expectations, which could be disappointing. Thus, consider your budget carefully—can you afford to add this significant expense for a Retina display, or does the MacBook Pro provide a more favorable deal?
Question 5: Should you consider alternatives?
It's worth reiterating a point made at the beginning of this guide: every Mac, from the basic M1 to the top-tier M1 Ultra, offers impressive performance for its designated use.
Apple's silicon has made powerful computing accessible to Mac users. If I didn’t have my M1 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, I could still edit 4K YouTube videos on an M1 Mac mini or even an entry-level M1 MacBook Air if necessary.
If you’re focused on the MacBook Pro or Mac Studio, take a moment to explore options like the Mac mini, 24-inch iMac, or MacBook Air that could save you significant money.
Before finalizing your decision, consider reviewing my other guides:
- M1 Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: How to Decide!
- Is Now the Right Time to Buy an M1 MacBook Air?
- 24" M1 iMac Review — Three Months Later
Conclusion
If I have succeeded in my task, you should now have a clearer understanding of whether a notebook or desktop Mac suits your needs better.
With this clarity, return to the budget you established earlier and make a decision that feels right. Remember to choose a configuration that aligns with your needs and hit that 'buy now' button confidently, avoiding any buyer's remorse when delivery day arrives.
Enjoy your new Mac!
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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on April 7, 2022.