© Apple
Top 5 best Mac 2024:
- MacBook Air
- iMac
- MacBook Pro
- Mac mini
- Mac Studio
The format
If you have to choose a Mac, first know that there are two main families: portable Macs and desktop Macs. The former are obviously the most suitable for nomadic use, this working method becoming more widespread among teleworkers.
With this, know that the weight or size are also different depending on the Mac you opt for. MacBook Pros are notably the largest of Apple's laptops, with the 16.2-inch model at the top of the list. Where the MacBook Air is a real featherweight, for its 14.2-inch version (the most recent).
On the desktop side, the Mac mini looks like a big Apple TV but remains very compact, whereas the Mac Studio will be more difficult to transport. As for the Mac Pro, it is a tower so the format is obviously very imposing. The manufacturer does however offer casters, but given the price (more than 800 euros!) we will pass. Some will then prefer the elongated format of the Mac Pro, in “rack”. But be careful, because here, the price also changes according to the ’inclination…
All desktop Macs are delivered without a screen except the iMac. The latter is an all-in-one, appreciated by the less tinkering and limiting the cabling between an external monitor and the central unit. More practical, therefore, but also more imposing in theory.
The size of the screen
This brings us to the question of screen size. Here's everything you can choose from today at Apple:
- 14.2-inch MacBook Pro M3
- 16.2-inch or 14.2-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro or M3 Max chip
- 15.3-inch MacBook Air larger
- 13.6-inch MacBook Air M2
- 13.3-inch MacBook Air M1
- 24-inch MacBook Air l’iMac M3
If you choose a desktop Mac, you can connect the monitor of your choice to it. However, be aware that for maximum compatibility and Continuity, you can choose one of the two external displays offered by Apple in stores:
- 27 inches for the Studio Display (5K definition)
- 32 inches for the Pro Display XDR (6K definition)
The Mac Pro and the Pro Display XDR © Apple
The price
Some of the most expensive Macs can cost tens of thousands of euros, while affordable ones can cost a few hundred, especially if they are offered second-hand. So be sure to check the price carefully before you pay.
Also, note that each model can be customized according to the configuration of your choice. However, Apple offers options for memory (SSD), for example, that are far too expensive. So only choose the most important options, otherwise don't hesitate to opt for third-party accessories, especially when ports are lacking.
Performance
If you plan to use a Mac as a personal computer and without professional ambitions, you will probably only need minimal office automation and telecommunications tools. In this case, you do not need to dwell too much on the technical sheet. On the other hand, for fast work, precisely, we recommend that you take a look at the technical sheets of the processors. With this, remember to consult the volume of RAM offered. This is essential, because the higher it is, the more stable your Mac will be during its multitasking work sessions.
the Mac Studio © Apple
Beware of the release date
Older Macs will be supported for a shorter period of time. So consider buying a Mac that is not too old. As a reminder, Apple supports computers with major updates for an average of five to seven years. Don't panic, however, because security updates and other patches that close vulnerabilities remain available for even longer, sometimes more than ten years after the Mac is released.
It is also important to check the release date to avoid buying a Mac that will be updated with a better technical sheet in just a few weeks after your order. We know that Apple has a habit of releasing new generations of its ranges almost every year now. To see things more clearly, don't hesitate to take a look at the Buyer's Guide, Mac section, edited by our colleagues at MacRumors. You will find a dedicated calendar that keeps you informed of the best time to buy a Mac model, depending on the release schedule of the Apple company.
Pay attention to battery life
Of course, when you look at the technical sheet of a MacBook (the name of the Apple laptop range), you should also look at the battery life offered by model. This ranges from eighteen hours to twenty-two hours depending on the manufacturer. However, be aware that these are measurements carried out internally, in a laboratory. The figures can therefore differ greatly from the results you will obtain at home, especially with the brightness at full blast or Bluetooth on permanently for example.
the Mac mini © Apple
Do we really need to dwell on the number of sockets ?
Apple SoCs are not modifiable. It is therefore important to check the amount of RAM under the hood, because you cannot add strips like on older Macs. But for sockets or my storage capacity, we advise you not to dwell on this limitation which also affects them.
Indeed, as far as plugs are concerned, for example, these are certainly quite limited at the moment but there are now dedicated adapters that cost a few euros from third-party manufacturers. However, do not buy them from Apple: the price can be three times more expensive!
On models like the fifteen-inch MacBook Air (only two USB-C ports), you'll clearly need an additional USB dock, for example. Also, be aware that only MacBook Pros now have HDMI ports and an SD card slot – on the laptop side.
l’iMac © Apple
MacBook Air, the best choice advised ?
The MacBook Air is not only the most affordable Apple laptop, but it is also the least expensive. However, it is a very complete model and today its performance is almost equal when compared to the most affordable MacBook Pro. There are now two major collections of MacBook Air. On the one hand, the smaller one with a 13.6-inch display. And on the other hand, the larger one with no less than 15.3 inches on the clock.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The most recent models are equipped with the M3 chip, which is the least powerful of its generation. However, the latter is the most recent offered by Apple for its proprietary chips. Moreover, be aware that in terms of performance, the MacBook Air generally does a little – or even a lot – less well than the MacBook Pro. But a MacBook Air, even with an M1 chip, remains an excellent ally for daily office work. Students will also appreciate it, but don't expect to perform large-scale quantum calculations for research. For a digital nomad, however, the MacBook Air will do the job perfectly, thanks to its very compact size, even for the largest model.
The base price of the MacBook Air is 1,199 euros, today.
the MacBook Air © Apple
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is the ultimate laptop from the Apple company. This model marketed by Apple offers a better screen than the MacBook Air, thanks to the ProMotion refresh rate of one hundred and twenty images per second. Performance is therefore obviously more efficient, except perhaps sometimes with the small 14-inch model equipped with the M3 chip. The MacBook Pros also have more USB-C ports, an HDMI port and an SD card slot, now. Remember that previous generations no longer had the right to them.
When you choose the MacBook Pro today, it is also to benefit from a larger screen. Thus, the most imposing model allows you to work with an impressive 16.2-inch screen – compared to 14.2 inches for the small MacBook Pro. Coming back to performance, know that while the MacBook Air is limited to thirty-two gigabytes of RAM, the MacBook Pro can go up to one hundred and twenty-eight. Internal storage can also reach up to 8 TB compared to 2 TB maximum on the MacBook Air. On the other hand, prices start at 1,999 euros: an amount that clearly not everyone can afford.
the MacBook Pro © Apple
MacBook “simply”
MacBooks are d’ ;other compact computers marketed by Apple in the 2010s. You can sometimes find them second-hand, at certain resellers. However, even official Apple partners no longer offer them. more,
We recommend that you do not buy a MacBook today, as the penultimate model is not compatible with macOS Ventura. And this is the latest version of the macOS operating system (the most advanced, therefore). We therefore assume that next year, even the most recent MacBook will not be entitled to the next major version of the operating system. Given the new features that are often announced for the occasion, it would be a shame to miss them. Let's also point out that after a little longer, Apple also stops sending security updates!
The iconic iMac
The iMac is the ideal Apple computer for the office, because it is currently the only one with the “all-in-one” format. Understand that you have everything you need to use the computer right out of the box: wireless mouse and keyboard, but also screen and central unit. The latter is actually integrated behind the panel, but for all that the latter is not too thick. In terms of performance, we will simply regret that only the M3 chip is available. Neither the M3 Pro nor the M3 Max are included, unlike the MacBook Pro. Professionals are waiting for a second generation of the iMac Pro, which could arrive soon but has not yet seen the light of day. This model is much faster.
Otherwise, the iMac M3 remains a very good asset for a printer, a Sunday graphic designer or even a family. It is also perhaps the most suitable computer for use in the home, because it can both broadcast films on its large 24-inch screen and allow parents to manage their files during the day with the integrated iWork suite. Note, moreover, that the 4.5K definition is well beyond that offered by MacBooks today.
Choosing between Mac Studio, Mac Pro and Mac mini
Apple offers three models of CPUs without a display (so you have to invest in an external monitor yourself). The key takeaway here is that the Mac mini is the least powerful, while the Mac Pro is a speed monster that absolutely outclasses every other Mac. Some people, however, feel that its spec sheet sometimes comes too close to that of the Mac Studio, but the latter is clearly a step above the Mac mini.
The main differences between the Mac Studio, Mac Pro, and Mac mini are in the jacks on the edges and the power. If you need a multi-monitor setup, also be sure to check how many your desktop Mac supports. Finally, be aware that the order of magnitude for size is the same as for velocity: the Mac mini is the smallest, the Mac Studio is larger, and the Mac Pro is an even more imposing tower or rack.
Which Mac to choose for work ?
The MacBook Pro, as its name suggests, is dedicated to professionals. It is therefore the computer par excellence for this type of public.
Which Mac to choose for video editing or for music ?
The Mac Studio, as its name also suggests, is dedicated to music creators or video editors.
Which Mac to choose in 2024 ?
This will depend on when you want to buy the computer. If it's around spring or summer; wait until the Worldwide Developer Conference to see what new products Apple announces. These will probably be better than those offered in the Apple Store at the time you make your inquiries. The same goes for the weeks leading up to September, since that's when Tim Cook's company holds its usual end-of-year keynote.
We can also think differently, because significant price drops are to be noted with Macs precisely as the release of new models approaches. It's up to you to find the right balance between good value for money and major updates.
Which Mac to choose for photo editing ?
For basic photo editing, a MacBook Air will do the job just fine — but the larger version may be the better choice. For professional work, however, the MacBook Pro will still do the trick. Be aware, however, that all Macs now come with Preview software, and the iMac is also popular for its use of the Adobe suite. On the other hand, to read SD cards from a camera, then the latter will not be suitable without a dedicated hub: prefer a Mac Studio.
Which Mac to choose for a student?
It's difficult to save money when you're a student. This is why the MacBook Air is perhaps the most suitable for this often young audience today. In addition, the computer is very thin and therefore fits into almost anyone's backpack. Even for the 15-inch version.
Which Mac to choose for a graphic designer ?
Graphic designers most often choose the MacBook Pro.
Which Mac to choose for Photoshop ?
Photoshop will run faster on a powerful Mac like the MacBook Pro or Mac Pro, at least for the most demanding tasks of the software. It will be quite slow to launch on a MacBook Air or iMac.
Which Mac to choose, used or refurbished?
Find out about this on the side of your device. Also check that it is not too old. As a reminder, it is generally after five to seven years that Apple no longer sends major macOS updates to its computers.
📍 To not miss any Presse-citron news, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.