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If y'all're wondering which Mac to buy, y'all've come to the right place. In our 2022 Mac buying guide you'll find everything you need to know about the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Pro and the new Mac Studio, with expert buying advice to help you choose the automobile (and configuration) that's right for you.
Apple tree at present makes half dozen different types of Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, but inside each of those categories at that place are variations in the size, specs and features, then things can get pretty complicated. That'south where this guide comes in, helping you brand the right conclusion. If you're just looking for a slap-up offer, visit our MacBook Pro deals, MacBook Air deals, iMac deals, Mac Studio, and Mac mini deals pages.
It's important to be aware of the fact that Apple tree has almost completed the transition of all its Macs from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon processors based on ARM. These new Macs have a new processor called the M1 or a variant of that called the M1 Pro, M1 Max or M1 Ultra. Read everything you need to know about the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M1 Ultra.
The simply Macs that are notwithstanding running on Intel chips are the Mac Pro and one Mac mini model that is still on auction. There was also a 27in iMac that was running on Intel chips but Apple tree removed it from sale on 8 March 2022 and hasn't yet replaced it. It'southward probable that by late 2022 at that place volition be no more Intel Macs sold past Apple. It is too possible, although non certain, that Apple will begin to introduced the M2 generation afterwards in 2022.
If you want to know if this means that ownership a new Intel Mac now is a bad idea, read Should I buy an Intel Mac? and Should I buy an M1 Mac? As for the best time to purchase, you lot may besides like to read Should I purchase new Mac at present?
The current Mac range in brief
Let us first have you through each Mac that is currently available from Apple, to requite you an overview of what's on offer and what you've got to choose from.
Mac laptops
MacBook Air
Screen: xiii.3in screen
Processor: M1 chip
From: £999/$999
Pros: Cheapest and lightest Apple laptop; Affect ID fingerprint sensor; bang-up value for money (specially at present Apple's dropped toll of mid-range model)
Cons: But 2 ports (both USB-four/Thunderbolt)
Latest review: M1 MacBook Air (2020)
Best for: Students; home users
Last updated: Nov 2020
When to buy: Now
Apple Shop link: Apple (UK shop or US store)
Jump to the MacBook Air section for best prices and more info
13in MacBook Pro
Screen: xiii.3in screen
Processor: M1 flake
From: £1,299/$1,299
Pros: Touch Bar
Cons: More expensive than the Air
Latest review: M1 MacBook Pro review
Best for: Office and dwelling house workers
Last updated: November 2020
When to purchase: Now
Apple tree Store link: Apple (Britain store or US store)
Bound to the 13in MacBook Pro section for best prices and more info
14in MacBook Pro
Screen: 14.2in screen
Processor: M1 Pro or M1 Max
From: £ane,899/$1,999
Pros: M1 Pro and 16GB RAM equally standard; ProMotion screen
Cons: Notch (or not)
Latest review: 14in MacBook Pro (2021, M1 Pro) review
Best for: Anyone who needs power on the get
Final updated: October 2021
When to buy: Now
Apple Store link: Apple (UK shop or United states of america store)
Leap to the 14in MacBook Pro department for best prices and more info
16in MacBook Pro
16in screen
Processor: M1 Pro or M1 Max
From: £ii,399/$two,499
Pros: M1 Pro and 16GB RAM as standard; bigger ProMotion screen
Cons: High toll, Notch
Latest review: MacBook Pro 16in (2021, M1 Max) review
All-time for: Anyone who needs ultimate power on the become and a big display
Concluding updated: October 2021
When to buy: At present
Apple tree Store link: Apple (U.k. store or U.s.a. store)
Jump to the 16in MacBook Pro department for best prices and more info
Mac desktop computers
Mac mini
No screen
Processor: M1 on 2020 models, Intel 8th gen 6-core on 2018 model
From: £699/$699
Pros: Cheapest Mac (at present fifty-fifty cheaper); modest desktop option
Cons: No screen; no keyboard or mouse; no option for discrete graphics (other than plugging in a eGPU - and that is just possible for the Intel model)
Best for: Those who need a Mac on a budget; developers
Latest review: Mac mini (2020, M1) review
Last updated: November 2020
When to purchase: Now (for M1 models)
Apple Shop link: Apple (UK store or US shop)
Jump to the Mac mini department for all-time prices and more info
24in iMac
24in 4.5K screen
Processor: M1
From: £one,249/$one,299
Pros: All-in-1
Cons: Not portable
Best for: Offices, Home
Latest review: 24in iMac (2021, M1) review
Concluding updated: April 2021
When to buy: Now
Apple Store link: Apple tree (U.k. store or U.s.a. store)
Jump to the 24in iMac section for all-time prices and more info
Mac Studio
No screen
Processor: M1 Max or M1 Ultra
From: £ane,999/$1,999
Pros: Extremely powerful; lots of connectivity options; compact
Cons: Doesn't include a display, mouse or keyboard
Best for: Artistic pros including video editors and animators; designers; photographers
Latest review: Coming soon
Last updated: March 2022
When to buy: Now
Apple Shop link: Apple (UK store or US store)
Jump to the Mac Studio section for best prices and more than info
Mac Pro
No screen
From: £5,499/$five,999
Pros: Extremely powerful; expandable
Cons: Astronomically expensive
Best for: Professional person video editors and animators; studios; others requiring huge amounts of ability from their Mac
Latest review: Mac Pro (2019) review
Last updated: Dec 2019
When to buy: Nosotros recommend waiting for the 2022 Mac Pro to launch
Apple Store link: Apple (UK shop or US shop)
Bound to the Mac Pro section for all-time prices and more info
MacBook Air
Last updated: November 2020
Price: From £999/$999
The MacBook Air is the thinnest and lightest Mac laptop too as the cheapest of Apple tree's laptops. It is a popular choice and rightly so.
The Air was updated in November 2020 - for the second time in a year. This was a significant update: the Air was one of the get-go Macs to gain a M1 chip.
At that place are 2 MacBook Air models: i has an M1 8‑Core CPU and 7‑Core GPU with 256GB storage, the other has an M1 8‑Core CPU and eight‑Core GPU with 512GB storage. Apple also dropped the price of the 512GB model by £100/$100.
Yous get a Retina display with a 2K resolution, an improved keyboard and a Force Impact trackpad. You'll also find Touch ID incorporated into the keyboard, then you tin can employ your fingerprint to sign in and verify purchases.
Yous should become effectually 18 hours of battery life for video playback, or fifteen hours for typical use.
In that location is no Ethernet port: the MacBook Air is limited to two Thunderbolt three / USB 4 ports (one of which will need to be used for ability, if you want to charge) and a headphone jack.
The MacBook Air represents great value for money, and the M1 processor is surprisingly speedy on what is traditionally thought of as a less powerful Mac pick.
Who is the MacBook Air all-time for?
Because it'southward and then slim and light the MacBook Air is a great pick if y'all want a Mac to utilize at home or at work that doesn't take up a whole lot of space. It is perfect for anyone who needs to comport their laptop with them, particularly students, commuters, and hotdeskers.
You can always plug it into a monitor on your desk, or fifty-fifty plug information technology into a TV screen (via an adapter) if you feel you would do good from a bigger display.
The MacBook Air is not the fastest Mac laptop you can purchase, only whether that matters depends a lot on what y'all will be doing with information technology, and what your priorities are when looking for a new Mac.
If the majority of what yous do on your Mac is everyday tasks, such as sending and receiving email, browsing the web, and using office applications, the MacBook Air is quite capable of meeting your needs. Fifty-fifty across that kind of use, yous tin can happily use the Air for editing curt videos, or for working with photos from your iPhone or signal-and-shoot photographic camera.
MacBook Air specs
In that location are two standard MacBook Air models available. The specs are as follows:
£999/$999 MacBook Air:
Apple M1 Chip with eight‑Core CPU and 7‑Core GPU
16-core Neural Engine
256GB Storage
8GB unified memory (configurable to: 16GB)
£one,249/$1,249 MacBook Air:
Apple M1 Chip with viii‑Core CPU and 6‑Cadre GPU
16-core Neural Engine
512GB Storage
8GB unified memory (configurable to: 16GB)
There are also various build-to-order options (a faster processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB of 2TB SSD), if you lot want more speed or storage and your budget tin stretch.
Should you buy a MacBook Air now or await?
Apple updated the MacBook Air in Nov 2020. Information technology was a significant update and now features Apple'due south M1 processors. Information technology's a skilful time to buy as long as you are prepared to take on the first generation of a new technology. If you lot'd prefer to stick with an Intel MacBook Air you may nonetheless notice some available - check prices below for the best MacBook Air deals right now.
You may exist interested to learn nigh the rumours that Apple is working on a replacement for this MacBook Air that could come up in an assortment of colours and offer an M2 fleck, only we don't expect that until the second half of 2022. Read more here: New colour MacBook Air 2022 rumours.
If you lot like the MacBook Air, just it costs a bit more than your budget allows, read our commodity about how to get a inexpensive Mac and take a look on the Apple refurbished store to see if Apple has any cutting-toll Macs. Nosotros have an commodity defended to Why you should buy a refurbished Mac, merely we also warn against buying a secondhand Mac.
13in MacBook Pro
Terminal updated: Nov 2020
Price: From £1,299/$1,299
Here are the latest 2020 13in M1 MacBook Pro Deals:
Apple updated the 13in MacBook Pro in November 2020 when it furnished the two entry-level models with the aforementioned M1 fries as see in the MacBook Air that we discussed above. The company continued to sell 2 Intel-powered 13in MacBook Pro until October 2021 when they were discontinued and the 14in model introduced (read about that in the adjacent section).
As the Pro function of the name suggests, the 13in MacBook Pro is more often than not a more powerful car than the MacBook Air. However, correct now the gap is small-scale betwixt the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro models since they share the M1 chips. The most notable differences are that the Pro offers longer battery life, the Touch Bar, a brighter display, and better speakers.
The entry-level MacBook Air has a 7-core GPU, while the MacBook Pro and the other MacBook Air both have 8-core GPUs. The MacBook Pro also features a cooling organisation, while the Air, which lacks a fan, is likely to slow things down to avoid getting too hot.
The MacBook Pro is slightly heavier than the MacBook Air, although still reasonably graceful - the Pro serial benefited from a slimming-downwards redesign in 2016.
The 13in MacBook Pro models, like all contempo Mac laptops, have the new Magic Keyboard, which replaced the problematic keyboard pattern of the older models.
The 13in MacBook Pro features two USB-4 ports. The Air as well has two USB-4 ports. The larger 14in and 16in MacBook Pro models have a lot more ports on offer. The MacBook Pro doesn't offering USB-A or an SD card slot.
Like the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro doesn't feature a Ethernet port, but the M1 models do offer 802.11ax Wi‑Fi vi. If you need to plug into a wired network you will exist able to purchase an adaptor separately
The 13in MacBook Pro is the only Mac laptop that features the Bear on Bar that provides users with contextual controls depending on the app they are using at the time - for example, in Safari it'll offer shortcuts to your favourite websites. Nosotros tend to recollect the Bear upon Bar is more of a gimmick than a useful addition (information technology's not even particularly intuitive to apply - nosotros often notice ourselves reaching to touch the screen instead).
Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro contain a Touch ID fingerprint scanner into the power button.
Who is the 13in MacBook Pro best for?
The 13in MacBook Pro is a great choice for Mac users looking for a little more power and great bombardment life from a laptop. Nosotros think the MacBook Pro is perfect for anyone who needs a powerful laptop that they tin can carry around all day without damaging their back.
Equally to whether you should buy a 13in MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air, or even the 14in MacBook Pro (which nosotros will discuss next), this depends foremost on what you will exist using it for, and secondly on how often you will be carrying the laptop around.
If what matters virtually to you is having a laptop that is low-cal plenty to carry with you, then the 13in MacBook Pro could be platonic - although we'd propose that y'all consider the MacBook Air range. If you need powerful graphics and a big screen then the 14in might exist more than suited to you.
If you lot've already got a Mac and are looking to sell, read Which Mac exercise I accept? and How to check your Mac's tech specs.
13in MacBook Pro specs
Apple discontinued the two two.0GHz Intel models when it introduced the 14in MacBook Pro, and then there are now just two 13in MacBook Pro models rather than four. You can add together further build-to-order (BTO) options and upgrades if you're willing to spend more.
The two 13in MacBook Pro accept Apple's M1 8-core CPU and 8-cadre GPU and they ship with 8GB RAM as standard.
Hither's how the specs line up:
£ane,299/$1,299 MacBook Pro:
Apple M1 Chip with viii‑Core CPU and 8‑Core GPU
sixteen-core Neural Engine
256GB Storage
8GB unified retention (configurable to: 16GB)
£i,499/$1,499 MacBook Pro:
Apple M1 Scrap with 8‑Core CPU and 6‑Core GPU
xvi-cadre Neural Engine
512GB Storage
8GB unified memory (configurable to: 16GB)
You tin can configure your Mac at point of sale with 16GB RAM and up to 2TB SSD.
Should you purchase a 13in MacBook Pro now or expect?
Apple introduced the M1 MacBook Pro in November 2020 and so, assuming you are happy to take on the start generation of a new technology, now is a good fourth dimension to buy one of those M1 models.
It'south possible that later in 2022 Apple will update the 13in MacBook Pro with a M2 fleck - but the 2022 could actually spell the end of the 13in MacBook Pro, if rumours that Apple will innovate a colourful 13in MacBook instead. Read more here: New colour MacBook 2022 rumours.
If you lot want to buy one we recommend you check out our round upward of MacBook Pro deals.
14in MacBook Pro
Last updated: Oct 2021
Price: From £1,899/$1,999
Hither are the latest 2020 14in MacBook Pro Deals:
The 2021 MacBook Pro has a brand new pattern that means what was previously a 13in display (actually 13.3in is now 14in (actually 14.2in). The screen is bigger, but the Mac itself is only fractionally larger than the 13in MacBook Pro.
The screen itself is a real selling point as it brings ProMotion to the MacBook Pro. ProMotion offers an adaptive refresh charge per unit upwards to 120Hz, which ways information technology can refresh images 120 times a second when required.
It's also a Liquid Retina XDR display with an extreme dynamic range, 1,000 nits brightness, i,600 nits of peak effulgence, and 1,000,000:one contrast ratio.
Despite the larger screen the dimensions aren't much bigger than the 13in model: 1.55cm ten 31.26cm x 22.12cm compared to 1.56cm x xxx.41cm ten 21.24cm. The 14in model weights a little more at 1.6kg rather than one.4kg.
To accomplish the larger screen without increasing the size, Apple has incorporated a notch for the (much improved) 1080p FaceTime HD camera. The notch volition no doubt be something people eventually learn to live with, but equally with the iPhone. Some of the states don't think the notch is and then bad, others are dismayed.
Apple has washed abroad with the Touch Bar, which the company finally seems to accept admitted didn't suit creative pros who require physical role keys.
Another pro-focused change is the return of a number of ports to the side of the MacBook Pro: we now have three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC carte du jour slot, an HDMI port and an improved headphone jack that supports high-impedance headphones. We also encounter the render of MagSafe which brings fast charge to the MacBook Pro.
Who is the 14in MacBook Pro best for?
The 14in MacBook Pro (and the 16in model) are designed with pro users in mind - the kind of people who need the best graphics options and more memory (the M1 Pro supports 32GB RAM and the M1 Max supports 64GB RAM).
Apple claims that the 10-core CPU in the M1 Pro and M1 Max offers seventy percent faster CPU performance than the M1, which has a 8-core CPU.
The M1 Pro offers 14-core or 16-core GPU options, compared to the 7-core or 8-cadre GPU in the M1. The M1 Max, which you tin go equally a build-to-guild pick with the 14in MacBook Pro, has a 24-core or 32-core GPU pick. Apple says that the M1 Pro offers upwards to 2x faster GPU performance compared to the M1, while the M1 Max is 4x faster than M1.
If ability is what you need, the decision isn't a option between 14in and 16in MacBook Pro, it'southward a choice betwixt the M1 Pro and M1 Max. The primary departure between the 14in and 16in models are the larger screen and better battery life of the 16in MacBook Pro. Those two features probably matter if you will be frequently away from your desk. If yous are using the Mac at your desk-bound a lot then you tin can plug in a screen and you won't exist relying on the bombardment, so the 14in will be sufficient.
14in MacBook Pro specs
14in MacBook Pro offers a selection of a 8-cadre or 10-core CPU. This is the same 10-core CPU whether information technology'southward a M1 Pro (which information technology is as standard) or an M1 Max (which yous can customise your Mac with).
Here's how the specs line up:
£1,899/$i,999 14in MacBook Pro:
Apple M1 Pro Chip with 8‑Core CPU and xiv‑Core GPU
16-cadre Neural Engine
521GB Storage
16GB unified memory
£ii,399/$2,499 14in MacBook Pro:
Apple tree M1 Pro Chip with 10‑Core CPU and 16‑Core GPU
16-cadre Neural Engine
1TB Storage
16GB unified memory
With the 14in MacBook Pro you can customise your Mac with a M1 Max, which will give you the choice of a 24-cadre or 32-core GPU and 64GB RAM. You tin can also furnish it with upwards to 8TB SSD. These options are the same for the 16in MacBook Pro.
Should you lot buy a 14in MacBook Pro at present or wait?
Since the 14in MacBook Pro launched in October 2021, it volition exist a long time before Apple improves it. Nosotros are impressed by the power and capabilities of this model. Our only disappointment is the very high cost, particularly the giant bound from £1,899/$1,999 to £2,399/$ii,499, which seems quite farthermost, but mayhap just means that the £i,899/$1,999 is a deal?
We'd also suggest that you consider the Mac Studio, which offers the aforementioned specs every bit the 14in MacBook Pro for well-nigh £400/$500 less.
16in MacBook Pro
Concluding updated: October 2021
Toll: From £2,399/$2,499
Hither are the latest 16in MacBook Pro Deals:
Apple updated its largest MacBook Pro model in October 2021, replacing the 16in Intel-powered model with a new MacBook Pro with M1 Pro or M1 Max and a fractionally larger 16.2in display. Information technology shares many of the features of the 2021 14in MacBook Pro that was introduced at the aforementioned fourth dimension. (Discussed to a higher place).
Every bit in the case of the 14in model, the Pro part of the 16in MacBook Pro'south name is very deserving - much more so than it is for the 13in models. This really is a powerful car.
As you would expect the 16in MacBook Pro is heavier than the 14in model, although still reasonably graceful. The 16in model measures 1.62cm x 35.79cm x 24.59cm compared to ane.55cm x 31.26cm 10 22.12cm for the 14in. It's only fractionally wider and actually slightly lighter (at 2kg) than the previous 16in model.
As with the 14in MacBook Pro Apple has been able to make the screen larger without increasing the overall size past incorporating a notch for the (much improved) 1080p FaceTime HD camera. This notch, like the one on the iPhone, will no doubt be a point of contention, but we think people will somewhen become used to it. We wait information technology will be here to stay.
Not every innovation from Apple tree stays though. As with the 14in model, Apple has ditched the Bear upon Bar. Apple has recognised that this solution didn't suit creative pros who require physical part keys.
Speaking of the needs of pros, Apple has too returned a number of ports to the MacBook Pro: we at present have three Thunderbolt iv ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port and an improved headphone jack that supports high-impedance headphones. You lot volition also find a MagSafe charging port with fast charging.
One of the biggest differences between the 14in and 16in MacBook Pro is the bombardment life: the 16in boasts 21 hours compared to 17 hours for the 14in model. The 2019 16in MacBook Pro managed just 11 hours, so this is quite a leap.
The improved battery life is due in role to Apple's M1 Pro and M1 Max fries, which are more power efficient. The same chips are bachelor in the 14in MacBook Pro though, so they aren't a reason to cull the 16in over the 14in.
The other selling point in favour of the 16in MacBook Pro is the large screen. The new screen brings ProMotion to the Mac, and so it can refresh images 120 times a 2nd when required. It's also is a Liquid Retina XDR display with an extreme dynamic range, capable of one,000 nits standard brightness and 1,600 nits of height brightness. Apple also claims one,000,000:i contrast ratio for deeper blacks and more vivid colours.
Those features are the same on the 14in MacBook Pro, merely obviously the pixel count is much college on the 16in. The 16in MacBook Pro offers three,456 by two,234 pixels - that'due south 7.7 million pixels full. In comparison the 2019 16in MacBook Pro offered 3,072 by 1,920 pixels. You should note idea that there are more than pixels on the 2021 14in MacBook Pro (iii,024 by 1,964) than there were on the 2019 16in MacBook Pro (iii,072 by one,920). The size of the screen is only really a selling point if y'all aren't planning to plug into an external display.
Who is the MacBook Pro all-time for?
The 16in MacBook Pro is a great selection for creative pros and those looking for more power from a laptop, nevertheless, since the 14in MacBook Pro offers the same options - including the ultimate M1 Max upgrade, there is no existent demand to pick the 16in over the 14in, unless your priorities are battery life or screen size, since both are greater for the 16in model.
The principal selling points are the larger screen and improved battery life compared to the 14in MacBook Pro. With that in mind this is a powerful Mac for someone who is mostly going to be working on their laptop away from their desk, and needs the actress battery life and larger screen.
Don't forget you tin can also plug your MacBook Pro into a big monitor and employ that when you're at your desk.
MacBook Pro specs
There are three 16in MacBook Pro every bit well every bit various build-to-society (BTO) options and upgrades if yous're willing to spend more than.
Here's how the specs line up:
£2,399/$two,499 16in MacBook Pro:
Apple tree M1 Pro Scrap with ten‑Core CPU and 16‑Core GPU
16-core Neural Engine
521GB Storage
16GB unified memory
£two,599/$2,699 16in MacBook Pro:
Apple M1 Pro Chip with x‑Core CPU and xvi‑Core GPU
sixteen-cadre Neural Engine
1TB Storage
16GB unified memory
£3,299/$three,499 16in MacBook Pro:
Apple tree M1 Pro Scrap with x‑Core CPU and 32‑Core GPU
16-cadre Neural Engine
1TB Storage
32GB unified retentivity
As with the 14in MacBook Pro, you can customise all the MacBook Pro models with the M1 Max, which will requite y'all the choice of a 24-core or 32-core GPU and up to 64GB RAM. You can besides choose a 8TB SSD if yous demand that much storage.
Should you buy a MacBook Pro now or await?
The 16in models were introduced in October 2021 so y'all are pretty much safe to buy one at present. THe only reason not to buy is if y'all don't really need a laptop. If you would exist merely as happy with a desktop Mac you should condider the Mac Studio, which also offers the M1 Max along with an even more than powerful option: the M1 Ultra. This Mac is £500/$600 cheaper than the equivalent 16in MacBook Pro (£2,599/$2,699).
Mac mini
Last updated: November 2020
Toll: From £699/$699
Here are the latest 2020 M1 Mac mini Deals:
Here are the latest Intel Mac mini Deals, ordinarily £i,099:
The Mac mini is Apple's compact desktop computer first introduced in 2005. It's also Apple'south cheapest Mac, starting at just £699/$699 (although information technology did used to be cheaper than that - when the 2014 model launched it cost just £399/$499). The mini used to be Apple'south to the lowest degree powerful Mac, but the latest iteration has a lot more oomph than previously.
Apple tree updated the Mac mini in Nov 2020 when it added the M1 chip to ii models, while keeping an older Intel Mac mini on auction. This means that you have a choice betwixt being an early M1 adopter, or sticking with the Intel processor. An piece of cake mode to tell the difference - the 2018 Intel model is Infinite Grey while the M1 model is silver. Annotation that we look that Apple will upgrade this remaining Intel model in 2022, and so nosotros could see M1 Pro or M1 Max processor options coming to the Mac mini.
All Mac mini models ship with 8GB RAM equally standard, but the Intel model can be equipped with 64GB retention while the M1 models only run to 16GB.
All models can be equipped with upward to 2TB storage.
Only the M1 models can support a 6K display, the 2018 model supports one 5K display or up to three 4K displays. The newer M1 models likewise offering 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6 rather than 802.11ac Wi‑Fi.
Who is the Mac mini best for?
For anyone who uses their Mac for browsing the web and writing emails, and doing full general role piece of work the Mac mini could suffice. It's powerful plenty to do a proficient job with photograph and home video editing. If you are looking for a Mac that will just sit on your desk-bound, or in the study, the Mac mini is a cheap option.
The Mac mini is also a popular choice for a living room Mac. A lot of people plug it into their Television receiver screen via an HDMI cable (the Mac mini retains its HDMI port). And, apparently one reason why Apple tree, afterward waiting four years, finally updated the Mac mini was its popularity with developers and server farms.
When the Mac mini stopped featuring a optical drive dorsum in 2011 there was a fleck of an outcry from those who though it was an ideal domicile entertainment heart, merely DVDs are far less pop than they were dorsum then thanks to the rise of streaming services. If you desire a DVD actor for your Mac mini Apple tree still sells the SuperDrive for £79.
The Mac mini is a popular choice for developers - probably because it's cheap and they can only plug it into an existing monitor and keyboard. It may besides appeal to creatives with more demanding needs, thanks to higher spec build-to-order options - though the lack of a detached GPU is still a serious limitation (the Intel model tin be used with a eGPU, merely the M1 volition not be compatible with that ready up). Read about the best Mac for developers here.
Mac mini specifications
At that place are three Mac minis available. The two cheapest Mac mini models are equipped with M1 fries, only in that location is also a Mac mini with a 3.0GHz 6-cadre Intel Core processor as well as various build-to-order options, including a 3.2GHz 6-core Intel i7 processor, 2TB SSD, 64GB RAM, and a 10 Gigabit ethernet port - that'south the model we expect to be updated in 2022.
The M1 Mac mini weighs 1.2kg while the Intel model weighs 1.3kg, merely the dimensions are exactly the same at nineteen.7cm past xix.7cm and just 3.6cm tall, so it actually is mini as the proper name suggests.
£699/$699 Mac mini:
Apple tree M1 Scrap with 8‑Core CPU and 6‑Core GPU
16-core Neural Engine
256GB Storage
8GB unified retentiveness (configurable to: 16GB)
£899/$899 Mac mini:
Apple M1 Chip with 8‑Core CPU and vi‑Core GPU
16-cadre Neural Engine
512GB Storage
8GB unified memory (configurable to: 16GB)
£1,099/$one,099 Mac mini:
three.0GHz Intel Core i5 6-Core Processor
Intel UHD Graphics 630
512GB Storage
8GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM
Should you lot buy a Mac mini now or wait?
The Mac mini was updated in Nov 2020 when it gained the M1 bit, the older model was last updated in 2018, although it had its storage doubled in 2020. We expect that Intel model will shortly exist discontinued and a new M1 Pro Mac mini volition take its identify. The surprise is that Apple hasn't done this yet - we had expected that the company would make this movement in March 2022, simply instead it introduced the Mac Studio. Speaking of which, the Mac Studio is an excellent option if you demand more power than the Mac mini offers.
If you lot'd like to go 1 of the older Intel models, that have been discontinued, check out the latest deals below, alternatively nosotros accept fifty-fifty more Mac mini deals.
Mac mini, iii.6GHz Quad-Cadre, 256GB (2020)
This model previously started at £799/$799. Hither are the best deals right now:
24in iMac
Last updated: April 2021
Cost: From £1,249/$1,299
Here are the latest 8-core CPU, 7-cadre GPU iMac deals, RRP: £1,249/$1,299/AU$i,899
8-cadre CPU, viii-core GPU, 256GB SSD - RRP: £1,449/$1,499/AU$ii,199
8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 512GB SSD - RRP: £1,649/$i,699/AU$2,499
The iMac is probably Apple tree's most famous Mac. First introduced in 1998 and causing shockwaves in personal calculating, over the years the iMac has lost its old bulky CRT monitor and slimmed downward - some people don't even realise that the whole estimator is curtained behind the display (there is no belfry to hide away under your desk). The design of the iMac hadn't changed much in the by decade or so until Apr 2021 when Apple launched an all new blueprint with the 24in iMac. Now it is incredibly thin and comes in seven different colours. Read about the 2021 iMac.
Until recently Apple likewise sold a 27in iMac, just information technology surprised everyone past discontinuing that in March 2022. The larger iMac may return - there are rumours that an iMac Pro may soon launch - but for now the Mac Studio has taken its position in the line up. Read nigh the new iMac Pro 2022.
For more data most how the different iMacs compared read: Which iMac.
Who is the 24in iMac best for?
It'southward a desktop Mac, and so the 24in iMac is patently all-time for someone who doesn't heed being tied to their desk. Or possibly you already ain a laptop and need a more powerful machine. The great matter about buying an Apple reckoner is that because everything is tied to your iCloud account all your Safari bookmarks, photos, messages, iCloud documents and applications will be bachelor to y'all on all of your Macs.
Perhaps the large screen appeals - 24in is bigger than the screen on a 16in MacBook Pro. Of course if it's a large screen you want you lot could but plug your Mac laptop into a divide brandish.
The type of person for whom the 24in iMac is ideal is different to the type who would have called the 27in iMac back when Apple was selling it. The at present discontinued 27in iMacs used to feature discrete GPUs that would have appealed to creative pro users and gamers, the 24in iMacs feature Apple'south 8-core GPUs (or 7-core GPU in the entry-level model). The M1 GPUs hold reasonably well for creative tasks - Apple did suggest that the 24in iMac is capable of upwards to 2x faster GPU functioning for certain apps like Analogousness Photograph and Photoshop, as well as having the ability to edit upwardly to five streams of 4K footage - and then these Macs may exist sufficient for creative users. But there are better, cheaper options for this demanding market.
Regardless of whether they are adequate for creative pros, the 24in iMacs are peachy options for general utilize.
They are also perfect for adorning the front desks of companies who want to look fashionable and creative.
24in iMac specifications
The 24in iMacs were introduced by Apple in April 2021. They are the commencement iMacs to characteristic the M1 Chip, which Apple added to the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini models in November 2020.
At that place are three 24in iMac models, the entry-level has an eight-Core CPU and 7-Cadre GPU and 256GB SSD, the side by side one up has a 8-Cadre CPU and 8-Cadre GPU, and the acme-of-the-range model has 8-Cadre CPU and viii-Core GPU and 512GB SSD. Here's how that looks:
£1,229/$1,299 24in iMac:
viii-Core CPU, 7-Cadre GPU
256GB SSD
8GB RAM
two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
£1,429/$i,499 24in iMac:
8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU
256GB SSD
8GB RAM
ii Thunderbolt/USB four ports
Two USB 3 ports
£one,429/$1,499 24in iMac:
8-Core CPU, viii-Core GPU
512GB SSD
8GB RAM
2 Thunderbolt/USB four ports
Ii USB three ports
Y'all'll observe from the to a higher place that the just 2 of the 24in iMacs characteristic USB 3 ports that will work with the older USB-A standard if you have old peripherals. So if you are likely to crave the older standard you'll demand to avoid the cheaper machine, or buy an adapter.
Should you purchase a 24in iMac now?
The 24in iMac was introduced by Apple in April 2021 and went on sale in May 2021. Every bit long as y'all are happy to be have on the first generation of a new engineering and then the 24in iMac volition be a good choice. The M1 Chip is already proven to be superior to the Intel fries that had been used in the older 21.5in iMac range.
We do recommend that you look at the Mac mini as an culling to the 24in iMac though if you lot desire a powerful machine and don't intendance so much about how it looks. The Mac mini volition go you a whole lot more for your money.
Mac Studio
Last updated: March 2022
Price: From £1,999/$one,999
Hither are the latest Mac Studio with M1 Max deals
Here are the latest Mac Studio with M1 Ultra deals
The Mac Studio is Apple'due south newest category of Mac. Information technology looks a bit like an expanded Mac mini, but on the inside information technology's got an M1 Mac or an M1 Ultra - the latter bringing the ultimate in functioning to this desktop Mac. Right at present the Mac Studio trumps the Mac Pro in the power stakes - but but because the Mac Pro hasn't been updated since 2019 (look that to alter in the next few months).
Who is the Mac Studio best for?
The Mac Studio is for professionals who need a powerful Mac. Prior to introduction of the Mac Studio this group of Mac users had the selection of the 27in iMac, 16in or 14in MacBook Pro or the Mac Pro.
For those who demand portability a Mac laptop is the obvious choice, just the world has changed in the past few years and in that location is a lot less commuting going on, so possibly there isn't the need to have a Mac y'all tin deport around wiht yous that in that location one time was.
More than a decade ago these users would have opted for the Mac Pro, but the current Mac Pro is priced out of the range of the vast majority of Mac users. The 27in iMac was therefore seen equally the option for those who used to rely on a Mac Pro. Simply so Apple removed the 27in iMac from the line up.
What we are left with is a Mac that fills the gap left past the Mac Pro when Apple tree updated that Mac to the unsuccessful 2009 model. The Mac Studio is the Mac that those who used to ain a Mac Pro (or a Power Mac) earlier the Mac Pro evolved into what information technology is today.
The new Mac Studio is especially ideal for graphic blueprint, or those who work with video and images.
Mac Studio specifications
There are 2 standard configurations of the Mac Studio:
Mac mini with M1 Max: £1,999/$1,999
- 10-core CPU
- 24-core GPU
- 32GB Unified Memory
- 512GB storage
- Two USB-C ports and an SDXD card reader on the front and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-A ports, a HDMI port 10Gb Ethernet and 3.5mm headphone jack on the dorsum.
Mac mini with M1 Ultra: £iii,999/$3,999
- 20-cadre CPU
- 48-core GPU
- 64GB Unified Memory
- 1TB storage
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SDXD card reader on the front end and 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, a HDMI port 10Gb Ethernet and iii.5mm headphone jack on the dorsum.
Read: Apple brings M1 Ultra to new Mac Studio
In that location are also various build to gild options for the M1 Max model including:
- The M1 Max with 32-core GPU for an additional £200/$200.
- 64GB unified retentiveness for an boosted £400/$400.
- Upwards to 8TB SSD for an additional £2,200/$ii,200.
The build to order options for the M1 Ultra include:
- The M1 Ultra with 20-core CPU and 48-core GPU for an additional £1,000/$1,000.
- 128GB unified memory for an additional £800/$800.
- Upward to 8TB SSD for an additional £2,200/$2,200.
Should I purchase Mac Studio
It only went on auction on 11 March 2022, merely this looks like it volition exist a incredibly powerful Mac.
During the Mac Studio unveiling on eight March Apple fabricated the following claims about the Mac Studio with M1 Ultra compared to the Mac Pro:
- Upwards to xc% faster CPU functioning vs Mac Pro westward/ 16-core Xeon
- Upwardly to 60% faster CPU operation vs Mac Pro west/ 28-core Xeon
- Upwards to 80% faster GPU performance vs Mac Pro w/ Radeon Pro W69 00X
This indicates not only that the Mac Studio is improve than the Mac Pro - it'due south better than the top of the range Mac Pro with 28-core Xeon and the Radeon Pro W69 00X. While the Mac Studio with M1 Ultra is past no means inexpensive, information technology costs a fraction of the price of the Mac Pro (particularly one with all these cores and GPU options), making information technology look like a bargain.
And it'south not merely the Mac Pro that makes the Mac Studio wait similar a bargain. If you compare the MacBook Pro with the same M1 Max as used in the £1,999/$i,999 Mac Studio, the Mac Studio as well comes out trumps:
Mac mini with M1 Max
10-core CPU, 24-core GPU, 32GB Unified Retentiveness, 512GB storage for £1,999/$1,999
14in MacBook Pro (build to order pick)
ten-core CPU, 24-core GPU, 32GB Unified Memory, 512TB storage for £2,399/$2,499
As y'all can encounter, the 14in screen essentially adds £500/$500 onto the price. That might not seem like a bad deal when you consider the price of the Apple Studio Display starts at £1,499/$1,599, but yous don't need to spend more than £500/$500 on a brandish and you may also want to employ an external display with the laptop when you are at your desk. The choice between these Macs is really one of portability. If you want a laptop get a laptop, but if you will be at your desk get the Mac Studio.
Mac Pro
Last updated: Dec 2019
Price: From £5,499/$5,499
If you want to buy a Mac Pro, here are the best deals:
The Mac Pro is Apple'southward professional Mac with a price tag to friction match, starting at £5,499/$five,499. It's a fully fledged workstation aimed at those who need the ultimate in power and take a huge budget.
Who is the Mac Pro best for?
Professionals who need extreme processing adequacy.
Mac Pro specifications
You tin configure the 2019 Mac Pro anywhere from an 8- to a 28-core processor, with up to i.5TB of RAM - yep, 1.5TB of RAM, not storage - and up to 8TB of SSD storage. Information technology's an astoundingly powerful machine, but as we said above, right now it is no match for the Mac Studio.
Should you buy a Mac Pro now or wait?
The Mac Pro went on sale in Dec 2019, so a while ago now. Apple intends to transition from Intel processors to its own M-series processors, and has confirmed that the Mac Pro will be getting this treatment in 2022. According to Apple'south own self imposed deadline nosotros should see this by the autumn of 2022 at to the lowest degree. Here's what to expect from the 2022 Mac Pro.
For at present our advice would be to buy the Mac Studio, unless you really need something super powerful and modular like the Mac Pro is, only if you lot are the marketplace for the Mac Pro we strongly recommend that you lot wait for the new machine with Apple'south fries.
Source: https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/best-mac-3460836/
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