Getting a New Mac

Mac or PC

Dare I ask? Of course I’m going to recommend you get a Mac, but it seems worth mentioning that some folks consider switching to a PC. My response is that the learning curve can be pretty steep to get acquainted with how Windows functions. Plus, you’d lose a lot of design touches, including apps like Photos, Messages, and the Finder that help you organize and interact with your data.

You’ll also likely need to buy into various antivirus and internet security utilities to protect you from the wide range of threats that infect PCs, whereas your own awareness and a few free apps will probably satisfy your security needs on the Mac.

So, let’s assume we’re sticking with the Mac for now.

Start With Storage

If you’re thinking of buying a new or refurbished Mac from Apple, the first thing to consider these days is storage. Take a look at how much you’re using now: Go to  > About This Mac > Storage. Then click Manage (if available).

In most current Mac models, Apple offers 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. If your usage is within 20% below one of these quantities, I’d likely recommend you buy a Mac with the next largest amount. This will give your data room to grow over the lifetime of the computer — and you the opportunity to expand your usage.

If you’ve been working with me for a while, I’ve probably helped you clean up your applications, downloads, and/or other files that often accumulate unnecessarily. If not, you may be able to recover some of your storage before making this decision. I just discovered and cleared 20GB of old iOS device backups and software.

If you’re buying an older model, make sure it has a solid-state drive (SSD) to ensure acceptable performance on recent versions of macOS.

[Update: In macOS Ventura and later, Storage is in System Settings > General.)

What About Memory?

Memory used to be a greater concern because of its influence on computer performance, especially in the age before SSDs. In the latest Mac models, however, memory is somewhat less important because of the way it is integrated with the CPU and graphics processor.

Additionally, product testers have found it more and more difficult to max out the performance capability of these Macs, even with only 8GB of memory.

However, if you intend to do professional, high-resolution photo and video editing or certain other activities, you may want to consider a memory upgrade. Current models are available with up to 16GB and the next generation will likely double this.

Anything Else to Consider?

The equality of the processors in the current MacBook Air, 13″ MacBook Pro, 24″ iMac, and Mac mini means that there’s little technical difference between these models. For example, compared to the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro has a brighter display, slightly better sound, a Touch Bar, and a fan, and it’s a hair heavier.

[Update: As of 2022, various Pro configurations offer higher performance computing and graphics processors, starting to differentiate the capabilities of the various Mac models.]

It’s always worth asking how much you need portability in order to decide between desktop and laptop, or if you prefer to connect your own display to a Mac mini compared to using the one built into an iMac. Otherwise, there are fewer questions to consider than a year ago. Buying a new Mac today, your satisfaction is pretty likely.

Where to Buy?

If you have the budget to buy new, do consider an Apple Silicon Mac, currently offered with the M1 chip. Given their youth, it’s unlikely you’ll find one from anyone but Apple, but as of now all but the 24″ iMac are available refurbished for 15% off retail. (This refurb iMac will probably arrive later this summer.)

If the configuration you need is in stock, you can get it within a couple days instead of waiting weeks for it to be custom built and shipped from the factory.

On the flip side, if your current Mac has trade-in value and you want to get the credit directly back after purchasing a Mac, you’ll need to buy new. When buying refurbished, trade-ins only qualify for an Apple Gift Card, whose value you can apply to your Apple Account Balance and use toward any future Apple expenses.

If you’re considering a used Mac or one refurbished by a third party, I generally refer clients to models offered by Back Market. Currently, I’m suggesting units no older than 2015 and remind you that it’s important to buy one with an SSD instead of a hard disk or Fusion Drive.