Macbook Pro 16 M2 or Macbook Air M2 for a Freelancer? Need help what to buy.

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by ChaDejelo, Feb 4, 2023.

  1. ChaDejelo

    ChaDejelo New Member

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    Currently torn between the new Macbook Pro M2 16" and the Macbook Air M2 13".

    I'm a Freelancer and my daily task mainly consists of work done via Google Chrome, Slack, ClickUp, Canva, and some occasional if not very rarely, Photoshop. I have an Intel i5 Windows desktop where I mainly do my work when I'm at home - I'd say it's an old PC but still works for me.

    I travel internationally for leisure about 2-3 times a year and go out of town twice a month (also leisure). I've been eyeing the M2 Air for its portability until the M2 Pro 16 was announced and is now available (ChrisGadgets also now offers it for 155k 1TB).

    I'm also a Photographer (hobbyist) who mainly edits photos in Lightroom via desktop about 2-3 times a week.

    Given what was mentioned above, what do you think would be the best Macbook for me?
     
  2. snipes

    snipes Active Member

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    Buy to budget.

    Any 5nm Mac will outperform any 14nm PC.

    Buying from ChrisGadgets tells me that you want to cut cost by buying from a grey market importer.
     
  3. ChaDejelo

    ChaDejelo New Member

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    Not sure I understood your answer. My question is whether I should go for the new M2 Pro 16 or the MBA M2 13 based on my needs.
    Where I purchase it from shouldn't be an issue.
     
  4. manager

    manager Active Member

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    My wife has the 16 inch M2 MBP and she refused to bring it on her last two trips. It was just too heavy.

    I am a freelancer too with a similar workload using a desktop PC. I plan to get an Air or Dell XPS for mobility.

    At worst, you can easily sell the Air and upgrade to the MBP. Mas mahirap if the other way around.

    HTH
     
  5. SE20

    SE20 PhilMUG Addict Member

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    Unless you absolutely need a 16 inch to do your work, you wouldn't get one. That's a big machine to travel with.

    Your question means that you don't absolutely need a 16.
     
  6. ChaDejelo

    ChaDejelo New Member

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    Thanks that's very helpful! I guess the 16" one will be more of an at-home use then. What are your thoughts on the MBP M1 14 though? The reason I am asking is because upon checking, seems there's no way to get a M2 Air 16GB and M1 14's base is at 16GB. I'll just be adding 20k+ more to upgrade but do I need to?
     
  7. ChaDejelo

    ChaDejelo New Member

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    Thanks! What are your thoughts on the M1 14-inch though given most M2 Air 13 don't have the 16GB and M1 14's base is at 16GB? It would be just 20k more of my budget to upgrade.
     
  8. SE20

    SE20 PhilMUG Addict Member

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    I have the MBP 14 inch M1 Pro (16 and 512) and it's a great machine, especially with the additional ports. It will certainly cover your needs. The M2 Pro would be better - but not much better going by the early reviews, but pricier. I think you should still handle the MBP 14 physically, side by side with the 13 Air to gauge portability from your perspective. If I were getting an M2 Air I would spec it up to 16 and 512.
     
  9. cybersniper

    cybersniper PhilMUG Addict Member

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    Get the Macbook Pro 14" instead (M1 Pro should be more than enough for what you use it for)...

    I'm a medium built guy, but I find my Macbook Pro 16" too heavy for travel - I only use it for mobility here at home, or nearby Coffee Shops (if needed).

    But if I'd travel out of town or abroad for a few days, I'd rather bring my older 13" MBP 2019 M1...
     
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  10. neldeles

    neldeles Active Member

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    Try and get the 14" M1 Pro with 16GB ram + 1TB hdd. Since you also edit photos the 1TB won't be a waste. You'll end up using it either to store photos or for swap memory should you need more ram.
     
  11. manager

    manager Active Member

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    +1 on this

    If this was Windows def 16GB. But for Mac I would prioritize the M2 Air because it's lighter and easier to handle over the Pro, travel being your priority.

    This reviewer has a good take on the 8GB vs 16GB question: https://markellisreviews.com/8gb-vs-16gb-m1-macbook-does-it-even-matter/
     
  12. ChaDejelo

    ChaDejelo New Member

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    Thank you for the body reference! :LOL: I'm a tiny slender girl and that really helps with the deciding factor. Definitely no 16" for now.
     
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  13. KallieGreen

    KallieGreen New Member

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    Ah, the classic dilemma between power and portability! Both the Macbook Pro M2 16"" and the Macbook Air M2 13"" are excellent choices but serve different needs.Given your workflow mainly involves Chrome, Slack, ClickUp, and Canva, a Macbook Air should be more than sufficient. The M2 chip in the Air is pretty powerful and can handle those tasks easily. It's also lighter, which is a big plus if you're traveling often.If you're still keeping your Intel i5 Windows desktop for heavy-duty tasks, you might want to check out a Reddit thread for getting a Windows 10 key cheap to keep it updated. It's an old thread, but the info is still relevant.
     
  14. blessie15

    blessie15 Active Member

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    I'm smol and currently have a 14 MBP M1 pro... 10/10 will recommend it because it feels like a middle ground between the heavy MBPs and the air. The ports are helpful, and battery life is superb. I think the standard MBP would fit your needs, I agree with the above that says if going for the air, you might want to spec it up.

    I had an air for 6 years and switched to the MBP 2 years ago, it was an adjustment because it was heavier than the air. I got used to it and appreciate how it feels more sturdy and solid than the air now.
     

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