Guide to Choosing the Best MacBook for Music Production and Video Editing on a Budget of 1700€

When it comes to selecting the right MacBook for your needs, particularly for music production and video editing, there are several factors to consider, especially within the budget range of 1700€. This comprehensive guide aims to help you make an informed decision.

Which MacBook Should You Get?

For users looking for a powerful system that balances performance and portability, the x86 MacBook Pro is strongly recommended. Despite the transition of Macs to Apple Silicon, the x86 architecture provides better compatibility with a wide range of applications and ensures stability, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as music production and video editing.

Screen Considerations

Choosing the right screen size is crucial depending on your needs. A 16-inch MacBook Pro offers superior screen real estate, which is highly beneficial for tasks like mixing and editing, but it is less mobile. On the other hand, the 13-inch model is more portable, making it easier to carry around, but it lacks screen space. A practical solution would be to get a 13-inch MacBook Pro and pair it with an external monitor for work at home, providing the best of both worlds in terms of load and flexibility.

Choosing the Right Specifications

To ensure optimal performance, look for the most powerful configuration you can afford within your budget. Additionally, consider the following specifications:

Processor

Preferred processor models are those with higher clock speeds, such as the i7 or i9. For general use in audio and video production, an i5 chip is sufficient, but the i7 offers better performance. Newer chips are more efficient, and while Apple may show the performance with specific tests, overall, clock speed is more critical for your applications.

RAM

While 8 GB of RAM is acceptable, aiming for 16 GB or more is recommended to accommodate complex applications and workflow demands. RAM is generally user-replaceable on Mac laptops, and you can save costs by purchasing RAM from third-party vendors rather than from Apple.

Storage

An SSD drive is a must-have for speed and efficiency. If you're working with limited space, consider purchasing an external SSD drive, which can be connected via USB 3 or USB-C for faster performance.

In general, the 256 GB SATA SSD is a minimum recommendation. However, if your budget allows, a larger SSD will offer better performance and capacity.

Alternative Options

It's important to note that Windows laptops can also be a viable option for music production and video editing. While Logic Pro is a powerful tool, it is not the only software on the market. A budget gaming PC can also handle music production effectively, provided it has adequate specifications. However, avoid heavy plugins such as Native Instruments that can strain the system.

Summary

When choosing the best MacBook for music production and video editing within a budget of 1700€, consider the following:

Select a powerful x86 MacBook Pro, preferably with an i7 processor. Choose between a 13-inch model for portability or a 16-inch model for more screen space, and consider using an external monitor. Opt for at least 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB or larger SSD drive. Utilize third-party RAM and external SSD drives to keep costs down.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your MacBook is well-equipped to handle your creative projects effectively and efficiently.