I want to buy a new Mac. I've been using GarageBand to produce music and I want to upgrade so I can use Logic Pro. I'm looking for something that lasts a long time and works with power, but I don't want to spend a lot of money. I'm interested in practical tips, how you got your Mac or computer, and if you found good deals.
Main tip Prioritize the Apple Silicon M1 or M2 chip: they offer excellent performance with low power consumption and future compatibility with Logic Pro and plugins. For music production with multiple tracks and plugins, look for at least 16 GB of RAM or a model that allows good virtual memory management. If the budget is very tight, a Mac mini M1 or a MacBook Air M1 usually offer the best value for money.
Recommended models Mac mini M1 for a fixed studio for its price and power, MacBook Air M1 if you need mobility and good battery life, MacBook Pro M2 or M2 Pro if you need more power and screens/ports. Avoid models that are too old and no longer receive macOS updates.
Storage and peripherals Consider an external NVMe SSD for sample libraries and backups. Invest in a quality audio interface for low latency and good preamps. Heavy presets and libraries benefit from fast disk and USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.
How to get it without spending a lot Buy certified refurbished from Apple or authorized resellers, take advantage of Black Friday and back-to-school deals, use trade-in programs, and check the second-hand market in music-specialized stores. Refurbished units usually include a warranty and are the best way to save without risks.
Real experiences Many musicians recommend buying a refurbished M1 or waiting for a deal at authorized resellers. Others combined a more basic Mac with a good audio interface and an external SSD to expand capacity without paying for higher internal storage.
Final recommendations Consider whether you need mobility; if not, the Mac mini M1 is the most economical and durable option. Make sure you have at least 16 GB of RAM or an optimized workflow for 8 GB. Keep your system updated and organize libraries on external drives to improve the longevity of the equipment.
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Contact and closing If you want, tell me your approximate budget and the type of musical work you do and I'll propose concrete options and links to refurbished models and relevant promotions.
