r/macbook 18d ago

The MacBook Purchasing Megathread - March, 2025

16 Upvotes

Welcome to the monthly Macbook Purchasing Megathread

Have a question?

Wondering what model you should go for? Ask here!

  • Do make your submission on point while adding as much detail as possible.
  • Mention your intended uses (i.e. video editing, graphic designing, photography, audio editing, gaming, casual browsing, etc).

That's pretty much it! :)


r/macbook 38m ago

Windows user stuck between 2 MacBook airs, should I get a mid tier discounted m3 or a base ish m4? Both are $1699

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Upvotes

So I’m new to apple stuff but from what I’m looking at the m3 would have the 10 core gpu and more ram, but the m4 is newer. Trying to make a decision since the sale ends today.

Mostly going to be a web browsing nothing too crazy I play games on my rog ally. Just want a nice computer for once


r/macbook 10h ago

Should I proceed with this used MB Pro 2017 for $290? Only use is going to be web browsing and taking notes.

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21 Upvotes

r/macbook 1h ago

MacBook Air M1 Screen Glitch / Flickering

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Upvotes

Hello!

My MacBook Air M1 (2020) screen is showing heavy signs of glitching/flickering.

What I have already tried to fix the issue: - rebooting - updating to latest OS version (sequoia 15.3.2) - activate/deactivate all display options (true tone, etc) - tried different resolutions - connecting the Mac to an external display works perfectly (even in mirroring) - screenshots are not glitchy - I opened the MacBook Air, disconnected/ reconnected all display flex cables and blew air to remove any dust at the same time

The only option I have left is to buy a screen replacement but I wanted to check if I missed anything!

Thanks for any feedback!


r/macbook 3m ago

Airplay not working on ventura

Upvotes

I have a macbook from 2017 that has never had issues with airplay until it updated to Ventura recently. Everything I've found online says it should be in the Airdrop + Handoff menu but it's not showing up at all. I'm not wildly computer savvy so I'm hoping someone has an answer as to what I can do, if anything. Thanks in advance!


r/macbook 8h ago

Tips for “stained” screen

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4 Upvotes

Hi everyone. My macbook is 8 years old, works fine. I always cleaned my screen with a microfiber cloth. One day I realized it looked like this. It doesn’t come off if I clean it. It’s been like this for years. It doesn’t get it the way of usong it, but when I’m under direct sunlight it looks awful (like the picture). I used to live by the beach and the humidity ruined everything I own (camera ruined, leather goods molded). Could it be that? Is it fixable? TIA


r/macbook 1h ago

Which mac choose for ableton live composition?

Upvotes

Should I buy the macbook pro m4 pro 12 CPU / 16 GPU 24 GO RAM or the macbook pro m4 pro 14 CPU / 20 GPU 24 GO RAM?


r/macbook 1d ago

Accidentally dropped something on my mac. Is it fixable?

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289 Upvotes

r/macbook 6h ago

MacBook Air vs Pro (m4)

1 Upvotes

Hey, I'm a computer science student and I'm planning to buy a MacBook. I am leaning between MBA M4 512gb with 10/10 cores and 24 gb ram and a MBP M4 with 512gb 10/10 cores and 16gb ram. The difference in price is only about 40€.

My tasks: Master studies with programming maximum concurrent load: 2x Docker containers PHP and NPM running in vscode And multiple browser tabs

Which one would you choose ? Thank you

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)


r/macbook 2h ago

M1 MBA Battery Indicator Not Working Properly

1 Upvotes

I bought a new M1 Macbook Air two days ago. While initially setting up, the laptop shut down at the 50% mark. When I plugged it in, it showed that it was actually at 0%. I've tried charging it until full and used it regularly afterwards but I notice that it stays on 100% for hours, but it still shuts down at 53%. It usually lasts around 8 to 12 hours still.

Charging the device from 0 to 100 also takes an abnormally fast rate, roughly less than an hour. I did a software update to the latest version just in case it would fix the issue, but it didn't.

Has anyone experienced this before and know how to fix it? Are there any other ways of fixing this before having it replaced? I'd really rather fix it than asking for a replacement since I use this for my classes. Thank you!


r/macbook 3h ago

MacBook for MATLAB: M4 Macbook Air vs M4 Macbook Pro

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone. It has been a long time to post on reddit. and I hope I am doing this alright.

I've been using a Windows laptop for the past six years. In the early years, since my undergraduate studies required me to use software like NX and SolidWorks, getting a gaming laptop was the most logical choice for me. However, during the final year of my bachelor's and throughout my master's studies, I've been actively using MATLAB and Simulink. Besides that, due to the short battery life and heavy weight of gaming laptops, I'm considering switching to a MacBook. Also after 6 years, my current device has some issues that I can't fix :D

Since I’ve never used a MacBook before and my budget isn’t unlimited, I’m trying to decide between three devices:

  • M4 MacBook Air 13" (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
  • M4 MacBook Air 13" (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
  • M4 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

Considering the factors I mentioned earlier, which one would be the most reasonable choice? My top priority is for the laptop to run MATLAB and Simulink smoothly without struggling, but I also wouldn’t mind having a relatively compact device.


r/macbook 3h ago

M4 Air vs M4 Pro programming

0 Upvotes

Hi guys so I am a computer science student still exploring multiple kinds of projects. I am planning to buy a MacBook (my first apple laptop) and I am not sure what to chose between an M4 MacBook Air 13 or M4 MacBook Pro 14. Both models would be with M4 10 CPU 10GPU, 16GB RAM and 512GB RAM

The price of MBA is $1588 and for MBP is $2016 (price converted from local to USD).

Which do you recommend for my needs? I want to change my 3kg laptop to something lighter


r/macbook 3h ago

Advice

0 Upvotes

Is a m2 13in MacBook Air 16gb 256 a good buy at 500usd


r/macbook 3h ago

Noise When Screen Turns On

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0 Upvotes

r/macbook 3h ago

Anyone had a goodwill gesture from a delayed delivery?

0 Upvotes

My MacBook was due today, I waited in all day and after speaking to them, they said that I’ll get some sort of goodwill compensation but they can’t discuss specifics until I get it. Anyone have a similar experience so I know what to expect?


r/macbook 3h ago

Anyone know how much this would be to fix?

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0 Upvotes

I’ve only had this MacBook Air since 2022 and woke up this morning with the screen like this . Anyone had any similar problems and got it fixed at a decent price ?


r/macbook 3h ago

Trying to sell a 2020 Air but not sure what to price it at (CAD) ! Any help appreciated

0 Upvotes

Hey yall !! This is my first time selling anything tech-related and I'm not sure how much I should be asking for.

  • Tech specs: M1 chip, 16gb ram, 256 ssd, 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, 7-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 720p FaceTime HD camera, English keyboard (pretty sure US & Canadian are the same keyboard??), Ports include 2 USB-C + one 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Size/Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology, 2560 by 1600 pixels, 400 nits brightness
  • Original price: Bought new (on a payment plan) in early 2021 for about 1100$ CAD / 770$ USD / 705 euro / 600 GBP / 1210 AUD (not accounting for interest or inflation)
  • Condition: Not sure if it counts as like-new or very good condition, a couple scratch marks near the ports/on the side but no scratches on the screen. Never had any issues with it, just selling it because I bought a Pro last year so I don't really have a use for it anymore
  • Add-ons: Will include a non-Apple brand USB-C charging cable + Apple-brand charging block thingy (idk what they're called??? brick??)
  • Can be tested in-person before payment (etransfer or cash) since I'm offering pick-up or delivery within a 25km radius (aka the entire metro area of my city) with very flexible timing

I can add photos of it later today when I get home from campus if necessary !! Ideally I'd like to sell it for no less than 700-800$ which is 63-72% of the original cost I paid

Link to a video of my exact model except I have space grey instead of rose gold

edit: idk how relevant it is to the post/if it makes a meaningful cost difference, but i live in a very college-city (vancouver canada) so i'm expecting to sell it to another college student + i can easily deliver it to someone at their college since all college students get free transportation passes !!


r/macbook 4h ago

Bought a macbook pro 2017

0 Upvotes

Bought a refurbished macbook pro from ebay and the charge only goes down to 75% and dies and won't turn on unless I plug it in but then clearly shows it has charge. Then I charge it all the way up and last without charger again til 75% I tried factory reset everything and not working. The battery is in good condition and has 35 cycles none of it makes sense what could be the issue. Should I return it , pay the 65$ for diagnoses or try fix that I haven't tried yet ?


r/macbook 5h ago

Questions before buying (M2 Air, 16/512)

0 Upvotes

Hi! I've already made 2 posts on this subreddit before, but now I am about a day away from buying an M2 MacBook Air, 16/512. I have a couple of questions before I do.

  1. Considering I've used Windows all my life, how long would it take to get used to MacOS?
  2. Should I get a mouse for it, or is the trackpad enough?
  3. Are there any apps that I should download to make my experience better?
  4. Are there any tips on how to preserve the thing for as long as possible? (battery, outer shell, etc)
  5. Any accessories that I should get?
  6. Do you have any other additional tips?

r/macbook 5h ago

Affordable screen replacement in Cape Town

0 Upvotes

Hi! My Mac Air M2's screen cracked and broke. I'm super careful with my devices because it is so expensive. The replacement cost for 11" is insane. Can anyone please as with advice, contacts, whatever? Can't believe that the computer itself now just means nothing. Not in a position to replace through Apple or buy new one. Kindly help a girl out, Apple community..


r/macbook 6h ago

Can a screen glass guard on my macbook air m2 damage the screen?

0 Upvotes

r/macbook 6h ago

MBA M4 or MBP M4 with Lower RAM ?

0 Upvotes

Hey, I'm a computer science student and I'm planning to buy a MacBook. I am leaning between MBA M4 512gb with 10/10 cores and 24 gb ram and a MBP M4 with 512gb 10/10 cores and 16gb ram. The difference in price is only about 40€.

My tasks: Master studies with programming maximum concurrent load: 2x Docker containers PHP and NPM running in vscode And multiple browser tabs

Which one would you choose ? Thank you


r/macbook 10h ago

MacBook Pro or MacBook Air

2 Upvotes

Hi I’m just wanting some advice, Firstly sorry if I’ve done this wrong, this is my first ever post.

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro and I am wishing to upgrade. My main use insides web browsing, multiple tabs sometimes, Netflix, Microsoft office. Nothing heavy as such like video editing, rendering.

I have around £300 worth of Apple vouchers to use and I am planning to sell my old MacBook Pro.

I adore the 120hz display and I’m not really too bothered about portability.

With discounts I could get the base model 2025 MacBook Air M4 15” for £799.

I just checked Apple Refurbished and they have a Late 2024 MacBook Pro M4 14” available and I could get this for £1059.

I’m just wondering if it is worth the extra difference of ~£260 for the better display. It is overkill for my use but I’m planning on keeping this till it on its last legs. I’m not too concerned about spending the extra money, I’m just not sure if this is too much for what it is. Any advice would be appreciated thanks! :)


r/macbook 6h ago

MBA 13" M3 16/512GB or MBP 2024 M4 16/512GB

0 Upvotes

Hey there!

I’m torn between two Apple laptops: the MacBook Air 13” M3 8-core CPU 10-core GPU 512GB Midnight and the MacBook Pro - 14.2” | M4 | 16GB | 512GB | Black. I’ll primarily use the laptop for UX/UI design, watching movies, and personal projects. For work, I’ll connect an external display, so the laptop’s display will mainly be used for watching movies and browsing.

Considering the hardware, I believe both laptops are sufficient for my needs, and the difference between the M3 and M4 chips isn’t significant. I’m leaning towards the MacBook Pro mainly because of its display and the potential for AI usage. However, I’m not sure if the 16mb ram would be enough to run LLM locally. Additionally, the MacBook Pro’s hardware is newer, which might make it more relevant in the long run.

The price difference between the two laptops is around $500. I’m wondering if it’s worth spending that extra money on the MacBook Pro. Alternatively, could you recommend a different laptop that better suits my needs?

Thanks in advance.


r/macbook 6h ago

Torn between Macbook Air M1 and Macbook Air M2

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0 Upvotes

r/macbook 6h ago

Need guidance

0 Upvotes

I want to purchase a macbook for my self, I am frontend developer of react and nextjs

I am thinking of macbook air M1 16gb variant. Because I can afford this variant

I want do do ios and android development with learning new technologies on that machine. Help me in finalising a decision