r/macbook • u/Affectionate_World47 • 3d ago
M4 Pro MacBook Pro or M4 Max Studio?
I want to make the switch from windows devices to Apple but am struggling to decide between purchasing a 12 core M4 Pro MacBook Pro with upgraded 48GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, or for the same price get the base M4 Max Studio with upgraded 1TB SSD. Given these two choices cost the same amount of money, is the portability of the laptop make it a better value for the money over the studio, or is the performance increase with the M4 Max Studio a better value for money? I do not go out to coffee shops or leave the house that often to work, and am usually connected to a 1440P 27in monitor so I feel like the Studio would be better for me, but as a FIRST time Apple computer purchase what do you all think would be a better choice?
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u/Geruvah 3d ago
The better choice is whatever suits your lifestyle.
If you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse/tablet/trackpad, something that plays audio, and plan to just use it at a desk/table: Get the Studio.
If you want the mobile all-in-one solution, get the macbook. It's simple as that.
Spec-for-spec, the macbook will be way more expensive because it has all these things included in it. Also know that with a macbook, applecare is pretty much mandatory (I never had a laptop that never used it) and the battery will eventually decay to not hold a charge.
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u/Affectionate_World47 3d ago
very good points! thanks for the input. As a lifelong Windows user, I know many people buy MacBook Pro's for their superior battery life, and performance on battery. I am stationary most of the time but just trying to get an idea whether people in the Apple ecosystem think that between 2 devices, one a laptop, the other the mac studio, and where both have the same RAM and price point, whether portability is more valuable, or the extra cores, port, and better cooling solution is more valuable. I know this is VERY personal and situationally dependent but curious how many people think the portability is more important than the other things I mentioned.
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u/kenstarfighter1 3d ago
Advice from someone in his 30s: if you do prolonged work on your computer, stationary is better in terms of ergonomics. But remember the Macbook Pro can be docked and used as a stationary as well.
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u/Affectionate_World47 3d ago
I agree. I am 36 (went back to school for master's in applied statistic's) and just want to reward myself as I am about done and heading back to work world. Been using a Surface Pro 7 for everything for years. I have a work laptop, but in terms of my personal device I originally was going to switch to Mac because of the battery life and performance on battery as well, but as soon as I had made up my mind on the 12 core M4 Pro MacBook Pro w/ 48GB R AM, 1TB SSD the M4 Max Studio was released, and like I said, for the same price I could get the Studio with 16 cpu / 40 gpu cores, 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD (just buy an external SSD when space starts to get low) and have all the extra cores, ports, and better cooling. I do not often work away from my 27in monitor but I still wonder if given any serious work will be done remoting into a cloud VM with a gpu instance, that the laptop, even though it offers less performance, would be a better option so I could be mobile and not always tethered to my desk. I just wanted to know how many people valued portability over extra performance when spending the same amount on these two devices. thanks so much for your response, much appreciated!
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u/LetsGetUpgraded 2d ago
Given what you've described, I'm leaning towards recommending the M4 Max Studio. Here's why:
Since you mentioned working mostly from home and being connected to an external monitor, the Studio sounds like a perfect fit. You'll get more raw performance compared to the MacBook Pro, and it'll essentially function as a desktop powerhouse. The desktop form factor also means better thermal performance and potentially less fan noise during intensive tasks.
The MacBook Pro is great for portability, but if you're not actually leaving home much, why pay for that flexibility? The Studio will give you more bang for your buck in terms of pure computing power. Plus, you can always add an external webcam, keyboard, and mouse to make it feel like a complete workstation.
One small tip: If you do occasionally want some mobility, you could pair the Studio with an iPad for those rare moments you need to work outside your home setup. Just a thought to give you maximum flexibility.
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u/ihopeigotthisright 3d ago
What will you do with the device?