MacBook Pro: RIP

So, my MacBook Pro is a brick. We suspected the screen needed to be replaced but maybe the water my dog knocked over might have something to do with it. The thing worked. All I did was wipe the water off of the top of it. I didn't think any got into it, but maybe.... who knows. I checked with CrashPlan, and it was backed up recently.

I asked about a Mac Mini a while back but things change. I don't want another laptop, and am not interested in putting money into the brick even if it can be repaired.

Any Mac recommendations or warnings I should consider? The Mini has only 2 usb ports. Other than that, I don't know if there are any issues with that system currently. If the Mini is the way to go, any monitor recommendations?

Looking at the monitors, and wondering if that makes a Mini out due to the cost of the monitor.

Thanks.

I am not sure what you want to spend, but I have a 2020 iMac 27" with an i7 intel processor and 64 gig of ram that I added after I received it. I love it. The monitor is great and it is nice processing photos on a larger monitor. I only have 512 gig SSD Storage, but I have external SSD as well.

I know it is not the latest tech, but it really does a good job and it does not bog down. The only time the fan has come on was when using Nik tools, but that has only happened twice.

I do wish you well on this. I hate hunting for computers. I get locked into analysis paralysis. Fortunately my Son helps me out.

I have a 2020 Mac Mini M1... and love it... The USB ports isn't an issue... You can buy 8+ port USB hubs for <$30 and daisy chain them... USB supports 256 ports... You can use any HDMI capable monitor... I use a 27" Acer...but suitable monitors are in the <$200 range

Understand the difference between the Macs...I believe there are still Intell based minis... Don't get one of those...make sure you get the M1, and/or the soon to be released M2 chip...

You'll need a new keyboard also... they don't come with keyboards or mice...

The mac mini w/16G RAM and a 512G SSD is right around $1100... + $200ish for monitor + $200ish for keyboard and mouse...

FredKingston said:

I have a 2020 Mac Mini M1... and love it... The USB ports isn't an issue... You can buy 8+ port USB hubs for <$30 and daisy chain them... USB supports 256 ports...

Click to expand...

Fred, do you have any suggestions for a UBS hub? I have one for my Windows PC, but I have to disconnect it before starting my computer. Otherwise, my PC can't tell from where to boot. Do they make any for Macs that will allow the Mac to be turned on and off without having to disconnect the USB hub? I'll be setting up an iMac soon.

Cindy...That's a function of your Windows system... not the USB hub... My Mac sees the internal drive as the bootable device and doesn't query or carry about the drives connected to the USB chain... If it ever sees a "bootable device" at bootup, it asks one time "which one do you want to boot from" and then remembers that default going forward... I never turn OFF my USB chains... I have 2 USB hubs... A cheap 10-port Amazon hub, and a 4-port USB-C hub. Both are "powered" hubs...The USB-C hub has an ON/OFF button for each port that allows me to selectively turn OFF a port if I need to... Without getting too far astray, technically...Macs also have Thunderbolt ports that you can plug powered Thunderbolt hubs into, and then chain 4 separate USB chains off of...

Technically, it's now feasible to add as many different drives and devices off a Mac as you want, with almost no limits, and you only need the internal "boot" drive to be large enough to hold manage the operating system and programs... and all your data can be separated onto their own USB or Thunderbolt drives...

I currently have 7 different drives not counting my Mini's internal drive and the network's TimeMachine drive.

Here's one Hub that I have... https://www.amazon.com/atolla-Charg...fix=usb+powered+3.0+hub,electronics,76&sr=1-3

@Danno
The older 27 inch iMacs are starting to go away and aren't listed on the Apple site, but B&H still has them in limited stock. My old one was a 21.5" display, and it was plenty big enough, but I'll take a look at the 27" displays if I get the Mini.
I was looking at the Mini because it was a lot of bang for the buck, small and if I needed to evacuate the area, I can grab it easier than the old desktop. I dunno. I am not good at making decisions. Makes my anxiety go through the roof. Thanks for the input on your Mac.
@FredKingston. Thanks.
I almost fell over when I saw the display prices for the Retina screens. They only have 2 in the line-up. The smaller one is $1600, and I am not willing to do that. Looks like lots of nice HDMI displays are available for around $200 or less, so I'll go take a look at them.
Thanks for your input.

I do like having the option on keyboards and displays without them just handing me one of theirs, that I pay for and don't like. I still don't understand why they put a charge port on the bottom of the magic mouse. They keyboard has a port where you can plug it in and still use the board. Apple does some dumb stuff.

BTW, I still have my G3 "Special Edition." It still boots but makes a really annoying noise. They keyboard still works, but the keys are starting to stick.

I have earlier versions of the Magic Mouse and keyboard...with batteries...no charge ports... When/if either dies, I'll get another battery-operated one from a third party...for $50-$60

Yeah, Apple is proud of those retina displays...I'd be hard pressed to pay what they want for them, with so many other choices that are equally good and magnitudes less money...

If you can hold off for a few weeks to see what the new M2 Minis are going to cost, I would... Early testing indicates the M2 chip is faster than their $6K machines... Which will be interesting because who would pay $6k for a box that is slower than a $1500 box???

FWIW I had the 21.5 iMac and now have the iMac 27" and the monitor is probably larger than I really need, but on the other had it gives me a lot more room on the screen when using Lightroom and Photoshop. I'd spend the money on a larger monitor if you can afford it. I wouldn't look at the Intel Macs that are still around if I were you. The M 1 and M 2 chips are the real deal. I have a MacBook Air with the M 1 chip and it really makes a huge difference in both speed and memory handling.

I went and looked at them yesterday. Still considering the Mac Mini.

Dawg Pics said:

I went and looked at them yesterday. Still considering the Mac Mini.

Click to expand...

Let us know how we can help you spend your money.

Woodyg3 said:

FWIW I had the 21.5 iMac and now have the iMac 27" and the monitor is probably larger than I really need, but on the other had it gives me a lot more room on the screen when using Lightroom and Photoshop. I'd spend the money on a larger monitor if you can afford it. I wouldn't look at the Intel Macs that are still around if I were you. The M 1 and M 2 chips are the real deal. I have a MacBook Air with the M 1 chip and it really makes a huge difference in both speed and memory handling.

Click to expand...

Woody, how much ram did you get in the Mac Book Air. I am toying with the idea of getting one to take with me when I travel. Just trying to decide if I would need 8 or 16 GIG of Ram. If I do this i would go with the 512 storage and just load Light Room and Photo Shop, and probably Word for my blog. The reviews all are very good, but I would sure appreciate your opinion.

Danno said:

Woody, how much ram did you get in the Mac Book Air. I am toying with the idea of getting one to take with me when I travel. Just trying to decide if I would need 8 or 16 GIG of Ram. If I do this i would go with the 512 storage and just load Light Room and Photo Shop, and probably Word for my blog. The reviews all are very good, but I would sure appreciate your opinion.

Click to expand...

Hi Dan,

I don't process photos on the laptop, so I just got 8 GIGs of RAM. Everything flies along great, and I can have several apps open at once with no slowdown. I wish I could tell you what would work best when using Photoshop and Lightroom. More RAM never hurts, in any case.

@Danno... I wouldn't get less than 16G on an Apple computer that could potentially see Lightroom & Photoshop... Simply because if 8G is ever NOT enough, there's nothing you can do because Apple solders in the chips now, and you can't easily add RAM after the fact...

Woodyg3 said:

Hi Dan,

I don't process photos on the laptop, so I just got 8 GIGs of RAM. Everything flies along great, and I can have several apps open at once with no slowdown. I wish I could tell you what would work best when using Photoshop and Lightroom. More RAM never hurts, in any case.

Click to expand...

Thanks Woody, I appreciate your feedback. That is kind of what I do with my iPad.

FredKingston said:

@Danno... I wouldn't get less than 16G on an Apple computer that could potentially see Lightroom & Photoshop... Simply because if 8G is ever NOT enough, there's nothing you can do because Apple solders in the chips now, and you can't easily add RAM after the fact...

Click to expand...

thanks Fred, that is where I am leaning right now. It doesn’t have to be a powerhouse, but I do not want to struggle with something that can’t run LRc.

thanks guys I appreciate your help. This is not an urgent need. I am still a bit reluctant about getting out, but it gets better every day.

I second the lack of RAM being a problem. Apple hasn't done anybody any favors with that decision. I have personal experience with it.
@Woodyg3 @FredKingston
I was looking at the connectivity of the Mini. There are no Thunderbolt ports. My MacBook Pro had 4 and nothing else. The laptop I saw on sale the other night was only a 14", but it had an HDMI port and an SD card slot. I don't get why Apple keeps messing with the ports. What ports do I need? Some have an Ethernet port.
Does a person need an Ethernet port these days? I haven't connected directly to a router in a long time. My TV is connected to one.

Dawg Pics said:

I second the lack of RAM being a problem. Apple hasn't done anybody any favors with that decision. I have personal experience with it.
@Woodyg3 @FredKingston
I was looking at the connectivity of the Mini. There are no Thunderbolt ports. My MacBook Pro had 4 and nothing else. The laptop I saw on sale the other night was only a 14", but it had an HDMI port and an SD card slot. I don't get why Apple keeps messing with the ports. What ports do I need? Some have an Ethernet port.
Does a person need an Ethernet port these days? I haven't connected directly to a router in a long time. My TV is connected to one.

Click to expand...

I'm looking at a picture of the back of the Mini and I see two thunderbolt/USB4 ports and 2 USB-A ports. These, along with a hub if you need a different kind of connection or more connections, should work for just about anything. I suppose some people still use ethernet for a more secure internet connection. I believe it is also used for some specialty connections where very high speed transfer rates are needed.

2 Thunderbolt, 2 USB-A 10G ethernet...

I have a network in my office...routers, switches, printers, etc and everything is wired... wired ethernet is way faster than Wifi...

My only ethernet cable is by my television. I have no way to connect directly any other place in the house without running an unsightly cable around door frames.

Thanks for the input. I just need to make a decision. I hate giving up the Retina screen, but I am not all that impressed with the new desktops.

Dawg Pics said:

My only ethernet cable is by my television. I have no way to connect directly any other place in the house without running an unsightly cable around door frames.

Click to expand...

I've used these for a couple of situations. A long time ago I had a laptop in a home office located far from my router. It didn't have wifi but it did have an ethernet connector. These solved the problem. Currently, my office on the second floor gets a very weak wifi signal (sloooow internet speed) so once again I used this approach - one unit is downstairs near the router, the other is upstairs next to my HP All-in-One that has an ethernet port. In each case, this solution has worked flawlessly.

TP-Link AV600 Powerline Ethernet Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWRUIC...olid=3JQ0B88ICV9OP&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

If you're still looking, try this site for OWC Sales: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple_Systems/Used/Macs_and_Tablets I've never purchased a computer from them, but have purchased other things like RAM and cables. I do know someone who purchased an iMac from them and was very pleased with it.

I wouldn't ever want to give up my 27-inch iMac for photo editing.