I’m buying a MacBook Pro but can’t decide which one (URGENT)

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I’m buying a MacBook Pro but can’t decide which one (URGENT)

Hello,

I’m currently a first-year university student and I’ve decided to buy a MacBook Pro (I won’t be using any student discount). My major doesn’t require any specific software, so I mostly use the laptop for tasks like file organization, homework, and preparing presentations.

While preparing presentations, I use programs like After Effects — not in a very heavy way — and I mostly work with 3D models (both in AE and in presentations (PowerPoint) ). Other than that, I use the device like a typical student for assignments and general productivity.

As for gaming, I only play Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) occasionally — nothing else.

I’m considering these options:

MacBook Pro M4 with 16 or 24 GB RAM and 1 or 2 TB SSD
or the MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 24 GB RAM and 1–2 TB SSD.

I’m stuck between these and not sure what to choose. I don’t want to carry an external SSD, so I’m leaning toward the 2TB version to be safe.

I need to buy it before May 6, so I’d really appreciate your recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 23, 2025 11:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Level 10

216,842 points

Apr 23, 2025 12:34 PM in response to evko00

evko00 wrote:

Thanks for the helpful reply!

Yeah, ideally I’d like to stay under $1800 if possible, but I’m still not sure what the best balance is.

In that case, the 24GB of RAM and 2TB of storage are not feasible on a MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro, that's a $2600 machine at the lowest end

For under $1800, I'd say a 15" MacBook Air, may be a better alternative, but you'll have to drop down to 1TB of storage.

15-inch MacBook Air - Sky Blue - Apple

The M4 Pro is going to be overkill for your requirements.

The regular M4 is plenty capable for your requirements and the 24GB of RAM will be useful for After Effects and the games and its longevity.

Large External drives are small and light these days. No bigger than a thumb drive in many cases so pretty practical to have around.

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Answer 2

Apr 23, 2025 9:32 PM in response to evko00

evko00 wrote:

I’d prefer not to deal with external drives — especially with games like CS2 and ETS2, I don’t want to worry about installing/uninstalling stuff all the time.

If you're buying this for running games, I'd suggest checking whether the games that you want t run are available for Macs – and what their system requirements are.

E.g., maybe the following news is outdated.

IGN – Valve Drops Support for Counter-Strike 2 on Mac, Citing Low Number of Players

But if there is a Mac version, so far, I'm not seeing it.

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Answer 3

Phil0124

Level 10

216,842 points

Apr 23, 2025 11:56 AM in response to evko00

Either one will work for your needs.

Rule of thumb, is get as much RAM and Storage as you can afford now, as its not upgradable after purchase.

So, if budget is not a concern, and you want to future proof it the most, go for the M4 Pro with 24GB of Ram and 2TB of storage.

If Budget is a concern, you can do without the M4 Pro, and just get the regular M4 with 24GB Ram and 2TB storage.

From there I'd consider reducing storage first before RAM. You said you did not want to carry an external drive, but at least it's an option for more storage if needed, whereas RAM is stuck forever at whatever you choose during purchase.

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Answer 4

etresoft

Level 9

56,314 points

Apr 23, 2025 12:13 PM in response to evko00

evko00 wrote:

I don’t want to carry an external SSD, so I’m leaning toward the 2TB version to be safe.

If mobility is a concern, then why not get a MacBook Air? The MacBook Pros are fairly heavy.

I think you might be over-buying as well. 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB hard drive would be fine. Put some of the money you save into AppleCare and/or iCloud.

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Answer 5

Phil0124

Level 10

216,842 points

Apr 23, 2025 2:03 PM in response to evko00

The MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM should last around 5 to 7 years for macOS updates and a couple more with only security releases. The 1TB of storage may be an issue at some point, but again, there's always external storage.

The M4 Pro is definitely overkill, and not really aid much in longevity for all the extra money.

But it's your money, if you want to spend $2600 go ahead.

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Answer 6

evko00 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 23, 2025 12:16 PM in response to Phil0124

Thanks for the helpful reply!

Yeah, ideally I’d like to stay under $1800 if possible, but I’m still not sure what the best balance is.

I’d prefer not to deal with external drives — especially with games like CS2 and ETS2, I don’t want to worry about installing/uninstalling stuff all the time.

Also, carrying around an external SSD just doesn’t sound very practical for me.

I get that RAM is more important long-term, so I’m definitely leaning toward 24GB RAM, but still debating whether I should sacrifice a bit of storage to stay on budget, or go all in for the 2TB and just commit to the cost.

Appreciate any further thoughts or suggestions!

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Answer 7

evko00 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 23, 2025 12:19 PM in response to etresoft

Thanks for the suggestion!

I’ve definitely considered the MacBook Air, but since I’m already making this investment, I’d rather go with the Pro for better thermals, performance headroom, and overall longevity. I don’t upgrade often, so I need this machine to last me 5–10 years if possible.

Also, since I play some games like CS2 and ETS2 occasionally, I worry that limited RAM or storage might become an issue over time — especially with game sizes increasing.

That’s why I’m leaning toward the Pro with higher specs, just to be safe in the long run.

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Answer 8

evko00 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 23, 2025 12:50 PM in response to Phil0124

Thanks again for the detailed reply!

I totally get that the M4 Pro might be more than I need right now, but I’m really trying to buy a machine that can last me 5–10 years without feeling outdated or limited.

I won’t have the chance to upgrade or replace my laptop easily in the future, so I want to make sure I’m covered — both for my current needs and for whatever might come later (like bigger projects, new software features, etc.).

That’s why I’m leaning toward the 24GB RAM and ideally 2TB storage — just to future-proof things as much as I can.

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I’m buying a MacBook Pro but can’t decide which one (URGENT)

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