Using MacBook Air with Final Cut Pro

Question

Level 3

913 points

Using MacBook Air with Final Cut Pro

Is it acceptable to use an M2 MacBook Air for light Final Cut Pro work? I currently have an old 2013 MacBook Pro that I use to do some FCP work. Nothing super fancy, just edit some home movies, etc. I'm in the market for a new MacBook. I was told that the lack of a fan in the MBA may cause issues when working with a program like FCP. To be honest, I don't think my 2013 MBP has ever kicked on the fan while working in FCP. I know the new 14-inch M3 MBP is close in price (once I upgrade to 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD), but for the once-in-a-while FCP stuff, is it worth the extra money? I'm leaning towards the 16" MBA. I also know that the MBA and low-end MBP only support one external monitor. Let me know what you think,

MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on Nov 1, 2023 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 2, 2023 2:12 AM in response to Alfredo Jahn

Do you need a laptop? The M2 Mac mini even if you throw in a third party 27" monitor, keyboard and mouse will only cost half as much and possibly have the edge in performance . . . it has a fan!

I wouldn't pay through the roof for a 1 TB SSD . . . you can get externals for £60.

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Answer 2

Nov 1, 2023 3:40 PM in response to BenB

Would you kindly clarify?

😌Air vs M3😃

It is like this.

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Answer 3

BenB

Level 6

12,649 points

Nov 1, 2023 3:33 PM in response to Alfredo Jahn

M3 for longevity, M1 for just doing simple work. I opted for the M1 since neither M2 nor M3 are real-would that much faster. Yes, I work with folks who have those laptops, and exports from FCPX on all are about the same, there's no real-world difference.

I want to see independent bench marks on the M3, with it's slower RAM.

These M chips are making small, incremental improvements, not anything drastic. And my M1 has HDMI, edits TV shows lightning fast, I have no interest in anything until probably the M5 comes out and makes it an actual drastic upgrade.

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Answer 4

Alfredo Jahn Author

Level 3

913 points

Nov 1, 2023 5:18 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Definitely go with the 14” M3. Faster, more ports, HDMI, AV1, which no other Macs can do. Don’t even hesitate. I’m tempted, and I don’t even need a new computer.

I didn't realize that the MPP has an HDMI and SD slot (which I use to import video). I was just thinking that the 15" MBA might have more screen real estate than the 14" MBP, plus it is a little cheaper. My real question is "Is FCPX usable on the MBA". I already use it on my old 2013 Intel MBP. I assume the new M2 MBA is much more powerful than that! I didn't realize the M3 has support for AV1. Now that sounds like an important thing...

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Answer 5

Alfredo Jahn Author

Level 3

913 points

Nov 1, 2023 5:37 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

An MBA doesn’t have HDMI.

Hey Tom, do you think going with the entry-level M3 MBP upgraded to 16G RAM is good enough? The M3 Pro model comes with 18G RAM and is more powerful, but a bit more expensive. I assume the lower power one should be good enough?

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Answer 6

Alfredo Jahn Author

Level 3

913 points

Nov 1, 2023 5:39 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom Wolsky wrote:

From what you’ve said I would think the M2 MBA would be adequate. I wouldn’t buy it but it’s not my money.

I think the added SD slot is a nice added option in the MBP. I will go to the Apple store and compare them in person. My concern with the MBA was no fan.

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Answer 7

Nov 1, 2023 6:25 PM in response to Alfredo Jahn

One thing nobody seems to have mentioned is that the 14" MacBook Pros have XDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) screens, even the entry level model. These allow you to work in HDR. This is the future of video (and stills) editing. If you only upgrade your machine every 10 years or so then this is really worth considering. And working in HDR in Final Cut Pro is very simple now.

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Answer 8

Alfredo Jahn Author

Level 3

913 points

Nov 2, 2023 9:00 AM in response to Ian R. Brown

Do you need a laptop? The M2 Mac mini even if you throw in a third party 27" monitor, keyboard and mouse will only cost half as much and possibly have the edge in performance . . . it has a fan!

I wouldn't pay through the roof for a 1 TB SSD . . . you can get externals for £60.

Yeah, I really need a laptop. In the old days, I could swap out the SSD myself. Those days are gone. I realize I can get externals much cheaper, but having in built-in is much better. The last MacBook I bought was 10 years ago. So if I keep the next one that long, the extra $200 for the 1TB internal is worth it for me.

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Answer 9

Nov 2, 2023 10:04 AM in response to Alfredo Jahn

A 1TB internal drive is probably the sweetspot for that additional $200, as going for 2TB sees a big jump in price. My advice would be don't skimp on the unified memory though - get as much as you can afford for future proofing,

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Answer 10

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,015 points

Nov 1, 2023 2:38 PM in response to Alfredo Jahn

Definitely go with the 14” M3. Faster, more ports, HDMI, AV1, which no other Macs can do. Don’t even hesitate. I’m tempted, and I don’t even need a new computer.

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