Buying guide and comparison: what are the differences between Macs and which one to choose?

Before starting our selection, a quick inventory. We can divide the range of Macs into two main categories: on the one hand, portable computers (MacBooks), and on the other, versions intended for more sedentary use. All of them have a unique specificity: they are the only machines that can natively benefit frommacOS Sequoia, Apple's proprietary operating system.

To know which one to choose, it is also a question of budget. Please note that for the same technical data sheet, aMacwill most of the time be more expensive than an equivalent under Windows. The reason? The image of the manufacturer, which relies on a high-end positioning, and on a stability better known than Microsoft's software. In this comparison, however, we have endeavored to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each model, beyond the simple marketing arguments of the brand. Make your bets.

Portable Macs (MacBook)

Apple now markets two ranges oflaptops: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The former are more compact, lighter, cheaper and less powerful than the latter. The latter are in fact intended for a more affluent audience or those looking for performance.

MacBook Air: the bestseller

ideal for students or as a gift.

There are two sizes of the MacBook Air, starting with the 13″ MacBook Air. Its latest edition was entitled to the support of a second external monitor and the improvement of the microphone, embedding the powerful M3 chip whose performance is recognized by all tests in real conditions. For less money, it is also possible to opt for theMacBook Air M2, featuring the previous generation of processor and supporting only one external monitor. This may change in the future, however, as it appears that the second blocking is software and not hardware.

The MacBook Air is still todaythe most affordable full-featured portable Mac, since its price starts at 1,199 euros. For this price, you will be entitled to 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. This is currently the preferred solution for all small budgets looking for the Apple signature, but also for those who have need space, because the thinness and lightness of the MacBook Air places it at the top of the list of easy-to-carry Macs.

If, however, you need more storage capacity, know that the MacBook Air also exists with up to 1 TB of memory. However, you have to pay more to benefit from it. Finally, for those looking for a larger screen without breaking the bank at Apple, there is also the 15-inch MacBook Air. For us, this is the best quality/price ratio that you will find at the Apple firm.

Power in compact mode with the 14″ MacBook Pro

ideal for digital nomads.

If you need a versatile and space-saving computer running macOS without making technical compromises and a diagonal of 14.2 inches is enough for you, thenthe cheapest MacBook Prois made for you. It has the advantage of being supplied with an M3 chip, providing sufficient performance for 99% of tasks. We also find the ProMotion refresh rate at one hundred and twenty frames per second, unavailable on the MacBook Air M3.

For a little more expensive, it is also possible to opt for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 or M3 Pro chip. This one has a notch. As a bonus, its processor is more powerful than that of the MacBook Pro M3 since here Apple has integrated the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip under the hood, depending on the configuration chosen. In addition, note that this MacBook Pro also has a slot for reading SD cards and an HDMI port.

Who says better than the 16″ MacBook Pro?

ideal for traveling professionals.

The best portable Mac is hands down the new oneLargest MacBook Pro. Now offering a 16-inch screen (compared to 15 previously), it is the most efficient of Apple's fully equipped laptops, especially since the latest version is equipped with recharging with a power of one hundred and forty watts, very so fast. Its base configuration, with 512 GB of storage, starts with 18 GB of RAM and an M3 Pro chip.

This model also has the advantage of offering more USB-C sockets than the 14-inch MacBook Pro. And of course, the large display surface is more pleasant. However, since the resolution is similar to that of a 14-inch MacBook Pro, you won't be able to see more on the screen. If it's inconvenient, you can always fall back on theApple Vision Pro.

Desktop Macs

If you have a higher budget, and especially room on your workstation, then perhaps Apple's larger options are for you.

Mac mini, infinite customization

ideal for tinkerers and developers.

Do you already have a screen, keyboard and mouse? Then the Mac mini is made for you: it does not offerthat the software, processors, memory, network and connectors. No screen, therefore: it's a central unit. Renewed at the start of 2023 with a better chip than previous versions, this Mac is the ideal asset for all those who need a reduced format PC, with the bare minimum in terms of components, but without sacrificing power.

The Mac mini also allows you to invest in two external monitors of the same size, without breaking the bank. Where obtaining a symmetrical display with a MacBook Pro is necessarily more expensive, since you also have to buy the laptop in addition to the two identical third diagonals.

iMac M3: the essential

ideal for the whole family or music production.

With an iconic design since its beginnings, the iMac presents itself as the ideal tool for those who are not afraid of working on a big screen. Indeed, with its 24-inch panel, it is impressive. And for good reason:all components are actually integrated behind the screen, whose colorful shape is now the trademark. Its large panel will delight young and old alike, but you will also have to spend more than 1,000 euros to afford this device. It is nevertheless excellent value for money, because the screen is very well made and even the basic version offers performance at the level of a MacBook Pro. Moreover, the iMac is also favored by professionals.

The luxury of the iMac Pro

ideal for architects, printers and motion designers.

To finish with the iMacs, here is the iMac Pro version. This is an even more efficient version than the classic iMacs, in aunique space gray color. You will have to pay more than 5,000 euros to acquire it, but for this price a Magic Keyboard and a Magic Mouse in the same design are supplied with the computer. And at least 32 GB of RAM is on board the motherboard.

The iMac Pro is no longer available in the Apple Store, but it can be found at certain third-party resellers. The price should then drop significantly, if the device is used or reconditioned.

Buy the iMac Pro

The Mac Studio

the ideal Mac for operating a workstation with many screens.

In short, the Mac Studio is a Mac mini on steroids, or a (very) small Mac Pro if you prefer. Its performance is in fact between the two ranges, with an M2 Ultra chip which still proves to be the most efficient in the Apple silicon program today – with the M3 Max. Here too, the RAM is customizable. As for the key advantage of this model, it is all its connections, very numerous and well beyond those of the Mac mini. But the device will on the other hand be much more imposing, and can heat up despite its integrated fan.

Be careful, however, because a new model could be released soon. So come back and learn more about this future product, we will update our article after its release.

As its name suggests, the Mac Pro

ideal for large accounts and deep learning.

The last Mac on this list is probably the most powerful. Like the Mac mini, the Mac Pro is just onecentral unit, but its size allows it to reachunrivaled performancein its maximum configuration:

• elongated “rack” version (a tower model is also sold, with casters for… several hundred euros)
• M2 Ultra processor
• 192 GB of RAM
• SSD de 8To

Bonus: opt for the reconditioned one!

You have reached the end of this article without being able to decide because ofprices too high? Don't panic! There is a solution for this.

Indeed, Apple has thought about small budgets and sells reconditioned Macs on its online store. The ideal solution forsaveseveral hundred euros while limiting waste production and therefore making agesture for the planet.

I take advantage of refurbished Macs