Even though I use an M2 Air and it currently meets all my photography, video, and audio recording/editing/mixing needs (I use it with an external monitor except when traveling, so the screen doesn't bother me), I agree with others that the MacBook Pro is a better way to go. I tend to keep my Apple computers for 8-10 years before upgrading, and software and operating systems will just keep adding features and requirements during that time, so a Pro will be better able to meet your needs for longer. I am only now retiring my 2013 and 2014 Mac Pro and Mac Mini desktops, both of which continue to perform well but won't run the latest operating system, and once Apple stops supporting with security updates those computers will need to be taken offline.
RoamingScott wrote:
I would buy the best Pro you can afford if you plan to do a decent amount of editing. My 16gb M1 MBP is still a workhorse for Lightroom Classic.
I think the 16GB is key here - I think it's great that some of the M3 models come with 18gb base RAM now. The fact that the Airs and some other models come with base 8gb still is absolutely heinous in 2024.
I'd probably be comfortable with an M3 w/18gb RAM - 36 is nice for future proofing but for non-heavy loads, 18 is more than workable.
