The MacBook Pro’s screen is probably another major selling point for visual media professionals. The keyboard features a standard set of function keys (in lieu of the divisive TouchBar), while the trackpad is a large slab of glass, offering the typically wonderful performance of a Mac trackpad.
Whether the next generation moves to a smaller node from TSMC, or the design just improves performance for desktop-style workloads, I think it’s unwise to over-spec a first generation MacBook.īeyond the upgradeable specs, all 14 inch MacBook Pro models offer 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, and the long-awaited return of MagSafe charging via MagSafe 3 port. If past generations of Apple products are anything to go by, the second generation will offer some significant improvements and quality of life fixes – not to mention the performance leap expected from the M2 chips. As for upgrading the processor, it offers little improvement for photo editing, although it’s a different story for heavy video use.Īnother factor that pushed me to choose the base model is that this is the first generation of Apple’s M1-powered Pros. The base 14″ MacBook Pro’s 512GB SSD is small, but Apple’s upgraded options are so expensive that it’s cheaper to purchase two larger external SSDs, which also lets you reap the benefit of a spare drive and easier offloading to another computer.
Plus, the speedy SSD enables memory swapping with little performance impact in real-world situations, should the need arise. While more RAM is always nice, I don’t plan on stitching massive panoramas on this device. Part of this is because the upgrade options don’t necessarily offer huge benefits for photographers, which is my main use for this laptop. In fact, I’ve been very happy with the base model and am glad I didn’t spend more for the upgrades. The basic numbers aren’t the whole story, however, as I’ll explain in the benchmarking section. The default specs, including 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and an 8 core CPU, aren’t particularly impressive on a raw-number basis, particularly for a $2,000 laptop. Not to mention that, at the time I bought it, choosing a custom order option would have pushed the delivery date out for months. Ensure your Mini is powered off and disconnected from power, then remove its bottom cover by twisting it with two thumbs.I ended up purchasing the base model of the 14 inch MacBook Pro. As I detailed in my guide to the MacBook lineup, Apple’s upgrade options are great for specific customers, but aren’t universally necessary. But for those who are confident they can do it themselves, the following steps can be seen as a general guide to the process when it comes to RAM upgrades in the 2010-2012 minis.ġ. After all, it’s a reality that any upgrade comes with risks, and nobody wants to see damage to their Mac. Many Apple users will be happy getting an upgrade at an Apple store or doing so via a tech professional. Apple advises allowing an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to do the upgrade. *The 2018 Mini’s RAM is upgradeable, but its a much more complex process than that of the 2010-2012 Minis. The Upgrade List for Every Mac Mini of the Past Decade Year True, there’s no suggestion such steps would deliver someone a computer that is on the cutting edge of today’s technology, but Apple fans would say the record of eight-year-old PCs being as easy to upgrade and as long-lasting is far more limited. For example, it’s common to see Minis from 2010 that shipped with 4GB of RAM or Minis from 2012 with 8GB of RAM – yet, a 2010 can upgrade to 8GB, and the 2012 to 16GB.Īs a result, many people in recent years have found they could buy a used Mac Mini from as far back as 2010 and that it will hold its own with a Mac from 2020 in numerous tasks. What makes the Mini special is its capacity to effectively utilize upgrades introduced into it well beyond its base model. Is an Upgrade Really Worthwhile?Īt the outset, it’s useful to provide a quick overview surrounding why the Mini is so fantastic from a DIY-upgrade perspective.
Let’s see which Mac Mini models are easy to upgrade, as well as the general process for how to do it in the 2010-2012 range. Minis are also popular for the speed and ease in which many of the versions can be easily upgraded in their RAM and hard drive capacity. Mini users love them for the versatility they offer in terms of easily adding components.