With new Macs and iPads constantly rumoured to be on the horizon, it can be tricky deciding when is a good time to buy.

Now that all Macs have transitioned to Apple silicon, the improvements to what are already great computers are tending to be incremental. That means the performance improvements from for example, M2 to M3, or wifi 6 to wifi 6E, BlueTooth 5 to BlueTooth 5.3 or HDMI 2 to HDMI 2.1, while nice, needn’t be deciders as to when to buy a new Mac. So you shouldn’t necessarily wait to get your new Mac because of a rumoured new model.

The other thing to remember about rumoured Mac upgrades, is that Apple are highly secretive and never pre-announce upgrades themselves. So rumours can turn out to just be rumours, and you may end up waiting years for a Mac upgrade that never materialises. Ultimately, there is always something new in development, and if you wait for the perfect time to buy, you may wait for ever. If you are insistent on always having the latest and greatest, the best time to buy a new model is in it’s first few months after release.

That said, here is the current state of Macs and iPads.

M3 MacBook Air: the recently released M3 version of the MacBook Air is a nice upgrade, although the improvements over the M2 versions are largely a slight performance improvement and the ability to run two external displays in clamshell mode. If you are looking for a bargain, the M2 13 inch MacBook Air is still available as a base model. So it is a great time to buy a MacBook Air.

M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros: The M3 variants of 14 and 16 inch MacBook Pros are fantastic laptops and it is the perfect time to buy these.

M3 24 inch iMac: This is a recent release, so it is a very good time to upgrade to an M3 24 inch iMac. iMac can now be upgraded to 24GB RAM, so can be useful in more demanding roles than the previous M1 version.

M2 Max and M2 Ultra Mac Studios: These are very potent Macs, and the M2 Max and M2 Ultra iterations are perfect for heavy hitters in design, photography or architecture. It is logical that M3 Max and M3 Ultra versions of Mac Studio will be released this year, but there is no visibility as to when. So if you need a Mac Studio it’s still a sensible time to buy

M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini: The M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini is a great little powerhouse for mid-level business, design and photography users. Like the Mac Studio, an M3 version is inevitably going to arrive, but there is currently no indication as to when. So it is still a great time to purchase M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini.

iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini: There have been consistent rumours of new iPads being released for some time now, and they are overdue for upgrades. So if you can hold out for M3 iPads you probably should. Current expectation is that M3 iPads will be released in May this year.

If in doubt, talk to Mac Aid about upgrade strategies for your Mac or iPad.

Mac Aid’s favourite anti malware tool, Malwarebytes (by ThreatDown), now has a new optional vulnerability and patching extension.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, protecting your devices and data has become a top priority. One crucial aspect of cybersecurity is vulnerability and patch management, and Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management can help us to help you stay ahead of the game.

Many Mac Aid clients already trust Malwarebytes as their anti-malware solution, so adding Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management is a great next step to making sure your devices and your data are safe and secure.

What is vulnerability and patch management? Essentially, it’s the process of identifying, prioritising, and mitigating security vulnerabilities in software and systems. So, running updates. Cybercriminals often exploit these vulnerabilities to attempt to gain unauthorised access to your devices or steal sensitive information. Patch management involves applying updates or patches provided by software vendors to fix these vulnerabilities and strengthen your defences.

Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management allows us to take a proactive approach to vulnerability detection. It continuously scans your devices for potential vulnerabilities, identifying any weaknesses that could be exploited by cyber attackers. By staying one step ahead, Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management  helps us prevent security breaches before they occur, giving you peace of mind in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Moreover, Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management simplifies the patch management process, making it easier to apply necessary updates across all your devices. With automated patch deployment and centralised management capabilities, Malwarebytes streamlines the patching process, saving you time and money while ensuring that your systems are always up to date with the latest security patches.

If you subscribe to Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management, Mac Aid will monitor your systems and let you know if important updates need to be installed. At that point we can book a remote support session to get your system up to date and secure.

In addition to its robust vulnerability and patch management features, Malwarebytes offers comprehensive malware protection to defend against a wide range of cyber threats. Whether it’s viruses, ransomware, or phishing attacks, Malwarebytes has you covered, keeping your devices and data safe from harm.

Vulnerability and patch management are essential components of strong cybersecurity, and Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management is a great tool to stay secure in an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

Talk to Mac Aid about deploying Malwarebytes and Malwarebytes Vulnerability and Patch Management on your systems.

It was inevitable that Apple would upgrade the MacBook Air to the M3 processor. The M3, based on the new 3 nm process, always seemed like a perfect fit for a compact, fanless laptop like the MacBook Air.

The M2 MacBook Airs were already great laptops, and a lovely evolution of what has always been one of Apple’s best laptop form factors. And the 15 inch MacBook Air was a great addition to the range last year. With plenty of processing power, amazing battery life, great displays, and improved FaceTime cameras, microphones and sound, all in a new sleek “slab style” design, in two sizes, Mac Aid clients who have purchased M2 MacBook Airs have been very happy with them.

The design for both sizes remains the same, the main improvements are the upgrade to the M3 processor, wifi 6E, and improved 3 mic array. 

Apple says that the new M3 MacBook Airs are up to 1.6x faster than MacBook Air with the M1 chip, and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, which is a considerable performance boost by any standard. 

As with other M3 Macs, the performance improvement compared to M2 Macs isn’t as big, being from 15-30% depending on how you measure it. So M3 MacBook Air is most sensible as an upgrade for users of M1 MacBook Airs or older. It’s a no-brainer for those still using an Intel MacBook Air.

M3 MacBook Airs also have support for Wi-Fi 6E, which is up to 2x faster than Wi-Fi 6, and a new 3-mic array with Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes, for enhanced voice clarity in audio and video calls.

For fans of the Midnight Black colour, another nicety with the new M3 MacBook Airs is the adoption of the improved “anodization seal” to reduce visible fingerprints. This was first introduced on the Space Black M3 MacBook Pro last year and does seem to modestly improve the usability of Macs in these sexy, but sometimes impractical colours.

A limitation of Macs with base M1, M2 or M3 processors has always been that they could only drive one external monitor (apart from the mighty Mac mini). Apple have – partly – addressed this limitation with the M3 MacBook Airs. They will run 2 x 5K external displays – in clamshell mode (with the lid closed). This might be helpful for users who need two external monitors, who until know have had to upgrade to Macs with Pro or Max processors for multiple monitor support. But remember that having the lid of your MacBook Air closed will mean you lose the use of the built in FaceTime Camera and TouchID on the keyboard.

It was a little sad to see that Apple have now discontinued the M1 MacBook Air, which was a great classic MacBook Air design, and had been a great deal for Mac users on a budget. The 13 inch M2 MacBook Air has been kept in the range to take its place, with a substantial price drop. Starting at only $100 more than the 13 inch M1 MacBook Air, the 13 inch M2 MacBook Air is a perfect solution for those with modest needs and on a tight budget.

Talk to Mac Aid about your needs in a MacBook Air to make sure you get the right spec for your needs and budget.

In the ever-evolving landscape of laptops, Apple stands out with its iconic MacBook lineup, offering a range of options to cater to diverse user needs. Apple’s move to powering Macs with their own M-series processors has made what were already great computers, truly unbeatable.

Macs have never been a cheap purchase, and that is still the case. So it’s important to make sure that you buy a Mac that really suits your needs. Under-speccing a new Mac will undercut its value to you, and buying more Mac than you need, will cost you money needlessly. So it is important to really consider what you want out of your Mac and how best to match that to a new system.

Among the key decisions consumers face is choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and further, deciding on the screen size — 13-inch or 15-inch for the MacBook Air and 14-inch or 16-inch for the MacBook Pro. In this article, we’ll delve into the features and considerations that can help you make an informed decision.

Apple simplified this for us all with their recent changes to the range, so choosing the right Mac for the right role is easier now:

13 and 15 inch MacBook Airs: admin, executive or student (or home user)
14 and 16 inch MacBook Pros: executive, studio management, graphic design, photographers, architects, video editing

MacBook Air 13 and 15 Inch

The MacBook Air 13-inch is renowned for its ultraportable design, making it an ideal choice for users constantly on the move. It strikes a balance between performance and weight, making it easy to carry anywhere. On the other hand, the 15-inch variant sacrifices some portability for a larger display, catering to those who prioritize screen real estate over absolute mobility.

The 13-inch MacBook Air boasts a Retina display with excellent color accuracy and sharpness, suitable for most users. However, if you’re a content creator or consume a lot of multimedia, the 15-inch variant’s larger display could provide a more immersive experience.

MacBook Pro 14 and 16 Inch

The MacBook Pro lineup is designed for professionals and power users who demand top-notch performance. The 14-inch MacBook Pro, while more portable than its 16-inch counterpart, doesn’t compromise on power. It’s equipped with high-end processors and graphics, making it suitable for demanding tasks. The 16-inch MacBook Pro, however, takes things a step further with even more robust configurations, making it a powerhouse for video editing, 3D rendering, and other intensive applications.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro offers a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, providing excellent color accuracy and brightness. It strikes a balance between portability and screen size, making it a great choice for creative professionals who need a powerful yet relatively compact device. On the other hand, the 16-inch MacBook Pro delivers an expansive workspace, perfect for multitasking and detailed work. If your workflow involves managing large spreadsheets, editing high-resolution images, or working on multiple applications simultaneously, the 16-inch model might be the better fit.

Both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models feature an advanced speaker system. spatial audio technology and studio quality microphones, providing an immersive audio experience. If audio quality is a priority for your work or entertainment, either Pro model will exceed your expectations.

Choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, as well as deciding on the screen size, RAM and SSD size, ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as portability, performance requirements, display preferences, and your budget to make an informed decision that aligns with your usage patterns and professional demands. Whether you opt for the sleek MacBook Air or the powerhouse MacBook Pro, Apple’s commitment to design and functionality ensures a premium computing experience.

Choosing the right amount of storage for your new Mac is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your user experience and productivity. It is also a big factor in the cost of a new system. The SSDs in modern Macs are blazingly fast, but they are not cheap.

The amount of data you work with is the primary consideration. Presuming you are considering a new Mac to replace an older computer, the first thing to consider in assessing your storage needs is how much storage you old computer has, and how full it is. For some users, the fact that their old computer is constantly running out of space is a big part of the motivation in considering a new Mac. So working out how much data you are currently carrying, and how fast that amount of data is likely to grow is the way to assess how much storage you need in a new Mac.

As with RAM, remember that you can not upgrade the SSD in any modern Mac. So choices you make in specifying your new Mac will be with you for the life of that system.

In assessing the amount of data you are holding, it is worth making sure that it is all data that you really need to be keeping.

Some data might be able to be archived to external drives. You can also choose to move a lot of your data to a cloud service like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive.

Often users have data that they really don’t need on their drives, and getting rid of this might mean you can live quite comfortably with a smaller SSD. Old user accounts on a computer might be using a big chunk of your drive. Old backups of iOS devices might be taking up space too. Every time you back up an iPhone to your computer, you are copying a big chunk of data to your computer. If your phone has 64GB of storage, and is largely full, every time you back it up you will take up that amount of space on your drive. 4 or 5 of those backups can get to take up a huge proportion of your drive. So rationalising phone and iPad backups to keep only the most recent one, might save you a huge amount of space.

Clearing our old data on your old computer will also make migrating to a new Mac a faster exercise.

If you mainly use your Mac for web browsing, word processing, and lightweight tasks, a smaller SSD (256GB or 512GB) may suffice. However, if you work with large files, such as video editing, high-resolution images or 3D modelling, a larger SSD (1TB or more) would be more suitable. For those on a tight budget, consider a combination of a smaller SSD for essential software and a larger external HDD for data storage.

Future-proofing: Think about your needs in the coming years. Applications and operating systems tend to get larger with time, so it’s wise to leave some room for growth. Opting for a slightly larger SSD now can save you from future storage woes.

Cloud Storage: If you’re comfortable using cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, you may not need as much local storage. These services offer a convenient way to store and access your data from anywhere. Keep in mind that a reliable internet connection is essential for seamless cloud storage usage.

External Storage Options: Consider how often you’re willing to rely on external storage solutions. If you’re comfortable with using external hard drives or portable SSDs for additional storage, you can get away with a smaller internal drive. This approach allows you to expand your storage as needed without incurring the cost of a larger internal SSD.

Budget: Your budget is another critical factor. Larger SSDs are more expensive, so you’ll need to balance your storage needs with your financial constraints. If budget is a concern, think about investing in a smaller internal SSD and adding external storage as necessary.

Here are some typical storage configurations for various types of Mac users:

Casual User: A 256GB or 512GB SSD is suitable for those who use their Mac for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing. Photos can consume a lot of space for these users, but iCloud or Google Drive can be used for photos, allowing you to get by with less local storage.

Content Creator: Content creators, such as video editors, graphic designers, and photographers, should opt for a 1TB or larger SSD, and will probably need additional external disk or cloud storage as well.

Business Professional: Business professionals who rely on productivity software, presentations, and documents can comfortably use a 512GB SSD, and they may choose to supplement their storage with cloud services.

Power User: For power users who do a bit of everything, a 1TB SSD is a good middle-ground option. It provides ample storage for various applications and tasks.

Pro User: Professional users with demanding workflows should consider 2TB or larger SSDs. These individuals often work with massive datasets and need the extra capacity.

Deciding how much storage you need in your new Mac is a personalized process that depends on your specific usage, future plans, and budget. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that ensures your Mac meets your needs without overcommitting to unnecessary storage, or under specifying. Remember that external storage options and cloud services can also help bridge any storage gaps as your needs evolve.

If in doubt as to how much storage you need in your new Mac, talk to Mac Aid.