Reader Question: Choosing a new computer for editing

Our first reader question! Please reply to this email with your own question to be included next week!

“Hi Matt, I need to upgrade my laptop. Current one unsupported by Apple as it’s over 10 yrs old. (I bought it from you when you were upgrading) 😄. Anyway, should I invest in MacAir 15 or Mac Pro14/16, MR1 or MR2 – what do you think? I use the laptop to process photos in LR; watch occasional streaming service; do some internet searches. Would appreciate your thoughts. Lidia”

So I’m not going to try and specifically answer which computer is best for Lightroom, after all there are so many factors to consider with the biggest one being budget. What I will say though is that when looking for a new computer it’s important to remember that technology is going through some rapid change at the moment, especially in the AI space. As technology changes the demand on your machine will change and so whilst you might be able to get away with a base model laptop in 2023, by 2024 you might find that the software has progressed dramatically and the 2023 machine is now redundant (or moving in that direction). So my advice? Spending a little more now on a higher spec machine will give it far more longevity in the future.