Who is using an M1 Mac?

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Hi, people.
I’d like to upgrade my system in the near future (beginning of the year, probably) and I’m showing an interest in jumping from a PC to a Mac.
Much of my computing life, since the late 80s, I’ve built my own systems. However, for my last box though, I was putting in many hours as a nurse. Lacking the time or interest, I bought an off-the-rack Dell i7. It’s served me well with no real complaints. Unfortunately, Windows 10 has a 4 year clock running on it’s life and I’d like to upgrade my graphics. My box qualifies for Win11, except for the processor and Dell didn’t upgrade the BIOS to enable a processor upgrade. No real surprise, there. I’d prefer better graphics processing anyway.

For years, I needed to use MS Office apps due to work plugins and Visual Studio for the shade tree programming I had done. Since I’ve retired, I no longer require these in particular. MostlyI use Lr, Ps, and Topaz programs. I have a BenQ SW2700 monitor that’s great, so I have no interest in a monitor, so don’t need an iMac. My Lenovo laptop does all I need until they kill off Win10 Pro, at which point I’ll convert it to Linux (my current PC will be converted to Ubuntu at that time, also. It’s the fate of each previous box as I’ve upgraded.) So, I don’t really need another laptop as I don’t edit on the road, this laptop will serve me fine. I pretty much do most emailing and surfing on an iPad Pro (as I am right now.

So… I’m looking at an M1 Mac Mini 16/512 at the present, but with an Apple announcement event 10/18, I’ll see what happens there. Maybe a 32G version.
All of the above is the long way around asking: how do you like the M1, particularly with the AI programs?
 
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Hi, people.
I’d like to upgrade my system in the near future (beginning of the year, probably) and I’m showing an interest in jumping from a PC to a Mac.
Much of my computing life, since the late 80s, I’ve built my own systems. However, for my last box though, I was putting in many hors as a nurse. Lacking the time or interest, I bought an off-the-rack Dell i7. It’s served me well with no real complaints. Unfortunately, Windows 10 has a 4 year clock running on it’s life and I’d like to upgrade my graphics. My box qualifies for Win11, except for the processor and Dell didn’t upgrade the BIOS to enable a processor upgrade. No real surprise, there. I’d prefer better graphics processing anyway.

For years, I needed to use MS Office apps due to work plugins and Visual Studio for the shade tree programming I had done. Since I’ve retired, I no longer require these in particular. MostlyI use Lr, Ps, and Topaz programs. I have a BenQ SW2700 monitor that’s great, so I have no interest in a monitor, so don’t need an iMac. My Lenovo laptop does all I need until they kill off Win10 Pro, at which point I’ll convert it to Linux (my current PC will be converted to Ubuntu at that time, also. It’s the fate of each previous box as I’ve upgraded previously.) So, I don’t really need another laptop as I don’t edit on the road, this laptop will serve me fine. I pretty much do most emailing and surfing on an iPad Pro (as I am right now.

So… I’m looking at an M1 Mac Mini 16/512 at the present, but with an Apple announcement event 10/18, I’ll see what happens there. Maybe a 32G version.
All of the above is the long way around asking: how do you like the M1, particularly with the AI programs?
I don’t have an M1 Mac but everything I’ve read says that they are incredible. The rumor has it that on Monday they will be announcing a M1x version for the Mac mini which is even faster.
 
Hi there
I've been using an M1 MacBook Pro for the last 6 months and am rather happy with it. The battery life is fantastic and even under load it is much quieter than the Lenovo P1 I had been using prior to the Mac. As you are probably aware, the M1s do not use an intel CPU and not all SW has been migrated to Apple Silicon, yet. macOS does provide a compatibility mode to use applications that only run on intel, so these applications do work; yet you will have to decide to which extend that bothers you. Two examples that come to mind:
- for tethered shooting with Lightroom, you have to restart it in compatibility mode
- the well known ProPanel for Photoshop only works in compatibility mode
 
I don’t have an M1 Mac but everything I’ve read says that they are incredible. The rumor has it that on Monday they will be announcing a M1x version for the Mac mini which is even faster.
Hi, Ralph. That’s what I’ve seen, also. The current model seems fine for my purposes, But I’m in no rush.
 
Hi there
I've been using an M1 MacBook Pro for the last 6 months and am rather happy with it. The battery life is fantastic and even under load it is much quieter than the Lenovo P1 I had been using prior to the Mac. As you are probably aware, the M1s do not use an intel CPU and not all SW has been migrated to Apple Silicon, yet. macOS does provide a compatibility mode to use applications that only run on intel, so these applications do work; yet you will have to decide to which extend that bothers you. Two examples that come to mind:
- for tethered shooting with Lightroom, you have to restart it in compatibility mode
- the well known ProPanel for Photoshop only works in compatibility mode
Hi, Noob. I’ll be deciding between a MBP and a Mini; I’d like the laptop, but don’t really need it. However, if I’ve learned anything using computers, there’s always some future use that I didn’t anticipate. I only have a couple legacy programs that I occasionally use, but I can actually run them on Linux / WINE. I’ve actually considered the possibility of having to give Windows the boot before. Most of the post-processing applications I want to keep using are already native (or nearly so).

My other considerations have centered around any speed improvement to Topaz apps and the AI functions in Photoshop. The difference between 16G and 32G might be moot. Hard to tell at this point. I’ve seen a lot of Youtube reviews, but most seem centered around video production. Video is not a big focus for me, but as I mentioned, who knows what the future brings. Thanks.
 
I really enjoy my M1 MBP with 16GB memory, it was a huge upgrade in speed versus my 2015 iMac with i7 processor and 32GB ram. I cant say how it would compare to your computer but now that LRc, PS and Topaz AI are all native for M1 chip, it is a breeze to use.
My only issue is that my screen calibration software is not updated so runs under Rosetta and it really has caused compatibility issues so right now I am not using it.

i‘d still wait to see the future announcements though because 16 GB is a bit short, as optimized as it is and a few more GPU cores wouldn’t hurt either with the A1 files.
 
I really enjoy my M1 MBP with 16GB memory, it was a huge upgrade in speed versus my 2015 iMac with i7 processor and 32GB ram. I cant say how it would compare to your computer but now that LRc, PS and Topaz AI are all native for M1 chip, it is a breeze to use.
My only issue is that my screen calibration software is not updated so runs under Rosetta and it really has caused compatibility issues so right now I am not using it.

i‘d still wait to see the future announcements though because 16 GB is a bit short, as optimized as it is and a few more GPU cores wouldn’t hurt either with the A1 files.
Interesting. I’m using an Intel i7, 6th gen with 40 GB (32 added to the original 8), sadly only 2GB on my nVidia video card, my current drawback. Good to know about the Topaz AI performance.
I am sitting for awhile, the Apple event is Monday, might figure something out (16 or 32GB) then. I don’t do video, which seems to be the main use of Youtubers complaining about their 16GB memory cap. I could imagine a potential bottleneck with D850 files, panorama files OR D850 panorama files.
Just curious, what calibration tool were you using; I use a SpyderX?
I’m in no real rush. I have a habit of researching purchases to no end. But then, when I do decide to buy, it’s like my pants are afire. o_O
Thanks.
 
I have a M1 mac mini (16gb, 2TB storage), use it with a EIZO monitor. I don't do video stuff.

Just yesterday I picked up a fuji gfx 100s, so my file sizes ought to be a fair bit bigger than the d850, however I've only had a very little play with it so far but no panorama stitching or anything intensive with photoshop or any AI editing type stuff yet. An A1 is in the post on its way to me, too.
I'm a bit busy with exam study for the next four weeks, but after then I'll have a good idea of how the system runs, if I remember, i'll reply to this thread (you're welcome to message me as a reminder).
 
I have a M1 mac mini (16gb, 2TB storage), use it with a EIZO monitor. I don't do video stuff.

Just yesterday I picked up a fuji gfx 100s, so my file sizes ought to be a fair bit bigger than the d850, however I've only had a very little play with it so far but no panorama stitching or anything intensive with photoshop or any AI editing type stuff yet. An A1 is in the post on its way to me, too.
I'm a bit busy with exam study for the next four weeks, but after then I'll have a good idea of how the system runs, if I remember, i'll reply to this thread (you're welcome to message me as a reminder).
Thanks for your reply Anthony.
I recieved a post on another forum from a person using Ps and Lr with Fuji GFX100 files on an 8GB M1 Mac (gulp!). He said he’s having no problems at all. That pretty much sold me. It’s just a matter of what is announced at Monday’s Apple event. Then I’ll decide between desktop power v. laptop functionality, not to mention want v. need.

Good luck with exams. I just turned 68, but I was sweating out finals (my NCLEX-RN certification) fifteen years ago. I recall the pucker factor. :p
 
Just curious, what calibration tool were you using; I use a SpyderX?

I use an Xrite iDisplay but the issue actually comes from DisplayCal I use to calibrate the screen and I find worked better than the Xrite software - but unfortunately DisplayCal doesn't work well with M1 computers.
I just checked out SpyderX and saw they have a native M1 software package now so I may need to switch over - I have never used their calibration tools and softwares - do you recommend it?
 
I use an Xrite iDisplay but the issue actually comes from DisplayCal I use to calibrate the screen and I find worked better than the Xrite software - but unfortunately DisplayCal doesn't work well with M1 computers.
I just checked out SpyderX and saw they have a native M1 software package now so I may need to switch over - I have never used their calibration tools and softwares - do you recommend it?
I started with the Spyder 4 and I kept getting emails for deals to upgrade to the SpyderX… so I did, mainly because they were discontinuing newer driver support for the 4. My Spyder 4 had a habit of setting my monitor brightness to 120, way too high, but easily corrected to my usual of 84. The SpyderX doesn’t do this, it actually puts my brightness at 85 now. OK by me. It calibrates my monitor fine.
They do provide a separate module to coordinate with a printer. I bought it, but my results with it were hit-and-miss. I blame myself though. I was trying to learn it while I had far too many other things going on and my results with the calibrator alone were just fine. No problem recommending the SpyderX itself.

ed. One thing, I use a BenQ SW2700 monitor. While I use the SpyderX unit, BenQ recommends using their calibration software.
 
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Well with today’s announcement
I am looking at the
14” 8-Core CPU 14-Core GPU 16GB Unified Memory 512GB SSD Storage
possibly 32 gigs of ram or faster core (undecided)
but it does support two 4K screens
I am also using an iPad Pro 11 - coming from the PC world - an ancient 2010 desktop
i am waiting to see first hand reports next week when units ship and reviews go online
 
I have the M1 Mac mini and lightroom editing on it is super fast and responsive. That being said I just ordered a new macbook pro yesterday, so the mini will be up for sale, but it is a fantastic little machine
 
I am waiting for the next Mac Mini to dip my feet in the Apple computer waters for photo editing as my i7 8700k and Nvidia GTX1080 seem a tad slow. I hope it wont be a waste of money.
 
thanks to all. I am about to upgrade our Macbook pros - nice holiday present for us. Also when the Mac Pro (desktop) arrives in Mx format I'll upgrade my desktop. Hopefully there will be a smaller version than the current very large cheese grater.
 
I really enjoy my M1 MBP with 16GB memory, it was a huge upgrade in speed versus my 2015 iMac with i7 processor and 32GB ram. I cant say how it would compare to your computer but now that LRc, PS and Topaz AI are all native for M1 chip, it is a breeze to use.
My only issue is that my screen calibration software is not updated so runs under Rosetta and it really has caused compatibility issues so right now I am not using it.

i‘d still wait to see the future announcements though because 16 GB is a bit short, as optimized as it is and a few more GPU cores wouldn’t hurt either with the A1 files.
Have been using the M1 iMac since June - also replaced a late 2015 with i& and 32Gb - I can't tell the difference running lightroom, photoshop, Topaz Denoise - absolutely no issues. Using D500 and Z6 and loading several hundred photos at a time
 
I am still pretty much depending on the Microsost universe for business reasons and because I can'T afford and don't to work with two diferent systems for private and job purpose, I haven't made the step to Apple yet. But I am definitely looking forward to being able to change over and so I am also very very much interested in statements of people having swapped and Intel-based Mac (whatever model) against a new M1 generation machine of comparable type and configuration, e.g. old MacBook Pro to M1-based 2021 model or iMac with Intel to similar iMac with M1 (of course the 27" version isn't available yet.

If I change to Apple I currently think of two combinations:
  1. 27" iMac at home for everything including image processing plus MacBook Air for mobile use
  2. Full-blown MacBook Pro 16" as sole system plus an external high quality display for at home (ideally [just a dream] one of these Pro displays :love:)
Today I am (still) working with a mobile DELL workstation (Precision M6800, 64GB RAM, 1+1+0,5 TB SSD, AMD Radeon HD 8950 2GB + Intel Graphics 4600) and I like it not to have juggling data forward and backward between two systems, but IMHO variation two will most likely break the bank :cry:

I think it is especially interesting to look at denoising functions of add-on's like Topaz Denoise AI and products with integrated function like DxO PhotoLab, because they typically require the most resources.

Looking forward to your thoughts ...
 
I think it is especially interesting to look at denoising functions of add-on's like Topaz Denoise AI and products with integrated function like DxO PhotoLab, because they typically require the most
The consideration of AI functions in Adobe and Topaz products have been my main concern. So many reviews are centered on video production, not my main focus.
This YT video has helped me get a better handle on RAM:

I’m currently using a Core i7 with 40GB RAM with a 4GB nVidia card that’s in need of replacement. I’ve usually built my own desktops, but due to my time constraints, my last one was an off-the-rack Dell… [sigh] with no ability to upgrade the CPU due to no available flash for the BIOS (the CPU being the only item preventing me from moving to Win11). That gives me a clock ticking on Win10 till 2025 (if M$ doesn’t bump it back).

So… the video has suggested to me that I should go for a 14” Macbook with the 10 core M1 Pro chip,1TB SSD, and 32GB RAM, and dock it with my BenQ monitor for editing. I hauled around a 15” Lenovo for years, I’d rather not go with 16” Mac.
 
I just got a Macbook Pro 16 inch Max with 32GB of RAM last night. I had a Mac mini M1 that I have been using quite successfully, but this thing just blows it away in every regard so far. The screen is also just beautiful. I havent had a lot of time with it, but if you have questions let me know
 
I just got a Macbook Pro 16 inch Max with 32GB of RAM last night. I had a Mac mini M1 that I have been using quite successfully, but this thing just blows it away in every regard so far. The screen is also just beautiful. I havent had a lot of time with it, but if you have questions let me know

I was thinking of getting a Mac mini M1 to dip my toes into MacOS, but sadly they haven't refreshed the Minis this round. By "blows it away", do you mean performance, or…?

I'm currently using a Win 10 machine (self-built) as well, and despite searching, I have no idea how Ryzen 5900x + NVidia compares with an M1 Pro/M1 Max machine. I guess in a few months there'll be more reviews…
 
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