My DREAM Photo Editing Computer & $10,000 Mistake!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

🌟QUICK QUESTION: Do you use a Mouse, Trackpad, Trackball, or Tablet for photo editing?

[@peterdyndiuk6648]

Mouse - Custom computer build, 3 4k 32" ProArt monitor array

[@carolbrucecollett]

I'm using my MacBook Pro so track pad on the laptop because that's all I have. LOL

[@danielschmaderer]

Currently, I’m a tablet person. I tried using a laptop, but I seem to work much quicker on a tablet. My only issue (at the moment anyway) is the support for current Lightroom features aren’t supported for my iPad.

[@DaveBerthiaume]

I bought a drawing tablet, but am having a hard time getting used to it. I usually fall back to my mouse. I probably do need to give the tablet more of a chance.

[@barbarachamberlain6918]

Mouse

[@mossycreek4478]

I edit on a iPad. I use multiple computer and monitors during my day job. I like being able to sit and spend time with my kids and editing wherever I can.

[@schmidt28117]

Thanks for the video. For years I have been "thrifty" in my purchases for hobbies, autos.... I have now adopted the "buy once, cry once" approach and have been much happier. 10 years ago I spent a lot of money on a large plasma TV. The screen is wonderful, and 10 years later it is still working as new. Keep up the great work!

[@chrishb7074]

In general, the best value for money / performance / future proofing comes if you look at the whole product range and buy between 1/2 and 2/3 of the way up the product list.

[@neild108]

You've made an excellent choice for someone who travels a lot and can afford an Apple computer. This past year, I also bought a laptop for photo editing on the road, but just occasional trips. I bought a PC laptop, for approx 50% less than an Apple laptop with comparable computing power. To compare the processing power of computers, I used a couple of easily available benchmarks, Passmark and Cinebench R23--both the multi and single core scores. These benchmarks rate the CPU, Central Processing Unit, of a computer, when used with with standard RAM and storage configurations. Your Apple Macbook Pro's M2 Max 12 core processing chip has about the same processing power as the Intel Core i9-13000H or 19 129000H mobile chip. the Macbook costs about $3500, compared to a PC laptop with the Core i9-13000H which costs in the region of $2,300.00 (example: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i with Core i9-13000HX and RTX 4070 GPU). The graphics processing power of this Lenovo with the RTX 4070, plus the integrated graphics of the 13th gen Intel chip, would be similar to that of the Macbook Pro. I can't similarly recommend the latest gen of AMD-Ryzen mobile chips because their integrated graphics unites are not as advanced as that of the latest (11th - 13th gen) Intel chips. The functional difference comes in with video editing. Both the latest Apple and Intel chips are way ahead of AMD-Ryzen in the editing of the more challenging video footage produced by mirrorless cameras, with their highly compressed codecs. High quality full size monitors for PC computers are also much cheaper for comparable quality. Tho the design of the Apple monitors may be better in some ways. Back to computers, there's one real advantage in using an Apple laptop if you're on the road a lot--they are much more energy efficient than the comparable Intel-based laptops, and so the battery life is much better. And the Apple units are likely lighter if for no other reason than that their power bricks would be smaller due to smaller energy demand.

[@Jsfrog]

4:37 - The back thing. You've mentioned your not-so-hot back before. Mine was awful, with debilitating pain and frequent lower back injuries. My doctor said, "Well, I can send you to physical therapy (PT) or we can do surgery." Geez! I'll take PT any day!! I'd never been to PT, but tried it and they taught me exercises for the "core" and my lower back. Years later I have almost zero back pain, and way better stability and strength in the core, or torso area. So to anyone with back issues, please try PT and they'll teach you exercises you must do religiously, but it'll change your life for the better.

[@IamUke]

Yep, I did the exact same thing for years because I was married and enduring Spousal Scrutiny made buying the future proof hardware problematic. Since I had the wife removed I can buy what I want and I future proofed the hell out of my computer setup. It was painful but worth it. Mostly mouse, but I do play wit the trackpad. And I really want to do more editing on the ipad, and perhaps make that my travel computer instead of the MBP. I too bought the GF 20-35 lens. But I still have the 23mm. Currently agonizing over trading in some gear to finance a Leica M11 Monochrom, so I'll probably sell that eventually. The 20-35 seems pretty good, so it's likely I no longer need the GF 23mm. Definitely have not missed carrying it around. Great video!

[@oneandonlyjaybee]

Your first paragraph😂😂😂 I feel your pain!

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@acardena13]

Combo of mouse and keyboard. For the camera bags, I have one main bag/backpack and then use the Milwaukee pack out system for my chargers, cables and external hard drives as I don't fly often and my photo work necessitates driving a 4x4 vehicle.

[@shaunpidcock]

I use a custom build desktop that I’ve had since 2016. I just replaced the video card, up graded the ram to 64gb, and the power supply. I started using a Huion Kamvas 16 pro pen display to do all of my editing on.

[@meadiaconsultants1407]

I built one in 2015 and finally built a new one in December when the WiFi card on the old MoBo died.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I use a graphics tablet for photo editing and a mouse for video editing. Future proofing is great advice, I'm in a similar position that you were just in, base model 2019 macbook pro that is too slow for my photo and video editing. I'm currently putting money aside bit by bit to buy a newer set up with more than enough memory to cope with my workload!

[@tkxplores]

I use a Magic Mouse although I have used that and a Magic Trackpad together in the past. I have the latest LG 5K, purchased about 6 months before the Studio Display was announced. 2021 16" M1 Max Macbook Pro, 2TB, 64GB. At my desk I use a triple display setup with a BenQ PD2700Q 27" 1440p display on either side of my LG 5K. Previously I had a maxed out 2014 Intel 27" iMac, and a base 2012 15" Retina Macbook Pro. I needed something to tether to, but the base model, even the maxed out models of the rMBPs back then, just couldn't hang with an iMac. I'm glad I finally have everything on a single computer now. Only regret is going with 2TB rather than 4TB, it would have been worth the extra money. Rendering ProRes masters internally is about 10x faster than rendering to my Thunderbolt RAID array.

[@kennethschmidt168]

Track pad. I bought a Dell gaming computer with I7 processor. Added Nvidia 3060 GTX graphics card,, two 1 TB SSDs, 64 gigs of RAM. It will do whatever I want. I live in NC and enjoy the waterfalls too.

[@seoirse68]

PC user here and I totally agree with future proofing and buying more computer than you think you need, because you will need it!

[@jamesss1953]

I've been a 'mouse' user for some years now; but when I found out about the possibilities of synchronisation within Lightroom I often finger edit on iPhone and iPad (Apple Pencil on occasions). Getting older has a lot of +++ but your body slowly slows down ...

[@WildscaperPhotography]

I much prefer custom builds to other options. I built a new rig for myself recently, its one of those areas that people don't realise how important it is to a workflow. With my new build export times are a fraction of what they have been. Well worth the money to go big in this instance

[@louisedanforth8079]

I did a lot of shopping research before I bought my iMac. I run a 27 inch iMac with the i7 chip, 8 core, a 16 gig graphics card and 96 gigs ram; speed and power are not an issue thankfully. I have a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet but just bought an XP Pen tablet, I love the XP Pen tablet, it is so much more responsive, the drivers are stable unlike Wacom.

[@EdwardBartel]

I sprang for the 27" iMac back in 2017 and loved it. It didn't really start to slow down for my editing until 12-18 months ago, but I never realized how much it slowed down until I upgraded to an M2 Pro Mini (1Tb/32Gb) about a month ago. Wow, what a difference that made! I always "future proof" by loading up when I buy. I'm not a fan of MacBooks, so the Mini was the way to go for me as the Studio is still using M1 chips. I also went through a sea change in philosophy when I switched to the Mini - loving the speed and flexibility you get by using external NVME SSDs in enclosures.

[@JimEmbury]

Good on you! Treat yourself every now and then.

[@jss27560]

I have late 2013 16 in MBPr until last year when I went with a 14-inch M1 with 32 GB and 1 TB drive. I have a 4k non-apple monitor and a 15.6 USB monitor if I ever travel.

[@greyskeeter]

I have a windows computer I built 5 years ago (it’s starting to go south) and a Wacom tablet. Also a gaming Dell laptop for travel with a second Wacom tablet. I feel you on that heavy blackpack, all my crap and laptop is a workout for this 67 year old back.

[@1WillyK]

I just recently upgraded from my Lenovo laptop to a full size desk top for editing. After much research I custom built my computer. I didn't have a huge budget but I think I was able to put together a nice set up that will last me a while. Also, it was less expensive than buying a pre built system. One cool thing about a custom build was I was able to assemble it myself with just a little guidance and advice. Another thing is that as a custom build it is infinitely upgradeable. I won't bore you with the entire parts list but the centerpiece is an Asus Pro Art 27" 4k monitor. Wow, did it make a difference from the laptop! Fortunately for me, my good friend owns a computer business so I was able to put it all together for much less than what I would have at full retail.

[@nora25908]

Any videos or resources you found particularly helpful as you were planning your build? I'm in the same boat (love my Lenovo Thinkpad but it's not cutting it for editing), but haven't managed to get up the motivation yet to dive into all the necessary learning.

[@rlau68]

Thanks for the good info Mark! Appreciate all of your hard work, keep it up!

[@feklee]

External keyboard with TrackPoint, allows me to keep the fingers rested on the home row. Never have any wrist problems. Needs to be set to super sensitive.

[@TimMer1981]

For all people having the problem of their computer slowing down over time: right after a full, clean (re)install, make an image of your drive and reinstall that image when you notice things are becoming sluggish (in most cases between one and two years, depending on how much programs you install, uninstall, etc). After the new reinstall using the image, a lot of programs and drivers will probably need updating: do that and after that make a new image, to keep things up to date. Also, sometimes it's worth the money to take your computer to an expert to replace the cooling paste and clean out all the dust: makes all the difference in the world in some cases.

[@SPAHI43]

When I game, I use mouse. When I work, I use trackpad (I'm a programmer). When I edit photos, I use trackpad and Loupdeck plus. It's so fun to use a console, have a physical dial for almost everything. And it speeds you up if you are a professional. So highly recommended. One drawback, it works poorly with Capture One. Main features are there, but there is a slight delay between press and action, and colors controls are unavailable.

[@energetics81]

Im a Loupedeck kind of person on my Mac. I used Loupedeck+ and now Loupedeck CT, because I love keeping my eyes on the photos most of the time … or the most I can

[@TonysTravel]

Here - Mac Mini M1 at home and MS Surface Laptop 4 with 16GB RAM when I want to edit on the go. Question number one is: what the editor wants to use and how many resources consumes. My second option when traveling is iPad and Lumafusion and it works very well as very cheap solution

[@davidshort2609]

Appreciate this video 'cause I'm going to need to upgrade mine later this year.....(Definitely sticking with Mac's). Right now, I have a basic Macbook and an iMac desktop but really like the solution you have here as "best of both worlds." Very practical.

[@joshuamontgomery0]

I'm really happy for you Mark! As a student I have a pc. I just upgraded my ram from 32gb to 64gb. It only cost me 20$ total since I used marketplace!

[@marilynmartin6913]

I’ve never bought the base model of any Mac and never have bought the high end either. That said, every Mac has lasted at least 8 years before having to upgrade. I work all day, every day, running photoshop, Lightroom, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Design Merge, Acrobat Pro, plus multiple other programs all at once. My current Mac Pro is pushing 10 years now and still only need to restart it about once every two weeks when it starts to bog down. I think you will be very happy with you decision..

[@jamesvooghtphotography]

For photo and video editing I use a Macbook M1 Pro that has Photoshop/Adobe Suite, Premiere Pro, plus work stuff for my full time job. And it gets hooked up to a BenQ widescreen photography monitor.

[@johnwelday199]

Have you ever looked at Wandrd bags? A couple of years ago I was looking for a hiking camera bag. None of the well known brands had the features I wanted. I saw an ad for Wandrd and never heard of them. The Fernweh had most of the features I wanted so I took a chance on it. It's extremely well made, well thought out, and compfortable. Since then I also bought a Prvke and my wife bought a non-camera backpack. We love our Wandrd bags. I never hear any of the professional photographers talk about them though.

[@blujeans9462]

Lots of cool stuff! I fell into the 'Mac is the only way to go for fine art photographers' years ago. Played with it for 2 years - just never saw the allure. I always buy 'ahead of its time' computer systems - and keep them for at least 5 years with no issues with memory or anything else. My last purchase (went back to Windows! so much better - lol) included a top of the line gaming laptop, only because it was the only machine that had a high end graphics card along with a special port that my new NEC monitor was equipped with. So, yes, get the best and save in the long run! I think my set up is now 4 years old - no signs of slowing down; but then, again, I use it only for photography and it never sees the outside world, so no garbage can 'get in' to clog it up. LoL!

[@APROutdoors]

What settings do you have your Apple Studio monitor set to? I just got mine today and am trying to figure it out.The default is Apple Display P3-600. I’ve read some people use that but lower the max luminance to 160 or lower and save as custom preset. There also is the Photography P3-D65 preset.

[@davidcox2499]

Wow, looks like Christmas in April for Mark. Hooray for you. I’m envious.

[@awaywithivan5494]

Thank you Mark, I am struggling with my basic Mac Pro 2017… now you motivated me to save and get a new one 👌👏👏

[@edeitzen1065]

I've been wanting to get a studio display as my desktop iMac is 11 years old and very slow using LR. But I keep reading about Apple maybe coming out this year with an upgraded studio display somewhere between the current one and their XDR display. So, I'm waiting a bit. I just like to keep everything Apple for best compatibility. Yes, the "tax" is bad but I always keep my stuff forever. For photo editing now am using a 2021 MacBook Pro with an M1 Max chip. Does a beautiful job and very fast. I bought it with 4 TB of storage and 64 GB of memory to try and future proof the machine. Store all of my photo files on the laptop but also back up to an external hard drive (sanDisk SSD) and also to the cloud. Mark, do you have any trouble running your Studio Display from your laptop? Was thinking about a Mac Studio desktop but having trouble seeing the advantage of that expensive machine (if tricked out) versus just using the MBP.

[@oleleclos]

Amen to all that, especially about not going for the base models. My Macs last five years or more with that strategy.

[@jdw6727]

I bought a Wacom Pro pad for photo work and though I did use it extensively working as a photo editor for niche sports magazine for selecting/culling images that were submitted, I never got used to the pen for use with Lightroom or Photoshop. I still tend to use a mouse. My primary monitor was a Dell P2715Q (27 inch) but a couple years ago I splurged and got a Dell U4320Q (43 inch). I now use both of those 4K monitors in a dual set up and love it! The real estate on a 43 inch monitor is wonderful. I built a custom corner desk specifically for the PC and monitors and also have a 27 inch TV in the mix.

[@chrisjohn1138]

Hi Mark, Quick question, do you calibrate your setup for printing? Just asking as an Apple user.

[@manueldinisphotography]

As an IT person I would say good choice on the beefing up your PC at the start, I do the same and in the last 8 years I have only switch PC 2 times andthe last one just because I wanted the M1 technology, my guess is that if I keep increasing my editing volume I might have to switch to obtain the benefits of more memory and power but for now my MacBook Air M1 16GB memory and 1TB should suffice. Thank you for the information on the Shimoda roller, I am going to Portugal and though I don't have a ton of gear, I was struggling on how to carry my equipment as the backpack, as you said gets heavy with all the gear on it.

[@waltergutowski691]

Great video!! Thank you! One question re carryon - how to get around the weight restriction many carriers enforce (some do, some don't)?

[@carlwills7841]

Hi Mark. I bought a 2015 MacBook Pro off eBay a few years ago. 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD (which I'm thinking of upgrading), with a dedicated graphics card. I use this with a 4TB SSD external hard drive and a 24" Wacom Cintiq Pro Touch tablet which I bought at an online auction for less than half the price ($1200 Cdn). I also have a 13" Wacom tablet I use with my laptop if I'm away from home. I use DXO PhotoLab for my editing and haven't experienced any issues with lag. I shoot with a Sony a7Riii so my photos are half the size of yours (roughly)

[@derekmidgley]

I use a well up-spec'd 14inch M1 MacBook Pro Max. It is totally amazing and will be good for years to come. That Rubik cube is crying to be solved 🙂!

[@pc1189]

I can’t tell you how timely this is! During your last video I was so distracted by your monitor particularly the articulating arm. You see I had the G4 Mac and absolutely loved it for the very reasons you mentioned here plus I have similar complaints on the 27 inch iMac as you. The setup you have put together is brilliant so thanks for your food for thought and sharing 👏👏

[@MichaelGarbarinoPhotography]

I agree with this. I bought a gaming computer. I've had it for almost 7 years and it's still more than enough

[@FlatWaterFilms]

Using a 'PowerSpec' (local brand) desktop, vintage 2019. Powerful for it's time. Liquid cooled, SSD. 32GB ram and 8gb vram. Paid $2,000 for the box. Video, I've been shooting 1080p, so It works fine for my needs. Using freeware for editing. Not a professional, retired.

[@gregroberts875]

Great information Mark!! I too have gone through a few computers over the last few years and finally did what you did and invested in more than just the base model Mac. Even with 2 terabyte hard drive after only a year my storage is over a little have full. Would you ever consider a video on how you manage your storage of all of the video and photos you shoot. Do you use an external hard drive. Do you keep your Lightroom catalogue on the computer hard drive or do you use and external hard drive for that. I think a lot of people would be interrested in knowing that information. Again, thanks so much for all you do.. Greg

[@russstamp5965]

My 16" MacBook Pro, 2019 (2.4GHz 8-Core Intel Core I9 - 32 GB Ram) runs almost as fast as the day I bought it. To your point, at the time it was almost top of the line with some excellent specs. Also, I'm careful what I put on the machine as far as software. I've only installed a few pieces of software that I don't use frequently. 99% of the time I'm running the Adobe Suite and a browser. In the past I was guilty of installing some software that's a bit bloated. I'm sure you will get many years of "fast enough" speed with your new machine. Good on ya for being able to afford all the new gear. Between your channel, workshops, etc. you work hard so happy to hear you were able to buy things that make your work a bit easier, comfortable and faster. Congrats!

[@dw.in.michigan]

I bought a small form factor computer. It has plenty of processing power for photo editing. I maxed out the RAM at 64gb, which I wish I could go to 128gb. The main thing it's missing is a separate graphics card, which I can't add, so it borrows poer from the processor and memory from the RAM. Photo editing is just about the only thing I use it for, so I don't need a lot of multi-tasking. Because I live in a small apartment, I don't even have a traditional monitor. I use my 50" TV, which I know everyone says not to do, but I recently upgraded, and I researched the specs of TVs vs monitors (in my price range) and I couldn't find any difference in refresh rate, and the TV has much better resolution than the monitors. So I sit a few feet away, with a wireless keyboard and mouse on a lap desk. I used to use a wireless keyboard with a touchpad built-in, but I find that the touchpad starts getting flaky within about 30 minutes, and it clicks options I don't want clicked, so a mouse is a much better tool for me.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I replaced a 27" iMac with an M1 MacMini - base spec - paired with a Viewsonic 27" monitor, which is more than capable of dealing with any Lightroom / Photoshop project. All my images and videos are stored on external drives set up as a pseudo NAS. I also have a 14" M1 Pro MB Pro for video editing. More than enough for my needs now and well into the future.

[@d1m18]

Thanks for sharing but what does a backpack or other gear have to do with a photo editing computer?

[@IhorFiglus]

I recently switched from PC to iMac and I'm struggling a bit trying to come up with a comfortable photography workflow. Would you please share yours? I would also love to see a mouse-trackpad comparison. Many thanks!

[@davidbailey1689]

I use the Wacom and the trackpad (Mac). Since I added an external 1Tb SSD I have seen my multi-image processing times drop. My 24” M1 is OK but I miss the 27” screen size - and the limited number of USB-C ports is irritating!

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

Mainly mouse, occasionally tablet. My travel compuer is an M1 MBP but in the office my desktop is a PC (Win10). I use external NVMe drives when I travel which I copy to the PC after culling on the MBP (plugged into a 4K monitor).

[@Spiros_Pandis]

Is there a reason you've opted for the F-stop bag over your Shimoda?

[@FernandoSanchezMagrane]

I have the same setup as you: MacBook Pro M1 16" and 27" NEC Monitor. Editing in Lightroom with Mx Master 3 Logitech Mouse retouching in Photoshop with Wacom Intuos Pro medium size, perfect to travel with my 16" MacBook, same size :)

[@drmathochist06]

3:20 Big ups for _The Money Pit_ reference.

[@luzr6613]

My last mistake was getting talked into a Mac Book Pro... which failed from what has turned out to be a common fault. I now use a fast HP with a terrible screen, but when i'm away all i do with it is load it up and parse my images for those worth keeping. Once home, i plug into a good 27" monitor and start editing. A comparatively inexpensive solution that works for me.

[@johnanderson4069]

I really like the roller bag and insert solution. I've been looking for a better approach to that problem as well, and having a bulky backpack in my checked was my blocker. This is slick!

[@GirdHerd]

I'm current using just the mouse but that's only because I haven't invested in a Tablet yet. Would love to try out the Tablet for photo editing and graphics art in Photoshop.

[@chrissnyder4439]

For input I use a mouse for just about everything unless I need to do some detail work, in which I'll use a tablet. Up until last year I was using a Wacom Intuos 5, but when the threading near the tip of the pen stripped I decided it was better to buy a new tablet than a pen and went with a Gaomon m10K which was cheaper than a new Wacom pen but with better specs than my old tablet. I've had it since last August and still have no complaints

[@magarity1]

I use a trackball for all my computing, Logitech Trackman Marble, for probably 25-ish years now. They last about 10 years. Is there some software that's only available on Mac? A Windows PC for the same hardware will cost noticeably less.

[@helencogan2187]

GREAT INFORMATION! Please update us on the use of the Shimoda roller…curious if it will fit in the over head compartment with no issues. It is a GREAT solution for sure! Thank you…

[@mikol.douglas]

I also opted for a base model… …2017 iMac Pro. Only the 8-core, but still today, it is a true performer. It’s getting breathy these days, but it still does the job. I can edit 8k video without having to use proxy files. I think that is impressive for a five year old machine.

[@derekmidgley]

Sometimes, on internal flights, we're forced to stow our bag in the under-wing locker because the overhead bins are too small for "hard" bags. I'd isolate all my batteries in a separate small "battery bag" that I can grab to keep with me in the cabin "at the last minute" if I had to. I'm stupid paranoid about modern rechargeable batteries.

[@jamesfarabaugh6669]

I've been editing on a Dell XPS-15 since last summer and it's been good, though I do miss having a 10-key number pad! I thought going from a 24" desktop monitor to the 15" laptop display would be an issue but it hasn't been.

[@alanglassman6473]

I built my editing system in 2018. Core i9, 128gigs ram all nvme ssds. It screams. I use a Wacom Cintq Pro 24 to edit on. Love it. Mark now that you have the 20-35, I love that lens too, you might want to try the 45-100 instead of the 32-64. It fills in the range better, and has astounding iq.

[@omarelsheikh74]

I have the very same setup, laptop, monitor, keyboard and MOUSE, nice video, enjoy the new stuff, it is always exiting!!

[@SteveMeadowsNZ]

I use a mouse. And, I prefer a corded (I know!!) mouse when doing photoshop selections. Less false double-clicks to end the selection drawing early

[@brandonmjohnsonphotography]

Wacom tablet is a must for me and truly changed my retouching 3 years ago when I first got it. In my opinion it's much better than using a mouse. I can't wait to see your images this year and your videos. Keep it up man!

[@ByrdmanPhotography]

What about the Pelican Air cases? Have you entertained getting one of those due to the durability?

[@rydabyk]

I’m old school and still use a mouse😂😂😂. That lens is FANTASTIC you’re so right, there is just something about the kens and the whole GFX system. Former Canon guy but completely fuji now (except my film) Love it.

[@LeviFiction]

My last laptop was an almost base model Alienware (did go 17 inch to get the numberpad) and I've had that for over 10 years. A little slowdown from Windows but once I clear out unnecessary junk I can extend that a bit before moving on to Linux.

[@gregdarroch1946]

I have 5K 2017 iMac 27 inch with 64gig RAM. Waiting for m3 chips for my next upgrade. Only ever edit on an ipad if I am travelling overseas. I use Affinity Photo 2 rather than Photoshop, because I hate the subscription model from Adobe.

[@Coerciveutopian]

yeah, gotta love Apple's "forced obsolescence" feature.

[@JOHNW2228]

Such a sweet video Mark

[@roberthennessey5702]

I use a mouse at home but track pad on the road. I just bought the new MacBook Pro 16. Like you I said I’m going all in 😊it could be my last, lol I’m 72. You have me now looking that large screen, that looks awesome. Good luck on your travels.

[@MrDan1943]

Macs never die but they do fade away. My MacBook=Pro 2009 is still running PS and LR but very old versions. My Imac 2019 is only 16GB with external storage but it is dragging and memory bus hitting the limit. Mark's big MacBook Pro with a monitor is a greta way to go but I don't travel for work so I have an M1 Max laptop but I did just order the Mac Studio with extra storage and 32GB. I economized on the monitor and am getting an LG 24" which is well reviewed. Having turned 80 this year I am thinking these are my last Macs !!! I do have a big Wacom but use the mouse most of the time

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Fantastic setup Buddy !! Should last you for the next 8 years !! As a fellow back sufferer my game changer was getting an electric sit / stand desk !

[@grantfloyd3736]

Windows is the way to go! Easier to upgrade, cheaper, more bang for your buck, more modular... As a photographer that's been using windows for 6 years now I have no complaints😊

[@brucedelorme5026]

I can feel your pain, Mark. Started on an Hp Pavillion which lasted just over a year and then it went on a long trip out the window. Two floors down. I have since moved to a Dell XPS 8950 with max setup and upgrades for about $2800 and love it. Also use a BenQ artistic monitor. I am still using an old laptop but will upgrade that when I move back to the States in a few months.

[@patrickglenn2969]

I’ve gone the route of having a monitor to plug into. But my laptop is still old and slow 😂. HOWEVER! The monitor is a game changer, even if you don’t buy the Mac version.

[@rafaelcampillorodriguez8714]

Hi Mark !!! ... Greetings from Xalapa, Veracruz. México !!! ... Ok ... Let me tell You that All MAC equipment tends to "Slowdown" or "Decrease its performance dramatically" when the minimum storage limit required by the SWAP SPACE area is exceeded !!! ... As we fill up the hard disk, the performance and speed of the computer will decrease, let's suppose "proportionally", so it is highly recommended to have a main disk with excess size according to the applications that are going to be installed! !! ... I believe that this was what happened to you with the previous computers, rather than thinking that they did not present a good performance intrinsically speaking !!! ...

[@joerminer]

I also enjoy gaming and playing around with blender, as well as building my own computers, so I have a PC. I would love to have a dedicated photography MacBook Pro though. Just can’t justify the expense.

[@williamstatt8651]

I use a trackball mouse with the trackball for the thumb on the side.

[@jimrinaldi8357]

Thanks for this great video, Mark. I'm not an Apple user, so I have a Dell XPS-13. It is small, 13 inch screen, powerful with memory upgrade. After 4 years it still hums along at a good clip and I'm happy. External monitor for a larger screen. I plan a trip to Indonesia this August and found your information on backpacks particularly useful. I've never spent more than I had to on a backpack but I understand about how heavy one can become in an airport. This will be my 6th trip to Indonesia, all of it on Java. I've been to Bali but won't go there this trip. I'm good with my camera gear but it's time to follow your advice, bite the bullet, and buy a backpack that will make the trip easier. Thanks again for your informative videos.

[@oneandonlyjaybee]

Good choice. I went for the 15 inch. It was still a lot cheaper than the mac book 13 inch.

[@dbc7773]

I use Midi2LR and a midi mapped Native Instruments Maschine Jam. Much faster work flow because all commands are mapped to a seperate button or slider. Mouse use is very limited this way.

[@tompetersphotography]

Great video Mark, totally right about maxing out the gear you buy to future proofing it.

[@nerdnam]

I'm mulling over the MacBook Pros but they don't have touchscreen. And I think I really want that., I love it on my iPad. So I don't know if they're 'future proof' in that sense.

[@RuneVenes]

How is the Mac m2 doing with the new lightroom update, denoise thingy.

[@andersphansson]

Great video! Do you use APPLE display for printing? It’s only 86% Adobe RGB and I wonder if you are happy with prints?

[@GrahamHolmes]

Nice set up Mark. I upgraded to the Mac Studio and Studio display last year. Best thing I did. I actually use a track pad and a mouse with standard keyboard (no 10 key)

[@eyewitness4560]

Wow, Mark, I usually come here for sane advice. I feel like as a non pro photographer, my 2017 mostly gaming oriented setup that cost like maybe 1000$ with a color calibrated 83 inch 4k monitor works perfectly fine for editing photos (and game and web development, 3D art etc). The only reason I entertain (but still postpone) upgrading anything in it is VR gaming. Granted, this is a desktop pc that's not portable, but aside from the horrendous battery life of windows laptops, all this could be had for the same price today if I'm not mistaken. Note; I do not edit videos, so that might be where all the horsepower of the M series chips goes to good use in your case, but for everyone watching who is not a pure professional photographer and/or youtuber/videographer, it's hard to justify the amount.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Have had issues with Apple and security upgrades of late. I have downgraded back to Monterey because of issues with Ext HHd and scanner.

[@jimwlouavl]

Very good advice to buy a little more than you need. Especially for memory. I’m there myself not wanting to pay extra for M2 but thinking that’s the next step.

[@gregsilver]

I always go with the saying, "Buy nice or buy twice!"

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

If you were using the 14in MacBook Pro as your main computer without the external monitor do you feel like the screen is big enough. I am trying to decide between the 14 in and the 16 in pro max

[@GirdHerd]

I've been building my own PC desktop computers for years. With laptops I've always noticed that you can get equal or greater performance with a PC product for about half the price. Laptops become outdated very quickly so you can upgrade twice as fast with PC laptops.