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lauraw55714232
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February 5, 2025
Answered

M4 Pro vs M4 Max for Illustrator

  • February 5, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 3487 views

I'm looking to upgrade from an iMac to a 16" MacBook Pro (and buy a larger external screen for desktop use). 

 

I'm a medium user of mostly Illustrator , InDesign and Photoshop. I'd appreciate views on the below options that are within budget. I'd like to keep it for 5 years+ so I'm thinking about future-proofing too. With Adobe programmes, is RAM or SSD more important? Opinions please!!

 

Is the M4 Max processor worth it? Or would the M4 Pro do? Is 512GB SSD going to hamper me?

 

Option 1 - MacBook Pro 16", M4 Pro Processor, 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD

Option 2 - MacBook Pro 16", M4 Max Processor, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD 

 

Thanks guys.

    Correct answer Rene Andritsch

    This is a difficult question to answer but I give it a try. I totally depends on what you want. I’m working on Apple Silicon as well and in my opinion if you want to keep your budget in check you could even wait for the new 15 inch MacBook Air M4 (as you will use an external monitor as well) which should be released shortly. The Illustrator help pages recommend 16 GB of RAM which is exceeded by current MacBook Air with 24 GB of RAM. 1TB of hard drive space is always a good thing to have.
    https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html#ai-on-the-desktop

     

    The advantage of the MacBook Air is that it doesn’t have any fans and it runs great with Photoshop and Illustrator alike. If you don’t need heavy lifting for Animation or 3D work you might be ok not going for a MacBook Pro. I hope that helps.

    1 reply

    Rene Andritsch
    Community Expert
    Rene AndritschCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    February 12, 2025

    This is a difficult question to answer but I give it a try. I totally depends on what you want. I’m working on Apple Silicon as well and in my opinion if you want to keep your budget in check you could even wait for the new 15 inch MacBook Air M4 (as you will use an external monitor as well) which should be released shortly. The Illustrator help pages recommend 16 GB of RAM which is exceeded by current MacBook Air with 24 GB of RAM. 1TB of hard drive space is always a good thing to have.
    https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html#ai-on-the-desktop

     

    The advantage of the MacBook Air is that it doesn’t have any fans and it runs great with Photoshop and Illustrator alike. If you don’t need heavy lifting for Animation or 3D work you might be ok not going for a MacBook Pro. I hope that helps.

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 12, 2025

    I would not go below 32 GB of RAM. Particularly not with the 5 year goal in mind.

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