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C
ClaireHere
Participant
October 13, 2023
Question

Will a MacBook Air mid-2020 (1.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 - 16GB) run Photoshop okay?

  • October 13, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 1160 views

Hi! I use my laptop to edit high resolution scans of my artwork in Adobe Creative Suite. I also design illustrated books in InDesign and occasionally live trace my drawings in Illustrator. My question is: will a MacBook Air mid-2020 (1.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 - 16GB) run these apps okay? (I had a 2018 MacBook Pro 13" and I accidentally spilled water on the keyboard! So I've been looking to replace it. I ordered a refurbished 2020 MacBook Air, thinking I got the M1 model, but turns out I ordered the mid-2020 Intel model. The M1 model is more expensive, so I'm wondering whether it's worth it to return the intel model and pay the extra money for the M1). Thanks in advance for any advice! 

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    2 replies

    L
    Lumigraphics
    Legend
    October 13, 2023

    That machine is already outdated with integrated graphics. Return it and get an M1 or M2 instead. You are wasting money buying an Intel machine now.

      gener7
      Community Expert
      gener7Community Expert
      Community Expert
      October 13, 2023

      If your 2018 was able to handle those apps, I can't see why not. 16 GB is a reasonable amount of ram and a quadcore i7 should handle the load. I have a mid 2015 mbp that can. Photoshop Scratch disk space is important and if I understand the more experienced here, 500 GB is recommended. You likely have a qualifying video card and run Ventura or Sonoma, both recommended (not mandatory) for Photoshop. I think you will do fine.

       

      Other advice: keep Time Machine in full running order. and invest in a suitable keyboard cover. I'd rather it catch the drinks than the keyboard.

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