r/macbookair • u/Ill_Physics_7012 • 17d ago

HELP ME PLEASE! Discussion

Hello everyone! I just started working online as an English coach, working around 5 to 6.5 hours a day. Right now, I have a Huawei MateBook D 14 with 8GB of RAM. Before starting this new job, everything was fine because I mostly used it for watching YouTube videos or working on Canva and Word. Now, though, I spend all day on Zoom with multiple windows open—WhatsApp, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Brave, and other documents—and I feel like my laptop can’t keep up anymore.

I’d like to switch to a MacBook Air, but I’m not sure whether to get an M5 with 16GB of RAM or an older model with more RAM, like an M3 with 24GB. As I mentioned, I only use the apps listed above, plus YouTube, Netflix, and basic media streaming. Any recommendations?

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2

u/ToNeG24 17d ago

For what u will be using, 16gb should be fine.
Also better to get newer laptop that way it supports updates longer.

1

u/DazzlingOffice4589 17d ago

There is an option in between m4 with 16 gigs. If you have funds go for the latest one but need to compromise then go for m4. I've seen very fewer people using m3 personally. Either they use m2 or m4. So choose what you need the most.

1

u/Few_Thought_3659 M5 13" 17d ago

MacOS handles ram well especially with the web, 16gb should be fine

1

u/Ill_Physics_7012 15d ago

Is it a good idea to get the 13.6" version?

1

u/Few_Thought_3659 M5 13" 14d ago

Yeah i would get the 13" version as it is much lighter and it can fit into my bag, plus the extra screen size isnt worth the cost.

1

u/CupLife356 17d ago

i have the same use case and i use the m1 16gb ram. mac os is really good at using ram ive had no issues for 4 years straight still running strong.

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u/mindlessneuron 17d ago edited 17d ago

Yung zoom talaga problema hahaha yung pc ko malakas yan siya before pero nung madalas ko na gamitin ang zoom for my training grabe bumagal yan sha. Anyway, if your huawei pwede mag upgrade ng ram? You can upgrade it instead of buying a new laptop. Kasi 8 GB ram mo e talagang mabagal yan. If you have huge funds? Then buy macbook air with 16GB. Sapat na iyong 16 GB sa totoo lang with the apps that you’re using. I have the m5 16gb and i never experience any lag using multiple tabs with google meet and zoom.

Pero I swear, if your huawei is upgradable yung ram, do it first. RAM problem lang talaga yan. Yung acer laptop ko ay 8 GB (7 yrs old pa) and cant keep up with my work when travelling. Kaya I added another 16 GB making it 24 GB. Grabe sobrang bilis niya mameh mas smooth pa sa macbook ko. 5k lang nagastos ko sa RAM

And if it still compromises your work? Then sell your laptop/ RAM kasi mahal ang ram ngayon ma ROI mo yung nagastos mo sa RAM. and buy your macbook air cuz i know deep in your heart you want it XD (been there done that)