M1 Macbook Pro VS iMac. Which is BETTER for Designers? 🧐(Surprising)

Are you a designer confused about whether to invest in the new M1 Macbook Pro or the iMac? Look no further! In this blog, we will compare both devices and determine which one is better suited for creative professionals like designers. With the M1 chip revolutionizing Mac’s performance and efficiency, many are tempted to go for the newer Macbook Pro. However, the iMac’s larger display and powerful processors also make it a compelling option for designers. Join us as we delve into the specifics of both devices to help you make an informed decision for your design needs.

M1 Macbook Pro vs iMac: Which is Better for Designers?

Since November last year, I have had the new M1 Macbook Pro, just the baseline model. I have been using this Macbook Pro every few days or every time I need to do work at home, or whenever I was at my other desk doing drawing and I wanted to surf the internet. I’ve used it for emails, writing, and even for design. Now, in front of me, I have a 27-inch iMac. This iMac is 5K, 27 inches, 2019 model with a 3.6 gigahertz eight-core Intel i9 processor, 40 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM, and a Radeon Pro Vega 48 with 8 gigabytes. It’s a beast, great for design work. This iMac might cost around 4,000 pounds, while my Macbook Pro cost only 200 pounds more than my iPad Pro, at 1,299 pounds.

Performance Comparison

Fast forward to now, we have the M1 version of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. These apps still run, even if they’re not native to M1, but the M1 makes a huge difference. Opening up Adobe Illustrator on the M1 Macbook Pro is as fast as my iMac, if not faster on the second boot up. The M1 Macbook Pro wins with the M1 opening up Illustrator faster. Opening up a document and panning, zooming, and playing with shapes in Illustrator, the Macbook Pro is fast and smooth, performing as well as the iMac. Image tracing on Illustrator is surprisingly faster on the M1 Macbook Pro, even with changing settings. It performs flawlessly, much to my surprise. This performance comparison truly surprised me, as it shows that the M1 Macbook Pro is on par with the iMac in terms of design work, despite the iMac’s powerful CPU.

Heat and Noise

When using Illustrator on my older Macbook Pro, the fans would kick in straight away and it would get hot. However, with the M1 Macbook Pro, there’s no fan noise and no heat. It runs silently, offering a much more comfortable working experience. The iMac also runs smoothly, but the Macbook Pro’s silent operation is a surprise bonus for designers who value a quiet workspace. Even when working with performance-intensive tasks like image tracing, the Macbook Pro’s lack of fan noise and heat make it a more pleasant experience overall.

Conclusion

Due to its surprising performance and silent operation, the M1 Macbook Pro is a strong contender for designers who are looking for a powerful and portable design machine. While the iMac is a beast in terms of specs, the M1 Macbook Pro’s performance, especially in design tasks, proves to be on par with, if not better than, the iMac. The M1’s native performance with Adobe apps, along with its quiet operation, make it a solid choice for designers who value a seamless and efficient design workflow.

FAQ: M1 Macbook Pro VS iMac

Which is better for designers?

When it comes to choosing between the M1 Macbook Pro and iMac for design work, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both devices offer powerful performance and are well-suited for design tasks, but they have different advantages.

M1 Macbook Pro: The M1 Macbook Pro is a portable option that allows designers to work on the go. It offers impressive performance and a high-resolution display, making it ideal for working on graphic design projects or editing photos and videos while traveling or working from different locations.

iMac: The iMac, on the other hand, provides a larger screen and more powerful hardware, making it suitable for designers who prefer a stationary workstation. Its larger display allows for more detailed work and multitasking, and its high performance capabilities make it well-suited for complex design projects.

In summary, if you prioritize portability and flexibility, the M1 Macbook Pro may be the better choice for you as a designer. However, if you prefer a larger workspace and more powerful hardware, the iMac may be the better option.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual workflow and what factors are most important to you in your design work.

I hope you find useful my article M1 Macbook Pro VS iMac. Which is BETTER for Designers? 🧐(Surprising), I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog.

If you need help with anything join the community or do not hesitate to contact me.

Please consider joining my newsletter or following me on social media if you like my content.