For those already using using Apple Silicon and, for those considering, the following article may offer some perspective help.

Can I Use An Apple Silicon Mac As My Studio DAW Computer Yet?
https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/pr...ple-silicon-mac-as-my-studio-daw-computer-yet

 

There's already a whole bunch of plugins available for M1 and I took the switch as a chance to strip down my toolbox and pick what I really need.

 

in principle they are very very nice machines. and compatibility is no issue by now, unless you have some very specific use case.

a m1 base model m1 mac mini would be a great choice for most musicians, so is the air.

but they are still sold with 256gb as base model! and un-upgradable! that is truly laughable. and the staggering prices for bigger drives pushes you always very close to next expensive series

that in it self makes a windows stationary and laptop a still very relevant choice in the long run. and they will be even more convenient when the new intel processors start coming out.

 

Although you have some relevant pints concerning current Mac options & pricing, the discussion point is Apple Mac Silicon software being ready for everyday use (are we at that point and, what needs to be improved upon).

Most users of Macs have some kind of external storage options because of the issues replacing the internal SSD on older models. A truly hit & miss process. There has also always been an "Apple tax" associated with upgrades going back to the Apple II, Mac Classic, etc...

I am personally waiting for the next generation of Apple Silicon for improvements in performance & efficiency. Doing the same for x86_x64 based CPUs (still a generation or two from being at Apples level).

 

they are. no doubt they are ready, so is monterey. and btw i think then next air will be the one for me, IF i decide to get one instead for a windows laptop, it all depends on what intel does untill next year.

if you have the money and can invest sure, but then however you choose it will land you on around 2.000 euros/dollars, at least for a reasonable usable configuration. meaning 1 tb ssd. because remember that many libraries still dont allow to install on external drives.

and dont get me wrong, i love the mac features and design. i have iphone, ipad pro, macbook.

but its amazing you can get 1tb laptop with 16gb ram today for 700 that is a third more powerful than an old 4770k, for most people that is a great offer.

 

I am also a Apple PC/x86_x64 PC user. The issue with Intel/AMD x86_x64 laptops, is that they have to be plugged in for real performance.
Even my old 2014 MacBook Air give the same performance either way. efficiency & performance. This is where Apple shines for now. Their pricing & corporate practices are less desirable (as with NVidia also).

 

the mac studio looks nice
but im still waiting for pro tools to go native, and a few companies cripped by ilok to leap behind...

 

true, but seems pro-tools runs pretty well in rosetta from what ive seen.

 

I never have any expectation of a laptop running off the battery alone to do anything serious. None of them. I think external/usb audio interfaces that do not have their own power supply as equally unrealistic.