Solo: Mac computer performance suggestions, please

[JBH]

EDIT: I changed the original thread title. I guess I'm actually looking at the "Solo," not Arrow. I'm assuming they're essentially the same device.

I'm considering the purchase of an Solo interface to work remotely.

I have an old MBP i5 2GHz dual-core with 8GB of RAM, 256 GB drive. It has T3, but I'm assuming the machine performance might be a little anemic for even basic work.

I see the ideal setup as something that would allow basic tracking and/or rough mixes for minimal instrumentation, most likely in Logic. Exported files would end up back in the "real" studio to be further manipulated, added to, mixed, etc.

Budget is not my primary concern, but since this machine will only be used for music purposes, and I don't want to over-buy.

Any experience out there? Am I missing anything?

All advice appreciated.

 

[LesBrown]

If you want another MBP, I would say anything M1 or higher would be enough for the needs you describe. I would upgrade to 16 GB of RAM.

 

[JBH]

If you want another MBP, I would say anything M1 or higher would be enough for the needs you describe. I would upgrade to 16 GB of RAM.

Thanks Les.

I'm not married to the MBP, I suppose the Air would work. Looks like those specs in both (w/ a 512 GB drive) currently available in the refurbished section are nearly the same price ($1300 for MBP, 1360 for Air), although the Air has 24GB RAM vs 16 for the MBP.

 

[LesBrown]

I can end up using more ports than are on the air, but I use 2 external SSDs: 1 for projects and 1 for virtual instrument libraries. Aside from that, the Air sounds good. But I have no experience with the Air, so someone else might be able to comment on it more fully. On another note: I always buy Apple refurbished in case you had any hesitation with that.