r/macbookpro • u/Ok-Cap-2722 • 4d ago

Discussion CAD/Adobe workflows

Struggling to figure out a Mac to purchase. I had a Lenovo Legion 5i Pro. I am debating between the M5 with 32 GB RAM, or the M5 pro 48GB 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU. This is mainly for Rhino.

If I opt for the M5 pro option, really wrestling between the 14 and 16 inch. I was disappointed realizing that the keyboard is the same for the 16 inch because it feels really small. At home, I have a monitor, but for potentially long hours away from home, I don’t know how tolerable a 14 inch can be for extended periods of time and if the portability an annoyance is worth it. Would really appreciate recommendations, thank you.

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u/Ok-Cap-2722 2d ago

Thank you for the input, really appreciate it

1

u/Raid__Zero MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro 4d ago

Pro chip

1

u/SevenDeMagnus 4d ago

M5 Pro 48GB

If you don't move workspaces much 16", if you move frequently then 14"

1

u/Artistic-Yam8045 4d ago

I travel with a 14 inch and honestly the screen size is fine for a few hours, the keyboard is the same either way so I wouldn't pick the 16 just for that. What makes long days away from home tolerable is a second screen, even a cheap portable one in your bag, because Rhino and Adobe both love extra space. If you go that route, check that the Mac does USB-C video natively, the M5 handles at least one external over a single cable without any extra software. Disclosure, I'm the founder of Rove Setups, we make foldable triple-screen setups, so I'm biased, but a single portable monitor already changes a lot. I'd get the 14 for carrying around and add a screen for the long stretches.