Final Cut Pro - Which Macs can run it?

David Hardy

One question that we are asked daily is which Mac's can run Final Cut Pro?

Because Final Cut Pro is Apple software the good news is the vast majority of Mac's can run it.

What is Final Cut Pro? This is Apple’s professional-level video editing software. It is an incredibly popular software for both professionals and also consumers looking for more power for their video editing projects. It does a really great job of providing a solution for both groups. There are well-publicised pros and cons for both groups. However, it has received great press once users get used to different elements of the software.

Did you know?

Final Cut Pro works exclusively on Mac computers (as it was made by Apple). It is possible that this will change in the future, but right now there are no versions available for Windows or other operating systems.

The minimum system requirements are 4GB of RAM, 1GB of VRAM, 4.5GB of available disk space and macOS 11.5.1 (Big Sur) or later.

We would recommend going for 8GB of RAM minimum and the biggest screen you can accommodate for easier editing purposes but this isn't essential.

Regarding the OS this means any MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac from 2014 onwards will be compatible.

Here are some recommendations from us - https://cheshiremacs.com/collections/final-cut-pro

Our client commented:

“Nothing was too much trouble! Friendly, knowledgeable staff that went out of their way to solve an issue with a courier delivery (that was nothing to do with them) and saved Christmas! Thank you!” – Tony Macartney

If you would like more advice on which Mac would best suit your needs, please don't hesitate to contact us - we have an online chat on the website, you can call us or email us, or if you're local drop in! We will always go above and beyond to make sure you receive the best possible service.

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Capture One Pro

David Hardy
CAPTURE ONE PRO 📸
 
Capture One is a professional-grade photo editing software designed for pros and serious enthusiasts.
 
It offers exceptional RAW image file processing, image cataloging, layers, local adjustments, keystone adjustments, as well as just about all the features one would expect out of a pro image editing app.
 

The minimum system requirements on a Mac for Capture One are -

 
Intel Core i3+ (1st generation)
8 GB of RAM
10 GB of free hard disk space
Calibrated monitor with 1280×800, 24-bit resolution at 96dpi
macOS 11, macOS 12, macOS 13 (macOS 13 builds up to 13.0)
Internet connection to run Capture One Live
 
All releases from Capture One 21 (14.2.0) onwards provide native support for Apple Silicon Macs. Additionally, Hardware Acceleration on Apple Silicon (M1/M2) machines is achieved using Metal – this is now also the case on Intel based Macs, if you are using Capture One 22 (15.3.0) or newer.
 
If working with high-resolution images and doing calculation-heavy adjustments,
we recommend the following:
 
Intel CPU with 4+ cores
16+ GB of RAM
Solid State Disk (SSD)
NVIDIA or AMD GPU with 8 GB+ RAM
Calibrated monitor with at least 1920×1200, 24-bit resolution at 96dpi
 
As always, call us if you need any advice, we have a resident, award winning photographer who is an expert in these systems!
 
Follow this link to see our current compatible Macs - https://cheshiremacs.com/collections/capture-one

What do our clients think?

“Communication was excellent, with prompt responses even if my queries were random due to a bad experience with another company.
Mac book air arrived promptly even with delays due to Christmas and strikes etc. Great laptop, ideal for my daughter for uni. Have recommended the company since to friends.” – Angela Booth

This testimonial offers great reward as it outlines so many of the elements that our friendly team work hard to offer. Is this hard work for us? No. In fact it comes very naturally. We are a small company, but we have a big vision of being the best at what we do. Get in touch with any questions and we will be happy to talk you through everything.

 

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Computer Specifications Explained

David Hardy

Some computer specifications can feel like another language. Some people talk about jargon but sometimes you can be left feeling like you are the only one that doesn’t understand. Rest assured that when you are dealing with CheshireMacs that we will offer you clear information and advice. We are not here to blind you with science, but instead to support you through the purchasing of buying a refurbished iMac or refurbished MacBook.

To fully understand a Mac’s incredible capabilities, it is helpful to understand a computer’s specification. What do we mean by this? We mean the different components that make up the individual device. The main ones to consider are processor, memory and storage.

Computer Specifications Made (More) Simple

Processor (CPU)

Your Mac’s processor is an integrated electronic circuit that orchestrates all the tasks that you run on your Mac. It is made up of hardware that works together to deliver information. This allows your Mac to complete the tasks you request when you open an application or make changes to a file. The processors will affect how fast your projects run and will minimise crashing and delays.

When you are looking to compare processors, benchmark scores are useful as they reflect real world performance. We provide information about processor on each of our devices we sell. If you would like advice on which processor would be best for you, give us a call on 01625 415088. By considering your usage, we will be able to guide you to find the best alternative.

Memory (RAM)

A Mac’s memory can easily be explained as a temporary storage area. It holds data that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs. Before a program can run, the program is loaded from storage into the memory. This allows the CPU direct access to the computer program.

The more memory you choose, the more apps or tasks you can run simultaneously and with better performance.

Storage

Storage is where you save files permanently. How much storage you need is a question you will have to ask yourself. There are other options available if you find you do need more storage. If you do need more, you can consider external storage and cloud storage such as iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive.

Don’t allow yourself to be confused or not understand something about your Mac purchase. We are here to help and more than happy to break everything down into simple and understandable terms. Call our helpful staff today on 01625 415088.

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CheshireMacs; What our Customer’s Think

David Hardy

At CheshireMacs, we work hard to offer the best quality refurbished Apple computers. Our refurbished Apple Mac computers go through a really rigorous process from start to finish to ensure that every refurbished product will perform just as buying from new. The great thing about this is that it saves you money as well as giving you peace of mind.

Reviews of CheshireMacs:

“Fantastic company. received laptop within 24 hours of placing order. very competitive price. it was described as grade A but was actually like brand new. absolutely delighted with whole experience. did phone them with a couple of questions and the customer service was really excellent. cannot recommend highly enough.” Terence Cook

“Spot on service with no hassle’s, iMac received next working day well packed and working smoothly. Can highly recommend this company.” Malcolm Jackson

“The ordering process on line was very easy to follow and I found the staff at Wilmslow always very helpful.” Mary Fernaly

“Staff really helpful..was able to view the computer in the showroom and get helpful advice.” Janet Bailey

“Quick delivery and helpful staff when contacted. Very much liked that it was easy to contact the company direct.” Duncan Bourne

“Great purchase of a new Apple MacBook pro. Lynsey and Dave went out of their way to make this purchase work, gave me a great price. 10/10 for cheshire macs - Extremely happy with my new Mac. Happy to recommend Cheshire Macs.” Joel Chant

These are just some of our most recent reviews on Trustpilot. This is an independent review platform that’s open to everyone. Clients are able to share their experiences to help others make better choices. Rich insights help businesses like ours to improve the experiences they offer.

When you buy your refurbished Apple Mac from us, you can do so with 100% confidence. Get in touch today on 01625 415088.

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What Makes a Good Apple Mac Repairer?

David Hardy

If you are looking for an Apple Mac repairer, it is an obvious statement to say that you will be looking for a reputable one. So many people find the online world quite a confusing one. There are sponsored Ads, social media promotions and other paid methods of making companies stand out. There are many layers that need to be stripped back before you get to the point where you feel confident in your decision.

The following information has been put together in order to support you through the process of finding a good Apple Mac repairer:

The first thing to look for is a company who offers a warranty provision. All of our repairs come with 3 Months warranty. If any problems arise in this time that are linked to the repair will be rectified quickly at no cost.

The second identifying factor is a time-served and experienced company. Their website will provide you with details and information about the company and how long they have been in business. Feel free to ask questions about our experience; we will be happy to talk you through our story and how we have become the incredible company we are today.

This leads seamlessly into the third factor. It is a really good idea to select a company that has an online presence but also have a local shop. You need flexibility in the way that you deal with us. Therefore, we have identified many ways in which you can make contact. We are also able to offer coming into our local Wilmslow store, where you will be welcomed by our friendly staff.

Lastly, it is a good idea to select a company who have more flexible payment options. Payment for our services is made once the repair is complete and the item is ready to be sent back to you. We can accept payment by either PayPal, bank transfer or Credit/Debit Card over the phone.

If you have any questions about Mac repairs, please don’t’ hesitate to get in touch to ask any questions. We are available on 01625 415088.

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3 Things You Should Know About Buying a Refurbished Mac

David Hardy

If you are looking at buying a refurbished Mac, it is great advice to do a little homework. There are key points that you should educate yourself about in terms of the process. Making an informed decision will never be a bad thing. In fact, it will leave you feeling excited and confident that you have made the right choice for your needs.

Buying a Refurbished Mac is Cheaper

As many are, if you are looking to save money, a refurbished option is the best way to go. There are determining factors such as age of the device and condition. A newer model will likely have a lesser saving. Whereas older models can be vastly reduced. These details show evidence of how there will always be decisions to be made and a balance to find between what you are looking for and how much you want to spend.

Refurbished Macs are Not Perfect

It would be naïve to believe that a refurbished Mac will be in perfect condition. It is important to remember that a refurbished device has been used. It is therefore unreasonable to assume that a refurbished model will be the same as a new device. This is why we have devised a grading system to offer an open and upfront sales process.

Shorter Warranties are More Likely

Buying a refurbished Mac from a reputable company means that you will receive a warranty period. It is reasonable to assume that these warranties are likely to be shorter than that of a brand-new machine. Some credit card companies automatically offer additional warranty periods. It is therefore a good idea to look into this, should this be something you are wishing to achieve.

A client commented:

“Just received my 27" imac. Wow its like a brand new machine. Thank you Dave for all your help on purchasing it. I would highly recommend CheshireMacs. They were so helpful on the phone and on email, nothing was to much trouble. As other people have said why pay high prices when you can get an almost new machine from them.” – Pete Skinner

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🔥 Black Friday Deals Now Live On All Apple Macs 🔥

David Hardy

Our Black Friday Deals are now live! 

We have deals running as a presale this week which is proving very popular so if you have your eye on anything, now is the time to hit buy! Don't delay as stock is moving very quickly.

Black Friday is popular across the country, in particular when it comes to tech!

There are great deals to be had and because our prices are competitive all year round, with the added Black Friday Discount you really are getting a bargain! 

As always we have our 12 month warranty on all of our MacBooks, iMacs and Mac Mini's to give you extra peace of mind.

Read out Excellent TrustPilot Rating here - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/cheshiremacs.com

Use the code 10BF at checkout this week only! 

https://cheshiremacs.com/collections/all

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Before you install Ventura, follow these steps!

David Hardy
Before updating to Ventura, follow these steps.

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How Do I Speed up my iMac?

David Hardy

An Apple iMac can be your best friend or worst enemy if you feel like it is working really slowly. There are many steps and stages you can work through to find out what is going on but there is one key solution.

One of the most common questions we receive is ‘how do I speed up my iMac?’. The answer isn’t always straight forward and simple. However, our technicians have over 20 years’ experience. This allows them to draw on this to find the best solution for our clients.

If your iMac does not have an SSD (solid state drive) then this can often be the answer to speeding up your iMac. We are able to offer fast turnaround on all iMac repairs. Message us or get in touch if you would like a quote for an SSD. This could help provide a solution to an issue you may have been fighting for some time.

Speeding up Your iMac

While you are with us, our helpful and friendly staff are also on hand to help with any other questions you may have. Building a trusted relationship with our clients just comes naturally to us. We aim to provide the one-stop solution for all of your Apple devices.

Feel free to read some of our reviews on TrustPilot from our valued customers. Some recently commented:

“I’m very pleased with my Mac mini. It’s in perfect working order and condition. I feel I bought it for a fair price from an honest company and I would definitely recommend them.” – Steven

“Ordered a used Macbook pro for my son. It came on the day they said it would and was exactly what we had ordered. Would recommend.” – Martin

We are often updating our website with new products. Check out our ** OCTOBER OFFER ** for our brilliant iMac 21.5inch 4K Core i5 3.1Ghz, 8gb, 500GB SSD for just £415. Look online or call our team today on 01625 415088.

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Why Refurbished Macs are Better for the Environment

David Hardy

Refurbished Macs may be better for the environment. But the following information aims to look further into this to show you just how important it is to be aware of our footprint on the earth. Many of the older generations say that children live in a ‘throw away’ society. There are so many options available to us. Furthermore, new versions and updates are readily available which means upgrades are always an option.

A lot of marketing aims to home in on this fact. They try to plant the seed that you don’t want to miss out on all of the new technology. But how different can it really be? It is relatively unknown and completely depends on how you use your device. But rest assured we all get to that point where we feel we deserve an upgrade.

Can Refurbished Macs Help control Electronic Waste?

There is a well-publicised and well-known growing electronic waste problem. As more and more technology is available we are purchasing more and replacing more. Think of your home and just how many electronic devices are in there. What happens to all of these when the times comes that they have either broken or need replacing? The sad fact is that a huge amount ends up in landfill or being burned. As you can imagine this has a terrible effect on the environment.

While sadly we will never be in full control of this, there are measures that you can take to assist the process. Apple are making great effort to support the process of using more recycled and renewable materials. Why?

Apple devices need raw materials. Mining of these materials creates carbon emissions and demand on local ecosystems. Buying a refurbished Mac will completely bypass this. Apple have publicised that up to 91% of any devices’ carbon footprint comes from its initial production and transport. Raw materials and other manufactured materials may come from different areas before the items are transported Globally to meet demand.

Here are some interested facts, published by Apple:

  • 230 million iPhones, 71 million iPads and 20 million Mac and MacBook units were sold in 2020
  • It sold 110 million AirPods and 43 million Apple Watches in 2020

Refurbishing devices helps to make already made products last longer. It goes a long way to tackle overconsumption and allows people a really great alternative to purchasing new. Our skilled and friendly team are on hand to help with any questions you my have when buying refurbished tech. Call today on 01625 415088.

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