Mac Workstation

Owned by Marc Miller
Last updated: Apr 05, 2023 by Marc Miller
6 min read

Contents

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Purpose

This is recommendation for any purchases with regards to a Mac for UCSB usage.

Configuration

We generally recommend getting either a Mac Mini or a Macbook Pro 14" or bigger. The larger Macbook Pro models come with additional Thunderbolt ports, HDMI ports, extra compatibility software and mag-safe charging ports, which are far less likely to break if you trip over the charging cord.


We do not recommend the Macbook Air or the 13" Macbook Pro models. They only come with 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, meaning you cannot use a charger, mouse and keyboard all at the same time. They also have serious compatibility issues with most projectors if you are giving presentations.

We do not recommend the iMac at this time. The 27" iMac as of March 2022 is "discontinued", meaning anything being still sold is likely hardware that was "returned" due to issues. The 24" as a recent redesign (still buggy and unless specified, comes without Ethernet ports).

Please note NONE of the cheaper macs are up-gradable due to everything being soldered onto the logic board. Meaning if you buy a mac with 8 GB of RAM and find out you need 16 GB of RAM to run the base OS and Microsoft office at the same time, you will have to buy a new computer.


While many pieces of software will now run natively on M1 or M2 Chips macs or via Rosetta emulation software, that is not the same as ALL software, especially older software aimed at industry.

While not comprehensive, this article was recently updated in March 2022 and shows many pieces of software that are M1 chip compatible. https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/which-apps-work-on-m1-macs-3798238/

Recommended Minimum Configuration

RAM - 16 Gigs

Drive - 512 GB Flash/SSD Storage


The reason for the 16 Gig Memory is to allow for performance for the long run of 3 to 5 year operational use.

Computers with only 8 GB of RAM on the newest Mac OS have been reporting slowness and crashes, especially when RAM intensive software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud is used.

The recommendation of the Flash Storage allows for faster application startup and saving, but also allow for enough space.

256 Gig will not be sufficient for long term usage if the base OS is using over half of that from the first day.

Space requirements for the base OS have doubled with every recent OS. Mojave only required 4 GB. Monterey released in 2021 needs 26 GB minimum and to up to 44 GB with some models.

Fusion Drives

At the moment, ECI cannot recommend Fusion Drives as the latest version of the Apple File Provisioning System (AFPS) has been reported as not properly supporting older Fusion Drive as a boot drive and could cause problems. Newer Fusion drives are supported by AFPS but serious issues involving reliability and heat handling have been reported. Fusion drives are no longer being offered on any hardware released after 2020, and OS support for them is expected to be discontinued in the next few years.

AppleCare Warranty

At this time, it is highly recommended that you purchase the system with AppleCare Warranty for 3 or 4 years at the purchase of the hardware.

AppleCare has to be registered at purchase of the hardware as it is registered with the serial number.

If you get the AppleCare Coverage after purchase, the device needs to be certified first at the UCSB Bookstore or at a certified Apple Provider before the AppleCare can be applied.

Why have Applecare Warranty?

Due to the nature of Apple Devices, any hardware related issue that may arise is covered by Apple to repair or replace the unit.

ECI cannot repair Apple devices and it is faster to have AppleCare handle the issue.

The UCSB bookstore is a certified apple repair location under their Academic program and can do most repairs under the Applecare warranty. Wait times for faculty, staff and students are often a quarter of the time compared to locations open to the general public. 

Device Enrollment Program (DEP) (required for newly purchased UC owned computers in remote locations managed by ECI)

For UC owned computers: The Device enrollment program has to be specifically requested through the UCSB bookstore and is not available in the general Apple Punch-out in Gateway or on the public Apple website. Once requested and enrolled, IT organizations such as ECI will be able to push out third party software anywhere on the planet that has access to the Apple servers. Meaning a computer can be ordered, shipped directly to your home or other remote location, and non Apple software like Microsoft Office installed at first boot. 

  • Costs less: Computers purchased through the UCSB Bookstore and enrolled in DEP are eligible for Academic discounts for both hardware and software.  Discounts on some bulk software purchases are up to 90%.
  • Faster, easier contact-less setup: No need to bring your computer to campus to get certain pieces of software installed.
  • Improved security: Automatic updates for many pieces of software anywhere on the planet. Preconfigured policies, profiles and accounts that can be deployed at first boot.
  • Do more: Apple has disabled or hidden many features on newer operating systems. Get those back with DEP and MDM management tools.

Recommended Peripherals

HDMI to DVI Adapter

If you are getting a monitor or have an existing monitor that does not do Mini-Displayport or HDMI, you may want to get the HDMI to DVI adapter to be included to allow hooking up to the monitor.

Thunderbolt to VGA Adapter

If you have a monitor that only has VGA, you will need this adapter.  Or if you wish to do a dual monitor setup with a monitor with VGA only.

Thunderbolt to DVI Adapter

If you have a monitor that can only do DVI or wish to add another monitor that has DVI connection.

Thunderbolt to HDMI Adapter

You will only need this adapter if you wish to connect a second monitor that has HDMI.


While mini display port and thunderbolt 2 share the same form factor, there are several key differences

  1. Thunderbolt 2 has a 20 Gbps bi-directional channel instead of 10 Gbps
  2. Thunderbolt 2 supports 4K video (a video format that has four times the resolution as 1080p
  3. Each Thunderbolt 2 port also provides up to 10 Watts of power to connected peripherals.





Similar to how Thunderbolt 2 is an upgraded mini display port, Thunderbolt 3/4 is an upgraded USB-C
  • Thunderbolt 3 lets you transfer data at up to 40Gbps. That's twice as fast as the 20Gbps maximum throughput speed of the fastest USB-C ports
  • Thunderbolt 3 also has some added features, like the ability to charge your phone and play music at the same time. USB-C can charge or transmit data, just not at the same time.

Thunderbolt 3 or 4 to Multiport Adapters

Do not be confused by the name, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports have the same form factor as USB-C, not mini displayport, thus new adapters are required.

Apple sells two version of a "Multiport adapter" with a USB port, a Thunderbolt 3/4 port (to make up for the one being used by the adapter), and either a HDMI or VGA port.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter f

USB C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter

This will save you from having to buy all new adapters if you already have Thunderbolt 2 adapters and your new computer comes with Thunderbolt 3/4 ports

Apple sells a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.

StarTech.com USB C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter is another excellent option: Mfg. Part#: CDP2MDP (in UC procurement in the CDWG punchout it is labled USB C to Mini DP - 4K 60Hz with part number CDW #: 4888589 )

Optional Peripherals

Wireless Keyboards

Apple Magic Keyboard

Apple provides a Wireless Keyboard in two forms, a short Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard has a rechargeable battery using the solar cell on the keyboard.

Ideal for those who don't want to deal with battery replacements as much.

The keyboard does require being in a lit area from time to time to recharge the battery when not in operation.

The Logitech keyboard also requires 1 USB port for its wireless receiver.

Wireless Mouse/Pointer

Magic Mouse

Apple provides a wireless mouse.

Magic Trackpad

If a mouse is not something you wish to use, they also offer a Magic Trackpad.

Contour Rollermouse free3 (ergonomic and glove safe)

Another good option for those who have trouble with standard Apple mice, the rollermouse free3 features a large bar than can easily be moved with either hand.

What makes it stand out over touch sensitive mice above is that since all buttons are physical, you can use it while wearing gloves. Perfect for the post COVID-19 world.

https://www.contourdesign.com/product/rollermouse-free-3/

Pictured below with their large key keyboard (also ergonomic and glove safe)