Bob,

I've got the 2012 mid year, non retina MBP that you have. Like several above I've maxed out the RAM to 16GB - replaced the hard drive with a 1TB SSD and replaced the optical drive with another 1TB SSD. My apps are on the boot drive while my recent image files are on the other internal SDD. My sys is powered by an I7 CPU.
I run Lightroom 6, On1, Luminar III and the rest of my "desktop applications on this machine.

I do use an external monitor, 24" as my primary display. All of this is run from this 8 year old wonder.
Is the the speediest thing around? No! But it is in no way limiting my normal computer operations and in no way my image post processing.

The one correction you may want to consider is to limit your operating system to Mojave as it is the last OS to support 32 bit applications. Operating systems later than that will be limited to 64 bit apps.

One word of caution . . . .. MAC laptops can not be upgraded all of the storage and memory are baked into the original build!

If you don't need the portability, then I'd also recommend the new iMac 27" desktop. It is an all in one design that features a 5K display that is an industry leader.

Its RAM can be upgraded by the end user and at Apple update prices, that can save you several hundred dollars. Buy it with the lowest RAM and upgrade from OWC.

If you decide to go with the laptop, then you have another consideration. Apple is in mid transitioning to Apple chips instead of Intel. They will be making their first announcements on Nov. 10. Wait and see what they come up with and then make certain the you PP S/W will be compatible.

Also consider an external monitor to be run from any laptop you might buy. This will give you the ability to select what works for you and also allow for dual screen work flow.

Good luck

I like the card reader suggestion . . makes lots of sense . . .!

My bet would be something is going on with your electronics. When yo enlarge the image you can see subtle gradations in each of the disparate color zones and each zone displays the reading of the data at each zones leading edge. It's as if the electronic scanning of the sensor is way out of sync for what ever reason I have no idea.
What is extremely interesting at my end is that when I enlarge the first image, there is no way that my system can bring the lower zone on screen . . .thus I can never view the moon . . .go figure that one out?

No suggestions for what or how to fix.

Talk with Sony and do sent them the files in question . . . . . .. good luck and let us know how this ends.

John . . I've seen many images of this bridge and your latest is the winner of them all.
Thanks for sharing.

Great price for a great lens. I have and also use this as my Normal lens rather than the usual 50mm. It is just so much better than any 50mm that I've ever owned.

A
morning walk on Columbia area lake with the discovery of this GBH working a small dam. He was extremely cooperative and was still there when we left.
The fall colors are on their way and should be more prevalent in a week or two.

(Download)

Sorry . . . but you are wrong a 2012 MBR is a fully 64bit complaint computer. What you are referring to applies to the hosted software on the machine.
Which now gets to your second thoughts on it ability to run the latest MAC operating system. The 2012 can run the latest Mac OS but the latest Mac OS will NOT support (Run) any legacy 32 bit software!

You might have made a better case for the fact that Apple will drop its support for the 2012 MBR in at least two years maybe even as few as one.

I think that the OP was very clear that they were NOT tech savvy nor interested in being so. So we should limit our comments to those that make sense in this case.

1. I agree that the addition of external storage device(s) makes far more sense than replacing the device as long as the internal RAM memory is supporting the OP's post processing needs. If their MBP can't have its memory increased, then they may well need to replace it.

2. I'd certainly wait to see what Apple is going to produce for its new iPads before I'd jump. I personally have several iPads including an early 12" iPad Pro and I simply have no use for them in any post processing efforts. The OP has set his limits to non - tecky and transporting images from a MBP to an iPad or reverse is not something for a non-tecky to enter upon. So I'm not sure how to respond to this need. I will add that there is no way to use external storage with an iPad other than via the Icloud . . at least not one that would appeal to a non-tecky user.

Good luck

Nice image captures and PP.

Would you please share your camera and lens settings for your captures.
We'd love to learn as well as enjoy.

Thanks

Isn't this a snake head invasive from the East?

Totally agree with all of young lensirest used on a D 7100 as it was designed for and then on a full frame D 600 with reduced angular coverage. It worked like a champ on by bodies.
I highly recommend a Tokina lens.

They provide a slide stop when mounted to a compatible interfacing mount on your tripod.
They keep your camera from sliding out of the matching mount when you loosen the slide friction nut and the camera mounted interface can slide forward and aft within the capturing mount but not lift out of the slide it self.
Replace the missing machine screws . . its part of the design.

Can we assume the carry strip is included?

My last enlarger was made by Minolta Mod III and it was a perfect setup for my needs.
I. it was modular and could be changed from 35mm to 6X6 in a minute.
2. it had a color head module.
3. It was a combination of both condenser and diffusion.
4. It had a small foot print and was it self very compact.
Would I recommend it . . . ? heck yes. It was very modern and very well made.

None listed on Ebay only a few parts for it are to be found.

I think he would find the , now sold, 16" Mac Book Pro very expensive at about there times the cost of his desired Mac Book Air a bit of a reach.

He could take a look at used 15" models as they would be near to the cost of an Air.
Just be aware that Apple used models can of issues that make their selection problematic. Do your research on any model that may interest you before buying same.