Challenges with slow performance, is it time to invest??

[Eva]

Hi,

First of all - I have a show where I need to run 2 projectors in august, and I am trying to solve how to get a smooth experience as my pressent situation is not stable. I work live and would like to include live camera, leap motion and Kinect, if it is possible.

I am seeking some advice for figuring out to find the best hardware solution, in terms of which computer (I am on a mac) that makes sense to invest in. And if this is the right thing to do? I might just be doing something else that is not a good solution, so if anyone more experienced than I would be helpful, I am very thankful:)

1: I am having continuous troubles having more videos playing at once, in e.g. a formation of a caleidoscope. This happens both with live feed but also with video and using depth cameras. Is this simply not possible? Is my computer too old? Or should I update? maybe someone else than me has done the same?

2: I am running Mojave on my Macbook pro from early 2015. Could this be a reason for the slow performance? Or is that elsewhere? (I have plenty of space)

3: If I am to invest now (for a performance in august) What will make most sense? Getting a mac mini with M1 for running things smoothly? Getting a Mac studio (the small version) - it is my impression that there is an update comming up around october, so this might not be a wise desicion in terms of investing now and seeing the new labtops being both smaller and better 2 months later? The studio version is quite the top of my budget, and it takes more space, so is this worth it?

My need for now is to be able to run with 2 projectors and getting something that can run my video and live feed smoothly. Also I would like to be able to develop my work, but maybe it is better to get a mini to get a mini to run this and wait longer term to upgrate? - I am asking all these questions, because I am trying to figure out the capacities of these machines, and looking through reviews I am still not quite sure what is right.

Any help will be very apreciated.
All the best to any helpers and readers:)
Eva