Which Mac laptop is best for Sims 4?
1. Is M3 good enough or do you need to go M3 pro or M3 max?
M3 will be good enough but as always, and probably echoing what I said 7(!) years ago, the more power the more you're future-proofing yourself :) I still have mine installed on my 2017 15" and it plays ok. I also have it on the first M1 MacBook Air model and it runs great. I also have it installed on the current model 16" M3 Max and it is amazing.
2. My current laptop has a fan, but I understand the new ones are all solid state so this is no longer something to think about?
Your current one has two fans and the M3 16" MacBook Pros have dual fans too. The 14" has one fan and the M-series MacBook Airs are completely fanless. This is completely unrelated to the solid state drives which is the internal storage, nothing to do with fans.
3. Probably this is a stupid question, but I am have a big saved game and I am most concerned not to lose it when I get a new laptop. I back up my current game on an external harddrive. If I get a new laptop that is compatible with this external hard-drive, will I be able to just plug it in and transfer my current save over with no issues? Are there any pitfalls to be aware of when doing this?
Yes, no problem at all and no pitfalls.
4. General call out - what Mac laptop do you have, and do you recommend it?
See my answer to no. 1.
