Question M2 MBP photos need

[tallenvt]

I am thinking of upgrading from my PC desktop, which has 2 internal 8T hard drives, to a M2 14" MBP. I am a photographer using Adobe Suite and have 4T+ of photos, some very high-res, spanning decades of work. I often refer back to early shots, and it takes a significantly long time to populate the thumbnail view in LR. I really need/want almost instant access as I scroll thru the 50,000+ images.
So my questions are:

1. If i get a M2 (unless I win the lottery), I will have to keep my actual photos on an XHD. Will using and XHD obviate the value of the M2 MBP?
2. What kind of XHD would I need to maintain the advantages of the M2's speed?
3. What is the optimal configuration of MBP M2 14" (balancing cost, performance, and desired 6-8 years life span) for my needs?

 

[USAFRet]

Do you have all of these in one LR catalog?

Also, what is your backup routine?

 

[tallenvt]

Yes, one catalog. I clone the whole 8T internal drive using Macrium, but also back up the photos and catqalog, etc., manually onto several different XHD.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, one catalog. I clone the whole 8T internal drive using Macrium, but also back up the photos and catqalog, etc., manually onto several different XHD.

"One catalog" is likely why it takes so long.
Also, the HDD is never "fast".

 

[tallenvt]

Good information, but not what I asked for.

 

[USAFRet]

Good information, but not what I asked for.

1. "XHD" = External hard drive? If it is a spinning HDD, it will likely be no 'faster' than what you're doing now.
2. Not HDD.....Solid State something