13" M1 MacBook Air vs. 13" M1 MacBook Pro vs. Late 2019 16" Intel MacBook Pro

[Payton34]

I currently have a late 2019 16" MacBook Pro (MacBook Pro i9 2.4GHz 16" (Late 2019) 1TB SSD) and am considering trading it in for either an M1 MacBook Air or M1 MacBook Pro. I recently purchased the new M1 24" iMac which will serve as my desktop so I am considering getting a smaller laptop (13") for portability and for use outside the home (I.e. travel). Either the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro would be fully spec'd out with 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage as well as 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU.

My use really does not warrant the Pro version (although I've always bought them) which is another reason I'm considering trading in the 16" MacBook Pro. My usage is mainly internet browsing, Microsoft Office, Zoom calls, and light to medium gaming. I do not need to use the laptop for work purposes however.

Any thoughts on what my best option would be in my scenario?

Thanks!

 

[Falhófnir]

If the computer more than meets your needs I don't see a lot of value in upgrading? You'll take a big hit on selling or trading the 16", and not really get a lot in return. Unless you desperately want something more portable, I'd just hang on to the 16" until something comes along that really makes it worth the upgrade.

Another factor is don't underestimate how much smaller the display is. It really is a very big difference when you're used to 15-16" computers. Maybe less of an annoyance if you have a desktop, but it might be challenging to adjust.

 

[bsamcash]

I went from the 16” to the M1 Air.

the ups are longer battery life and no fan noise.

The downs are no boot camp and smaller display, which is noticeably smaller.

Since I have a Windows laptop and an external display, it’s been a positive change.

 

[prism]

Another major negative with the M1 is that it doesn't support more than one external display!