I'm a software developer. Mainly use docker/VMs and code editors. Some compiling. I do also have a million tabs open in Chrome every now and then. Will the 16GB base option do? The 32GB upgrade is very steep. Not sure if the 400$ is worth it.
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16GB enough for the new MBPs?
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Hi,
I am also struggeling with the same question and having the same use case. I find the extra $400 (in Germany its more than €400) just crazy and decided not to do this, even though it may result in disadvantages in five years.
I am not buying the laptop for 2026, but for now. We all do not know what will happen. But what would be the worst case? I am going to trade-in the MBP2021 and get a new one...
I am also struggeling with the same question and having the same use case. I find the extra $400 (in Germany its more than €400) just crazy and decided not to do this, even though it may result in disadvantages in five years.
I am not buying the laptop for 2026, but for now. We all do not know what will happen. But what would be the worst case? I am going to trade-in the MBP2021 and get a new one...
Agree with this although my use case is even less demanding. If OP already has memory pressure with those VMs open I would strongly consider 32. Otherwise, 16 should be fine. Something way better will be out in a few years.
1 VM or 2-3 containers that's about it. I know on Windows docker can devour memory, but since MacOS is BSD based its likely to be much more efficient on the platform.
Do you have any facts to support this? Or is it just wishful thinking?
That said to answer your question 8GB is all you will ever need as the M1 processor somehow drastically reduces memory requirements.
Docker for Mac still uses Hyperkit to launch a VM, then sling off containers off that.
Completely agree. I went with the 10-16-16 core model with 16GB. If it wont be enough it will be a lesson learned for when I upgrade in ~3yrs. It will also help with the resale as less people would spend the extra money for 32gb on the secondary market.
I also went with 16GB but I can make my workflow work on a MBA M1 with 8GB however I get huge amounts of swap per day
That's me. My 16GB M1 Macbook Air spat out an "out of memory" error today. It was all Chrome.
That means you will have to optimize your web browsing habit.
I’m using the same workflow and I’m managing by with MacBook Pro 14” 16gb no issue at all.
But sure I can run some docker and vms with 2-3gb of ram etc but the rest of my vms is in our data center