2017 13 inch non-Touch Bar MBP (800 Euros) vs. M1 MBA (1100 Euro)?

[AppleStart2013]

I am currently using an iPad Air 4 with magic keyboard as my main on-the-go computer but I would like to get a MacBook as well for things that might need a full OS (ie. data processing when working on research, etc.).

My current options are the 2017 MBP 13 inch Core i5 base for 800+ Euro on eBay vs. a new M1 MacBook for 1100 Euros. My cut-off for Intel i5 MacBooks is 800 euros and above that I’d rather go for a new machine.

I was wondering which is the better option?

 

[Zen_Arcade]

The M1.

No question.

 

[flaubert]

No question, the M1, but remember that with either of the ones you propose you'll probably need to buy a breakout USB dock or dongle to get some port functionality that older Apple laptops had intrinsically. Both of the models you propose have only two USB-C ports, and one of those will be taken up with the charging cord.

 

[chrfr]

I am currently using an iPad Air 4 with magic keyboard as my main on-the-go computer but I would like to get a MacBook as well for things that might need a full OS (ie. data processing when working on research, etc.).

My current options are the 2017 MBP 13 inch Core i5 base for 800+ Euro on eBay vs. a new M1 MacBook for 1100 Euros. My cut-off for Intel i5 MacBooks is 800 euros and above that I’d rather go for a new machine.

I was wondering which is the better option?

The 2017 has a terribly unreliable keyboard and performance and battery life are vastly inferior to the M1 Macs.

 

[Zippy99]

I just upgraded from a 2018 MBPro 13" base w/16meg & 1TB to an M1 MBA 16/512. Amazing difference. This is the perfect computer for everyone (I'm a developer). It's silent, fast, long lasting battery, has a superb keyboard, and *no* Touch Bar. I'd pay $500 more for all these features.