2020 MB Air or M1

[Andrew83Ga]

So, I'm currently on a Late 2013 (!) Macbook Pro and the battery has died long ago meaning I can only use it on a very easy to disconnect Magsafe cord otherwise it dies if it's off power for a split second. With it also being pretty slow now, it takes a solid 5+ minutes to reboot. Needless to say, it's a pain in the ass.

To the point, a couple of weeks ago my boss agreed to sell me his year old Air for $350, but frankly he's so busy and overextended that he's been dragging his feet about even sending me the specs (ie, I have not idea if it's the base model or even if it's literally a year old as in 2020 or actually a 2019) let alone closing the deal, and I'm getting impatient (pissed). Now that I have it in my head that I'm finally going to replace mine, I've started looking at the new M1 version too. My last one has lasted me nearly 8 years. I don't mind paying full price for a brand new one if I'll get another 8 years out of it, especially if it's a big upgrade over the last year's model. But, is the price point for his used one (I"m sure it's in great condition) too good to pass up, even if it turns out to be the base model? If I did buy the new one, it would be the base model. I'm not a heavy gamer, may fire up Civ 6 every now and then.

Sorry, got a little wordy. Thanks

 

[ghanwani]

If you can, in addition to the specs, get the serial number. You can check how much it's worth via Apple trade in. My 2019 8/256 is worth $470 (it seems to be dropping quite rapidly, was $500 just a few weeks ago). So I'd say $350 for anything 2019/2020 as long as it's not the 128GB model is an excellent deal. You might even be able to buy it from him and trade it in to save a few $ on a new M1.

 

[KaliYoni]

I'd say as long as a M1 can run all the software you use regularly, go with the M1. Not only will you get a machine that's going to be supported by Apple for a longer period into the future, you will avoid causing hard feelings with your boss over problems or misunderstandings related to buying the used computer.

 

[Andrew83Ga]

Thanks for the replies. Funny update, he finally has the MBA ready for me, and after saying that because "he can get 5-600" from someone else, he needs to get $400 from me (friend discount!) I check the serial number and his "year or so" old MBA is an early 2015 model. I mean, WTF?! So, hard pass, and I'm going with an M1.

Now I just don't know if I should go with the base model Air, the 512 GB version, or the Pro. Touchbar looks cool, but not sure how else it is going to be different than the Air. And I rarely run into storage issues (plus I mean a 256gb USB drive goes for about $30 these days), but notice it has 8 GPU cores as opposed to 7. To a layman, what is that extra core gonna do for me? Not into games other than maybe CIV or games like that. Any reasons I may not be thinking of or aware of to go with something other than the base Air? Thanks!

 

[ghanwani]

^ I pick storage based on current + projected usage. If you are at 150GB or more right now (all inclusive), I'd say go for 512GB. If you are adding lots of files via photos/videos then too I'd say go for 512GB.

Using an external drive, at least for me, is a bit of an inconvenience unless it's tiny enough that it can be plugged in all the time. I'm barely able to do my regular backups to a USB stick.

 

[KaliYoni]

what is that extra core gonna do for me?

It depends on how you use your computer. If you do anything involving editing or encoding video, photographs, or graphics, the additional core probably would make your workflow faster. If you mostly use your machine to write documents and look at websites, a better processor, while nice, won't help you type or read more quickly (ha ha).

For RAM, don't forget Apple laptops cannot be upgraded at all. So if you are trying to decide between spending more on RAM or spending more on onboard storage, I'd go with RAM. While somewhat inconvenient, at least you always have the option of using an external drive if necessary.

Finally, since you're coming from a MBP, you probably would go through less transition shock if you bought a MBP. An Air might feel too basic or stripped down...sort of like when you are forced to rent an econo-box car at the airport and your regular vehicle is better or nicer.

 

[tis]

Get the base Air and don’t overthink it.

 

[Isamilis]

Thanks for the replies. Funny update, he finally has the MBA ready for me, and after saying that because "he can get 5-600" from someone else, he needs to get $400 from me (friend discount!) I check the serial number and his "year or so" old MBA is an early 2015 model. I mean, WTF?! So, hard pass, and I'm going with an M1.

Now I just don't know if I should go with the base model Air, the 512 GB version, or the Pro. Touchbar looks cool, but not sure how else it is going to be different than the Air. And I rarely run into storage issues (plus I mean a 256gb USB drive goes for about $30 these days), but notice it has 8 GPU cores as opposed to 7. To a layman, what is that extra core gonna do for me? Not into games other than maybe CIV or games like that. Any reasons I may not be thinking of or aware of to go with something other than the base Air? Thanks!

I would buy the cheapest model. The new one in next 1-2 years may have sd card slot and magnetic charger cord, with larger RAM for base model, which you may want to sell the old and buy the new one.