Advice for Upgrading My Mac Setup

[Sprocket_Proton]

Hey, fellow Mac enthusiasts!

I'm currently rocking an M1 MacBook Pro 13 (256GB, 8GB RAM) for my cyber security degree and for work. While it's been a reliable and amazing device, I'm starting to feel the limitations—running out of storage, hitting the RAM ceiling, and encountering the dreaded beach ball more often.

I'm contemplating upgrading to keep up with my tasks and workflows which involve Python and Java coding, virtual machines, and juggling multiple web browsers & tabs and MS Office. I do some gaming but nothing massive (stellaris mainly)My eyes are set on the M3 Pro, specifically the 16-inch model with 38GB RAM and 1TB storage. However, is this overkill for my needs?

On the other hand, I'm considering the M2 Air, which could be sufficient and more budget-friendly. Another thought is grabbing an M2 Mac Mini and pairing it with an Air for a fixed and mobile setup.

To fellow M3 Pro users, I'd love to hear about your experiences. How does it handle tasks similar to mine, and do you think it's worth the investment?

Also, there's the possibility of the M4 on the horizon, and I could hold out until August 2024 and see if there are any new chips or devices (I have a windows machine too). What are your thoughts on waiting for the latest and greatest?

Any comments or thoughts will be much appreciated.

 

[Fishrrman]

Buy "pro" (not "air).

MBP 14" or 16".
m1, m2, or m3 (depending on your budget).

Can you get the education discount? Every little bit helps.

Or... consider something from Apple's online refurbished pages. I've bought there, very satisfied.

 

[Basic75]

However, is this overkill for my needs?

Java and virtual machines? I wouldn't get less than 32GB RAM, and more won't hurt.

 

[Sprocket_Proton]

Thanks both.

I think that I am leaning towards the 16MBP M3 Pro with 36GB RAM, and upgrading the drive to 1TB. Using the Education and trade in, this will bring the price to around the 2.2k (GBP) mark

 

[ChrisA]

Thanks both.

I think that I am leaning towards the 16MBP M3 Pro with 36GB RAM, and upgrading the drive to 1TB. Using the Education and trade in, this will bring the price to around the 2.2k (GBP) mark

As soon as you run a virtual machine, your requirements for CPU cores and RAM double. You need enough of that to run two operating systems.

Owning both a desktop and a portable device helps if you never want to run the VMs when away from your desk but as a student you might need to take your work with you.

For your use case, I bet a Linux-based PC notebook would be better. With an Intel CPU and a ton of RAM. You could run more and different VMs. And if doing any software development Linx is just a better environment. Although yu could run a Linux VM (or Docker) under MacOS.

 

[Sprocket_Proton]

As soon as you run a virtual machine, your requirements for CPU cores and RAM double. You need enough of that to run two operating systems.

Owning both a desktop and a portable device helps if you never want to run the VMs when away from your desk but as a student you might need to take your work with you.

For your use case, I bet a Linux-based PC notebook would be better. With an Intel CPU and a ton of RAM. You could run more and different VMs. And if doing any software development Linx is just a better environment. Although yu could run a Linux VM (or Docker) under MacOS.

I have a Linux system (PopOS & Parrot dual boot) on a Lenovo Yoga device with a good AMD CPU and a 3050ti GPU. I am away from my desk a fair bit, and part of this process is to try to consolidate down to one or two devices, as my workstation sometimes feels like a repair shop. I like MacOS as a way of working, and the workflow is good for me, so I am not looking to jump to a Windows device or a full-time Linux distro.

I have been looking at just running instances of Linux in Linode / Docker, or another cloud service, and this might be an option down the road as I get more into the CS space.

The 16MBP hits a good spot for me, its a power device that I can take to the office, labs, work, or sit on the couch.

Glad to see that the device isn't overkill for my needs

Thanks for the reply and info.

 

[kschendel]

CPU-wise, I think the Macbook Air would probably work out OK. The Air is limited to 24 GB memory, though, and I'm not entirely sure that that will be enough when you really get into JVM's and multiple virtual machines. I think for you I might lean towards the Pro if the budget allows.