Am I crazy for selling my base MBP 16" and getting MBA M1 instead??

[prospervic]

For what it's worth, I just tried setting up my normal workflow on my wife's MBA and I felt seriously claustrophobic on the 13" screen. I use multiple windows at once and it just felt tight. I kinda remember that feeling, and it was one of the biggest reasons I went with the whale of a 16" computer - I wanted to have adequate screen real estate even when away from the desk monitor.

Just something to consider. It would be tough to go back to that size. I might be able to swing 14" when that comes out though.

I'm of similar mind. I got fed up with the MBP 13" while trying to build a website on that small screen. I sold it and bought a 16" last May because I also need usable space when away from my 27" iMac 5k. But, it's a big, heavy serving tray! Hoping the rumored 14" will offer just enough "elbow room".

 

[HardBall]

The two things that pushed me to do so:

1. The excitement of M1
2. My vehement hatred for Touch Bar

The one thing I'll probably miss the most:

1. The luxurious screen real estate

I got the MBA M1, 8 RAM, 512 storage (not base, kinda middle of the road).

The apps I usually run (mostly open 3-5 at a time):

Safari
Mail
Messages
Chrome
Keynote
Lightroom
Photoshop
Sketch
Figma
Nova
Pixelmator Pro
Twitter

That's it, I rarely use anything else on my Mac.

So, the question: am I crazy for replacing my MBP 16" with MBA M1? Would you ever do something like that?

You are not crazy at all.

I just used the M1 MBA for two days, and it's clear that it will be replacing my high end MBP 15" (late 2018). It just runs much better for the same selection of apps that I normally use. Keep in mind that I work in AI/ML, so my work loads are much heavier than the typical user. The 15 inch was barely keeping up at times. The new M1 though, so far has had very little issue, and only occasional hiccups (mostly because once in a while 16GB isn't quite enough to keep everything running smoothly).

I still use my 12 inch MB for the light and portable stuff, but most of my heavy work load has moved onto the M1, no regrets. It objectively is better than the larger MBP, and is much easier to carry around to boot, doesn't feel like a tonne of bricks like the 15.4". I can only imagine that the 16" is even heavier and more unwieldy. Unless you have some specific workflow that require minimum 32GB of RAM, it's time to ditch the large laptops for the M1.

 

[kp98077]

I have both. The air is blowing my mind and so much faster than the 16. I say do it

SO, how is the display difference? is the Air good?

 

[mikethebigo]

SO, how is the display difference? is the Air good?

The Air's display is a little worse for colors I'd say compared to the 16", but at the same time, I see less blurring with scrolling which is a big plus. I'm still trying to get used to the smaller size again, but if anything it's going to get me back to my desk more often and actually using my external monitor again, instead of doing everything on the built in monitor all the time.

It's super fast, probably does feel faster compared to the 16". And I have half the RAM now (8 GB instead of 16) and don't feel a difference. Maybe I was just never really doing anything RAM intensive in the first place lol.

 

[kp98077]

The Air's display is a little worse for colors I'd say compared to the 16", but at the same time, I see less blurring with scrolling which is a big plus. I'm still trying to get used to the smaller size again, but if anything it's going to get me back to my desk more often and actually using my external monitor again, instead of doing everything on the built in monitor all the time.

It's super fast, probably does feel faster compared to the 16". And I have half the RAM now (8 GB instead of 16) and don't feel a difference. Maybe I was just never really doing anything RAM intensive in the first place lol.

wow, thats impressive! LOL yes I had the 16 when they came out, but was too large for me, beautiful machine tho...now have to just decide on Silver or SG! what did u go with?

 

[mikethebigo]

wow, thats impressive! LOL yes I had the 16 when they came out, but was too large for me, beautiful machine tho...now have to just decide on Silver or SG! what did u go with?

Space gray for me. Silver is just a little too shiny.

 

[azt33]

Interesting. I am curious, with it not being native, would it be a tad 'slower'...

The only way to find out is by doing some real-world tests. I'm tempted to just order the 13" MBP M1 and give it a go, while keeping my 13" MBP 2016 model so I have a backup... Anyone else willing to run some tests 😇

 

[boomspot]

Only having two ports with one being occupied by the charger is a deal-breaker for me. Waiting for gen 2 with more ports.

B

 

[Spankey]

Well, typing on my new M1 MBA. Not regretting the decision at all. While the screen on my 2019 MBP could go brighter, initial impressions on the MBA is that the colors are more accurate. Also, with brightness cranked I am pretty much at the same brightness I always used my Pro at. So no real discernible difference.

I do like the form factor a bit better as the tapered edge makes typing more comfortable. Battery life is insane. I've done a full OS upgrade, restore from backup and been using extensively in the last day and I'm JUST at 50% battery.

Given the increased performance it was an easy decision. Only downside is the loss of two USB-C ports. Oh, I don't miss the damn Touch Bar AT ALL!

 

[ghanwani]

Please take the touchbar poll

Do you like the touchbar?

A simple yes/no poll. Unfortunately, the only current options without it is the MBA. And it very much looks like it's here to stay. Edit: 130+ views and only 7 responses? Folks please take the poll.

forums.macrumors.com

 

[shenfrey]

I am doing the opposite, I am waiting for the 16" to be upgraded. I get the impression that OP will do the same. I would hang on to it for another 6 or so months. Won't be too much longer until Apple update their higher end notebook line.

 

[Cosmo M3]

I just did the exact same thing today and picked up the new M1 MBA (base) to replace my 16” MBP (base) that sits docked 99% of the time for basic productivity and photo editing (LR Classic). Migration Assistant is taking forever, but I can’t wait to start using a lightweight laptop again.

 

[tonyr6]

What about the screen size? Does it seem more crammed and can you scale it at 1920 instead of 1680 resolution without blurry fonts?

 

[teerexx52]

I sold my MacBook Pro 16" this week and bought an Air with 512GB storage M1. I have a Mac mini desktop though with 27" monitor so I have a big screen available. Funny thing is since I bought the Air I haven't used it once.

 

[xmnj]

I traded my 2019 MBP 15", and purchased a 16GB base Air, after trade I basically paid $70 for the Air. I use it mainly attached to a Lenovo Thunderbolt dock and external ultra-wide monitor and this thing is night and day compared to the 15".
I mainly run Citrix Workspace, Safari, Mail, and Webex/Zoom and the Air never gets warm, where the 15" would at times spin up the fans and feel hot.

It takes a bit to get used to a smaller screen when using the Air as a laptop, but it is much easier to handle and not burning hot sitting on my lap.

 

[The Game 161]

amazing that the air is more powerful than the 16 inch but unless you really need to upgrade maybe worth waiting for the 16 inch M1 early next year.

air suits my needs though and will keep this at least a few years which I imagine the air may not be upgraded before then anyway