I think that SSD speeds on the M2 base is fine for the average user senecio. I bought a Dell XPS 13 9305 last year, black Friday for 649. It has a I5 U processor. Is it super powerful? not by any means. I'm not a video editor, just basic use. The issues are the windows software, and the Dell bloatware which you need. Retired now, I have a base Mac Mini, and love it. Remember it is the software which makes a Mac so much easier to use. I feel that if you need more power, storage or memory for you use case, get a Pro. I'm going to save my ducats for a base M2 Air. Sucks living on fixed income!