Fully Specced Out MacBook 2015 or MacBook Air 2020?

[damitssam]

Hey everyone looking for some advice here from a longtime Windows User:

I'm looking to use a computer for programming (just started) but want to future proof it. Pretty much getting a MacBook due to OS requirements. I've heard nightmare stories about the butterfly keyboard so debating pretty much between two very drastic options:

MacBook 2015 (Seller Refurbed)

16 GB RAM
Intel 4th Gen Core i7 @ 2.2GHz Base / 3.4GHz TurboBoost
Intel Iris Pro 5200 Graphics w/ Shared Video RAM
1 TB SSD
AMD Radeon R9 M370X

~$1000-$1100

Or

MacBook Air 2020
i5 Processor
512 GB SSD
16 GB RAM
No Stand Alone GPU

~$1300-1400

Needs:

Run Parallels with almost no lag (use Windows as daily driver and only OS X when coding)
Do occasional video editing (mostly 1080p) using Adobe Premiere Pro (or Final Cut if more efficient)

How much of a performance loss will I have utilizing the MacBook Air, or has in house GPU chips progressed at a rate that matches a R9 M370X?

Also, is 13.3" screen a real detriment when coding? If a 15' inch is more recommended I'll stick to buying a used 2015 model.

Thanks!

 

[Mike Boreham]

You have posted this in the MacBook forum where a “2015 MacBook” is the 12” fanless machine. I was about to reply “no contest”, when I realised you mean a 2015 MacBook Pro.

 

[supertiffany]

get the 2015 one

 

[Kraizelburg]

Hey everyone looking for some advice here from a longtime Windows User:

I'm looking to use a computer for programming (just started) but want to future proof it. Pretty much getting a MacBook due to OS requirements. I've heard nightmare stories about the butterfly keyboard so debating pretty much between two very drastic options:

MacBook 2015 (Seller Refurbed)

16 GB RAM
Intel 4th Gen Core i7 @ 2.2GHz Base / 3.4GHz TurboBoost
Intel Iris Pro 5200 Graphics w/ Shared Video RAM
1 TB SSD
AMD Radeon R9 M370X

~$1000-$1100

Or

MacBook Air 2020
i5 Processor
512 GB SSD
16 GB RAM
No Stand Alone GPU

~$1300-1400

Needs:

Run Parallels with almost no lag (use Windows as daily driver and only OS X when coding)
Do occasional video editing (mostly 1080p) using Adobe Premiere Pro (or Final Cut if more efficient)

How much of a performance loss will I have utilizing the MacBook Air, or has in house GPU chips progressed at a rate that matches a R9 M370X?

Also, is 13.3" screen a real detriment when coding? If a 15' inch is more recommended I'll stick to buying a used 2015 model.

Thanks!

If you plan to use virtualization I would say its better something with better cooling as VM's are quite intensive.

 

[damitssam]

If you plan to use virtualization I would say its better something with better cooling as VM's are quite intensive.

Thanks, so which models would you recommend that have better cooling that has a magic keyboard? Unfortunately, my budget tops at around $1300-1400.

 

[ctjack]

How much of a performance loss will I have utilizing the MacBook Air, or has in house GPU chips progressed at a rate that matches a R9 M370X?

As for CPU they are almost the same. That is the progress. 4-5 years later, Air size machine can compete with big 15 inch from 2015.
As fo GPU: it is 25-40% faster on old 2015 15" Pro.
For your use case Air will be enough.
No point in buying old things for sky rocket price. Because if you have to change battery - it will cost you $280.
I personally bought used 3 year MBP pro 13, just because i found it for $200, while the market was selling at 500-600.
==========================
If you would ask: "Should i still use my mbp pro 15 2015 or upgrade to 2020 Air?"
Then I would say stick to your reliable machine. No change in performance to pay for.
But if you a looking for old stuff, which is also refurbished, for 1100 i would say definitely no way.

 

[damitssam]

Thanks, I was just perusing eBay, but I'm sure there could be cheaper "bargains" but ordered a Macbook Air (figured can always resell down the road after a few years).