Looking to change; but what should I do (M1 MBA > M1 Mac Mini etc)

[danb1979]

Here's an odd one for you

I'm going to get as good a 24" monitor I can get (can't go any bigger due to limited desk space and also due to how close to the screen I will be; my previous 27" iMac got sold due to this very reason), but a 24" monitor works perfectly...

So, the idea is/was to:



Sell my M1 MBA and buy an M1 Mac Mini > said 24" monitor, and buy an iPad Pro for the portability side of things...

OR

Should I keep the MBA; use it in clamshell mode and just buy the iPad anyway?

?



The more I think about it the more I get my knickers in a twist haha ?

I know the latter would be easier as it means I'm not losing £££ on the MBA and only have to pay for the monitor & iPad etc (and saves the hassle of setting it all up, again, etc)

 

[Ray2]

I can give you my experience.

Ran MBP's in closed clamshell mode for 20+ years. As it happens, 24” display for the same reason you have. Since I owned several iPads, MBP's spent over 95% of their time sitting closed in a vertical stand.

My 2015 rMBP had battery swelling issues so I decided to replace it with a 2018 T2 mini.

Discovered when I did need mobility combined with serious capability (Disk Utility, Terminal, real Excel, etc), a real file system as opposed to what Apple marketeers call a file system, my 11” iPP was near useless.

Traded in the Mac mini for an M1 Air. I've always been more satisfied (far fewer problems) with Air's than Pro's and with the power of the M1 I am absolutely delighted with my choice. I still have the 11” iPP for travel. My iPad mini 6 is by far and away the most used device.

In 36 years of using Mac's, the M1 Air rates #1 out of an ocean of models I've owned over the years.

 

[danb1979]

Thanks @Ray2

That's about what I'm thinking

When I really need the MBA, it'll be nice to still have it rather then replying on an iPad and regretting getting rid of the MBA!