Mac Neo + iMac vs MBA + Mac mini

[chars1ub0w]

If it was me, I'd buy depending on RAM, e.g. 32GB, 64GB or 128GB.
I assume everyone already lying around a monitor and keyboard/mouse they can use for free.

Suppose I only wanted 32GB. Then the Mini is the cheapest way to achieve that:
1799 Mini 32GB RAM 2TB SSD 10 core CPU 10 core GPU (M4)
2099 MBAir 32GB RAM 2TB SSD 10 core CPU 10 core GPU (M5)
2499 MBP 32GB RAM 2TB SSD 10 core CPU 10 core GPU (M5)

But of course M4 is not M5. And of course, the Mini will soon be M5 based and an even better value.

Suppose instead, I wanted 64GB. Then again, the Mini is the cheapest way to go:
2799 Mini 64GB RAM 2TB SSD 14 core CPU 20 core GPU (M4 Pro)
3299 Studio 64GB RAM 2TB SSD 16 core CPU 40 core GPU (M4 Max)
3399 MBP 64GB RAM 2TB SSD 18 core CPU 20 core GPU (M5 Pro)

If I needed 128GB, then the Studio is a massive bargain.
4099 Studio 128GB RAM 2TB SSD 16 core CPU 40 core GPU (M4 Max)
5099 MBP 128GB RAM 2TB SSD 18 core CPU 40 core GPU (M5 Max)

And soon it will be the M5 Max. Even better bargain.

 

[Mainsail]

If it was me, I'd buy depending on RAM, e.g. 32GB, 64GB or 128GB.
I assume everyone already lying around a monitor and keyboard/mouse they can use for free.

Suppose I only wanted 32GB. Then the Mini is the cheapest way to achieve that:
1799 Mini 32GB RAM 2TB SSD 10 core CPU 10 core GPU(M4)
2099 MBAir 32GB RAM 2TB SSD 10 core CPU 10 core GPU(M5)
2499 MBP 32GB RAM 2TB SSD 10 core CPU 10 core GPU(M5)

But of course M4 is not M5. And of course, the Mini will soon be M5 based and an even better value.

Suppose instead, I wanted 64GB. Then again, the Mini is the cheapest way to go:
2799 Mini 64GB RAM 2TB SSD 14 core CPU 20 core GPU (M4 Pro)
3299 Studio 64GB RAM 2TB SSD 16 core CPU 40 core GPU (M3 Max)
3399 MBP 64GB RAM 2TB SSD 18 core CPU 20 core GPU (M5 Pro)

If I needed 128GB, then the Studio is a massive bargain.
4099 Studio 128GB RAM 2TB SSD 16 core CPU 40 core GPU (M4 Max)
5099 MBP 128GB RAM 2TB SSD 18 core CPU 40 core GPU (M5 Max)

And soon it will be the M5 Max. Even better bargain.

I see what you are saying, but the premise of the post was for a person that can work with a base configuration doing typical everyday computing and using productivity apps (Office/iwork). So, 32, 64 or 128GB of RAM is overkill and outside of the scope of requirements.

 

[NeonNights]

I tried doing a Mac and MBP but one always got used more than the other, and then there was the issue of syncing files. Not everything syncs well with Continuity, especially if you're working with tools outside of basic productivity apps, such as VS Code, Docker, IntelliJ, and/or other video editing tools with large project files that won't sync easily. Even if they did sync you'd need both machines to have identical storage. It just became a nuisance in the end and I ultimately kept the MPB and dock it to my 55" OLED TV-as-monitor.

If I had to have two machines then I would probably make the desktop the stronger of the two and just use the laptop to remote into the desktop when working away from home, but again that seems sort of wasteful and easier to just keep one device I can dock or take with me anywhere.

 

[ignatius345]

I find it much more convenient to not have to keep two machines in sync. Yes, iCloud exists, no, it doesn't do everything, or not well enough.

I keep an iMac and an Air in sync and have for quite a few years now. iCloud is generally reliable these days, and there are also other sync options like Dropbox and Google Drive. Any time I pick up my Air, I see the same photos and files and everything else I see on my iMac.

I could see how this all would change if I was using certain heavy workflows like video editing on the Air, stuff that wouldn’t sync over because the files are too big. But fortunately my files are relatively small so it’s not a factor for me.

I did the “docked laptop” thing for years and it was always a bit of a PITA to have to eject external drives and all that every time I wanted to take the laptop out the door. Way easier IMO to just have my desktop Mac permanently connected to a ton of external storage for media and backup, and then let the Air just migrate from backpack to sofa to wherever. I plug the Air in once a week to back up, but even that’s quite optional since everything is syncing over to the iMac anyway where it gets backed up constantly.

For me, all that far outweighs the occasional waiting for a file to sync, or having to manually change certain settings on the iMac and Air separately. (In a perfect world, though, macOS would be smart enough to keep all System Settings and even in-app preferences in sync via iCloud.)

 

[chars1ub0w]

I see what you are saying, but the premise of the post was for a person that can work with a base configuration doing typical everyday computing and using productivity apps (Office/iwork).

You are the OP, fair enough.

I am broadening the question to address a larger question for those of us with two macs.
It's more cost effective to put the RAM in the Mini (or Studio) than in the laptop.

So, 32, 64 or 128GB of RAM is overkill and outside of the scope of requirements.

For many like me, it's worth considering having asymmetrical amounts of memory in the laptop vs. the machine that stays at home.

Then one can tackle larger jobs on the home machine, while keeping the laptop for commute/travel use. And logging back into the home machine for bigger jobs.

 

[geta]

Why do some of you feel the need to sync your desktop and laptop all the time?

 

[Zazoh]

Why do some of you feel the need to sync your desktop and laptop all the time?

I use MB, iPad, iPhone all synched to both Google Drive and iCloud. Its not only a need, but the tight integration in Notes, Reminders, Calendars, Photos, Messages ... for example, I use daily.

 

[Bazza1]

Why do some of you feel the need to sync your desktop and laptop all the time?

Some things are done (with considerably varying success) through iCloud, but if both devices are used regularly, why not have the info on one of them also on the other? The devices do the same thing, but are intended to be used differently.

 

[aintnocelebrity]

I wouldn't get an iMac under any scenario; they're great devices, but a bad value - you can't upgrade to a better display without additional desk space and if something goes wrong with the display out of warranty, you're onto a new device. The Mac Mini is a far more future-proof machine for way less $, easy recommendation.

Neo vs. Air really comes down to how long you plan to use your devices. For your needs, the Neo will do a great job but I am concerned about its longevity - Macs do well with 8GB RAM but I'm not convinced that will be the case in 5+ years even if the OS is still supported. It performs near identical to the base M1 Air; that's still a great machine, but it's 6 year old tech. The port situation on the Neo is also a pretty big downgrade from any Air if you ever intend to use a dock, external display, or high-speed device.

A Neo 2 with 12GB RAM, two USB 3 ports, and a backlit keyboard would be the perfect laptop for everyday use but I'm not sure if Apple is willing to make the Neo that full-featured.

 

[geta]

Some things are done (with considerably varying success) through iCloud, but if both devices are used regularly, why not have the info on one of them also on the other? The devices do the same thing, but are intended to be used differently.

I use my desktop rig for my main work, but I don't need every single project I have on my laptop when travel, so I just transfer the necessary files before going out and about.

 

[Mainsail]

Lots of good input on this topic. For now, I am sticking with my M2 MBA as my daily driver. It does everything I need. I'll keep the M1 iMac around as an auxiliary "family" computer, and when it reaches the end of its useful life, I'll decide if it is worth replacing with a Mac mini or iMac or nothing at all.

I am probably bias, but since the 2010 release, I have had a soft spot for the MBA as my favorite model. From a tech spec perspective, there is no doubt in my mind that the MBN can handle my workload. But, I would miss certain MBA features: larger/better screen, better audio, backlit keyboard, standard Touch ID, MagSafe, Haptic Trackpad, longer battery life, etc.. So, over a 5-6 year useful life, the extra $500 bucks is worth it to me. Assuming no difference in trade-in value, that's less than $100 per year, or less than $2 per week. I use my MBA about 4 hours a day. So, I am willing to absorb the marginal cost for the additional features.

These are trade-offs driven by individual preferences and finances, so....YMMV.

 

[Populus]

Actually, the combo I am contemplating is an M5 Mac mini (whenever it releases) with a future A19 Pro MacBook Neo. Both belonging to the same generation of Apple Silicon.

But sometimes I feel they are a bit redundant…

 

[Mainsail]

Actually, the combo I am contemplating is an M5 Mac mini (whenever it releases) with a future A19 Pro MacBook Neo. Both belonging to the same generation of Apple Silicon.

But sometimes I feel they are a bit redundant…

I think having a desktop Mac for heavy lifting plus an inexpensive MacBook for light work and everyday tasks when mobile makes sense for some people.

 

[Populus]

I think having a desktop Mac for heavy lifting plus an inexpensive MacBook for light work and everyday tasks when mobile makes sense for some people.

Yeah… that’s why I’m contemplating it. Not sure about it yet.