MacBook Pro M4 Max: 48GB & 1T OR 128GB & 4T ?

[MalagLagoon]

As of November 25, 2025 I plan to buy a MacBook Pro with a 16 inch screen.

Option 1: The M4 Max with 48GB of RAM and a 1T SSD comes in at just under $4k

Option 2: The M4 Max with 128GB of RAM and a 4T SSD is (a smidgeon under) $6k


General Use Case

Running Parallels with Windows 11 and Ubuntu. Typically two VMs. I might have as many as four VMs (but that isn’t very likely). I use Logic Pro a lot and Final Cut Pro - in each of these cases I do not run complicated/large projects.


Other Comments

I’m currently using my ten year old 2015 MacBook Pro Retina. I’m overdue to the Nth degree.

This is kind of silly of me - but I noticed that Option 1 can be purchased today whereas Option 2 will be a two to three weeks later (delivery date: Dec. 11 through Dec. 18 ).

I’m a little tempted to go for Option 1 for the cheaper price and purchasing just before Turkey Day (I’ll be traveling).

But, should I wait and go for Option 2?

 

[brerlappin]

Why not split the difference and do 64GB with 4TB for $5200?

 

[MalagLagoon]

Why not split the difference and do 64GB with 4TB for $5200?

Because you can't purchase 64GB today - need to wait a few weeks - so might as well just get 128GB.

 

[brerlappin]

Got it... I have 4TB with my M1 Max and love it, so I'd say option 2, then. You'll be happier in the long run, especially with the extra RAM.

 

[MalagLagoon]

Got it... I have 4TB with my M1 Max and love it, so I'd say option 2, then. You'll be happier in the long run, especially with the extra RAM.

Yeah, 4T will be quite a lot better.