MBA M1 8GB vs. Intel i7 16GB

[Guapple]

I’m looking to pick up a new MacBook Air. I was looking at the M1 (Brand New), but I’m not sure if there’s still some issues with compatibility with the software/hardware that I need to use.

It’ll be used mainly for running Serato, will 8GB be enough with it running through Rosetta?

I’ve also spotted a MacBook Air i7 with 16GB of RAM (Apple Refurbished), more than enough to run Serato natively. Should also have less compatibility issues in theory. I’ve never ordered an Apple Refurb before though, so I’m not sure if anyone here has any experience with that?

Both are around the same price.

 

[guinnessduck]

While I can't really speak to which is the best choice for you (I don't even know what Serato is!), I can comment on Apple refurbs. I've had several refurbs I've gotten from Apple and all of them have essentially been new machines. I haven't had an issue with a single one of them. This includes a couple different model iPads, a couple different laptops, and my current iMac. So I wouldn't at all worry about picking up a refurb through them.

 

[Guapple]

While I can't really speak to which is the best choice for you (I don't even know what Serato is!), I can comment on Apple refurbs. I've had several refurbs I've gotten from Apple and all of them have essentially been new machines. I haven't had an issue with a single one of them. This includes a couple different model iPads, a couple different laptops, and my current iMac. So I wouldn't at all worry about picking up a refurb through them.

Serato is software for the purpose of DJing. It’s requirements are relatively low, compared to something like video editing, but I’m not sure how much running through Rosetta affects that 🤔

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[Shirasaki]

Current review shows Rosetta is good enough for running most x86 programs with acceptable performance. Dunno about your specific app.

However, if that app is mission critical enough, go for i7 16GB refurb and wait until next MacBook Air comes out to see how it goes. The downside is apple May pull the transition plug earlier than expected and new MacBook Air don’t even support Rosetta. I’m personally against using a device with new architecture with mission critical applications.

 

[Guapple]

Current review shows Rosetta is good enough for running most x86 programs with acceptable performance. Dunno about your specific app.

However, if that app is mission critical enough, go for i7 16GB refurb and wait until next MacBook Air comes out to see how it goes. The downside is apple May pull the transition plug earlier than expected and new MacBook Air don’t even support Rosetta. I’m personally against using a device with new architecture with mission critical applications.

Yeah, it’s a very tough choice to make. I’m tempted to take a punt on the M1, I’ll have 14 days to return it, if I find that it won’t do what I need it to.

Apple Refurbs seem to refresh everyday.

 

[Shirasaki]

Yeah, it’s a very tough choice to make. I’m tempted to take a punt on the M1, I’ll have 14 days to return it, if I find that it won’t do what I need it to.

Apple Refurbs seem to refresh everyday.

I dunno if refurb has 14-day grace period. Never bought one. You can ask Apple about this.
Another pricey option is to buy both refurb and M1 MacBook Air, try MacBook Air out in 14 days and return it afterwards. Yes, you will need to shell out a lot of money in the near future, but as long as return is possible, it will be fine. At least you have a machine that you know it is compatible.
Oh, if you have a friend who happens to get M1 MacBook Air, ask him/her to borrow MacBook Air for a bit and test if your app works on their system. I think all you need to do is copying the app package to test out.