MBP or M2 Air

[Sean7512]

Slightly different question here in such that I know what I’d actually need spec-wise, but timing is unfortunate.

I am a software developer and use a 2020 27” iMac with 96GB ram. The main dev stack I use consists of about 10 docker VMs running simultaenously along with all of the dev tools, IDEs, etc. To run everything fully, I absolutely need 64GB ram, but I could get by on 32GB, as I can swap some of the Docker VMs with some lightweight stubs we have (not ideal, but it would be doable for short periods).

I do not have a laptop and, since covid, have not traveled to client sites so the iMac has been great. I’d love to have a laptop though for those odd times I want to work on the deck or at the in-laws, etc. As offices start to open, I may need to do some occasional travel out of state for aa few days every few months and would obviously need a laptop for that.

Given that, I know if this were my daily computer, I’d need the 64GB MBP, but I can’t justify spending $4-5k on a laptop that will only be used a few times a month. Even spending $3k for a 14” with 32GB ram seems like a lot for a side computer that I do not *need* right now. I feel like an M2 Air (assuming they allow 32GB ram) may be my best option, as it should be cheaper than the 14” with 32GB and being smaller and lighter would be good for traveling. That said, the new Air is still 6-8 months out according to rumors and it would be very nice to be able to work away form my desk, esp going into the holidays when I am sure we’ll be visiting family and such.

Anyone have any suggestions on what they’d do in my situation?

 

[jmoore5196]

I've been using an M1 MBA for daily work over the past several months. I've just bought one of the new 16" MBPs. The MBA is a wonderfully portable machine, but even with 16GB RAM, it chokes on Adobe CC projects and the lack of fans makes it uncomfortable when I'm sitting in an airport, etc.

I've had MBAs since 2011, but they do have their limitations. I'm not looking forward to the additional two pounds of weight or extra girth, but the inherent limitations of the MBA have become pretty apparent to me and I'm anxious to relegate it to a machine I take with me when traveling light is the priority.

 

[badsimian]

Does it have to be local? If you already have the iMac setup can’t you remote into that with TeamViewer or whatever on those few occasions?

 

[miamialley]

I would think it would just depend on whether you NEED the power in the new MBPs. If you can get your work done on your primary machine, then definitely the next MBA would be ideal. On the other hand, if you need a portable machine that can push through more intense tasks, the the MBA doesn't sound like it will cut it.

If you buy it with Costco you can try it out for 90 days. Maybe a test run will help you decide. Otherwise, you have the 2 weeks that Apple gives you.

I recently bought an iMac 24" M1, but returned it. A desktop just doesn't work for my set up, so now I feel totally confident in ordering a new MBP. Had I not tried it out, I wouldn't still wondered if I should have gotten a desktop. Just thinking through your dilemma...not sure if that helps.

 

[glhughes]

What about a VPN + remote access to your desktop? That's effectively what I do and it works fantastically well 99% of the time. Then your UX (laptop) is independent of your runtime (desktop and/or VMs in the cloud). I can still do some dev work locally in a pinch too, but I'm not paying for something I don't absolutely need (both in terms of $ and weight lugging around).

FWIW, I used to have a 2016 MacBook Retina for work (yes, the 12") and it was great except the typical office stuff was sluggish (email, web, document editing). Upgraded that to an M1 Air last year and it has been fantastic -- perfect balance of weight and performance for my workflow.