Need a new laptop, dont want to break the bank but also dont want to buy older tech?

[Isamilis]

Need a new laptop, don’t want to break the bank

Have a 2017 macbook pro 2.3 ghz i5 8gb/256gb that is having issues with over heating and battery drain. Just had it checked out by apple who found no issues. Honestly this has been the worst computer i have had.

Anyway, thinking about buying a computer as i need something reliable for the next 24 months.

Option 1: M1 Air Base, 8/256gb, 800 bucks (costco)
Option 2: m2 air base, 8/256gb 1049 (costco)
Option 2.5: m1 air with 16/512: 1259 (apple)
Option3: m2 air 8/512 1349 (costco)
Option 4: m2 air 16/512 1579 (apple)

i can easily afford these computers but am just trying to be more responsible with the $.

Prices reflect current deals at costco and apple education store prices

i can get $180 for my laptop via trade in with apple.

I am conflicted. I do not want to spend too much money, but at the same time it feels weird buying three year old technology. My use case is simple: word/excel/powerpoint/reading PDFs and zoom calls. For what it is worth, i like the form factor of the m2 better. Also my 2011 macbook had 8gb ram, feels weird continuing to have 8gb in 2023. Any thoughts?

Option 3.5: M2/256gb / 16gb

I watched video in YouTube, performance wise, option 3.5 is still faster than 512/8gb even though it already affected single NAND in 256gb SSD.

Also, for storage there is still workaround such as using external disk or cloud storage solutions.

 

[Bazza1]

Whatever your choice, make a point of checking out Apple's online 'Refurbished and Clearance' section of their Store. M2 (as well as M1) laptops often there. Could be devices returned to Apple because of buyer's remorse / wrong colour / wrong specs or even a tech issue, but all devices get a thorough tech check and replacement as necessary (arguably better than off the factory floor) and come with new warranty as well as being eligible for AppleCare. Free delivery too.

 

[kschendel]

My opinion is that OP would be fine with 8 GB. The actual selection depends on whether 256GB storage is enough. I could live with that (I have done, for the last 10 years on my current laptop), but I delete stuff I don't need and don't collect junk. Not everyone can or wants to operate that way. The storage speed thing is a complete non-issue for what OP will be doing.

As for m1 vs m2, I'd probably lean m2, but it's not a big deal.

 

[michaelscarn]

M2 base from Costco, because of Magsafe. I use my Mac for the same tasks as you, so I didn't expect lack ports to be an issue with my M1, but yeah, it's an issue. Now, is it a $200 issue? No. I'd save the $200 for accessories and get the M1 base. You'll be fine with base specs of either. Don't overthink it.