Need advice: Mac mini M4 (16/256) now or MacBook Pro M4 Pro (24/512) until M5 Pro releases (Q1 2026)?

[Locksen]

Hi everyone,


I need some advice on a purchase decision.


My MacBook Pro M1 Pro was declared too expensive to repair, so the retailer refunded the full amount. I’m currently working on a temporary MacBook Air M1 with 8GB RAM, but it struggles badly with my workflow.


My setup / workflow:

• I work from home 4 days a week
• 1 day per week at the office (I bring my laptop)
• At home I work docked on a 5K ultrawide monitor
• I use Fusion 360, 3D design, Shapr3D, Bambu Studio, Chrome with many tabs, Docker, etc.
• The M1 Air can’t handle the resolution, lags heavily, and Fusion360 is basically unusable.

Now I’m stuck between two realistic options:


Option A: Buy a Mac mini M4 (16GB / 256GB) now (~€500–600)


Pros:

• Immediate performance improvement at home
• 16GB RAM is enough for Fusion360 + 5K ultrawide
• Very cheap compared to a new MacBook Pro
• Later I can use it as a home server / Docker machine
• Or sell it with minimal loss
  Cons:
• Still stuck with the slow M1 Air on office days
• Two-device workflow again
• 256GB SSD (but I have plenty of external SSDs)

Option B: Buy a MacBook Pro 14” M4 Pro (24GB / 512GB) now

Pros:

• Solves ALL problems immediately (home + office)
• 24GB RAM is perfect for CAD/design
• Great laptop to use until the next generation
  Cons:
• Much more expensive
• If the M5 Pro really releases February–March 2026, I may regret buying so close to the next launch
• Resale loss could be higher if I want to upgrade next year

Timing question:

Reliable leaks (Gurman, MacRumors, iCulture) say M5 Pro / Max MacBook Pro is expected Q1 2026, most likely February or March.


So I’m basically choosing between:

• Buy Mac mini M4 now + wait 3–4 months for M5 Pro
• Buy MacBook Pro M4 Pro now and possibly sell it in March 2026
• Keep suffering on the M1 Air (not realistic for my workflow)

What would YOU do in my situation?

• Is the Mac mini M4 good enough for Fusion360 + 5K ultrawide for the next few months?
• Would you buy the M4 Pro MacBook Pro now and upgrade later?
• Or is waiting for the M5 Pro a better strategy?

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[krakenrelease]

Hi everyone,


I need some advice on a purchase decision.


My MacBook Pro M1 Pro was declared too expensive to repair, so the retailer refunded the full amount. I’m currently working on a temporary MacBook Air M1 with 8GB RAM, but it struggles badly with my workflow.


My setup / workflow:

• I work from home 4 days a week
• 1 day per week at the office (I bring my laptop)
• At home I work docked on a 5K ultrawide monitor
• I use Fusion 360, 3D design, Shapr3D, Bambu Studio, Chrome with many tabs, Docker, etc.
• The M1 Air can’t handle the resolution, lags heavily, and Fusion360 is basically unusable.

Now I’m stuck between two realistic options:


Option A: Buy a Mac mini M4 (16GB / 256GB) now (~€500–600)


Pros:

• Immediate performance improvement at home
• 16GB RAM is enough for Fusion360 + 5K ultrawide
• Very cheap compared to a new MacBook Pro
• Later I can use it as a home server / Docker machine
• Or sell it with minimal loss
  Cons:
• Still stuck with the slow M1 Air on office days
• Two-device workflow again
• 256GB SSD (but I have plenty of external SSDs)

Option B: Buy a MacBook Pro 14” M4 Pro (24GB / 512GB) now

Pros:

• Solves ALL problems immediately (home + office)
• 24GB RAM is perfect for CAD/design
• Great laptop to use until the next generation
  Cons:
• Much more expensive
• If the M5 Pro really releases February–March 2026, I may regret buying so close to the next launch
• Resale loss could be higher if I want to upgrade next year

Timing question:

Reliable leaks (Gurman, MacRumors, iCulture) say M5 Pro / Max MacBook Pro is expected Q1 2026, most likely February or March.


So I’m basically choosing between:

• Buy Mac mini M4 now + wait 3–4 months for M5 Pro
• Buy MacBook Pro M4 Pro now and possibly sell it in March 2026
• Keep suffering on the M1 Air (not realistic for my workflow)

What would YOU do in my situation?

• Is the Mac mini M4 good enough for Fusion360 + 5K ultrawide for the next few months?
• Would you buy the M4 Pro MacBook Pro now and upgrade later?
• Or is waiting for the M5 Pro a better strategy?

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

My vote would be to get a M4 Mac mini now. It’s small enough you can take to office easy in a backpack go the one day a week. You can get a m5 pro mbp later if you want then sell Mac mini. Or you can get a m4 pro mini, upgrade ram, and that will be enough for you.

If you need a machine now, it doesn’t matter if there will be an upgrade in a few months time.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'm looking at your work apps and thinking that 8gb of RAM is woefully inadequate.

WHATEVER you choose to get, I'd recommend at least 32gb of RAM and a large SSD (1tb minimum).

M4 Mini or even an M4pro Mini.
You can save some $$$ by buying from Apple's online refurbished pages. That's what I did with my last two Minis (2018 and 2024) -- very satisfied both times.

 

[MarineBand5524]

I'll go the opposite and say if you'd be happy with the MBP, I'd do that. Playing the waiting game, I heard someone say once, and it may have been Erfon Elijah on the CultCast, if you are always waiting you'll never buy anything. He also said that depending on your needs if you need it now, like you do, then upgrade/buy a new one etc. and be happy and enjoy your new machine as it is.

 

[Locksen]

Bought the mbp m4 pro maybe upgrade on m7 or wen its worth it

 

[Alameda]

A newer Apple machine will be released every four to six months. Forever.