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:
Now I’m stuck between two realistic options:
Option A: Buy a Mac mini M4 (16GB / 256GB) now (~€500–600)
Pros:
Option B: Buy a MacBook Pro 14” M4 Pro (24GB / 512GB) now
Pros:
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:
What would YOU do in my situation?
Any input is appreciated!
Thanks!
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!