Odd Dilemma: 14" M1 Max or M2 Air?

[Robdmb]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would likely lean toward 24GB in Air and 16GB in Pro). Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

 

[jdb8167]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would like to future proof. Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

That’s a killer deal. If you are happy with the size and weight of the 14” MBP I wouldn’t worry too much about fan noise. The reports all say that the 14” MBP is very quiet. On the other hand if the $400-$700 extra cost vs a M2 MBA is important to you then the decision is easy—return the MBP and get the M2.

 

[velocityg4]

That seems too good a deal to pass up. If the extra cost doesn't hurt you financially. I'd keep the M1 Max.

The noise shouldn't be bad. Battery life should only really be in issue under heavy load. At light loads it shouldn't use much more power than the M1 Pro doing the same task. That's the sort of thing I'd regret passing up. Then all the time I owned the Air. I'd be wondering if I'm missing out by not having the Pro.

 

[bk526]

I've had an 14" M1 Max (24 core) for about a year now and I can barely even make the thing warm under heavy use. Unless you're editing 4k videos, your fan probably won't ever turn on. (And the few times that it does turn on, under especially heavy loads, it's often literally silent, there's only some subtle warm breath coming out of the rear vent.)

Obviously the Air has 50% more battery life, but you can get at least 8 hours out of the 14" Pro doing regular things, plus the screen is very pretty and the speakers are great.

 

[Shirasaki]

If I had such a killer deal I’d choose to keep M1 Pro any day over m2 air unless portability wins everything else. Performance headroom is not something you’d appreciate now but will later.

As for the gam noise, don’t worry about it. Apple silicon Macs fan noise is lower than most windows laptop on sale right now by a large margin, even at full speed. You are not doing noise sensitive work so doesn’t matter that much anyways.

 

[Technerd108]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would likely lean toward 24GB in Air and 16GB in Pro). Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

Don't think too hard on this. Discounts like what you just got are hard to come by.

I love my M2 MBA and I got a good deal on it and it is a BTO.

However it is hard to argue if I had the money to get an M2 MBA over the 14" you just got. 64gb ram, 32 core GPU 1TB SSD are all great specs.

You also use photo editing and light video editing which will be a breeze with two decoders on the M1 Max. You have 400 MB/S memory bandwidth.

Battery life won't be as good as the air and it will be heavier. It has fans.

I think considering the cost this is a decent trade off for what you do.

Enjoy the M1 Max 14". It is one of the best and most portable "Pro" laptops Apple has ever made. Don't look back and second guess it. If you can afford it and don't care about the things I mentioned then just keep a great deal.

Like I said I think two things to keep in mind. Use case and cost. If you may be using your laptop for heavy rendering or video editing in the future or want that capability in the future then it is an easy choice. You simply won't ever find a better deal on a specced up M1 14" MBP and if worse comes to worse you could sell it on Swappa for close to what you paid for it probably even after the M2 MBP come out.


If I were you I would definitely keep it. There are some times where value and cost are not as much a consideration but I just don't think that applies here.

Enjoy your pretty awesome MBP!!!

 

[ilikewhey]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would likely lean toward 24GB in Air and 16GB in Pro). Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

that deal is gone now, if you return it you won't get another chance unless you wanna wait 2 years when m3 or m4 pro comes out and someone selling on swappa. i also picked this deal up and next day MC jacked the price up by 300 bucks. there is literally zero fan noise, i been using mine for 4 months now and its whisper quiet. battery life serves just fine, i get on avg 10 hours if i'm not pushing too hard, although its less than mba in battery life, its still a all day battery life.

 

[Robdmb]

that deal is gone now, if you return it you won't get another chance unless you wanna wait 2 years when m3 or m4 pro comes out and someone selling on swappa. i also picked this deal up and next day MC jacked the price up by 300 bucks. there is literally zero fan noise, i been using mine for 4 months now and its whisper quiet. battery life serves just fine, i get on avg 10 hours if i'm not pushing too hard, although its less than mba in battery life, its still a all day battery life.

Thanks - appreciate the real world experience! Leaning toward keeping it. I know the M2 Pros are coming out soon too but of course those will be full retail for awhile.

 

[tubuliferous]

Sell the 14" for a profit then buy the Air! =D

But seriously (as the others here have said), you got a killer deal on that 14" MacBook Pro even with the M2 Pros coming out soon. Keep the 14" and use it to do great things!

 

[transphasic]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would likely lean toward 24GB in Air and 16GB in Pro). Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

I am in exactly the same boat, seeking the same specs for the units and have spent several hours in the apple store closely watching youtube videos on the MBP/14 and the MBA2 and IMO, the difference in screen quality is microscopic. There were some videos where the air looked more detailed and accurate than the needlessly brighter MBP. Why people think "it is a brighter screen, so it MUST be better..." I do not understand.

I have migraine issues looking at screens that are too bright, and generally keep them dimmer than many others might. There is also a battery cost to have a bright screen, and given that a prime focus for me on getting a laptop is portability, which the air has an advantage over the MBP.

My situation is a bit more complex, as I am also considering replacing my 27" iMac with either a new Mac Studio or a laptop - but that laptop would need to be light enough to easily carry around, which again, the MBA shines. The MBA is Apple's Ultrabook, and is very light and powerful, more than capable of handling almost anything a typical user throws at it.

I think some of the more enthusiastic MBP fanboys bashing the MBA need some type of public assurance/validation to feel good/confident about their purchase, as they overlook or ignore the facts I mention above.

Even with the sale at that store, there is still a $6-700 difference between a MBA 24GB/1TB and a MBP 14 with 32GB/1TB.

 

[Robdmb]

I am in exactly the same boat, seeking the same specs for the units and have spent several hours in the apple store closely watching youtube videos on the MBP/14 and the MBA2 and IMO, the difference in screen quality is microscopic. There were some videos where the air looked more detailed and accurate than the needlessly brighter MBP. Why people think "it is a brighter screen, so it must be better..." I do not understand.

I also have issues looking at screens that are too bright, and generally keep them dimmer than many others might. There is also a battery cost to have a bright screen, and given that a prime focus for me on getting a laptop is portability, which the air has an advantage over the MBP.

My situation is a bit more complex, as I am also considering replacing my 27" iMac with either a new Mac Studio or a laptop - but that laptop would need to be light enough to easily carry around, which again, the MBA shines. The MBA is Apple's Ultrabook, and is very light and powerful, more than capable of handling almost anything a typical user throws at it.

I think some of the more enthusiastic MBP fanboys bashing the MBA need some type of public assurance/validation to feel good/confident about their purchase, as they overlook or ignore the facts I mention above.

Even with the sale at that store, there is still a $6-700 difference between a MBA 24GB/1TB and a MBP 14 with 32GB/1TB.

They are both great machines - no doubt about it and somewhat targeted at different uses. I could likely be happy with either. When I spec out a M2 Air 24GB/1TB online it comes out to $2100 (hard to find sales on the BTO models) so more like a $400 difference based on what I've seen versus the 14" deal.

 

[ilikewhey]

I am in exactly the same boat, seeking the same specs for the units and have spent several hours in the apple store closely watching youtube videos on the MBP/14 and the MBA2 and IMO, the difference in screen quality is microscopic. There were some videos where the air looked more detailed and accurate than the needlessly brighter MBP. Why people think "it is a brighter screen, so it MUST be better..." I do not understand.

I have migraine issues looking at screens that are too bright, and generally keep them dimmer than many others might. There is also a battery cost to have a bright screen, and given that a prime focus for me on getting a laptop is portability, which the air has an advantage over the MBP.

My situation is a bit more complex, as I am also considering replacing my 27" iMac with either a new Mac Studio or a laptop - but that laptop would need to be light enough to easily carry around, which again, the MBA shines. The MBA is Apple's Ultrabook, and is very light and powerful, more than capable of handling almost anything a typical user throws at it.

I think some of the more enthusiastic MBP fanboys bashing the MBA need some type of public assurance/validation to feel good/confident about their purchase, as they overlook or ignore the facts I mention above.

Even with the sale at that store, there is still a $6-700 difference between a MBA 24GB/1TB and a MBP 14 with 32GB/1TB.

lol the differences in screens is hardly microscopic, the ips on the mba m2 suffers heavily from uniformity and locked in at 60hz. in standalone mini led monitors starts at 2k+ while traditional ips can be found at 300-400 range. the facts you presented are half true, with the sale at microcenter, m1 max 32 gpu 64gb ram 1tb was at 2500, you be hard pressed to think a equivalent specced mba is a better value.

 

[ilikewhey]

Thanks - appreciate the real world experience! Leaning toward keeping it. I know the M2 Pros are coming out soon too but of course those will be full retail for awhile.

the m2 pro/max is most likely gonna be 5nm again, which means not really a significant jump considering the m2 over m1 is on avg 10-15%. you're most likely looking at 1200-1400(if apple increase the price than its the latter) in price difference, thats a 30% in price increase for only 10-15% in performance.

 

[playtech1]

Unless the somewhat reduced size and weight of an Air is crucial, or you are happy to save money with a base M2 Air, the 14 inch M1 MBP is just an all around better laptop than the M2 Air.

The Max model does have worse battery life than the Pro, even if you are lightly using it, but nothing to get too worried about.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

That’s a killer deal on the MBP for sure. The use case you described could completely be handled by the M2 Air. Let you wallet be the deciding factor. Keep the MBP if it’s not a problem for you. And if saving a little more is important, you will be fine with the Air.

 

[transphasic]

lol the differences in screens is hardly microscopic, the ips on the mba m2 suffers heavily from uniformity and locked in at 60hz. in standalone mini led monitors starts at 2k+ while traditional ips can be found at 300-400 range. the facts you presented are half true, with the sale at microcenter, m1 max 32 gpu 64gb ram 1tb was at 2500, you be hard pressed to think a equivalent specced mba is a better value.

I was playing hi-def youtube videos for hours with the MBP right next to the MBA and there were some instances where the MBA's screen was better, shockingly. Maybe its a more mature technology, I don't know.

My bigger dilemma is shown in this thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macbook-pro-14-m1-max-w-10-core-cpu-32-core-gpu-16-core-neural-engine-32gb-1tb-vs-mac-studio-with-same-specs-except-ram-of-64gb-1tb.2365860/?post=31629079#post-31629079

where it is a scenario of either buying a MBP for both home and portable use, or get a Studio for home and a MBA for outside venturing. The portability/lighter weight of the MBA is a huge advantage in that regard.

And you are right, the sales at Microcenter and other retailers are making this a VERY difficult decision.

 

[transphasic]

I used this video as one of the comparitive ones with the MBA/MBP right next to each other, and at the :28-:29 point the face/skin detail of the character was presented with much more detail on the MBA than on the MBP...

I do not know why that would be since the MBP has a higher resolution (3K vs 2.5K) but it is there.

 

[ilikewhey]

I was playing hi-def youtube videos for hours with the MBP right next to the MBA and there were some instances where the MBA's screen was better, shockingly. Maybe its a more mature technology, I don't know.

My bigger dilemma is shown in this thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/macbook-pro-14-m1-max-w-10-core-cpu-32-core-gpu-16-core-neural-engine-32gb-1tb-vs-mac-studio-with-same-specs-except-ram-of-64gb-1tb.2365860/?post=31629079#post-31629079

where it is a scenario of either buying a MBP for both home and portable use, or get a Studio for home and a MBA for outside venturing. The portability/lighter weight of the MBA is a huge advantage in that regard.

And you are right, the sales at Microcenter and other retailers are making this a VERY difficult decision.

really, like what, when me and my colleague pushing final cuts, his project done on his m2 mba always needs a color correction after initial edit.

i used a mba before i got the 14inch, in terms of portability i really don't feel much of difference. the one thing i do miss is the really long battery life.

 

[1BadManVan]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would likely lean toward 24GB in Air and 16GB in Pro). Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

Hard to argue with a deal like that on the 14 pro max. If you intend to keep this laptop for a long time, that will definitely be a nice and future proof set up. I have no desire to move to a pro for my usage, I much prefer the battery life and portability of my m2 air. But that would be a hard deal to turn down purely based on the massive discount and value you're getting.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Looking for advice on an odd dilemma. For weeks I've been debating a M2 Air w/ 1TB HD and 16/24GB RAM or a 14" M1 Pro with 1TB and 16/32GB RAM (debating the amount of RAM but would likely lean toward 24GB in Air and 16GB in Pro). Obviously there is a cost difference but the recent sales on the Pros brings the two closer. For me, this will be a general use laptop - productivity, office, web browsing and some photo editing (maybe some videos in future). Portability and battery is a plus but so is screen and performance.

This week Microcenter had a sale on a 14" M1 Max 32 core GPU with 1TB HD and 64GB RAM for $2,500 ($1,200 off retail price on Apple). Clearly overkill for my needs but the price was around the price of some of the 14" M1 Pro machines I had been considering so I picked it up. I have yet to open it as I'm debating if the extra power will just be detrimental to my use in terms of battery/fan noise. Part of my still debates if I'm just better off with a silent M2 Air.

I've read I think every thread comparing the models but would really appreciate any advice or considerations - specifically considering the deal that Microcenter had. Given the normal price difference without the deal, there are not many threads considering the M1 Max w/ 64GB Ram and M2 Airs. Thanks!

Any other situation I would suggest returning the pro and getting the air, but that is truly one heck of a discount.
Here’s what I’d say.
If you notice the smoothness of 120hz and the extra 0.8LB doesn’t bother you, keep that pro because it’s an absolute steal.
If you don’t notice 120 Hz, and you need the absolute best battery possible in the most portable design possible, return it and get a similarly Spect Air.
The Air is an incredible machine, with incredible battery life, an incredible design, and incredible performance.
But there’s no getting around the fact that the pro is more flexible with more ports, has a better display, has a faster refresh rate, has better speakers, and with that discount, you won’t be hitting any walls anytime soon.
I don’t think anyone has ever complained about having too much ram, and the battery life on the pros is still incredible. Also, don’t even worry about the thermal management, the fans rarely kick on according to everyone who’s had one.

 

[Robdmb]

Thanks - appreciate all the feedback so far - its been really helpful. I actually stopped at a store today and checked out both models (the form factor). Definitely like the size and weight of the Air but don't think the Pro is too bad. I do think - to me - the Pro screen is nicer but i could use the Air without hesitation. Leaning toward keeping the Pro given the deal.

 

[rmadsen3]

I went from 11-in MBA to 14-in MBP. The size difference was so jarring for me that I returned the MBP and I purchased MBA. But it turns out the compromises are too much, in my eyes, and so I returned MBA and I purchased MBP again. By now I've gotten used to the thickness. I bet you too will be happy having chosen MBP.

 

[Robdmb]

I went from 11-in MBA to 14-in MBP. The size difference was so jarring for me that I returned the MBP and I purchased MBA. But it turns out the compromises are too much, in my eyes, and so I returned MBA and I purchased MBP again. By now I've gotten used to the thickness. I bet you too will be happy having chosen MBP.

Curious what was the defining feature(s) that made you go back to the MBP after having the Air?

 

[rmadsen3]

Before MBA: "I'm gonna be holding this thing a lot. I hate the idea of having these heavy fans in my hands whenever I hold the laptop."

After MBA: "I'm gonna be looking at this thing--looking at the display--a lot. Go with the Pro."

I spent a lot of time on these forums during my MBA tryout. The big draws that I recall reading about are holdability, battery life, and single-core processing. In my experience the holdability thing is legit, the battery life thing is overblown (MBP14--M1 Pro version--does not have bad battery life), and the M2 versus M1 Pro thing is imperceptible. It's nice having 32GB RAM. Sixty-four even nicer!