Suggestion on Intel MacBook Pro/Air vs M1 MacBook Pro/Air

[Mac_Professor]

I have seen some good suggestions in the forum on whether to upgrade or not to ARM based M1. I have a similar question. My 2018 Mac Mini (which is primary machine along with Sonnet EGPU) is being serviced. I have been using my older 2016 MacBook Pro which is kinda dragging. I use this machine with a few VMs as i always need to be able to test Windows and Windows Server issues and it has worked fine for that although little sluggish now its still usable. I’m defendant on this machine until my MM gets repaired. I realized it would be good for me to have another backup and considered the M1 Air. But of course you can’t virtualize Windows with VMware although one can run Parallels with the Window Arms install.

I thought about getting an older perhaps 2018 or 2019 MacBook Pro to support vms and a newer M1 Macbook Air for fiddling with newer unit. Or should i just skip it all get an ARM unit and perhaps a Windows machine to run all the vms I need or just remote connect to VM whenever I need to etc. Brought a M1 MM for wife and that thing is smooth and quick. Unfortunately as a small consultant i support a number of Mac and Windows based clients so being able to carry one machine as opposed to multiple is beneficial.

Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[Apple_Robert]

Given your needs, I would consider getting another 2018 mini for VM use (provided you have a spare monitor to use) or a 2018 MBP, provided the butterfly keyboard doesn't bother you.

 

[pshufd]

I'd keep my eye out for used systems locally. A 27 inch iMac might be an option (I've seen some amazing deals locally on those).