Swap 2020 MBP 16GB/1TB/2Ghz for M1 MBA 8GB/512GB

[jeme]

What do you think of swapping these machines - I think I over purchased with the MBP, I do enjoy the lighted task bar and the 1TB storage but other than that I really use it for meetings (WebEx) and email, some minor file creation? Would I see a nice performance gain, what are the other potential advantages besides heat and fans.

Is this a worthwhile swap? I think I could buy the air and come out a bit ahead money wise. I do travel so being slightly lighter will help. I wish they put the M1 in the old MacBook 12 inch form factor.

 

[Ploki]

I assume the 13" i5?
I had the previous generation 13" i5 - 2,3ghz, 16/512.
sold it to buy M1 13" 16/512, i lost 300€ in the process but it can last me much longer than the intel 13" would.

if i were you i'd swap yes.

 

[gpat]

I'd do it without a second thought.

 

[jeme]

Really appreciate the input. Does anybody know if Microsoft Remote Desktop works on the M1 processors? Thanks!

 

[Runs For Fun]

Really appreciate the input. Does anybody know if Microsoft Remote Desktop works on the M1 processors? Thanks!

Yes it does.

 

[jeme]

Thanks so much! I appreciate they help everyone!

 

[G5isAlive]

I own both, actually an i7 16 inch MacBook Pro, and honestly the only thing I miss when using the M1 is the ability to natively drive two external monitors, 4 ports and bootcamp. For this year I will keep both in case new quirks develop on the M1, but I intend to ditch both next year when version 2 comes out, whatever it will be called. No doubt it will be faster yet and support 2 monitors.

as for you... I don’t think you will be upset if you swap but ask yourself this. What are you going to want to do when version 2 comes out? How often do you like to swap?

 

[Ploki]

I own both, actually an i7 16 inch MacBook Pro, and honestly the only thing I miss when using the M1 is the ability to natively drive two external monitors, 4 ports and bootcamp. For this year I will keep both in case new quirks develop on the M1, but I intend to ditch both next year when version 2 comes out, whatever it will be called. No doubt it will be faster yet and support 2 monitors.

as for you... I don’t think you will be upset if you swap but ask yourself this. What are you going to want to do when version 2 comes out? How often do you like to swap?

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since the M1 mac has 1 controller PER PORT, the actual throughput is the same as on the 16" (1 controller per TWO ports).

I'm not OP, but I swapped - sold my i5 13" for M1 13" MBPro.
I also have a pending sale on my Mini i7, which will be replaced by M1v2 Mini.
I swap/upgrade every 4-6 years, i had the 13" and Mini for two now, but i think architecture change is a shift that doesn't happen so often.

 

[G5isAlive]

OWC Thunderbolt Hub: More Ports, More Power, More Creativity

Enhance your setup with 3 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) and 1 USB 3.2 port. Perfect for creatives needing seamless access to storage, displays, and accessories.

eshop.macsales.com

since the M1 mac has 1 controller PER PORT, the actual throughput is the same as on the 16" (1 controller per TWO ports).

I'm not OP, but I swapped - sold my i5 13" for M1 13" MBPro.
I also have a pending sale on my Mini i7, which will be replaced by M1v2 Mini.
I swap/upgrade every 4-6 years, i had the 13" and Mini for two now, but i think architecture change is a shift that doesn't happen so often.

I still like having extra ports and not having to use a dock.. but thanks for the info! also , regardless of number of ports, the M1 MacBook Air and Pro only supports one external monitor . I know there is a software/hardware solution out there that lets you have more, but eh, I prefer something more permanent.

 

[jeme]

Thanks very much for the input - I would be going from a MBP 13 i5, 16GB Ram and 1TB SSD to a MBA M1, 8GB Ram and 512GB SSD. However I really only do mail and light office work, I am getting a drone so I may play with some video, but nothing major. So I am wondering what I will miss if I make the swap. OK thanks!

 

[jeme]

I will add my favorite mac ever was the 12 inch MacBook. I wish they still made that form factor. The air is the same size as the MBP (basically).

One thing I am wondering is am I going to miss the 100 nits of brightness between the MBP and the MBP or the better webcam in the MacBook Air?

 

[Ploki]

I still like having extra ports and not having to use a dock.. but thanks for the info! also , regardless of number of ports, the M1 MacBook Air and Pro only supports one external monitor . I know there is a software/hardware solution out there that lets you have more, but eh, I prefer something more permanent.

i missed that. ****

what a stupid limitation... the stupid intel 630 in the mini can drive two

 

[ght56]

I would upgrade in your situation only if battery life is of extreme importance and the runtime of your current machine is impacting your productivity, or if you strongly prioritized the form factor of the MBA. Otherwise, I would not. I don't think you would have a radically different computing experience between the two, and I don't even necessarily think one will be supported that much longer than the other. As for screen brightness, it depends on your situation. I use my MBP 16 on full brightness during the day as I am in a very well lit room, so I want every bit of brightness I can get. If you aren't maxing out your brightness constantly, then you probably would not miss it one bit.

 

[jeme]

GHT56 - that is great advice, thanks so much!

 

[jeme]

I have decided to wait for a 1TB 16GM ram version. So wish they still made the old MacBook 12 inch format.

 

[jeme]

Found one at my local Apple store.