Upgrade to M1 from 15” 2019?

[Sanderr]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently on the fence about swapping machines. After having a look at trade-in value, I could do a 1 for 1 swap quite easily with room to spare for some upgrades. My current machine is:

MBP 15” 2019 i7 9750H 16GB RAM. This was the baseline model when I bought it via work a year and a month ago (just before the 16” released).

I’m a data analyst by trade so my work requires running Python and Tableau locally for some small work (heavy work running on a server via MS Remote Desktop), lots of Excel, mail and a gazillion StackOverflow tabs and Jira always open. I have it connected to a 32” 4K display almost always, both at home and in the office. Not on the road as much anymore due to COVID.

I’m generally quite content with my machine, bar the following;
-Fans run a lot when connected to the screen, or using Teams (basically all day now of course).
-Temperature can get scolding hot, also mainly when external screen is connected, so always.
-Touchbar’s ESC still not getting used to when coding.
-Battery down to 80% health already after 13 months, life is getting noticeably shorter.
-low travel keyboard not the greatest

In all other aspects, performance is satisfactory. I’m thinking about the M1 being a nice switch, probably the MBA, because of the lack of a fan, single core speed (lot’s of python packages don’t multithread), no touchbar and battery.

Being a desk machine, going back to a bit smaller screen would probably be OK.

By waiting for the next model I think the trade in value would not suffice, thus I have to go trough approval for new budget for the machine again. Hence why I’m on the fence now.

many thoughts, any from your side?

Kind regards,
S.

 

[skaertus]

Well, you already have a very nice laptop which can handle your work for some time.

You may choose to replace it now, in which case you get all the advantages related to the M1 processor, including the single-core speed and the improved battery life, and also the new keyboard. However, you will have a smaller screen. You mentioned you are not on the road as before due to COVID. However, after the pandemic is over, will you need or want a 15-inch screen to go back on the road? The pandemic will be over soon, but how long do you intend to stay with your laptop?

You may also want to wait a little longer as this is only the first batch of M1 Macs. Apple will release new Macs in the future. I would dare to say that all Macs which still keep the Intel processor will get replaced by a version with Apple silicon in the near future. And those will probably receive different, more powerful, processors that are not ready yet. Apple will likely release a 16-inch MacBook Pro which will be even more powerful than the M1, especially in multi-core speed (but who knows?). You will spend more money, of course, as your current machine will be worth less and a new 16-inch MacBook Pro will cost more than the current MacBook Air.

A third option that you have is buying the Mac mini now, and either keeping or selling your MacBook Pro. If it will be kept connected to an external screen, you do not need a laptop right now. And you can decide which laptop to buy at a later date when you need it.