Uprgrade question for power user

[buzzman]

Hi there

right now I'm using a 2021 M1 Pro Macbook 14 Pro, 16GB RAM.
I'm happy with it, but I want a bigger one. I thought about the 16 Pro, but in Switzerland the model I want would cost around 3.2k.

Today I saw the M4 Macbook Air and I'm wondering if that would be a good choice for me and that's where I would appreciate your help.

I'm not a graphics designer or video editor (only sometimes as a hobby or for fun), but I always have several browsers open (Safari, Firefox, Brave) with each like 50 tabs open (don't ask why, there's just some convenience there with different topics I follow).
Then there's occasional some Photoshop editing of pictures from familiy vacations.
And a lot of multi-window video streaming (on one half a football game, on the other half like a Twitch stream or something).

I checked the geekbench benchmarks and in 2 out of 4 tests the M4 was better, but in OpenCL and Metal the 2021 M1 Pro after four years still had higher scores.
So I'm a bit confused. And then there's no nano display or no 120hz refresh rate.

Do you think for my need the Air would be enough? And after years of using a Pro would I notice the lower refresh rate?

Any thoughts are welcome, thank you

 

[nikhsub1]

I have an M1 Pro Max MBP and a 15" M3 air. I do not notice the screen at all, but my eyes are old and tired. IMO the new airs are so good there is no need for a pro for my use.

 

[russell_314]

Hi there

right now I'm using a 2021 M1 Pro Macbook 14 Pro, 16GB RAM.
I'm happy with it, but I want a bigger one. I thought about the 16 Pro, but in Switzerland the model I want would cost around 3.2k.

Today I saw the M4 Macbook Air and I'm wondering if that would be a good choice for me and that's where I would appreciate your help.

I'm not a graphics designer or video editor (only sometimes as a hobby or for fun), but I always have several browsers open (Safari, Firefox, Brave) with each like 50 tabs open (don't ask why, there's just some convenience there with different topics I follow).
Then there's occasional some Photoshop editing of pictures from familiy vacations.
And a lot of multi-window video streaming (on one half a football game, on the other half like a Twitch stream or something).

I checked the geekbench benchmarks and in 2 out of 4 tests the M4 was better, but in OpenCL and Metal the 2021 M1 Pro after four years still had higher scores.

From the things you described doing with your MacBook, I don’t think benchmarks are relevant. You’re doing light tasks with the exception of occasional video editing, but that’s for family videos. I suspect you don’t have a deadline to have those videos done so if it takes 30 minutes versus 3 minutes you’re not going to get fired or lose money.

So I'm a bit confused. And then there's no nano display or no 120hz refresh rate.

Do you think for my need the Air would be enough? And after years of using a Pro would I notice the lower refresh rate?

Any thoughts are welcome, thank you

I have the 13” Air and love it, but you may not. Is it possible for you to go to an Apple Store and look at the screen in person? That’s going to be a lot more helpful than anyone telling you how much better or worse it looks. I think it depends on the person looking at it. You’re going to have people saying anything less than 100 Hz causes their eyes to bleed and other people saying they can’t tell the difference. The only person that would know which one or you would be you.

Also, if it’s the same in your country as the USA, you should have a 14 day return policy. If it’s absolutely terrible, just take it back.

 

[buzzman]

good point, thanks. I'm sure there are some stores here where they are displayed (we only have 4 Apple stores in the whole country; but other stores sell them also).

 

[russell_314]

good point, thanks. I'm sure there are some stores here where they are displayed (we only have 4 Apple stores in the whole country; but other stores sell them also).

Sometimes there is no substitute for hands on. I remember when the Air was only 13”. There was a big debate whether it even made sense to get the Air instead of the 14” Pro. If you look at the spec sheet they look very close. Yes the weight shows a little difference, but that does not convey the difference in person. I lifted the Pro then the Air and it was completely different. To me the Pro felt twice as heavy. Yes I know it’s not but that’s how it felt to me. I haven’t even seen the 15” Air in person yet. Right now I probably should stay away from the Apple Store because if I go, and they have the new M4 air in blue, I’ll probably end up buying it

 

[IowaLynn]

I found using a large 32” monitor was what I needed. Using Intel 16/512 Mac Mini.
I’d wait and if you buy I think 32GB might be good idea.