Which MacBook/Specs should I get?

[ZaYoOoD]

Hey guys..
I'm thinking about buying a new Mac, and not sure which one best meets my needs.

Currently I have a 2010 MacBook Air.. I've been using it for more than 8 years, and it gave everything, but now it's time to change.

Here are my main use of the mac:
-VM for Linux (probably 4GB RAM and a good cpu)
-Simple video editing on FCPX
-The usual web browsing/Movies/Office docs...etc

I don't play any games on it.

I also have a 2012 Mac Mini, and am thinking of using the new MacBook as both laptop and desktop setup.

The only thing is that I need my Linux open all the time, and I need it in parallel with my Mac "not dual boot".

Is the new MacBook Air basic settings enough for such use? I'm kinda worried about the low CPU.

If I'm gonna pay the extra to get 256GB, Wouldn't be better to just get a MacBook Pro? Will there be a significant difference in performance?

Appreciate your input guys, as I'm not sure which specs to get "best for buck" and whether the Air's processer is good enough.

 

[TomOSeven]

Apple's current lineup makes it very easy to recommend a couple of great options!

- Thinkpad T480s
- XPS 15 9570
- XPS 13
- Mac Mini 2018

 

[ZaYoOoD]

Apple's current lineup makes it very easy to recommend a couple of great options!

- Thinkpad T480s
- XPS 15 9570
- XPS 13

Unless you can figure out a way to run macOS Mojave on an XPS, that isn't an option.

I need macOS for my personal use, and I need Linux for work related tasks.

 

[clt086]

Hi, I am in the same boat I have been waiting for the October event to get a new Mac.
My usage is very standard video streaming, web surfing, word processing, a bit of affinity photo (as a beginner)

So I would assume the Macbook air will be sufficient, but would be looking to get the 256GB. I am also looking at the MBP as there isnt much different price wise £50 more. Even the MBP TB although costing £350 more but has been updated this year.

To me what is important is longevity as I dont buy a Mac that often. My last one was about 9 years ago.

 

[nightcap965]

Not criticizing, just curious: Why run Linux in a VM? If you’re looking for crunchy Unix goodness, it’s right there in MacOS. If you need a dedicated Linux machine, you can get a Raspberry Pi for $35 and just VNC to it. (I do both.) What fun am I missing out on?

 

[Barna Biro]

Since a 2010 Macbook Air has already served you well for so long, then there's no reason why the newest Air wouldn't. The question is really about pricing: the 13" Macbook Pro has more horsepower and costs not so much more (size and weight are also almost the same). I'm somewhat in a similar boat, I also need a new notebook and can't really decide... I really hate the touchbar, but I also don't like the CPU in the Air... if only they had a 13 Macbook Pro without touchbar that wouldn't be a wet noodle (that's a bit exaggerated, but the current lineup is just silly considering the price and spec differences between some models)... I won't recommend anything larger because I have a feeling you want to stick to a small form-factor.

EDIT: I might have made up my mind actually. Considering I've been also quite happy for many years with my 13" Retina Macbook Pro Early 2011 Edition, I think I'll go with the Air. Performance-wise it's comparable to my old laptop (that I gave away a year ago actually), although it should still be a bit faster and it will maybe run a bit cooler too. I truly hate the touchbar and I simply can't push myself to get a notebook with that abomination on it.