this post was submitted on 20 Nov 2023
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Pro 16 M1 16gb or 15 Air M2 24gb (alien.top)
submitted 2 years ago by KimJongHealyRae@alien.top to c/apple@hardware.watch
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I need a new laptop for software development. I currently have a 8gb m1 Air and it's not enough for my needs.

I'm currently running a dual monitor setup + macbook display with a dell Dock.

I intend to get another monitor so will have 4 screens in total.

My Air gets really hot with my current setup. intellij uses 4gb ram alone, docker, browser tabs, VM, teams. I've seen the air using 4gb swap from the ssd. It's slowing down a lot. Some apps crash.

I'm not so bothered about the pro screen or refresh rate, extra ports doesn't interest me either. However I am interested in the active cooling and great battery life since my air gets so hot. I won't consider a 14pro as I don't want less than 15 inch for portability/screen comfort.

Should I pick a secondhand/refurbished macbook pro 16 M1 with 16gb ram/512gb ssd or new 15inch M2 air with 24gb ram/512gb ssd?

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[–] chris_gilluly@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Definitely get the 16" M1 MacBook Pro, it’s way faster, has 2 fans, a way better screen, speakers, and better battery life, and way more ports (I/O). If your M1 MacBook Air gets hot with your current setup then the 15" Air isn’t gonna be any better, not to mention that the M2 Air is a thermal throttling mess so it might actually get hotter than your M1 Air since the chip is more powerful and it has no fans, this is what MacBook Pro’s are for; high-end workloads and tasks that the Air can’t handle.

[–] chris_gilluly@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Definitely get the 16" M1 MacBook Pro, it’s way faster, has 2 fans, a way better screen, speakers, and better battery life, and way more ports (I/O). If your M1 MacBook Air gets hot with your current setup then the 15" Air isn’t gonna be any better, not to mention that the M2 Air is a thermal throttling mess so it might actually get hotter than your M1 Air since the chip is more powerful and it has no fans, this is what MacBook Pro’s are for; high-end workloads and tasks that the Air can’t handle.