14in now or wait for M2?

[AltecX]

I can get a MBP14 8core-32GB RAM for $250-off at my local Microcenter. I'm thinking of upgrading from my M1 Air for two main reasons. Screen size and RAM. the CPU itself has been fine so I don't see real to upgrade to the 10-core. My heaviest workload is some Photoshop with a few layers while multitasking, which often takes me on the verge of the 16GB I have now.

I'm debating on whether it would be better for me to just upgrade now and take advantage of the sale and re-sell my Air, or just wait for the M2. I obviously I don't NEED a machine, but I'm thinking of how in a couple years I'll be wanting more than 16GB as I'm sure apps will be eating up the little bit of headroom I have now.

 

[satcomer]

Well I always tell users if they want do audio/video crunching the Mac Book Pro is way to go to make money!

 

[thenewperson]

You'd probably be better off waiting (or even skipping it if your RAM isn't being filled yet) and get a computer later.

 

[jdb8167]

I can get a MBP14 8core-32GB RAM for $250-off at my local Microcenter. I'm thinking of upgrading from my M1 Air for two main reasons. Screen size and RAM. the CPU itself has been fine so I don't see real to upgrade to the 10-core. My heaviest workload is some Photoshop with a few layers while multitasking, which often takes me on the verge of the 16GB I have now.

I'm debating on whether it would be better for me to just upgrade now and take advantage of the sale and re-sell my Air, or just wait for the M2. I obviously I don't NEED a machine, but I'm thinking of how in a couple years I'll be wanting more than 16GB as I'm sure apps will be eating up the little bit of headroom I have now.

I’d check on the resale value of the MBA and use that to decide. If the MBA still has a decent resale value then sell it while it’s hot. The 14” will retain more value longer so if you decide to get an M2 it will likely get a significant portion of the cost back.

 

[AltecX]

I’d check on the resale value of the MBA and use that to decide. If the MBA still has a decent resale value then sell it while it’s hot. The 14” will retain more value longer so if you decide to get an M2 it will likely get a significant portion of the cost back.

I can get about 600-700 for it based on ebays sold prices.

So assuming, I get just 600, I'd still be out 'only' 1650. Which to me sounds like a decent deal.

 

[bobcomer]

I can get about 600-700 for it based on ebays sold prices.

So assuming, I get just 600, I'd still be out 'only' 1650. Which to me sounds like a decent deal.

Apple's trade in value is slightly more than that, at least it was last month. ($770 I got for my 16G/1TB MBA) I traded it in on a Studio.

I hate the wait questions, mainly because if you wait for the next thing, the next after that will tempt you to wait for it. If I can use the capability now, I buy it now.

 

[Macative]

I hate the wait questions, mainly because if you wait for the next thing, the next after that will tempt you to wait for it. If I can use the capability now, I buy it now.

Yeah I don't understand people who debate this with themselves, let alone ask others about. If you need it now, get it now. End of story. There is nothing that stops you from upgrading again later when inevitably something newer comes along.

 

[jdb8167]

Apple's trade in value is slightly more than that, at least it was last month. ($770 I got for my 16G/1TB MBA) I traded it in on a Studio.

I hate the wait questions, mainly because if you wait for the next thing, the next after that will tempt you to wait for it. If I can use the capability now, I buy it now.

Just checked the Apple trade-in and I got a $755 offer for a 16 GB/1 TB MBA. So you should be able to get at least that for a 16 GB/256 GB at a site like Swappa.com.

 

[AltecX]

Apple's trade in value is slightly more than that, at least it was last month. ($770 I got for my 16G/1TB MBA) I traded it in on a Studio.

I hate the wait questions, mainly because if you wait for the next thing, the next after that will tempt you to wait for it. If I can use the capability now, I buy it now.

Actually less, their offer is just $550.

 

[Diablo360]

If you can wait 3-6 months then you might as well hold off for the M2. With the M1 now being discounted, this points to updates in the near future (almost always works out this way)

 

[AltecX]

If you can wait 3-6 months then you might as well hold off for the M2. With the M1 now being discounted, this points to updates in the near future (almost always works out this way)

Is there anything really expected for M2 that would make it worth the wait? If its anything like the Intel "8-10% faster, and a bit better battery" then it won't really have any impact on my usage, and a discounted M1 Pro would be a better spend for me.

 

[Captain_Mac]

If you don't need it now, wait (in my opinion). If the A-series chips have taught us anything is that Apple separates features by chip generation. M2 will potentially have more features (in future software updates) down the road when M1-generation chips will be older. Newer processor also equals better power / efficiency, even if they're based on the A15-generation cores.

 

[Captain_Mac]

Also, M2 will not bring you more than 16GB RAM... At least the rumors point in that direction for now... So if you want more than that, Mx Pro / Max / Ultra is the only way to go.
If you're like me, wait for 14' M2 Pro

 

[clevins]

I can get about 600-700 for it based on ebays sold prices.

So assuming, I get just 600, I'd still be out 'only' 1650. Which to me sounds like a decent deal.

Buy it if you want. I mean... you don't NEED it, we really can't say one way or the other because it's something you want. You have to decide, we can't, especially since no one knows what they M2 will be like or when it's out.

Is there anything really expected for M2 that would make it worth the wait? If its anything like the Intel "8-10% faster, and a bit better battery" then it won't really have any impact on my usage, and a discounted M1 Pro would be a better spend for me.

We can't tell you because NO ONE KNOWS.

 

[belictony]

as you mentioned you dont need a machine right now and you would need that hardware in a few years from now, consider waiting till you feel you have maxed out the current system and buy. For screen size, suggest to buy a monitor and adjust with it.

 

[spiderman0616]

Apple Store gave me $550+tax on my trade in from base model Air to 14” Pro. If you need the power, do it.

 

[darngooddesign]

I do a combination of things which benefit from single-core and multi-core; so unless I specifically wanted the benefits of a MacBook Air (thinner, lighter, and battery life) I would choose a 14" M1-Pro over an M2 Air. Even more so if I can get the 14" M1-Pro discounted or refurbished.

 

[AltecX]

I do a combination of things which benefit from single-core and multi-core; so unless I specifically wanted the benefits of a MacBook Air (thinner, lighter, and battery life) I would choose a 14" M1-Pro over an M2 Air. Even more so if I can get the 14" M1-Pro discounted or refurbished.

Yeah I kind of wished I had waited longer before getting the Air for the 14 to be announced. lol oh well hind sight is 20-20.

 

[darngooddesign]

Yeah I kind of wished I had waited longer before getting the Air for the 14 to be announced. lol oh well hind sight is 20-20.

In your case, hindsight is $1650.

 

[B.A.T]

How much RAM are you currently using? Hard to give solid advice until we know if the amount of RAM is slowing you down.

 

[AltecX]

How much RAM are you currently using? Hard to give solid advice until we know if the amount of RAM is slowing you down.

As I mentioned in my OP I almost use all 16 now, I'm often in the 11-14 range when I get into heavy usage. I wasn't really using Photoshop as much as I do now when I got it and figured 16 would be more than plenty, as without it I rarely go over 9. But as I'm learning more and getting into increasingly complicated editing with more layers, I'm definitely starting to run out of head space before I get into paging, which I'm not against, just wondering if it may make sense to upgrade now while I can get more for trade/resale than later.

 

[B.A.T]

Based on reviews I've seen, if it were me I'd upgrade now.

 

[clevins]

As I mentioned in my OP I almost use all 16 now, I'm often in the 11-14 range when I get into heavy usage. I wasn't really using Photoshop as much as I do now when I got it and figured 16 would be more than plenty, as without it I rarely go over 9. But as I'm learning more and getting into increasingly complicated editing with more layers, I'm definitely starting to run out of head space before I get into paging, which I'm not against, just wondering if it may make sense to upgrade now while I can get more for trade/resale than later.

Ok so this wasn't clear from the first post. While we can't compare the current 14 with an M2 Air that doesn't exist, I think you need to consider whether your current Air is OK until the M2 appears so you CAN make that comparison or if the frustration/loss of productivity over the next 6 months or so will be too much to deal with.

My take on whether to upgrade machines is always driven by how much productivity you'll gain (or negatively, how much you're being held back by not upgrading). If it's very minor, eh. If it's enough to justify the price... do it.

 

[dziku]

Don't know if it gonna help you but I've just ordered M1 MAX 14 and I truly believe next upgrade will be +5 years from now, just because I would not be needed earlier.

 

[kschendel]

If you don't seem to be CPU or GPU bound, I'd be inclined to make the switch now.Your M1 Air isn't going to gain any value by waiting, and given that you are mostly RAM limited, it's not clear to me that the M2 version is going to make or break your workflow. Upgrade to a 32GB M1 Pro now and avoid some months of being hurt by not enough RAM.