2019 Macbook Pro (16gb) or 2022 M1 Macbook Air (8gb)

[The.316]

Hello all.

Im given the option at work to choose between a new 2019 Macbook Pro with 16gb of RAM, or a new M2 Macbook Air, with only 8gb of RAM. An M2 Macbook Air with 16gb is just not available for me at this time. I have seen tests run between the 8gb and 16gb M2 Air, and it seems like a big difference. If the RAM was upgradable, I wouldnt hesitate, but I do not know which to go with now. I do use some Photoshop, and would like to get into Illustrator some as well, so Im afraid of the RAM limitations of the M2 Air.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Darkseth]

M1/M2 > Intel.

Don't even consider it. I guess, you're talking about a 13" Macbook Pro 2019? Butterfly keyboard...
Unless you get it for <500 bucks, aka way below M1 Macbook Air.

Be more afraid of the Intel limitations of the older Model hot and loud.

If you're that afraid of Ram: M1 Macbook Air 16gb Ram > M2 Macbook Air 8gb Ram.

 

[maflynn]

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Its being provided by your employer, so it all boils down to what apps you'll be using and will the ARM based MBA run all that you need?

Other food for thought, you mentioned photoshop and Illustrator, will the files you'll be accessing be huge? I mean if you're full on heavy duty PS user, you may find 8GB too constraining. Given that they're offing a MBA I'm assuming that's not the case.

Overall the M2 MBA is a superior laptop but you need to determine some things that only you can answer.