Decision Help - Return 2020 MacBook Pro

[ryanprho]

Dear Forum,

I am a long time Mac user (25 years). I own just about everything ever sold by Apple over the last 25 years. I just purchased a decked out MacBook Pro 2020 that I use for development. Writing Non-Microsoft related apps for SAP, etc. I had to replace the unit I had because it just wasn't cutting it anymore. I am very uncomfortable now with keeping this MacBook Pro. I have 10 days more to return it to Best Buy. I went through the last transition and it was a nightmare from my PowerPC to an Intel-based Mac. I am worried that my 3.5k USD investment will be a waste in 2-3 years. I remembered what happened last time and all of the 3rd party apps dried up super fast for PowerPC. I just don't know if this time around that will be changing because of their new toolset that makes recompiling apps for both platforms much easier.

I don't know. Maybe I answered my own question. The sad part is the alternative is going to a Razer and Microsoft Windows. I always kept that contained in my VM but not sure I want that as the primary OS.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

All the best,

R.

 

[4sallypat]

The MBP will not be a waste in 2-3 years.
Even with the new ARM/Apple Silicon processor units coming out in the next few years, the Intel based Macs will still receive updates and remain useful for many years.

Many Mac users keep and use their devices for well past 10 years.

I am using a Mini Server from 2012 that runs perfectly and still keeps running snappy and responsive to anything I do (mostly web site builds).

My latest Mac is the 16" MBP and I love it - even though it sits on my desk connected to a 27" Thunderbolt LED display which is 10 years old - still runs strong!

 

[Expos of 1969]

As you are quoting USD for the cost of the MBP, I assume you are in the US. Therefore, I believe if you use the MBP for business purposes (which you appear to do as you say you use it for development) you can write some of the cost off on your taxes. So if it is useful to you for 2 or 3 years and if you can write some of the USD 3.5k cost off, you may end up spending 1.5 to 2.5k for the use of this machine for 2 or 3 years. Not a very big amount ($50 to $100 a month) for a key business tool, particularly if you want to stay on the Mac platform. If that amount is the difference between the business being successful or folding, you may want to re-examine the viability of your business.

 

[Saturn007]

Buy a refurbished unit directly from Apple— get full warranty, optional Apple Care+, and save yourself some $$.

If a wonderful ARM laptop comes out that you covet, sell your refurb purchase and get the new one. You'll be out only a few hundred bucks, but will have had a good spell of use out of it!