Help me decide between pro m1 and air m1 please!

[macddy]

For context before you answer here is what my usage will be with my new m1 laptop:

-Studying
-Gaming (1hr sessions, but also.. 4hrs + sessions)
-Longevity (I wanna keep this laptop for at LEAST 4 years)
-Hobby music editing with logic pro

Based on these pointers, should I STILL go for the pro? I am torn between m1 air with 16gb ram and an m1 pro with 16gb ram, both with 8-cores of course.

I have the money to buy the pro, but dont wanna buy it if the air is gonna last 4 years just as much as the pro..

What are your thoughts based on what I wanna use it for?

 

[CheesePuff]

It will be identical performance until you hit a task that consumes all CPU cores at 100% for > 8 minutes. If this describes you, then get the Pro for the active cooling.

The display brightness difference, speakers and mic (in my opinion) are negligible.

 

[laptech]

Depends on the games in my opinion, espically as you point out your gaming session could last 4hrs +. The MBA will CPU thermal throttle during that time and thus will affect the game your playing at the time. With a fan cooled MBP, this should not happen.