Honest question: do you 'need' an M1 now?

[jdb8167]

I am playing this same game except I have a 2018 MBP that has a current trade in value of $1100.. making a new M1 significantly tempting. However, I use my comp as a web software developer.. virtual envs, python, mysql, etc. Soo I am trying to research, will an M1 chip affect my development setup? At the same time, I am transitioning to a SWIFT programmer given that apps will now run on both machines. Decisions, decisions...

Python seems fine. I’ve installed it through MacPorts. I haven’t tried MySQL or MariaDB yet. Seems like a good task for today. And PostGreSQL. No Docker yet and no virtual machines. Java SDK works if that is relevant.

I’ve had pretty good luck installing things using MacPorts (MacPorts.org) after mostly failing with Brew.

Xcode and command line xcodebuild are very fast. You won’t be disappointed using an M1 Mac for Swift development.

 

[Zazoh]

I am playing this same game except I have a 2018 MBP that has a current trade in value of $1100.. making a new M1 significantly tempting. However, I use my comp as a web software developer.. virtual envs, python, mysql, etc. Soo I am trying to research, will an M1 chip affect my development setup? At the same time, I am transitioning to a SWIFT programmer given that apps will now run on both machines. Decisions, decisions...

Python3 comes with Xcode command line tools. 2.7 comes with base install, but Apple has deprecated and not to rely on it because it is going away.

But if you go to Terminal and type Python3 and hit enter you will be prompted to install command line tools which include a handful of things including Python 3.8.2

 

[JeepGuy]

I'm in need of a new laptop, but none of the current ones meet my needs, I really need a larger screen, was planning on getting the intel 16", but when they announced the M1, I put those plans on hold. I'm very tempted, but I really need a larger screen. I edit a lot of 4k drone footage, as a sideline and the old 15" is just chugging along.

These will never replace my work machines, which are intel based workstations., unless Autodesk decides to release Revit, and Inventor on the M1. Would love to see how well these m1's could handle large Point Cloud data.

 

[Loyola]

My MBA is still in the Processing stage after 10 days with and ETA of 15th Dec. Am starting to question if I really do need to splash £1450 on a device that will no doubt be amazeballs and serve me well for work, but do I really need it? No I don't TBH. I'll still need to use my SurfaceBook 2 for Win-only work.

So, once the honeymoon period is over, will I have buyer's remorse? Hmm, probably yes.

Should I fight the urge to continue with this purchase and see if an Mx, ideally in 14" form launches? Maybe.

This is just self-talk, I'm not asking for advice. But I'm wondering if others feel the same ...

I keep going back going back and forth on whether or not I am going to get the Mac Mini to replace my 2010 iMac or wait the the new iMac. In addition I could try to wait for a 2nd generation.

 

[circatee]

It is nice to know I am not the only person on the planet, that thinks a certain way.
Currently using a friends MBA Early 2015, and I am seriously considering a new MBA M1. Do I need it? Not at all. But, as a gadget person, I tend to want to try/test the latest gadgets/hardware (not all of them, just a few).

Even my iPhone 12 Pro Max, that I received on 13th Nov, I am seriously thinking of returning it. I believe I have till 8th Jan 2021, to decide - LOL

When I think of the cost of the iPhone 12 Pro Max ($1400, including taxes and Apple Care), I could bloody buy a MBA M1. And, just go back to my iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Alas, I digress...

 

[James_C]

Apple are offering extending returns until January. I would suggest you try for a couple of weeks, if you find that it works for you keep it, if not return it.

 

[Chompineer]

Nope, didn't need it at all, I am stuck WFH for at least the next year, and I have a 2020 iMac I do all my work on, some of which requires Windows.

I bought a base air with 16gb of ram for casual use and to test out new hardware. I do honestly miss having a laptop I can sit around on the couch and use though, this is nice.

Second guessing my upgraded ram, probably would have better benefitted from the 512gb model. I hardly store anything on my devices short of text documents though, so no huge need for storage. Plenty of cloud storage and my personal NAS.

 

[1240766]

No need at all.... It is all about wanting it

 

[circatee]

Second guessing my upgraded ram, probably would have better benefitted from the 512gb model.

Hmm, I have to disagree. To me, with this model, more memory is the better choice. Even more so since external storage (or cloud), can be 'added'.

Of course, merely my opinion...

 

[jazz1]

Yes, I do. Ownership of an M1 Mac is essential to my emotional well-being.

That is what I told my spouse when I told her I had already taken care of her Christmas present to me. Is silence golden and a sign of acceptance/appoval?

 

[MK500]

So, once the honeymoon period is over, will I have buyer's remorse? Hmm, probably yes.

I've definitely been "that guy" a few times. But not in the case of my M1 MacBook Air.

Think of it like buying a new Tesla. Do you NEED a new Tesla? Likely not. Your Toyota is probably still working great, getting 30MPG+, and if it's old it probably costs you a tiny percentage of the cost of a Tesla in registration, insurance, taxes, etc.

BUT, once you DRIVE a new Tesla you probably will never feel right driving a gas car again. It's completely revolutionary in performance and simple elegance. It's a revolutionary product.

That's the M1 Macs. They are not evolutionary, they are revolutionary.

You will love your new M1 Mac when it arrives. After a week I'm even more in love with mine than day one. That's not the case for me with most products.

 

[Chompineer]

Hmm, I have to disagree. To me, with this model, more memory is the better choice. Even more so since external storage (or cloud), can be 'added'.

Of course, merely my opinion...

For the uses this machine sees, 16gb is overkill. It's mostly just Safari, PDFExpert and Word.

This is just a giant iPhone with MacOS for me. It will likely be sold off in a year or two when a major redesign occurs, or handed off to my SO.