M2 Macbook Pro Base Model for software development

[axat]

My last Macbook Pro is from 2011 (i5, 8GB RAM) and I am running Linux on it but I think it really needs an upgrade. I mostly do web browsing + software development (Node.js, etc.). I also use heavy web applications like Figma and Nocode platforms.

I got a M1 Macbook Pro from my employer and I know how good it is. I thought I would go for the M2 Macbook Pro. Here are the options I am considering:

1. M2 Macbook Pro - 10C CPU, 16C GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
2. M2 Macbook Pro - 10C CPU, 16C GPU, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD
3. M2 Macbook Pro - 12C CPU, 19C GPU, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD
4. M2 Macbook Pro - 12C CPU, 19C GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

I was leaning towards option 2 or 3 but I saw this video from Maxtech

(jump to 5:00) where he recommends not getting 32GB with the base model M2 since it's binned.

I try to keep my devices as long as I can but I am not sure it's possible to do more than 5 years anymore. What would be your recommendation?

 

[Jinbei]

You would be fine even with a macbook air for these kind of tasks. A lot of software developper use the macbook air, me included.

 

[kasakka]

Depends on how much you use e.g Docker containers. Those can eat a lot of RAM. Otherwise even the base model is fine if you are ok with the disk space on it.

I would go MBP over Air just for the multiple display support.

 

[Beau10]

Base is fine. Don't bother upgrading the memory unless you're doing heavy VM or Docker work... a possible caveat is the possibility for local ML inference in another year or two if that becomes a major thing (ie. llama.cpp now can utilize the full gpu). But if you think could be a thing the base Max would be worth considering.

One thing to note about the SSD is it's just one NAND chip, so half the speed of your M1 Pro. If you think you may be bothered by that then upgrade to 1 terabyte.

 

[dmccloud]

Base is fine. Don't bother upgrading the memory unless you're doing heavy VM or Docker work... a possible caveat is the possibility for possible local ML inference in another year or two if that becomes a major thing (ie. llama.cpp now can utilize the full gpu). But if you think could be a thing the base Max would be worth considering.

One thing to note about the SSD is it's just one NAND chip, so half the speed of your M1 Pro. If you think you may be bothered by that then upgrade to 1 terabyte.

If it's 512GB or more, it would be at least dual NAND. Apple switched to 256GB NAND as their base rather then the 128GB of M1.

 

[Beau10]

If it's 512GB or more, it would be at least dual NAND. Apple switched to 256GB NAND as their base rather then the 128GB of M1.

"In the new 2023 MacBook Pro 14 only a single 512 GB SSD chip is used. The bad news is that the performance is significantly worse than the 2021 MacBook Pro 14 and current models with 1 TB storage."

Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 Entry Review: Base model with cut-down M2 Pro, SSD downgrade, and slightly higher power draws

NotebookCheck tests the new base model Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 with a cut-down M2 Pro and 512 GB SSD.

www.notebookcheck.net

 

[axat]

Base is fine. Don't bother upgrading the memory unless you're doing heavy VM or Docker work... a possible caveat is the possibility for possible local ML inference in another year or two if that becomes a major thing (ie. llama.cpp now can utilize the full gpu). But if you think could be a thing the base Max would be worth considering.

One thing to note about the SSD is it's just one NAND chip, so half the speed of your M1 Pro. If you think you may be bothered by that then upgrade to 1 terabyte.

Yeah, I did look at the Max and they have great refurb models for the Max but my only concern with the Max is the battery life. It's a couple hours shorter than the Pro.