Need help: M1 MBP 14 + Hub vs Mac Studio + M2 Air

[Jwinnin]

Happy 2023, everyone! I am a long time reader, first time poster. Thank you in advance for your help.

I currently have a 2019 13 inch MBP connected to dual 27 inch 4k monitors for home. I use an iPad Air 4 with Magic Keyboard to take to work and for travel. I am looking to replace the MBP with apple silicon. I would like a laptop. I don't have intense computing needs. I don't need a portable Mac OS device every day. Just occasionally. My iPad would suffice for 70% of the other days.

Option 1: M1pro MBP 14" (available for $1600 from BestBuy) + CalDigit TS4 ($400).

This is the cheaper of the two options, and it requires only one computer, but I am nervous about carrying around my only computer with me. The laptop would be left occasionally unattended in a work setting with no ability to secure it. Also the MBP 14 is chunkier and has shorter battery life. M2pro MBPs are expected to come in the first half of 2023.

Option 2: Mac Studio (refurbished costs $1800) + base M2 Air ($1200).

It's more expensive, but I can get a 15% discount. Won't need Caldigit hub so that saves some $. Ideally, I like having a computer always available at home, and a lighter laptop with longer battery life to travel. But it's an investment of two computers. I don't really need a Mac Studio, but by the time I upgrade a mini to what I need, with a dock, the price delta isn't that huge.

Any advice or any other ideas that would meet my requirements would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[tstafford]

You don't mention why you need the doc. The MBP can obviously drive two monitors w/o one. I'm assuming you have other stuff you want to connect.

Few thoughts:

• I tried the MBP14 as my only machine and ended up buying a Studio
• Before buying the Studio I debated just adding a Caldigit TS4 to the MBP14 so I could at least stop with all the cords every time. I mean it isn't $1800 (same as what I paid for my Studio) but it is still really expense. Ultimately I thought the Studio would be a better long term "investment"
• If I could go back in time, I think I would buy the Studio and M2 MBA. I purchased the MBP because it can support dual external displays but now I don't have that need. However the screen on the MBP is so, so good that I'm not sure. Could probably sell it, buy MBA and come out about even but not willing to downgrade on the screen or jump through the hoops
• You mention Studio refurb so I'm guessing that means you are open to refurb. The M2 Air is also available that way for $1080. I love refurb and would save the $120 myself
• Have you considered a refurb MBA M1 for $850? Since you aren't using the device all that much, maybe that's an option. They are great machines and a nice upgrade off of any intel Mac

Net/net: If you are on the fence and can afford it, I'd buy the Studio and get a separate laptop. I doubt you regret it. I haven't

 

[maflynn]

I would like a laptop. I don't have intense computing needs.

Sounds like you answered your own question - you like laptops and don't have an intense need, so why spend money on the studio ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Jwinnin]

You don't mention why you need the doc. The MBP can obviously drive two monitors w/o one. I'm assuming you have other stuff you want to connect.

Few thoughts:

• I tried the MBP14 as my only machine and ended up buying a Studio
• Before buying the Studio I debated just adding a Caldigit TS4 to the MBP14 so I could at least stop with all the cords every time. I mean it isn't $1800 (same as what I paid for my Studio) but it is still really expense. Ultimately I thought the Studio would be a better long term "investment"
• If I could go back in time, I think I would buy the Studio and M2 MBA. I purchased the MBP because it can support dual external displays but now I don't have that need. However the screen on the MBP is so, so good that I'm not sure. Could probably sell it, buy MBA and come out about even but not willing to downgrade on the screen or jump through the hoops
• You mention Studio refurb so I'm guessing that means you are open to refurb. The M2 Air is also available that way for $1080. I love refurb and would save the $120 myself
• Have you considered a refurb MBA M1 for $850? Since you aren't using the device all that much, maybe that's an option. They are great machines and a nice upgrade off of any intel Mac

Net/net: If you are on the fence and can afford it, I'd buy the Studio and get a separate laptop. I doubt you regret it. I haven't

I would connect two monitors, a webcam, and a scanner (USB A) to the dock. In the future, I may get some external speakers. I would use the dock for the convenience of connecting and disconnecting the laptop with just one cord.

I would consider the Mac mini, but by the time I add in upgraded RAM, SSD, and a dock, the cost would be comparable to a Mac Studio. Also who knows when the M2 mini is coming out.

Thank you for your reply and your perspective. I am leaning towards your recommendation, but feeling a little guilty about having two separate computers when really I could just do with MBP and a dock. I don't want to be too wasteful.

 

[Jwinnin]

Sounds like you answered your own question - you like laptops and don't have an intense need, so why spend money on the studio ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Appreciate you taking the time to reply.

I definitely don't need the computing power of a Mac Studio. But:
- a good dock (needed for dual displays and peripherals) is costly
- I would need a MBP to drive two external monitors natively and so would need a Pro rather than an Air
- I'd rather lug around an Air than a pro.
- Id get a mini, but with the necessary upgrades, I'd get into Studio territory.
- Also I would like to keep my important files on the home computer and keep them off the laptop.

Leaning towards a home setup and a cheap laptop to lug around, but I feel a little guilty about the wastefulness. Just want to hear other people perspectives.

Thank you!