Return MacBook Pro for Mac Studio

[ggibson913]

So I had just purchased the MacBook Pro middle grade 16 inch model with the M1 Pro Processor and am still in the returns period. I think for my purposes that MacBook Pro is fine for Selenium development and app development for years to come. I have it paired with a 32 inch Dell monitor and the Mac will either be in clamshell or on the stand. I got the 16 over a similarly configured 14 inch because to me it was worth the extra 180 dollars (veterans discount price).
However, I am tempted by the Mac Studio, and even if I configured it how I want, it will be cheaper. Most of my work right now is being done on a PC laptop so I could wait until the new desktop is delivered. The Studio has a more powerful processor and more RAM but I do tend towards being a push a thumb tack in with a sledge hammer kino of guy when it comes to buying the computer I need. The laptop gives me flexibility so if I have to use my own machine for something, it is portable with it’s own monitor. Part of me says stay and be happy with what you have. What do you guys think?

 

[dizmonk]

Is the 16" really that portable? I saw that thing in the store and it's heavy... I went with the Studio... and am happy with my m1 Macbook air.

 

[ggibson913]

Is the 16" really that portable? I saw that thing in the store and it's heavy... I went with the Studio... and am happy with my m1 Macbook air.

Its one pound heavier. My current carry is way heavier with my laptop, chargers and various Android devices. Also it isn't like the Mac Studio isnt portable it’s just not coffee shopable

 

[Pakaku]

One thing you'd lose is a portable 16" screen. Apple logic seems to be headed towards physical size dictating the machine's potential power range, so if the screen size is important to you, you're stuck with a machine that is overkill for your needs and being charged accordingly. I wouldn't mind upgrading from my 2012 Pro to an M1 Air, but that means moving from 15" to 13", and that's not acceptable for my productivity.

 

[seijitanawangko]

So I had just purchased the MacBook Pro middle grade 16 inch model with the M1 Pro Processor and am still in the returns period. I think for my purposes that MacBook Pro is fine for Selenium development and app development for years to come. I have it paired with a 32 inch Dell monitor and the Mac will either be in clamshell or on the stand. I got the 16 over a similarly configured 14 inch because to me it was worth the extra 180 dollars (veterans discount price).
However, I am tempted by the Mac Studio, and even if I configured it how I want, it will be cheaper. Most of my work right now is being done on a PC laptop so I could wait until the new desktop is delivered. The Studio has a more powerful processor and more RAM but I do tend towards being a push a thumb tack in with a sledge hammer kino of guy when it comes to buying the computer I need. The laptop gives me flexibility so if I have to use my own machine for something, it is portable with it’s own monitor. Part of me says stay and be happy with what you have. What do you guys think?

So what did you decide after all?
I'm exactly on the same boat. I received my M1Pro MBP 16" on the day of the Apple Event, so it's like i didn't even have time to fully enjoy it that i was already unsure of my purchase.
After a few days of using it, it's a great machine. But i keep on wondering if i should just return it for a macStudio.

 

[ggibson913]

So what did you decide after all?
I'm exactly on the same boat. I received my M1Pro MBP 16" on the day of the Apple Event, so it's like i didn't even have time to fully enjoy it that i was already unsure of my purchase.
After a few days of using it, it's a great machine. But i keep on wondering if i should just return it for a macStudio.

I am still waffling and second guessing my purchase, but am leaning towards keeping what I have. For my particular use case where I do selenium development and some software development for fun (for now) this laptop has plenty of horsepower even with the 16 GB of RAM. As far as photo and video editing the real world performance isn’t that far off the max. What the studio doesn’t provide me is the ability to pack up and get out of the house if I want to so while I don’t often get away from my desk, I do so occasionally. Luke Miani’s video comparing the two chips was really helpful in my decision.

 

[ggibson913]

Just an update, after many video reviews and back and forth I have decided to keep my MacBook Pro. I figured yesterday that the Mac Studio was more Mac than I needed. The only question was 16 or 32 GB RAM for $400 more. I decided to keep the 16, for my needs it will be fine as I was able to communicate with some devs who literally are coding on the MacBook Air/ Mac mini M1 with 16 GB of RAM with no issues.

Thanks for all of your input I appreciate it all.