Need help with configuring M1 Macbook Air/Pro

[shpongle11]

I want to purchase MacBook with apple silicon. I will, sometimes, run Widows (for ARM) using Parallels and use an external monitor. Other times, I will use it for mobile and web app design. I will also run some spreadsheets. Should I purchase M1 Macbook Pro (with a fan) or M1 Macbook Air? Should I get 8 GM or 16 RAM? I plan to use this laptop for 7 years.

 

[Rod]

Generally, more is better. When looking for longevity just look what has changed in the last 7 years. I still favor a fan, I've never had a problem with a fan and using CPU intensive processes sure generates some heat. On the other hand the Air will be lighter and more portable in that way.
So, if you want a workhorse that will be relevant in even five years get the most powerful with the most storage, RAM and general caperbilities you can afford.

 

[shpongle11]

Generally, more is better. When looking for longevity just look what has changed in the last 7 years. I still favor a fan, I've never had a problem with a fan and using CPU intensive processes sure generates some heat. On the other hand the Air will be lighter and more portable in that way.
So, if you want a workhorse that will be relevant in even five years get the most powerful with the most storage, RAM and general caperbilities you can afford.

My only worry is that future Macbook will not come with touchbar so the support might not be that long for the touchbar macbooks.

 

[chscag]

I want to purchase MacBook with apple silicon. I will, sometimes, run Widows (for ARM) using Parallels and use an external monitor. Other times, I will use it for mobile and web app design. I will also run some spreadsheets. Should I purchase M1 Macbook Pro (with a fan) or M1 Macbook Air? Should I get 8 GM or 16 RAM? I plan to use this laptop for 7 years.

You would be better off waiting for Apple to introduce new Silicon MacBook Pros and Air this Summer or late Spring. The second generation will be faster and better.

And what does the Touchbar have to do with anything? Most folks hate the Touchbar and it appears Apple is doing away with it. That's even a better reason to wait before you buy something.

 

[shpongle11]

You would be better off waiting for Apple to introduce new Silicon MacBook Pros and Air this Summer or late Spring. The second generation will be faster and better.

And what does the Touchbar have to do with anything? Most folks hate the Touchbar and it appears Apple is doing away with it. That's even a better reason to wait before you buy something.

Since future Macbooks might not have touchbar, I am apprehensive if the current M1 MBP will get updates for as long M1 MBA.

 

[chscag]

Then, don't buy the current M1 MacBook Air and instead wait for the second generation of the silicon MacBook Air.

Problem solved.

 

[lclev]

Since future Macbooks might not have touchbar, I am apprehensive if the current M1 MBP will get updates for as long M1 MBA.

I am not sure why you think having or not having a touchbar will have anything to do with updates. I have a 2020 MBP - Intel - with touchbar. I do not find it to be much of an asset and rarely use it. I will be looking at the next gen of M1 MBP's due out this spring or summer. But the current M1's - regardless of Pro or Air - will get updated for the same number of years regardless.

But I agree with chscag - wait for the next gen of M1's

Lisa

 

[Rod]

I agree, the second generation is bound to be better sorted. As for the touch bar I don't think it's an issue, at least not for me but whether it lives on or not it will not effect macOS updates.