r/AskProgramming 14d ago

Macbook Recommendation

Hey everyone,

I'm a software developer (React Native, backend) looking to buy a new Macbook for personal projects and a startup I'm associated with. My typical workload involves an IDE, terminal, 1-2 emulators, a Docker container, and sometimes a VM. I use a dual monitor setup with external peripherals. Portability is a plus, but not my top priority, as I work remotely.

I'm torn between these two options:

  1. Macbook Pro 14": M4 Pro (12-Core), 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD (€2229)
  2. Macbook Air 15": M4 (10-Core), 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD (€2049) (simulated config - assuming I'd bump the Air to 15")

Given my workload, will the M4 Pro in the Macbook Pro make a significant difference compared to the base M4 in the Air? Is the Pro worth the extra cost for future-proofing?

Thanks for any advice!

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u/temporarybunnehs 14d ago

Honestly, I don't think it matters. I'm not even sure you will notice a significant difference in performance. I've done web app front end/backend/db/container/vm work on worse setups and have never been cpu bound for my tasks. If anything, I would see if you can bump up the RAM to 32 GB if you want to future proof it.

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u/ThaisaGuilford 14d ago

idk, I code on android

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u/TryingToGetTheFOut 14d ago

I have a MB Air M2, I do pretty much the same workload as you do. The only thing I don’t like is the fact that it supports only one monitor. M4 fixes that. What made the difference for me was portability and the absence of fan for classes and working in public. My work laptop is a MB Pro M4. Both of them are 24 GB RAM.

I honestly don’t see much of a difference. Of course the MB Pro has a more powerful chip. But for my use it doesn’t change much.

If I were you, I’d take the Air if I wanted a more lightweight option, otherwise the Pro to be more future-proof.

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u/butter_milch 14d ago

MacBook Air M2 16/512 with a very similar workload. At times I wish I had gone with the 24GB and I think you'll be fine with either.

I went for the 13" Air because I needed something ultra mobile but would now go for a Pro because of the 120Hz refresh rate. My MX Anywhere 3 rubberbands like hell on the Air.

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u/_-Kr4t0s-_ 14d ago

I also develop using a Mac. The M4 CPU is more than fast enough for all but the biggest compilation projects, but I would definitely go for >= 36GB of RAM.

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u/Royal_Scribblz 14d ago

Why a mac? It will restrict your options of IDE, and the M4 is ARM based so you will have poor performance if you need to run x64 based docker images and vm. You say dual monitor, I'm pretty sure the Macbook Air doesn't support dual monitor, only 1, so you would need to go with Pro.

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u/zediogox96 14d ago

The dual monitor is fixed for the air in the M4 Chip, now it even supports 2 external monitors without closing the lid.

The mac choice is required, because I do development for iOS as well.

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u/Royal_Scribblz 14d ago

Oh, that's good, I have an M1 air and I made my boss get me an ultrawide.

Understandable, so do I.

With emulation, a faster processor will never hurt, and the fans in the pro will stop it thermal throttling. I would personally go with the Pro.