Spoke too soon about not having RAM issues on my M2 MacBook Air. It is great for most work, but was having issues when working with virtual machines, multiple browsers/tabs, and graphics apps all at once. I had been considering getting a second computer for a long time because if something goes wrong and my computer is in the shop, I can’t work. I was thinking about getting a Mac Mini Pro, but a trip to the Apple store made me fall in love with the 16″ MacBook Pro, mostly due to the big beautiful screen. I use an external monitor sometimes, but do my main work on the laptop screen. I didn’t buy it because of the cost, but started checking the Apple refurbished store regularly. Eventually, there was a base model 16″ M2 Max (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) in stock, and I ordered it.
I have been using this machine for a month while working on a couple of large projects and, so far, 32GB RAM and/or the super M2 Max processor seems to be the sweet spot for what I need to do. I probably didn’t need the M2 Max, but there was no M2 Pro in stock and the cost of the refurbished M2 Max was less than a new M2 Pro.
If I didn’t have the 13″ Air, I don’t think I would have gotten the 16″ Pro. It is fine for moving around the house and would be fine for a car trip to work somewhere else, but I wouldn’t want to travel with it or carry it around. I still love the Air and it is the perfect size for traveling.
Having 2 computers definitely gives me some peace of mind, and since I store most of my files in iCloud, I can use them both interchangeably without any friction. I am tempted to play Baldur’s Gate 3 on it when the mac version is released on Steam. Usually I am a console gamer (PS5), but it would be fun to have at least one AAA game to play on a mac and the M2 Max should be able play it at max settings.
Hoping these computers will last longer than the leased computers and I won’t have to buy another one for a long time. At least when I do, I can sell these or trade them in instead of having to return them at the end of the lease. I am very lucky to be able to have them and would definitely recommend the M1 or M2 Air to anyone who has basic computer needs, and the any of the M1/M2 Pros, except the 13″ one, to anyone who needs more power.