Will I regret going to MBA from MBP?

Hardware
21

An app that I demand using requires Intel not ARM. Its most recent version is Windows only because the port to ARM was not cost effective for the market share. I am not yet up to date on how well x86 emulation works thru macOS on M-chips, let alone through Windows emulation (i.e. Parallels) on M-chips.

Also, being retired means spending more time with a cool drink in the comfortable outside deck with a 16" portable screen than sitting tight in an attic desktop chair, even when the latter setup has an external 4k screen, ergonomic keyboard, and trackball.

Anyway, you are spot on with the envy on what I hear about speed. My biggest temptation is to skip the fretting over adding a mini or studio to my portfolio and just get a top of the line M4/5 MBP again (as I did when I bought the i9 MBP some many years ago). Exploring the options with my “must have” app remains the last hurdle in making this decision.

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JJW

2 Likes
22

We must know! What is it??

23

I’d look into a Mac Mini. Has an HDMI port like the MBP.
A friend got a MBP and it’s way overkill for this needs (office, mail, etc)

24

Igor Pro.

I have a good bit of dedicated history with it over 3+ decades of use. A browsing of the Projects list will reveal stuff that I developed dated back to before 2000, primarily for my needs in science/engineering research and teaching. I dabble with project development now mostly as a hobby.

–
JJW

1 Like
25

It’s terrible. Do not rely on it. Maybe one day it’ll be good, but right now it’s not performant or capable at all.

26

I heeded the siren call of the MBA, but the switch was temporary because I couldn’t connect two external monitors, which was a deal-breaker for me.

1 Like
27

FWIW, this is finally doable with M4 chip MBA

2 Likes
28

Did not realize this! Good to know.