Normally I update my Mac as it nears the end of operating system support, and it looked like my M1 MacBook Pro would last a good while. But the skyrocketing cost of RAM made me think twice, so I took my own advice and bought sooner rather than later. A great deal didn't hurt!
@dsilverman Please tell me you got the quantum dot display.
@bnlandor If the M5 MacBook Pro includes it, then I did. I notice on the specs page for the Pro lineup, there's no differentiation between the M4 and M5 displays. https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/ The quantum dot feature was introduced wth the M4 line, so I assume it continues with the M5. Regardless, I have no complaints about the display at all, and anyway, I mostly use it with an external Dell 32" monitor.
@dsilverman That's perfect. I just had the direct comparison, and it's so much better, not only in direct sunlight. But with an external monitor, that obviously matters far less.
@dsilverman I have been going through this exact same thought process (to replace an M2 air that is kind of crashy) and also leaning toward an M4 now rather than waiting on the M5, for fear of RAM price increases. I've also been hearing rumors that the M5s run hot.
I am leaning toward the deals at Costco which seem regularly decent ($150 off everything.
@lemay My M5 MBP does not run hot; at least, not doing what I do day to day. I have been playing with stable diffusion models loaded locally and when they are cranking, yes, the fans fire up. (There's a screenshot from one such session in my timeline here.) But it doesn't seem to run any hotter than my M1. Also, check the deals at B&H photo. Much better than Costco.
@dsilverman The MBP has a fan, though, and the airs do not. My M2 does occasionally get warm and I would prefer it not to be any warmer.
I did check B&H photos after I read your article and alas they are not really discounting the 13" air much. (no more than costco)
@lemay That's the thing: The discounted M5 Pro sells for less than the 15" Air in many instances at B&H. If you are dead-set on the 13" Air, then it will be cheaper, but probably not by much.
@dsilverman I felt pretty good after my decision to upgrade most of my hardware last year when we were all unsure about the tariff effect. Feeling better still after all of this recent news.
@WarnerCrocker Yep, many reasons to jump now rather than later. I had reservations about whether, given what I do with my Mac, I'd notice much difference.
I definitely do! And it's so nice to have double the RAM (32 GB). That really helps.
