Guidance on a new Macbook

[Paul_Heery]

I know there are quite a few seasoned Mac users here and I am hoping to tap into the knowledge of this group.

For years I have eschewed Windows and MacOS systems. First, it was in favor of using a Debian-based Linux laptop, then moved to a Chromebook for its light weight and portability. Now, most of the systems/applications that I use are either in a cloud or accessible via VPN.

However, there is one application that I use on a daily basis which is Windows-based that I can’t get around, Microsoft Project. When not in my home office, this occasionally forces me to remove my HP Probook from its docking station and lug this extremely heavy device with me. MS Project would be the only application that I may need to run in a VM. Some may say, “just get a new Windows laptop”. But, I like the flexibility of having a Macbook as I can easily run the native operating system plus occasionally fire up a VM for Windows and possibly a Linux VM on rare occasions.

So, I am now considering moving to a 2020 Macbook (or 2020 Macbook Pro which should be announced soon). For virtualization purposes, I am considering Parallels or VMware Fusion. Actually leaning towards Parallels.

So, the questions that I need some guidance on:

Which Macbook? I would go with an i5 processor with 16GB RAM. Even the 2020 Macbook Air meets the minimum specs. The new 2020 Macbook Pro laptops have nice rumored specs, but I am unsure if the bump in cost would be worth it for me.

Parallels or Fusion?

Thanks in advance for any input and guidance.

[RKDinOKC]

There is an ebay company that rebuilds 2015 powerbook pros for under $1000. Warranteed and very capable.

Personally like Fusion.

[stealthn]

Also consider VirtualBox, I run it on my Air so I can run Windows and Kali, works great.

[craigster59]

I always buy "refurbished". Same warranty, never any problems. https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac

[RANDY P]

Looking at a new Air myself-There is going to be a 'lost' period when they were using those awful keyboards. They are now releasing new machines with the better, older keyboard.

[wdfifteen]

Don’t spill Diet Coke on the keyboard!
That’s all I got.

[Alan A]

Unless you use it for a living - multiple databases, kubernetes and an IDE or two an air is plenty.

[pmax]

Last and final Macbook I bought got bricked after the OS was no longer supported and not upgradeable. The hardware seems fine, just can't update anything worth running. Thanks Apple.

[masraum]

Just as another point of interest. About 6-7 years ago, we got a visit from a group pitching us an application that monitored VoIP calls on a network. I am pretty sure the guy was a PhD and did some heavy duty work around that sort of thing. The laptop that he used for travel was a MacBook (I'm pretty sure it was an Air). When he got it, he made it so he could dual boot it into Mac or Windows, but he said he'd only booted into MAC a couple of times. The rest of the time he used Windows. He loved it because it was fast, not too big, lightweight and had great battery life compared to most other laptops. I assume something modern would be even better.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by pmax

Last and final Macbook I bought got bricked after the OS was no longer supported and not upgradeable. The hardware seems fine, just can't update anything worth running. Thanks Apple.

Weird. I had a buddy that had an 8yo macbook. He wanted to replace it but it wouldn't die. My wife's MacBook Air (smallest, least powerful, cheapest one they sold) is still running strong and was purchased at the end of 2013, so it's over 7 years old. It's running the current software.

[Paul_Heery]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Apple announced their new 13" Macbook Pro yesterday and I think that's the way I will go. Here are the specs on the one that I am considering:

• 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz
• 13-inch Retina display with True Tone
• Touch Bar and Touch ID
• Intel Iris Plus Graphics
• 16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English

13‑inch MacBook Pro- 10th gen Intel processor

[IROC]

Originally Posted by masraum

Weird. I had a buddy that had an 8yo macbook. He wanted to replace it but it wouldn't die. My wife's MacBook Air (smallest, least powerful, cheapest one they sold) is still running strong and was purchased at the end of 2013, so it's over 7 years old. It's running the current software.

Yep. We have a MacBook Pro that we bought in 2012. Still using it. I did my taxes on it a few weeks ago.

[sugarwood]

I've heard good things about Pro. They last a long time.
Is used Pro worth it or too high resale?

[pmax]

Originally Posted by masraum

Weird. I had a buddy that had an 8yo macbook. He wanted to replace it but it wouldn't die. My wife's MacBook Air (smallest, least powerful, cheapest one they sold) is still running strong and was purchased at the end of 2013, so it's over 7 years old. It's running the current software.

Yeah that's weird. Apple said the OS in their 2011 product has no upgrade path and that was a few years ago.

But I must thank the OP for this thread, dug the old Macbook out of storage and it has literally spilled its guts.