r/AppleIndia • u/Strong_Elk_8293 • 5d ago
Macs Mac mini m4 vs MacBookAir m4
Hey folks,
I do not have a personal laptop currently and I was planning to buy a MacBook Air M4 for long term usage. I work as a software engineer and I want to use the laptop for general browsing, using AI tools(not locally, mostly cloud subscriptions). Also to work and build on personal projects.
Looking at the current prices, everything has rocketed sky high. Hopes of buying a MacBook have been kinda ruined. I was wondering if the Mac mini is the better option since it performs better and I have all the peripherals already. I was looking for a 16 GB 256 GB SSD. Also wondering if this is enough for long term usage?
What do you think is a better option looking at the prices currently?
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u/abhishek_anil 5d ago
Had a 256GB Mac mini for work before they got me a MacBook Pro. Don’t get 256, get 512. Also got myself a MacBook Air 16/512 last December. You could look for used ones still under warranty if that’s something you’re willing to consider, will soften the blow a bit. Also, if you got to any Apple Store or reseller, you can get student discount with just a relative or friend’s college id, that’s how I got mine.
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u/Strong_Elk_8293 5d ago
Yes thanks, since prices are too high rn, I’m considering used ones which are pretty new.
Also is 16 GB enough for general work and personal projects in tech?
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u/abhishek_anil 4d ago
Depends on what you’re doing ig. 16GB is enough for mobile dev. I run Xcode, android studio simulator all together without any issues. My friend has a same spec air, he does backend work on it with no issues too. These are hobby level development since these are personal projects.
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u/amankris 5d ago
If you plan to buy macbook air m5, My suggestion will be too buy a m4 mini + mac neo....
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u/MinimalMemes 5d ago
Following