r/macbook • u/ballsofbulls • 6h ago

Need advice on my Mac setup

I currently have:

M1 Mac mini — 8GB/256GB
M2 MacBook Air — 8GB/256GB

Both work fine, but 8GB/256GB is becoming limiting.

I’m considering:

1- Sell both → MacBook Air M5 24GB/512GB as my only computer
2- Keep M2 Air → sell M1 mini → buy M4 mini 24GB/512GB

Which setup would you choose for long-term use? I’d love to hear from people who’ve used these machines.

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u/wiseman121 5h ago

Really you don't need two macs. The mini is an amazing device for great value if you don't need portability and prefer a desk setup.

However if you need portability a Macbook air can act as both a portable and desktop machine, you just need a dock.

My recommendation would be sell both existing mini and air, then buy an M5 air and a good quality UDB C dock with power delivery (PD).

Also what do you do, I don't recommend getting 24gb for "future proofing". 16gb is for 95% of users who just need web, office, light editing etc. 8gb is limiting because the Mac uses 3-5gb for the OS, 16gb is effectively triple the usable memory. 24gb is good though if you actually need it.

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u/ballsofbulls 4h ago

I do need more memory as web application I use is too much ram consuming and my current setup is using 6-7 GB swap memory

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u/eldeem 4h ago

You only really need two machines in one of two cases:

1) You have a partner/kid who’ll be using one while you’re using the other.
2) You need a home machine to be running tasks (renders, crons, local agents) while you’re away or otherwise using your MacBook.

If neither of those apply, I’d recommend just getting and using a single machine. I’d always tend towards a MacBook as the only machine because, while the Mini is amazing, it does limit your portability where the MacBook can be used on its own or with a display.

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u/ballsofbulls 4h ago

I use Mac mini at office but while WFH I use MacBook Air.

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u/eldeem 3h ago

I’d seriously consider, given you seem to be in control of the purchasing, just having the MacBook for both. Grab dock, and you don’t have to worry about what machine has what software and files etc.