Hey everyone! I'm diving into iOS app development and I'm considering purchasing a MacBook. I'm torn between the MacBook Pro with the M3 Max and the new M4 Max. The price difference is about €900 here. I'll also be using the MacBook for my cybersecurity studies, such as running virtual machines and pentesting labs. I'm definitely planning to max out the RAM regardless, but I'm a bit lost when it comes to the hardware itself. So, is the M4 Max really worth that extra €900? Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
You really don’t need the M4 Max or to max out the RAM for your planned use. Even a MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM can handle your needs without a hitch! But if future-proofing is a big concern for you, the M4 Max could be a safer bet.
If you're planning on using multiple Docker instances, then yes, maxing out RAM is quite important. Having that capacity helps with local iterations, which can be super effective!
The M4 Max is about 10-15% faster, plus it'll get a year or so more of OS support from Apple. Whether that's worth the €900 difference is really up to you personally—might not be worth it for everyone.
You'll want to check out the monitor output options. The M4 Max supports more screens, which could be a game changer if you're planning to use multiple monitors. If you have a setup with three or more, it might be something to consider.
Honestly, both are solid choices. If you're on a budget, the M3 Max will do just fine. You might not need the extra power of the M4 Max unless you're really pushing it.
I get your point about the Air, but I'll be dealing with cloud labs often, so I want to ensure it lasts. Thanks for the advice!