I'm starting a new job as a senior consultant with some tech lead responsibilities, and I need to choose a laptop through my new employer's portal. My budget is set at $1500 USD (excluding VAT), but anything beyond that will come out of my paycheck over the next three years. I'm currently using a MacBook Pro M4 with 48GB memory and have expressed a preference for another MacBook Pro. However, I'm concerned that a laptop with only 16GB of memory won't last the three years I need it to, given my experiences with my current setup. I'm trying to balance my need for performance with the budget limitations and would love your thoughts on whether $1500 is low for a good laptop, especially considering prices are a bit higher in Europe.
5 Answers
Why do you need so much memory? Many people manage fine with less, but if you argue you require that much for productivity, make sure you can demonstrate the benefits it brings to your work. You might not need 48GB; perhaps 24GB could be a solid middle ground that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Honestly, I understand your desire for a powerful laptop, but it seems a bit excessive to go straight for the highest specs. For sysadmin tasks, you might find that screen size and overall build quality can be just as important as RAM. There are likely better options within your budget that would serve you well without stretching your finances.
Given that the company expects to use this laptop for at least three years, I think $1500 might be on the lower side for a senior position. Investing in quality tech should be seen as necessary rather than a perk. Make sure you communicate that to your boss!
I get your frustration about needing a solid machine, but have you looked into why you specifically need such high specs? If you can justify it with a solid business case to your boss, that might help your situation. A Mac with 48GB seems like overkill unless you're running very resource-heavy applications.
Have you considered just going with a Windows machine? For $1500, you can get an absolute powerhouse that’ll meet your needs without the Apple tax that comes with a Mac. Just a thought!
I mean, the real question is, are you seriously running that many intensive applications? If so, maybe scaling back on what you run could also help elongate your machine's lifespan.