Macbook Air/Pro M1 model - OS Update Longevity?

[TheHyperTechie]

Hi all,

 

Looking at getting a new laptop for myself. I don't want to spend a fortune, I would like to go for a MacBook. No hate against Windows, I just prefer MacOS!

 

I have been looking at the M1/M1 Pro models in particular, as you can pick these up for what appears like a good price nowadays (around ~£500 refurbished)

 

The only thing that is holding me back is the longevity of the device, I would like it to last at least 3 years in terms of OS updates.

 

Has anybody else been put off by this? or recently purchased one and has had the same thought?

 

Thanks.

[PotNoodleTech]

It is a risk - your already 5 years into it's software cycle.

 

Apple hardware generally significanly outlasts its software update limit. If your happy to maybe put windows or chrome flex on it after it stops recieveing updates and loses access to modern apps that could be a good way to future proof.

[2ilent8cho]

We have several hundreds M1 Airs and Pro's in our Trust, we expect at least another 3 years of macOS updates to be released. macOS 15 still supports some Intel based Mac's like my 2019 16" Pro, so I don't expect M1 to be dropped until at least 1 year after Intel is dropped if not longer.

[3s-gtech]

Remember that Apple do tend to support OSs even once the device can’t update to the newest version, and MS supports the last three OS versions. However, it’s a balance, and £500 seems steep for devices of this age.

[TheHyperTechie]

It is a risk - your already 5 years into it's software cycle.

 

Apple hardware generally significanly outlasts its software update limit. If your happy to maybe put windows or chrome flex on it after it stops recieveing updates and loses access to modern apps that could be a good way to future proof.

 

All very true! Chrome OS Flex is a good option though... I didn't think of that.

[TheHyperTechie]

We have several hundreds M1 Airs and Pro's in our Trust, we expect at least another 3 years of macOS updates to be released. macOS 15 still supports some Intel based Mac's like my 2019 16" Pro, so I don't expect M1 to be dropped until at least 1 year after Intel is dropped if not longer.

 

Ok, it's nice to hear that others are expecting a while of future updates then. I think I will pull the trigger!

 

On the topic... how do you find the size of your 16" model? I was tempted but not sure if it would be overly heavy and hard to carry around.

 

Thanks.

[2ilent8cho]

Ok, it's nice to hear that others are expecting a while of future updates then. I think I will pull the trigger!

On the topic... how do you find the size of your 16" model? I was tempted but not sure if it would be overly heavy and hard to carry around.

Thanks.

SLT have the 16" M1 Pro's and they do feel bulkier and heavier than my Intel 2019 16" which is the previous design (with Touch Bar). My favourite from a size/weight trade off is the 15" Air, but they are only available in M2/M3. If you are on the fence do you have an Apple Store or Currys near by you could use to get a feel for the weight and size of the 16" Pro? As the 16" is the same design M1 to M4.

[dmj]

All very true! Chrome OS Flex is a good option though... I didn't think of that.

 

I doubt flex is going to run on these for a while, there's a lot that still needs up streaming.

I've had some very good success with https://asahilinux.org/fedora/ on an M1

[TheHyperTechie]

SLT have the 16" M1 Pro's and they do feel bulkier and heavier than my Intel 2019 16" which is the previous design (with Touch Bar). My favourite from a size/weight trade off is the 15" Air, but they are only available in M2/M3. If you are on the fence do you have an Apple Store or Currys near by you could use to get a feel for the weight and size of the 16" Pro? As the 16" is the same design M1 to M4.

 

Thanks for the added info...!

 

I do have a Curry's near by actually, so probably worth a look.

 

I have one last question. Having looked online there seems to be conflicting information regarding what size bag/rucksack I would need. I currently have a nice Dell 15.6" laptop bag which I would be sad to see go, but some forums online state that the 16" model would fit this size bag. What size bags do your staff use?

 

Thanks

[supportman]

I bought a macbook air m3 recently for very little money. Well worth it.

[TheHyperTechie]

Thanks everyone. I managed to get my hands on a Macbook Air M3 model with 16gb of ram. I won't be replacing this for a while!