Which laptop based off financial situation?

Infosys / Eng
whizzkid13

Go to company page Infosys Eng

BIO
grinding 24/7
whizzkid13
Feb 25 9 Comments

Hello,

I know there are some financially literate people here so I would really appreciate your help 🙏.

My laptop (MacBook pro) recently died after 5 years (got it freshman year of college), and so I’m looking to get a new one. Thinking of just sticking with MacBook since I’m most familiar with the UI and they’re pretty reliable.

I’m choosing between 14 and 16 inch, and M1 pro vs M1 max. I have a little over 50k in investments/savings, no debt, and (will be) making 80k with my new offer. Also I have about $300 in monthly expenses cause I go out with friends once in a while but that’s it, living with parents so don’t have to pay rent or anything else.

With that in mind, what laptop would be a good choice for me? Is 16 inch too big? M1 max seems like overkill..I’m just gonna be coding a couple intermediate projects, not doing any sort of graphic design or YouTube editing lol. And is 512 GB enough or do I need 1 TB?

Also, do any of you guys just use your work laptop as your main laptop? I’m a bit uncomfortable doing that because of the vpn stuff and I don’t know if they can track you. Plus, I don’t know what laptop my new employer (Cisco) will give me but I doubt it’s gonna be an M1…

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

TC: 80k
YOE: < 1

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 9 Comments
  • I have a base MacBook Air M1 and it handles all the side project work I do. Unless you really need the power I would just get a MacBook Air. Maybe bump up the ram to 16gb.
    Feb 25 4
    • Infosys / Eng
      whizzkid13

      Go to company page Infosys Eng

      BIO
      grinding 24/7
      whizzkid13
      OP
      Makes sense, but what about the M1 pro vs M1 air? Any significant difference?
      Feb 25
    • Not really. They both have the same processor. I think the pro has better battery, screen and more storage by default. I was deciding on those two and most people just told me to get the Air. So far I have been happy with that decision.
      Feb 25
  • New / Eng
    __iter__

    New Eng

    __iter__
    Live a little. Treat yourself to a max. Or get the cheaper one and build your own PC.
    Feb 25 2
  • Meta
    Mogu Mogu

    Go to company page Meta

    Mogu Mogu
    Get something basic, leetcode all day, then buy an expensive-ass top grade laptop with your big fat signing bonus after you accept a nice offer.
    Feb 25 0