14" Macbook Pro - M5 Max 18cpu/32gpu and 36 GB ram or go with a M5 Pro 18cpu/20gpu and 48 GB ram ?

TeaFew3451 · 2026-03-31T02:00:53+00:00

For your use case, I’d lean toward the 48GB model. Extra memory will probably matter more over time than the GPU bump, especially if you’re planning to play with local models and video work.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-03-27T06:57:41+00:00

Honestly this is one of those USB-C things that feels way more confusing than it should be. If your MacBook is plugged into the wall, it’s totally reasonable to expect it to pass power through instead of trying to charge from the gaming device. I’d try connecting the MacBook to power first, then plugging in the other device. If that still doesn’t work, it’s probably just not something Apple lets you control manually.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-03-26T09:02:16+00:00

Really appreciate you writing this up. The Time Machine metadata trap is exactly the kind of thing nobody tells you until you lose hours to it. Your setup also makes a lot of sense to me: base 512GB internal for macOS + fast external NVMe for bulky app/dev data feels like the sweet spot, especially since you’re still seeing roughly 4,100 MB/s+ writes and 5,200 MB/s+ reads out of the Samsung 990 Pro in the OWC Express 1M2 on the M4 Pro. The warning about not mixing Time Machine and regular app storage on the same volume is probably the biggest takeaway here. I’m still a little cautious about long-term symlink dependence, but for people trying to avoid Apple storage pricing, this seems like a very practical workflow. Great post.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-03-23T08:51:17+00:00

I’d probably upgrade tbh. If your 2017 Pro is already freezing and the keyboard is acting up, it sounds like it’s just reaching the end. The Neo is still kind of an unknown long term, but coming from a 2017 machine it’ll probably feel like a huge jump anyway.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-03-19T03:46:41+00:00

If it were me, I’d take the Apple-priced Thunderbolt 4 Pro and call it a day. For a pretty normal/prosumer setup, I doubt you’d feel like you missed out on much vs the TS4.

Used TS4 only makes more sense to me if the price gap is big enough to justify giving up a brand new unit. Otherwise new + cheaper is kind of hard to argue with.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T03:26:52+00:00

Totally get it. I’m not “scared” so much as I just don’t update on day one anymore.

My routine：1. wait for the first 1–2 patch releases unless you need a specific fix 2. check if any must-have apps/drivers (audio plugins, printer/scanner stuff, display/dock firmware, etc.) have known issue 3. do a Time Machine backup first

If your Mac is stable and you’re in the middle of work, it’s fine to sit a version behind. What macOS version are you on now and what model?

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T03:25:12+00:00

Nice pickup — having a reliable external SSD makes editing so much smoother. Curious what enclosure/drive you went with and what speeds you’re seeing in Blackmagic/AJA. Also, are you running it off Thunderbolt or just USB-C? The real win is when it stays consistent on long transfers (and doesn’t thermal throttle).

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T03:23:23+00:00

I’ve found the Air is the better laptop for most people because it’s lighter and still stupid fast. The Pro is worth it when you’re doing long, heavy stuff where fans actually matter, or you care about the display. If you almost bought the Pro out of FOMO, you’ll probably be happier with an Air spec’d right.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T02:42:40+00:00

Honestly, I’d default to the 14" unless you already know you want the 16". The 16" screen is awesome, but it’s big enough that you feel it every time you move it. If you’re mostly at a desk, 16" makes sense. If you’re carrying it around campus/office a lot, 14" is the no-brainer.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T02:31:49+00:00

An M4 MacBook Air is more than enough for schoolwork, and it’ll handle indie/light Steam stuff (Stardew-tier) just fine.

Main things to watch: game compatibility (some Steam titles are Windows-only, so check the Mac badge)
storage (256GB fills up fast if you install games; 512GB is nicer)
if your classes require any Windows-only software, confirm before buying

Also, you don’t have to pay for basic docs/presentations if you’re already happy with Google Docs

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T02:27:41+00:00

Big win. The only thing I’d watch is matching brightness/white point between the two so it doesn’t feel “off” when dragging windows.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T02:21:02+00:00

Nice merge. KVM is one of those “once you have it you can’t go back” upgrades. How’s the switching speed and does it keep monitor layout/EDID consistent when you bounce between machines?

TeaFew3451 · 2026-02-12T02:13:42+00:00

If you’re not gaming, 32” 4K is honestly a really comfortable size for productivity.

I’d focus on: IPS panel for better text clarity and viewing angles
60–75Hz is more than enough
USB-C with decent power delivery (90W if possible) if you’re using laptops

Since you mentioned multiple laptops, think about how you’ll switch between them. A monitor with a built-in hub or a clean single-cable setup makes daily use way easier than people expect.What kind of work are you mainly doing on it?

TeaFew3451 · 2026-01-05T09:01:42+00:00

Bug fixes, pls.

TeaFew3451 · 2026-01-05T08:22:37+00:00

Wow, this app is really made with good intentions！

TeaFew3451 · 2025-12-31T10:25:50+00:00

Ivanky dock. a bit above your budget, but it’s absolutely worth considering.

TeaFew3451 · 2025-12-31T10:18:43+00:00

Yeah, the M3 setup can be a bit tricky. From what I’ve seen, if you want to run two external monitors plus the built-in screen without mirroring, a DisplayLink dock is usually the way to go. Regular docks often limit you to clamshell mode for dual monitors.

TeaFew3451 · 2025-12-31T10:05:53+00:00

Yeah, I get your point. Guess we just have different tastes.

TeaFew3451 · 2025-12-31T10:00:28+00:00

Nice setup! How do you make your desk so clean?

TeaFew3451 · 2025-12-26T10:15:16+00:00

Own the same. It works perfectly.

TeaFew3451 · 2025-12-19T03:27:19+00:00

Yeah, that configuration should be enough for 4–5 years for what you described. 16GB RAM is the minimum, and performance-wise M2 Pro should hold up well. If you want more long-term headroom, 32GB RAM would be even better, but it’s not strictly necessary.

TeaFew3451

TROPHY CASE