Upgrade path

[Donut417]

I currently have a 2020 MacBook Pro with the i5 with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports. Im not upgrading in the near future, but some time in the next year or so I'll probably look at upgrading. What I'm looking for is the best upgrade path. 

 

Mostly I use my machine to browse the internet, watch videos, listen to music. I occasionally use Google Docs/sheets. I have a dual monitors and like to have at least 2 Safari windows open with multiple tabs. I do use my machine mobile at times, some times I like to lay in bed and browse, or when I go places, sometimes I take my computer. 

 

My options Im currently considering 

 

1. Mac mini + iPad 
   1. I would go with the base model Mac mini and probably invest in a dock with M.2 storage option. 
   2. iPad wise Im not sure if Id go with the iPad, iPad Air, or even consider the mini for better portability. I might consider cellular model, depending on how much service costs. 
      1. The iPad does give me the option to use it as an eReader and for note taking, as I see many Cheaper Apple Pencil alternatives. 
      2. The iPad can also be used as a monitor when Im using it at my desk. 
      3. But I have a question about the iPad. I know it doesnt have expandable storage and Apple charges an arm and leg for storage (id likely be purchasing the base model). With the Mac's its as simple as get an SD card reader or portable drive. Can I run an SD card reader from a USBC hub or an External drive on an iPad in the cases where I might need expandable storage? Can drives / SD cards be used both with MacOS and iPad OS at the same time. As in I plug the External drive in to my Mac, put files on it and then connect it to my iPad and view / play those files? Like If I wanted to keep movies from my Plex server on an External drive to take with me when Im traveling and dont have access to WiFI and potentially cellular if I choose that option. 
      4. I know the iPad and iPad mini both have USB 2 ports, while the Air and Pro models have faster ports, for watching videos 2.0 ports should be fine? 
2. MacBook Air 13" 
   1. Im also considering the MacBook Air 13. Id probably invest in a thunderbolt dock. So I can have a 1 cable solution to connect my two external screens, likely invest in on of those stands that holds the MacBook vertically to save on desk space. 
   2. I would likely invest in a portable SSD with USBC connection, something I could use docked as well as portable, If I need more storage
   3. I would have an option to upgrade my phone plan with hotspot if I wanted data on the go. 
   4. The 13" screen would work for mobile use. I have no issues with watching videos on this screen size. 

 

What it comes down to is Im looking to figure out what path would be best. As Ive heard that Apple silicon stands up pretty well and battery life is much better. 

 

[Donut417]

I’ll simplify it. 
 

Base model MacMini + iPad or iPad Air (looking at 13” model) with 256 Gigs of storage. 
 

Vs

 

13” MacBook Air + thunderbolt dock for on cable solution. 

[Commodus]

I'd lean toward the MacBook Air if you value simplicity, as there won't be any device syncing or platform switches to think about. External storage is also easier (consider the base 14-inch MacBook Pro if you expect to use SD cards often). Definitely get AppleCare and make sure your data is backed up.

 

The Mac mini plus iPad combo does have its advantages. For start, redundancy: you'll still have at least one big-screen device if the other is broken or lost. There's also flexibility, since it's easier to watch videos on an iPad in bed or take handwritten notes.

 

The iPad Air is generally considered the sweet spot, and I'd look around for the M2 model (either refurb or clearance) if the M3 version is too pricey. Besides the added speed and faster USB-C port, it'll also have better pen and keyboard options. With that said... it might be overkill for your purposes, since you're probably not doing much if any work on your tablet.

[Donut417]

12 minutes ago, Commodus said:

With that said... it might be overkill for your purposes, since you're probably not doing much if any work on your tablet

Tablet will likely be used for media on the go both streaming and local ripped media. I will likely take a few notes, I’m considering an Apple Pencil but there are cheaper options out there. I probably won’t invest in the keyboard. 
 

14 minutes ago, Commodus said:

consider the base 14-inch MacBook Pro if you expect to use SD cards often).

Have no issues with dongles, if push comes to shove. I’m not doing any editing. The most I might do is a little transcoding when ripping media to my Plex server. Definitely not doing that on the go. Maybe some light gaming, as I know Stardew Valley and Vampire Survivors both run on my current MacBook. 
 

17 minutes ago, Commodus said:

Definitely get AppleCare and make sure your data is backed up

For iPad or MacBook I will, don’t think I’ll need Apple care on the Mac mini as it’s a stationary device. How does Time Machine do when backing up to a NAS? I’ll also use iCloud for extra important data. 

[Commodus]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

Tablet will likely be used for media on the go both streaming and local ripped media. I will likely take a few notes, I’m considering an Apple Pencil but there are cheaper options out there. I probably won’t invest in the keyboard. 
 

Have no issues with dongles, if push comes to shove. I’m not doing any editing. The most I might do is a little transcoding when ripping media to my Plex server. Definitely not doing that on the go. Maybe some light gaming, as I know Stardew Valley and Vampire Survivors both run on my current MacBook. 
 

For iPad or MacBook I will, don’t think I’ll need Apple care on the Mac mini as it’s a stationary device. How does Time Machine do when backing up to a NAS? I’ll also use iCloud for extra important data. 

You might be fine with the regular iPad, then, as the Pencil with USB-C or a similar wired-charging alternative should be enough.

 

Time Machine does work with NAS setups that support SMB, and you can usually check with the hardware/software provider to see if there's support. I have to admit I stopped using Time Machine after a while as I just wasn't storing enough to justify local backups — not when I have paid Apple One and Google One plans.

[Donut417]

1 hour ago, Commodus said:

You might be fine with the regular iPad, then, as the Pencil with USB-C or a similar wired-charging alternative should be enough.

 

Time Machine does work with NAS setups that support SMB, and you can usually check with the hardware/software provider to see if there's support. I have to admit I stopped using Time Machine after a while as I just wasn't storing enough to justify local backups — not when I have paid Apple One and Google One plans.

The only reason I’m considering the iPad Air is due to the 13” screen version as that’s the size screen of my current MacBook Pro and I did  that to be a good screen size for media. 
 

As far as backups go. I’d prefer not to have too many subscriptions. Also I have a 1.2 TB data cap and some months we get close. I have a 4 bay NAS which I’m using 1 bay for my Plex storage. I do use iCloud but only for the most important data. 

[Donut417]

@Commodus Im thinking the best bet would be the 13" Macbook Air and maybe invest in a decent dock. The biggest thing about the MacBook Air is the battery. We loose power a few times a year, and I dont feel like investing in a second UPS (used for my NAS). 

 

I might still consider an iPad or even iPad mini in the future. If I feel I need a larger screen I can grab the MacBook Air. Also I feel having a portable device with a full desktop OS is sometimes needed. Also Apple know how to build a laptop, at least my current one has held up fairly well. 

 

Let me ask just one more thing. For a normie like me is a Thunderbolt dock worth it? OR I can pick up something like this: https://ascrono.com/products/ascrono-macbook-docking-station?variant=44613585862820. One of my monitors has type C with up to 60 Watts of PD, DP and 2 USB 3.0 ports (have a 4 port hub connected to one). All I would need is to get a USB C dock with HDMI and Ethernet OR use my current type C dock and just get a USB Ethernet adapter. 

[Commodus]

15 hours ago, Donut417 said:

@Commodus Im thinking the best bet would be the 13" Macbook Air and maybe invest in a decent dock. The biggest thing about the MacBook Air is the battery. We loose power a few times a year, and I dont feel like investing in a second UPS (used for my NAS). 

 

I might still consider an iPad or even iPad mini in the future. If I feel I need a larger screen I can grab the MacBook Air. Also I feel having a portable device with a full desktop OS is sometimes needed. Also Apple know how to build a laptop, at least my current one has held up fairly well. 

 

Let me ask just one more thing. For a normie like me is a Thunderbolt dock worth it? OR I can pick up something like this: https://ascrono.com/products/ascrono-macbook-docking-station?variant=44613585862820. One of my monitors has type C with up to 60 Watts of PD, DP and 2 USB 3.0 ports (have a 4 port hub connected to one). All I would need is to get a USB C dock with HDMI and Ethernet OR use my current type C dock and just get a USB Ethernet adapter. 

That sounds wise. The Mac mini becomes a paperweight during a power outage; this gives you full computer functionality during those periods.

 

Unless you're thining a Thunderbolt display is in your future, or that you might get a Thunderbolt SSD, you're probably fine with a USB-C docking station. Your external monitor will cover some of the bases by itself.