Macbook M1 - Go or No Go for Mech Eng Student?

[frocos]

So My MacBook pro Early 2011 is finally giving up. I am deep within the macOS ecosystem which I know isn't ideal given that the majority of engineering software is not compatible or optimized for it. However, with that being said I need a new laptop. As a student, I am on a budget but at the same time, I am willing to spend a bit extra to buy something that will last me a few good years so let's set the cut-off at around 1000 USD.

Has anyone had the chance to work with the new M1 chip? Have you tried any CAD software (My uni uses Fusion 360 as a default) on it? Parallels? Windows?


Cheers,
FR

 

[MacGyverS2000]

For Apple, you're pretty much into a sole-source system, so go to the online Apple store and sort by cost... anything <$1k is your only option. If you need horsepower, though (and CAD systems typically want as much as they can get), you'll be better off not spending your money on a system that has the Apple tax (i.e., you'll get more horsepower dollar-for-dollar on a system that ISN'T Apple), an you won't be running the software under a Windows emulator (i.e., no lost operations at the silicon level). Your choice.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[GregLocock]

You may want to read the links, if not the comments, for this

https://apple.slashdot.org/story/21...e-lowering-the-resale-value-of-older-macbooks

Slashdot is reddit for old people.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[drawoh]

frocos,

If you plan on doing mechanical design, all the 3D[&nbsp;]CAD runs in Windows.

I am running GNU/Linux here, so I agree with you.

--
JHG