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Thinking about getting a new MBP M5 Max 128GB (assuming they are released next week). I know "future proofing" at this stage is near impossible, but for writing

by nu11ptr 7mo ago

Thinking about getting a new MBP M5 Max 128GB (assuming they are released next week). I know "future proofing" at this stage is near impossible, but for writing Rust code locally (likely using Qwen 3.5 for now on MLX), the AIs have convinced me this is probably my best choice for immediate with some level of longevity, while retaining portability (not strictly needed, but nice to have). Alternatively was considering RTX options or a mac studio, but was leaning towards apple for the unified memory. What does HN think?

cmenge 7mo ago
I've been mulling the same, but decided against (for now) Using Claude Code Max 20 so ROI would be maybe 2+ years. CC gives me unlimited coding in 4-6 windows in parallel. Unsure if any model would beat (or even match) that, both in terms in quality and speed. I wouldn't gamble on that now. With a subscription, I can change any time. With the machine, you risk that this great insane model comes out but you need 138GB and then you'll pay for both.
- nu11ptr 7mo ago
  We are on the same wavelength. I'm thinking maybe a pass for now.
pamcake 7mo ago
> What does HN think? Thermals. Your workloads will be throttled hard once it inevitably runs hot. See comments elsewhere in thread about why LLMs on laptops like MBP is underwhelming. The same chips in even a studio form factor would perform much better.
shell0x 7mo ago
I have a Mac Studio with 128GB and a M4 Max and I'd recommend it. The power usage is also pretty good, but you may not care if you live somewhere where energy is cheap.
- nu11ptr 7mo ago
  Have you used this for Rust coding by chance? I'm curious how it compares to Opus 4.6. I realize it isn't going to think to the same level, but curious how code quality is for a more straight forward task.
nl 7mo ago
Strix Halo machines are a good option too if you are at all price sensitive. AMD (with all the downsides of that for AI work) but people are getting decent performance from them. Also Nvidia Spark.

by nu11ptr 7mo ago

cmenge 7mo ago

I've been mulling the same, but decided against (for now) Using Claude Code Max 20 so ROI would be maybe 2+ years. CC gives me unlimited coding in 4-6 windows in parallel. Unsure if any model would beat (or even match) that, both in terms in quality and speed. I wouldn't gamble on that now. With a subscription, I can change any time. With the machine, you risk that this great insane model comes out but you need 138GB and then you'll pay for both.

nu11ptr 7mo ago
We are on the same wavelength. I'm thinking maybe a pass for now.

pamcake 7mo ago

> What does HN think? Thermals. Your workloads will be throttled hard once it inevitably runs hot. See comments elsewhere in thread about why LLMs on laptops like MBP is underwhelming. The same chips in even a studio form factor would perform much better.

shell0x 7mo ago

I have a Mac Studio with 128GB and a M4 Max and I'd recommend it. The power usage is also pretty good, but you may not care if you live somewhere where energy is cheap.

nu11ptr 7mo ago
Have you used this for Rust coding by chance? I'm curious how it compares to Opus 4.6. I realize it isn't going to think to the same level, but curious how code quality is for a more straight forward task.

nl 7mo ago

Strix Halo machines are a good option too if you are at all price sensitive. AMD (with all the downsides of that for AI work) but people are getting decent performance from them. Also Nvidia Spark.