So, I’m currently a “PC guy” (i9-11900k w/8cores, or 16 with HT, 64gb ram), and looking at making the jump into an Apple setup. Doing virtualization and software development/compiling, so I’m looking at needing more power than a Mini or a iMac (and definitely more memory than 8GB in a laptop… WTF Apple?).

Until yesterday, I was set on a Mac Studio w/ 12 cores (Ultra sounds a bit like a bodge). However, with the announcement of the M3 Max MBP, you’re getting more cores, more SSD space, and slightly more memory. Since neither machine is upgradable,both support roughly the same number of displays, and the Studio was just released a few months ago so no upgrades are coming for a while, it really makes me wonder where the Studio fits with the current lineup. It seems a bit like the Mac Pro, where it’s twice the cost or more, than a Studio with the same CPU, with no practical advantage.

So, should I still spring for the Studio, or jump to the M3 Max MBP?