Should I upgrade to a new Macbook?

Because of your work, you should consider a new computer like the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The same as the computer you had before but with better hardware. Also, if the old one worked properly, this one will work even better, so I think it's the best option

Since early 2011 there have been many changes, the Mac button at the top of this window, then MacBook Pro will bring access to the current line-up of laptops.

For a software engineer, the 15" MBP is a good choice since you have the freedom to add memory in the future if you find you need it. Plus the mass storage is larger and has more options. With the Retina and Air you have to order exactly what you will need since neither can be upgraded at a future date, all components are soldered to the logic board.

The 15" comes with the standard Inel HD 4000 gpu plus a discrete graphics process that comes on when you need more processing power. That gives a lot of flexibility in graphic capability.

Best thing to do is go to an Apple store and spend some time with the different models so you see what will best fit your needs.

The main problem of the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with Retina display is that they have near everything soldered into the logic board, so if something gets damaged, the whole logic board has to be replaced and the repair will be expensive. That's the reason why I don't recommend a MacBook Pro with Retina display.

Also, there are big changes between an Early 2011 and a Mid 2012 MacBook Pro. Apart from the processor, the graphic card has improved a lot. The Intel HD Graphics 4000, even if it's an integrated card, is a big step forward respecting to the Intel HD Graphics 3000, and also, upgrade options are bigger for the Mid 2012 MacBook Pro, if you want to upgrade memory and hard drive in the future

dabido wrote:

When it comes to a maxed out MBA, does it have enough power to fuel a 27" display and run fluent while working with some IDEs + testing in multiple browsers? Because of that one-thunderbolt-only-thingies, can I somehow chain it to use a display AND regular LAN?

Since price is also an issue, is my current one still worth the 600€?

In my opinion, the MacBook Air isn't enough for people who has to work with heavy tasks, but mainly because of the processor, which is different to the one that MacBooks Pro have. Also, consider that a Mid 2012 MacBook Pro will be useful for more years looking at software compatibility.

An Early 2011 MacBook Pro by 600€ may be worth, but you can check it yourself > http://www.mac2sell.net

.The current models can all use a Thunderbolt display, but I would not chain Thunderbolt and a LAN, you would be better off with a model that has an ethernet port if you do not want wireless only capability.

Do you really run FLUENT on a 13" now? If wwe are talking about the same thing, the CFD code, that is a huge resource hog...we run FLUENT here at work on an 80 cpu Linux Cluster machine...a laptop boggles the mind 😝 Are you also going to use some of the other CFD tools such as CFX and STAR-CD?

Since you are talking about high-end computational requirements, if you do decide to replace your machine, it would be best to look at where to put the money, I would say the most memory, then fast cpu, then mass storage. Since you can always add external storage I would put that last.

Is your current, two-year old 13" worth 600 Euros? At half the price of a new well equipped model, the question really is does it do all you want right now? If so, you can always use it and wait to see if your needs grow so that you need more power. If it is marginal right now, it will be even more so in the near future so change as soon as you can.

You can chain Thunderbolt components per: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5309 and http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5219

Thank you for the information. I didn't know anything about it

Thunderbolt can be a strange animal, you have to watch the order in which you chain thngs and the power demands.