I've been extending the life of my MacBook Pro 2012 (13") all throughout those Dark Days (with 8GB RAM from the start an SSD added later). As a software dev using it day in day out. It's really at its end now, runs only on AC and the only reason I can still run (yet not debug) the apps I build is with a bit of a hack.
I skipped the crappy keyboard, and loud, hot running versions. The M1 was a bit new and low on mem for me (wrt the future), but I just ordered the M1 Pro 32GB.
Only hesitation I had concerns ARM support. It sure is getting better and better, but if they would have added one more superb Intel model right before introducing the M1's I'd have gone for that. But that might have hampered M1 adoption so I can see why they didn't.
I have a MacBook Pro M1 since last year. With Rosetta and the added performance you will not notice any issues running any normal Intel app. Most apps have now even a universal version. Only a very few edge case apps are unavailable. So I am happy and really love the power and longevity that M1 brings.
I skipped the crappy keyboard, and loud, hot running versions. The M1 was a bit new and low on mem for me (wrt the future), but I just ordered the M1 Pro 32GB.
Only hesitation I had concerns ARM support. It sure is getting better and better, but if they would have added one more superb Intel model right before introducing the M1's I'd have gone for that. But that might have hampered M1 adoption so I can see why they didn't.