In June 2023, I made a significant addition to my setup: a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Max chip (12-core CPU, 38-core GPU), 64GB of Unified Memory, and a 1TB SSD.

While my Intel NUC8i7HVK is still a capable machine, my business requirements reached a point where I needed more raw, reliable power. I didn’t migrate away from the NUC entirely, but the MacBook has taken over as my primary production workstation for one specific reason: Docker performance.

The WSL2 Bottleneck

For a long time, my workflow on the NUC relied on the Docker Desktop + WSL2 combo. While functional, it eventually became a source of constant friction. Between the Vmmem memory consumption, the file system overhead when crossing between Windows and Linux, and the occasional networking hiccups, it started to eat into my billable hours.

I needed an environment where the hardware and the virtualization layer didn’t fight each other.

The M2 Max + OrbStack Miracle

Switching to the M2 Max was a revelation, but the real “secret sauce” was moving away from Docker Desktop in favor of OrbStack.

  • The Power: With 64GB of RAM, I can run my entire microservices stack, multiple IDE instances, and countless browser tabs without the system ever breaking a sweat. The memory pressure stays green, even under heavy loads.
  • The Speed: OrbStack on Apple Silicon feels native. Containers start in seconds, and the CPU overhead is negligible compared to the old WSL2 setup.
  • Energy Efficiency: I can do heavy development work for hours on its battery. On the NUC, a heavy Docker load meant the fans were screaming; on the M2 Max, it’s usually silent.

Integration with my Setup

The MacBook fits perfectly into my existing Setup. I’m using it alongside my:

  • Dell UltraSharp 27” 4K as the main external display.
  • Logitech MX Master 3S (the silent clicks are a great match for the quiet Mac).
  • Logitech MX Keys for a seamless typing experience across devices.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a “shiny new gadget” purchase. It was a calculated move to eliminate technical debt in my own workflow. If you are struggling with Docker performance on Windows/WSL2 and your business depends on development speed, the jump to Apple Silicon (specifically with 64GB of RAM) is the best investment you can make.

The M2 Max isn’t just a laptop; it’s a force multiplier for my daily work.