As an owner of an Macbook Pro M4 I am actually looking to sell and downgrade to the Air - because during my day-to-day developing I can't get close to utilizing the M4. Regarding the limitations: 256GB is enough for me, because 95% of the time I use my Macbook docked into my Thunderbolt dock, where I have an external drive (also for Timemachine backups) so plenty of space for big files that I rarely use of can do without on the go. That also solves the limitation of I/O ports, because the Dock brings plenty of USB ports (plus the ones from my screens which are connected to the Dock).

Not sure why 60Hz is a limitation, I've been on 60Hz for 20 years+, outside of gaming I do not see any value in going higher.

I went from a base M1 Air to a mid-spec’d M4 Pro. My main reasons were the 14” screen size, and the lack of a wedge shape for the new Airs (I loved the wedge). IMO, 14” is the perfect size for a laptop that actually sees time in your lap. My 13” Air was fine, but the extra inch is just enough to make a difference, while not feeling overly bulky.

Re: refresh rate, it’s nice, but I wouldn’t miss it most of the time. I have my external monitor for my work M3 running at 120 Hz because I can, not because I need it.

Not everyone has the luxury of having a rigid setup, that you can just plug in your dock and good to go. In fact, if that is your usecase, mac mini is a much better option.

Well the price difference between an M4 MacbookPro and Air buys you several docking stations.

Also a MacMini is not mobile, and even if I take the mini, it neither has a screen or keyboard. The thing is I don't need it WHILE I'm traveling, I need my laptop at the destination. And because that is less than 5% of the time I use it, there is no issue in carrying the external 2.5" HDD that I keep on my dock. You personal use-case may vary.