Is 2GB of RAM enough?

Bez59 · Nov 17, 2012, 02:57 PM

Hi, I am planning on getting a MacBook Air for my wife for christmas and i'm not sure if 2gb of ram will be enough or if i should get one with 4gb.

She will only be using it for web browsing and playing games like family farm and dragon city on facebook.

Will 2gb be enough?

If i got one with 2gb and it wasn't enough can i upgrade it or is it not replaceable?

Thanks.

GGJstudios · Nov 17, 2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bez59

Hi, I am planning on getting a MacBook Air for my wife for christmas and i'm not sure if 2gb of ram will be enough or if i should get one with 4gb.

She will only be using it for web browsing and playing games like family farm and dragon city on facebook.

Will 2gb be enough?

If i got one with 2gb and it wasn't enough can i upgrade it or is it not replaceable?

No, you can't add RAM after purchase. 2GB may be enough, but it's borderline. I'd generally recommend a minimum of 4GB.

jsw · Nov 17, 2012, 03:18 PM

I assume you mean refurbished ones or ones off non-Apple sites, since the new ones all come with 4GB minumum.

2GB of RAM is barely enough now. I assume you expect the computer to last a while, and 2GB of RAM will be woefully too little very soon.

That said, it'll work fine today for her needs and uses today... but no guarantees about next summer, for example.

----------

On a related note:

If those are truly her only uses, I strongly recommend considering one of the new Chromebooks (the $199 one is cheap, has lots of storage and outputs, but is a bit noisy with the fan, and the $249 one is really quite nice but very limited on storage... but it uses an SSD instead of a spinning hard disk, and that's a big plus).

They only really work when on WiFi (unless you're looking at stored media files... there aren't really any true apps on them), but... hey, $199 or $249 is a very good price, and even though they only come with 2GB, they're cheap enough that you could buy 4-5 of them over a few years for the price of the lowest-end MBA.

I have the $249 one, and it really is a very MacBook Air-like experience - 80% or more of the MBA for much less money. I also have the real MBA, which I prefer overall because I develop and use apps, but the Chromebook is a very nice option for those who mainly surf/play Flash games (yes, it plays Flash).

Beanoir · Nov 17, 2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

No, you can't add RAM after purchase. 2GB may be enough, but it's borderline. I'd generally recommend a minimum of 4GB.

Really??! i'd say given what the OP reckons it will be used for that 2GB is plenty...

Some people need to get off their RAM trip.

GGJstudios · Nov 17, 2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beanoir

Really??! i'd say given what the OP reckons it will be used for that 2GB is plenty...

Some people need to get off their RAM trip.

There is no "RAM trip". As I said, 2GB may be enough, but it depends on the user's browsing and other computing habits. It certainly isn't enough for me, as I frequently have 30+ tabs open simultaneously on sites with multimedia content. While 2GB may work fine for you, it may or may not be enough for the OP.

Beanoir · Nov 17, 2012, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

There is no "RAM trip". As I said, 2GB may be enough, but it depends on the user's browsing and other computing habits. It certainly isn't enough for me, as I frequently have 30+ tabs open simultaneously on sites with multimedia content. While 2GB may work fine for you, it may or may not be enough for the OP.

The requirements were laid out in the first post.

2GB WILL be enough. Move on.

bushido · Nov 17, 2012, 06:09 PM

arent flash games on facebook especially ram hogs?

i remember when i was playing farmville back in the day, my ram almost filled up the 4GB and things started to get really sluggish (got 8 GB now) and all mba come with 4GB now anyway unless u want to buy a refurbished one

Beanoir · Nov 17, 2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bushido

arent flash games on facebook especially ram hogs?

i remember when i was playing farmville back in the day, my ram almost filled up the 4GB and things started to get really sluggish (got 8 GB now) and all mba come with 4GB now anyway unless u want to buy a refurbished one

Thats probably some plugin doing that that hadn't been updated or the like. A flash game on facebook on its own merit would not require 4GB of RAM, in fact nowhere even close to that.

glsillygili · Nov 17, 2012, 07:01 PM

no please get the 120gb ssd 4gb ram model 2gb is way to slow

spork183 · Nov 17, 2012, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beanoir

Really??! i'd say given what the OP reckons it will be used for that 2GB is plenty...

Some people need to get off their RAM trip.

Good mercy. Needs change. A computer that is fixed at 2gb, with no ability to upgrade, is marginal at best for running 10.8 and if, heaven forbid, it needs an upgrade in (dare I say it...) RAM, he is SOL.

Some people need to get off their Judgemental trip. Maybe he likes slow and early obsolete. Maybe he likes spinning wheels. Maybe he hates his wife and wants her to have a stinking Mac experience. In that case, 2gb will be sufficient and he can rest assured he didn't succumb to the pressure of those on a "RAM trip".

coldjeanzzz · Nov 17, 2012, 07:12 PM

I'm assuming you want to get the one from the refurbished store for $749

Personally I think spending that much money on such lousy specs just to have something that looks nice and will be used to browse the web is a bit ridiculous, but you might as well just spend the extra $80 and get the model with a 128 GB SSD and 4 GB RAM and you won't have be restricted to using it as only a web browsing machine in the future

Bez59 · Nov 17, 2012, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the replies.

I will be getting one of the refurbs or a second hand one.

I didn't think 2gb would be enough but my wife was trying to save money as she is putting the rest towards it.

I will get one with 4gb or maybe a MacBook Pro and get an SSD for it.

Calot · Nov 17, 2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bez59

Hi, I am planning on getting a MacBook Air for my wife for christmas and i'm not sure if 2gb of ram will be enough or if i should get one with 4gb.

She will only be using it for web browsing and playing games like family farm and dragon city on facebook.

Will 2gb be enough?

If i got one with 2gb and it wasn't enough can i upgrade it or is it not replaceable?

Thanks.

NO.Not NEARLY enough. Unless you run Windows 98. Then, yes, it is enough.

spork183 · Nov 17, 2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bez59

Thanks for the replies.

I will be getting one of the refurbs or a second hand one.

I didn't think 2gb would be enough but my wife was trying to save money as she is putting the rest towards it.

I will get one with 4gb or maybe a MacBook Pro and get an SSD for it.

My daughter has a 13in Macbook Pro. My wife has a 13in macbook air. The difference in weight is substantial. The air is very nice for moving around, casual browsing, email, etc. My wife loves hers (4gb ram, btw

). The extra weight doesn't look like much, but it matters. Good Luck!

konicky · Nov 17, 2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calot

NO.Not NEARLY enough. Unless you run Windows 98. Then, yes, it is enough.

My Air only has 2GB and works fine with OSX 10.8.2! It isn't marginal at all. Check out reviews of the 2010 revision which came with 2GB as standard. It will be fine for what she uses it for

littfam · Nov 17, 2012, 07:34 PM

No.

konicky · Nov 17, 2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littfam

No.

Yes!

spork183 · Nov 17, 2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konicky

My Air only has 2GB and works fine with OSX 10.8.2! It isn't marginal at all. Check out reviews of the 2010 revision which came with 2GB as standard. It will be fine for what she uses it for

disclaimer: Not trying to be controversial or antagonistic.

Do you worry that the next OS will require more? (I hate that Apple makes the ram a static element on these, and on the RetinaMBP, the new 21iMac, etc.)

If you are running multiple programs, do you get any slowdowns? I'm just curious what the limit is before resource need begins to outstrip available ram.

littfam · Nov 17, 2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konicky

Yes!

No.

The question was "Is two gigs of RAM Enough?". My answer Is No. I would "NEVER" suggest that someone run a machine today with less than 8 gigs. Thats right 8 gigs. Why you ask? Because code will always be dependent on Hardware evolution and at the current rate a 2 gig machine will not be able to keep up. I think I'm giving "BEz 59" some pretty good advice considering it's for his Wife. Gotta keep the boss happy you know!

Nukemkb · Nov 17, 2012, 08:20 PM

No.

littfam · Nov 17, 2012, 08:45 PM

Read this: Very useful info. Then decide.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random-access_memory

GGJstudios · Nov 17, 2012, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beanoir

The requirements were laid out in the first post.

And yet not enough information about browsing habits or specific normal workload was given to make a definite determination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beanoir

2GB WILL be enough.

That's only your assumption, as the OP didn't give enough information to make a definite determination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beanoir

Move on.

I'll move when and where I like, but thanks for asking.

konicky · Nov 18, 2012, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spork183

disclaimer: Not trying to be controversial or antagonistic.

Do you worry that the next OS will require more? (I hate that Apple makes the ram a static element on these, and on the RetinaMBP, the new 21iMac, etc.)

That would be annoying if it was a major change to the OS but if it was just SL to L or L to ML then I wouldn't worry. This Air shipped with Snow Leopard and I would be quite happy still using that. It's not like the previous OS's suddenly stop working when they introduce a new one! My girlfriends PC is still running Windows XP and she sees no reason to change. Women tend to have more important things to worry about!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by spork183

If you are running multiple programs, do you get any slowdowns? I'm just curious what the limit is before resource need begins to outstrip available ram.

I tend not to run too many programs but the only time I notice the spinning wheel is sometimes when editing photos in Aperture.

It might feel a bit sluggish if you were used to a much higher spec machine but the SSD makes it feel lightning fast compared to anything I have used before.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

And yet not enough information about browsing habits or specific normal workload was given to make a definite determination.

Yes it was

"She will only be using it for web browsing and playing games like family farm and dragon city on facebook."

What more do you need to know?

walkie · Nov 18, 2012, 09:08 AM

If you install Linux e.g.: Ubuntu, 2Gb RAM is sufficient, it depends on OS, Linux is the most efficient OS I know.

GGJstudios · Nov 18, 2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konicky

Yes it was

"She will only be using it for web browsing and playing games like family farm and dragon city on facebook."

What more do you need to know?

Read post #5. Web browsing alone can place very little or very high demands on RAM.

Nov 17, 2012, 02:57 PM	#1
Bez59 macrumors member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Derbyshire, England	Is 2GB of RAM enough? Hi, I am planning on getting a MacBook Air for my wife for christmas and i'm not sure if 2gb of ram will be enough or if i should get one with 4gb. She will only be using it for web browsing and playing games like family farm and dragon city on facebook. Will 2gb be enough? If i got one with 2gb and it wasn't enough can i upgrade it or is it not replaceable? Thanks. __________________ 2011 MacBook Pro 15" 2.2ghz i7 8gb 240gb SSD 2010 MacBook Air 11" 1.6ghz C2D 4gb 128gb iPhone 4 32gb iPad 3 16gb iPod classic 5th gen 80gb
	0

Nov 17, 2012, 03:18 PM	#3
jsw Demi-God (Moderator emeritus) Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Andover, MA	I assume you mean refurbished ones or ones off non-Apple sites, since the new ones all come with 4GB minumum. 2GB of RAM is barely enough now. I assume you expect the computer to last a while, and 2GB of RAM will be woefully too little very soon. That said, it'll work fine today for her needs and uses today... but no guarantees about next summer, for example. ---------- On a related note: If those are truly her only uses, I strongly recommend considering one of the new Chromebooks (the $199 one is cheap, has lots of storage and outputs, but is a bit noisy with the fan, and the $249 one is really quite nice but very limited on storage... but it uses an SSD instead of a spinning hard disk, and that's a big plus). They only really work when on WiFi (unless you're looking at stored media files... there aren't really any true apps on them), but... hey, $199 or $249 is a very good price, and even though they only come with 2GB, they're cheap enough that you could buy 4-5 of them over a few years for the price of the lowest-end MBA. I have the $249 one, and it really is a very MacBook Air-like experience - 80% or more of the MBA for much less money. I also have the real MBA, which I prefer overall because I develop and use apps, but the Chromebook is a very nice option for those who mainly surf/play Flash games (yes, it plays Flash). __________________ You'll be the one moaning for me to give you some. - THC(taken out of context)
	0

Nov 17, 2012, 06:09 PM	#7
bushido macrumors 68040 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Germany, Europe	arent flash games on facebook especially ram hogs? i remember when i was playing farmville back in the day, my ram almost filled up the 4GB and things started to get really sluggish (got 8 GB now) and all mba come with 4GB now anyway unless u want to buy a refurbished one __________________ '13 MacBook Pro Retina 2.5 GHz '13 MacBook Pro 2.54 GHz, C2D, 128GB SSD iPhone 5 (white & silver), 16GB iPad 3 white, 32 GB, Wifi+Cellular Apple TV 3
	5

Nov 17, 2012, 07:34 PM	#16
littfam macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2008	No. __________________ 2 iMacs - 2.5 Ghz i5, 500 gig HD's MacBook Air - 2.0 Ghz i7, 256 SSD, 8 Gb ram White Crackbook 2.16 Ghz C2D 500 gig HDD MLion 10.8.2 etc... etc... And all that good stuff!
	1

Nov 17, 2012, 08:20 PM	#20
Nukemkb macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbia, SC	Is 2GB of RAM enough No. __________________ Live simply so that others may simply live... -Gandhi
	0

Nov 17, 2012, 07:01 PM	#9
glsillygili macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New York	no please get the 120gb ssd 4gb ram model 2gb is way to slow
	0

Nov 17, 2012, 07:12 PM	#11
coldjeanzzz macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2012	I'm assuming you want to get the one from the refurbished store for $749 Personally I think spending that much money on such lousy specs just to have something that looks nice and will be used to browse the web is a bit ridiculous, but you might as well just spend the extra $80 and get the model with a 128 GB SSD and 4 GB RAM and you won't have be restricted to using it as only a web browsing machine in the future
	1

Nov 17, 2012, 07:18 PM	#12
Bez59 Thread Starter macrumors member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Derbyshire, England	Thanks for the replies. I will be getting one of the refurbs or a second hand one. I didn't think 2gb would be enough but my wife was trying to save money as she is putting the rest towards it. I will get one with 4gb or maybe a MacBook Pro and get an SSD for it.
	0

Nov 17, 2012, 08:45 PM	#21
littfam macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2008	Read this: Very useful info. Then decide. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random-access_memory __________________ 2 iMacs - 2.5 Ghz i5, 500 gig HD's MacBook Air - 2.0 Ghz i7, 256 SSD, 8 Gb ram White Crackbook 2.16 Ghz C2D 500 gig HDD MLion 10.8.2 etc... etc... And all that good stuff!
	0

Nov 18, 2012, 09:08 AM	#24
walkie macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2010	If you install Linux e.g.: Ubuntu, 2Gb RAM is sufficient, it depends on OS, Linux is the most efficient OS I know.
	0

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