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TS13

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 17, 2013
43
0
Hi!

upgrading an early 08 white macbook to a 13" retina.

need help deciding specs!

uses: websurfing, word/powerpoint, itunes, casual photoshop, etc...

I currently have filled up my original 160GB HD and 4GB ram which usually around 75%-90% used most of the time

before this announcement, I was set on base processor, 8GB ram, and 512SSD

now, the configurations dont let me have that :(

1. will 8GB ram last me for about 5 years with these usage patterns? or should I up it to 16GB

2. 256 or 512 SSD?

if I get the 512, I'm not sure I can get 16GB ram

your opinions please! want this machine to last 5 years like this one has
(I know I'd be fine with an air, but I want the better screen)
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,419
43,308
8 should last you, though if you're planning on keeping it 5 years I think 16gb would be safer since you'll not be able to upgrade that after purchase. Get the 256GB SSD and you can upgrade later (albeit expensively).
 

bounou

macrumors 6502
Jun 6, 2012
354
110
I ordered mine, went with 16GB of ram, 2.8 Ghz i7 and 256 GB flash storage

Storage for me is not a big deal on a laptop but power is, i am "upgrading" from a maxed out 15" rMBP from last year, it was too big for me, was a mistake to get the 15" so trying to limit the loss of power.
 

wwe2008

macrumors 6502
Mar 10, 2008
395
14
I ordered mine, went with 16GB of ram, 2.8 Ghz i7 and 256 GB flash storage

Storage for me is not a big deal on a laptop but power is, i am "upgrading" from a maxed out 15" rMBP from last year, it was too big for me, was a mistake to get the 15" so trying to limit the loss of power.

This will be my first 13" as last year I went for the 15" and while I loved the screen estate I was kidding myself and it was way too big and too powerful for my needs. So I'm looking at 13" just wondering what will affect resell value more?!? Probably RAM I assume
 

MN7119

macrumors 6502
Mar 7, 2011
486
564
Just ordered mine. Got the fully loaded 13" with 1tb flash and 16gb. I am upgrading from a 2006 white Macbook so after 7 years I guess I can justify getting the top option.
 

wwe2008

macrumors 6502
Mar 10, 2008
395
14
I'll probably go with the i7/8GB/256GB... I sold my 15" base rMBP as it was way too overpowered so I hope that this will be the right decision!! Will resell next year hopefully as I always do
 

TS13

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 17, 2013
43
0
Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go with 16gb ram even though it's overkill.. So is the 512 SSD but I can use externals if ever necessary (which I already own) but the ram is set in stone forever

Regardless, my current hard drive is full but 256 has 90 extra gigs compared to my current one.. I'll probably have at least 60 to spare after a year or so anyways

Anyone have any last minute input? Ordering in a couple hours as I'm not home yet
 

wwe2008

macrumors 6502
Mar 10, 2008
395
14
Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go with 16gb ram even though it's overkill.. So is the 512 SSD but I can use externals if ever necessary (which I already own) but the ram is set in stone forever

Regardless, my current hard drive is full but 256 has 90 extra gigs compared to my current one.. I'll probably have at least 60 to spare after a year or so anyways

Anyone have any last minute input? Ordering in a couple hours as I'm not home yet

what CPU you going for?
 

astalavistathes

macrumors member
Oct 15, 2013
48
0
I don't know if I help you but I have the same needs with you and I will probably buy the i5-2.6GHz/16GB/256GB (this is basically the middle model with upgraded processor and upgraded ram)
 

psik

macrumors 6502
Aug 21, 2007
422
33
Its rather doubtful if you'll see any real world speed difference between the i5 and i7

Is there any speed difference (practical speed I mean) between the two I5 varians offered? I mean between these two, or is it just a marketting scheme to get you to pay more. I know for example more memory will have an impact I mean for example 8 GB versus 4 GB and so on...but what about the two i5s, w.r.t to the extra $100 you will have to pay for that specially...

1) 2.4GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz
2) 2.6GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz [Add $100.00]

I would appreciate anyone's suggestions!
 

wwe2008

macrumors 6502
Mar 10, 2008
395
14
I don't know if I help you but I have the same needs with you and I will probably buy the i5-2.6GHz/16GB/256GB (this is basically the middle model with upgraded processor and upgraded ram)

This is the one I'm looking at now... No point upgrading to i7 and 16GB RAM as that price is getting close to base 15" which has better graphics etc. But for £60 might as well upgrade to 2.6GHz!
 

theSeb

macrumors 604
Aug 10, 2010
7,466
1,893
none
I'm deciding the same thing.. well, RAM or i7 :S

RAM will be the better option for 99% of users.

----------

Is there any speed difference (practical speed I mean) between the two I5 varians offered? I mean between these two, or is it just a marketting scheme to get you to pay more. I know for example more memory will have an impact I mean for example 8 GB versus 4 GB and so on...but what about the two i5s, w.r.t to the extra $100 you will have to pay for that specially...

1) 2.4GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz
2) 2.6GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz [Add $100.00]

I would appreciate anyone's suggestions!

You will see minor differences in benchmarking applications and CPU intensive tasks will be slightly faster, but in a practical sense, you won't see notice this. If you really have CPU intensive tasks, then the quad core 15" or 27" iMac is a much better choice.
 
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