15" rMBP 512 gb SSD vs 1 TB

[UBS28]

Which one makes the most sense? I can easily use up 1 TB, especially with bootcamp installed. But on the other hand, I can solve it using external drives.

 

[B...]

If you can afford it and you can justify the extra cost, internal is always better than external for HDD/SSDs.

 

[UBS28]

If you can afford it and you can justify the extra cost, internal is always better than external for HDD/SSDs.

I can afford it, but I have a hard time justifying it.

 

[B...]

I can afford it, but I have a hard time justifying it.

Then I would say 512GB, maybe with a bootable external SSD or something of that nature for Bootcamp. If you can shrink the partition, though, 1 TB external drives are pretty cheap now (around 60-70 USD on Amazon).

 

[drought]

I can afford it, but I have a hard time justifying it.

you said in the OP you can easily use 1tb. as already stated, 1tb of internal ssd is better than 512 + external. and you said you can afford it. what more justification do you need? if max speed doesn't matter to you then get 512 and an external drive. if it does, get 1tb.

 

[maflynn]

But on the other hand, I can solve it using external drives.

Two things to consider.
1. If you go the external drive route, you'll have to carry it around when you travel - possible but generally a pain.

2. read/write speeds will be slower, unless you spend $$ for a TB external drive.

If you need 1TB of storage, and you have the budget then go for it.

 

[NewishMacGuy]

For me, 512GB would be more than enough. Reads like you use more space than that so you should go whole hog. External drives are a PITA.

>

 

[dusk007]

I can afford it, but I have a hard time justifying it.

Same with me. 512GB was enough for me to store everything important on the drive. With a 1TB I'd still have to put some data on an external drive and you need a backup anyway so, I could not justify the price for the 1TB internally. 256GB would not be enough for me but 1TB is just not worth the money for me.
If you can go almost completely without externals and it just fits perfectly or the price difference really just isn't anything to write home about because you have plenty money 1TB is okay, but otherwise I wait for nand getting cheaper.
You can still sell the MBP and in theory the blade ssds should be easily swappable. It isn't integrated into the logic board like RAM.

 

[DarwinOSX]

You can still sell the MBP and in theory the blade ssds should be easily swappable. It isn't integrated into the logic board like RAM.

Realistically most people aren't going to do that though so it isn't really much of an option.
OP I would be interested to know what you use so much space for. Most people find they can offload nonessential field to an external pretty easily. If you need that much space for work files like video that would make sense.

 

[Quu]

1TB all the way. But I'm biased that's the one I got. Can't argue with the performance numbers though

 

[simon48]

1TB all the way. But I'm biased that's the one I got. Can't argue with the performance numbers though

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Agreed, I've got the 1TB as well. It's a lot faster then the 512GB. If you can afford it, go for it, it's faster (way, way faster than an external) and more convenient.