16 GB RAM for MacBook Air any time soon?

[ybmacbook]

Thanks for sharing the predictions. Any idea when it might happen?

What I wonder though is why Apple does not allow more RAM (or SSD) for its current models. Is it driven by profit considerations, or is it driven by genuine, technical considerations?

So, for instance, why is it that the current MBAs are limited to 8 GB (and not upgradable).

From a lay person's perspective, I could imagine that profit considerations could be for current MBA users to always have to buy new MBAs if they want higher specs such as RAM (regardless of whether they need it).

"Technical" considerations could be: it is hard to allow more RAM and to keep the machine slim and lightweight at the same time.

Which is closer to truth, or what would be the truth?

I'm pretty sure rMBA would start at 4GB RAM, though I doubt it'd go to 16GB.

What I would like the line to look like with starting and upgrade options:

rMBA12: Dual Core, 4GB RAM (8GB MAX), 128GB Storage (512GB MAX), HD6000 Graphics
rMBP13: Dual Core, 8GB RAM (16GB MAX), 256GB Storage (1TB MAX), Iris Graphics
rMBP15: Quad Core, 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage (1TB MAX), Iris Pro Graphics (Discrete Optional)

Very clean and simple. 8GB RAM available for all machines, Pros have at least 8GB, 16GB option on the 13", 16GB Standard on the 15". Decent integrated graphics on all machines, Iris on the mid-level, Iris Pro on the high end. Discrete optional on the high end. 256GB minimum on Pros. 1TB option on Pros. 2nd Thunderbolt on Pros, HDMI on Pros, USB 3.0/SD Card standard on all machines, magsafe 2 standard everywhere.

This also gives some separation between the rMBA and the rMBP13. Pro starts at double the memory and storage of entry air. Pro also gives upgrades double the max air. Pro also has better integrated graphics.

Pro 15 already has enough to separate itself from Pro 13. Quad core, Iris Pro, and discrete graphics, not to mention 16GB memory standard.

 

[Cubytus]

So, for instance, why is it that the current MBAs are limited to 8 GB (and not upgradable).

Because the MBA was never meant as a pro-level machine, but rather a fancy machine every chick wanted to browse Facebook regardless of actual performance?

 

[thekev]

Thanks for sharing the predictions. Any idea when it might happen?

What I wonder though is why Apple does not allow more RAM (or SSD) for its current models. Is it driven by profit considerations, or is it driven by genuine, technical considerations?

So, for instance, why is it that the current MBAs are limited to 8 GB (and not upgradable).

From a lay person's perspective, I could imagine that profit considerations could be for current MBA users to always have to buy new MBAs if they want higher specs such as RAM (regardless of whether they need it).

"Technical" considerations could be: it is hard to allow more RAM and to keep the machine slim and lightweight at the same time.

Ahh that has absolutely nothing to do with it. They use a certain type of ram in the MBAs. I haven't looked into that, but both the rmbps and mbas use soldered chips. Those do not create a height problem at all. The only thing they do is consume surface area. I think it'll be a couple years before you see that in the mba, as it's still not standard across all rmbps. As for the weight consideration in your earlier post, the 13" rmbp isn't much heavier than the 13" mba. Neither is likely to feel like a burden if you have to carry a notebook either way.

 

[ybmacbook]

Did you mean to say that you think it would take a couple of years before 16 GB is possible for MBA? Well I certainly am not going to wait that long. If it were really to be so, then I'd buy a maxed out MBA right now.

Anyway, I did consider the possibility of going for rMBP (I don't mind the price really, not that I'm rich). I went to the store and felt the weight of the two models (both 13 inches) and I feel that the weight difference is not negligible for me. So, no rMBP for me.

Another poster suggested removing SuperDrive (and changing into SDD) for my current MBP (late 2011), while waiting for an upgraded version of MBA. I did some research online and apparently at least for SuperDrive, the weight is quite negligible. So perhaps not.

I think it'll be a couple years before you see that in the mba, as it's still not standard across all rmbps. As for the weight consideration in your earlier post, the 13" rmbp isn't much heavier than the 13" mba. Neither is likely to feel like a burden if you have to carry a notebook either way.

 

[Nee412]

Did you mean to say that you think it would take a couple of years before 16 GB is possible for MBA? Well I certainly am not going to wait that long. If it were really to be so, then I'd buy a maxed out MBA right now.

Anyway, I did consider the possibility of going for rMBP (I don't mind the price really, not that I'm rich). I went to the store and felt the weight of the two models (both 13 inches) and I feel that the weight difference is not negligible for me. So, no rMBP for me.

Another poster suggested removing SuperDrive (and changing into SDD) for my current MBP (late 2011), while waiting for an upgraded version of MBA. I did some research online and apparently at least for SuperDrive, the weight is quite negligible. So perhaps not.

I would suggest you wait until the 2015 MacBook Air is released. If the rumours are correct it won't just be a minor spec bumb, but it'll gain a retina display, a new screen size, an even thinner and lighter new design, Broadwell, improved integrated graphics, and USB type C. Whilst also keeping the battery life and the price around the same.

It makes sense for this to be release before WWDC in a little over 7 months time. Of course it is a lot of improvement and a major model leap based (at the moment) entirely on rumour an speculation. So it may not happen at all.

If it doesn't there will be at least another spec bumb before then.

 

[motrek]

I'd like to know how much people still use their 2010 MBAs with 64GB of storage and 2GB of RAM in a daily basis. If it could be easily upgraded to more storage and RAM, they would still be pretty decent machines, but I guess these Macs keep swapping most of the time wearing the SSD. Maybe Mavericks can make 2GBs behave as 3GB, but even then it's a bit tight for anything other than just browsing.

Nonsense. Up until about 4 months ago I was using a base model 2010 MBA for iOS app development and some scientific computing, in addition to all the usual stuff (web browsing, email, etc.). I upgraded to get a faster processor and longer battery life. I was not running out of memory.

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...
What I wonder though is why Apple does not allow more RAM (or SSD) for its current models. Is it driven by profit considerations, or is it driven by genuine, technical considerations?
...

The RAM isn't upgradeable for technical reasons, namely, there's not enough room internally to put a RAM slot. If you open the laptop you'll see that there's less than a couple millimeters clearance between the bottom of the logic board and the bottom case.

 

[MacModMachine]

Because the MBA was never meant as a pro-level machine, but rather a fancy machine every chick wanted to browse Facebook regardless of actual performance?

what an incredibly sexist comment to make.

 

[Cubytus]

I would suggest you wait until the 2015 MacBook Air is released. If the rumours are correct it won't just be a minor spec bumb, but it'll gain a retina display, a new screen size, an even thinner and lighter new design, Broadwell, improved integrated graphics, and USB type C. Whilst also keeping the battery life and the price around the same.

It makes sense for this to be release before WWDC in a little over 7 months time. Of course it is a lot of improvement and a major model leap based (at the moment) entirely on rumour an speculation. So it may not happen at all.

If it doesn't there will be at least another spec bumb before then.

Drooling about hardware makes no sense as it will surely come with Yosemite preinstalled, and that problems with that OS version are already well-known. I would stick with a MBA that would take Mavericks.

 

[Nee412]

Drooling about hardware makes no sense as it will surely come with Yosemite preinstalled, and that problems with that OS version are already well-known. I would stick with a MBA that would take Mavericks.

Yosemite may have some teething problems, but I've used it in the Bullring Apple Store and it seemed to work well enough to me. Looks crisper and more modern than Mavericks as well.

If all the possible hardware improvements I mentioned above come to fruition then it will be a much better computer than the current MacBook Air. That's not to say the current generation is a bad machine. It's great at what it does. Technology moves on though, and newer better hardware makes a difference. Your personal dislike for Yosemite won't change that.

 

[thekev]

Did you mean to say that you think it would take a couple of years before 16 GB is possible for MBA? Well I certainly am not going to wait that long. If it were really to be so, then I'd buy a maxed out MBA right now.

Anyway, I did consider the possibility of going for rMBP (I don't mind the price really, not that I'm rich). I went to the store and felt the weight of the two models (both 13 inches) and I feel that the weight difference is not negligible for me. So, no rMBP for me.

Another poster suggested removing SuperDrive (and changing into SDD) for my current MBP (late 2011), while waiting for an upgraded version of MBA. I did some research online and apparently at least for SuperDrive, the weight is quite negligible. So perhaps not.

The difference is a half pound, which wouldn't bother me, especially with the difference in displays. I find the Air's viewing angles to be a bit narrow. Also yeah I don't expect to see a 16GB air for a couple years, but that isn't a good reason to buy a maxed out one. You won't necessarily see one thing make up for another. If you are memory constrained, that cpu upgrade won't help. Anyway I can't guarantee anything for sure. The rumors about a retina Air have been around for some time. It will probably happen at some point, but there's no way to know if it will be the next refresh. Those things typically only change alongside a major internal hardware update.

Height: 0.71 inch (1.8 cm)
Width: 12.35 inches (31.4 cm)
Depth: 8.62 inches (21.9 cm)
Weight: 3.46 pounds (1.57 kg)2


Height: 0.11-0.68 inch (0.3-1.7 cm)
Width: 12.8 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.94 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight: 2.96 pounds (1.35 kg)3

 

[JamesMike]

I have a MBA that I ordered (a CTO) in 2013 which has 8 GB RAM, and 512 SSD. It is blazing fast, utterly solid, has amazing battery life, and is extraordinarily portable. For what it is worth, it is easily the best computer I have had in my life - a superb machine.

In fact, it has travelled abroad a lot with me - I live and work abroad and travel a lot which is the main reason I got a MBA, and the weight, speed, and battery life make it a dream to work with.

Now, I must add that I agree completely with Panch0's post; the SSD - the larger the better - makes an extraordinary difference to the actual speed of the computer and makes an increased RAM somewhat less important. So, while I would argue that the option of 16 GB RAM would be rather nice, if available, I would argue that as things stand now, a generous amount of SSD memory will make a significant difference to the speed of your machine.

The difference between the old HDD (and I used to have a 2008 MBP) and the stability and speed afforded by a decent SSD drive has to be seen to be believed. It is so striking that I, personally, will never go back to a computer that does not have a SSD drive, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I agree, SSDs sure make a difference in my MacBook Pro, Windows computers and even in my HP Google Chromebook.

 

[rekhyt]

Hi there,

I wonder whether anyone thinks it is possible that Apple will release a 16 GB RAM Macbook Air in 2015. I am thinking of purchasing an MBA because my 2011 late Macbook Pro (with 8 GB ram) is heavy to lug around. I am of the mindset that if I buy a new laptop, I need to upgrade on the important specs and I think RAM is a very important spec.

On the other hand, if it is unlikely that there will be a 16 GB MBA any time soon (or if people don't think 16 GB ram would be that good/important for my computing needs), then I would rather buy an existing MBA model now without further wait, because I want to be able to take advantage of a portal, lightweight Macbook as soon as is possible.

That's basically what I am asking. More details below (a bit long-winded, sorry!)

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I am currently using a late 2011 model of MacBook Pro (13 inch / 8 GB RAM/ 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5). I got it in 2012, so it's been a little over 2 years now. While I am generally happy with my MacBook Pro (especially how quiet it is, compared with my MacBook White 2008 that had a serious CPU whine problem), one thing I don't like about it is its weight (4.5 pounds or 2.06 KG), compounded by the fact that the battery is not removeable (so I can't remove the battery to reduce its weight).


I use my MacBook Pro as my main computer for work (I have an office PC but I don't use it much), and I used to carry my MacBook Pro back and forth between home and office. I live in a tropical area and even a little physical exertion can be tiring. The weight of the computer made it a real pain to lug it around. So I came up with a solution. I bought a Windows Laptop and set up file synchronization between my MacBook Pro and the Windows PC, using a cloud syncing service (SugarSync).


So, the arrangment has been: MacBook Pro is used as a desktop in office, and Windows PC is used as a desktop at home. The important files are all synced between the two. When I finish work in the office, I can go straight home and continue working on my home laptop. Any work done on the home computer will then be automatically synced to my MacBook Pro through the cloud. Seamless arragnment, as it seemed. And there is no need any more to carry my heavy laptop with me. What a liberation - I thought!


However, recently, I discovered that the syncing software (SugarSync) has serious problems. While it works fine most of the time, sometimes it fails to sync properly without any warning, with very grave consequences (inadvertently editing on older versions of the file in the other computer, thus losing work as a result).

So I am having to re-think my current computing arrangement. I now am of the view that I should not trust any syncing software when it can potentially wreak havoc on important files. I should perhaps go back to just using a dedicated compute at all times!

But I can't possibly lug the 4.5 pounds MacBook Pro back and forth - that is out of the question.

So it seems that the logical solution is to buy a MacBook Air which is intended for easy portability, with its exceptional light weight. I have been looking into this and was almost taking out my credit card to order one, when I discovered that currently, MacBook Air does not allow more than 8 GB of RAM - which is not ideal for me. My philosophy when it comes to upgrading computers is to always buy a new model that exceeds the current one in all the most important specifications. My current Pro has 8 GB, I want more RAM for my new MacBook Air.

I will say that my current Pro works fine and is not slow when I work on it (though it takes a while to boot, I dont' know why (Perhaps too many applications?). The main software I use are Firefox, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and SPSS (statistics), in addition to that syncing software (SugarSync).

However, I am now also looking into incorporating some GTD (Get Things Done) software to facilitate my academic work, including Tinderbox, DevonThink, OmniOutliner, OmniFocus, Scrivener, etc. So it looks like there will be an increase of software use and probably more memory usage (However, I also realize that some people have said more Apps does not necessarily translate into more memory use). This is the main reason I am wondering whether 8 GB will be good enough (so, get an MBA now), and or whether it might be a good idea to wait till Apple releases a new model that allows 16 GB of RAM. That, and also the sentiment I expressed above about always going for higher specs in computer upgrading...

Mr and Ms Mac Experts, what do you think? Feel free to share your insights!!!!

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DEVONthink, OmniFocus: Both excellent pieces of software. OmniOutliner 4 is also really good for note taking and outlining as well.

 

[ybmacbook]

That seems to be yet another thing to fret over. I found out from Apple that all MBAs shipped now will come with Yosemite. A quick googling does show quite a bit of dissatisfaction with this OS in terms of speed and incompatibility with certain softwares ...

Drooling about hardware makes no sense as it will surely come with Yosemite preinstalled, and that problems with that OS version are already well-known. I would stick with a MBA that would take Mavericks.

 

[motrek]

That seems to be yet another thing to fret over. I found out from Apple that all MBAs shipped now will come with Yosemite. A quick googling does show quite a bit of dissatisfaction with this OS in terms of speed and incompatibility with certain softwares ...

It's not hard to google and find a bunch of people who are dissatisfied with anything. I have been using Yosemite on both of my Macs since it came out and haven't run into any problems.

 

[Woochoo]

Because the MBA was never meant as a pro-level machine, but rather a fancy machine every chick wanted to browse Facebook regardless of actual performance?

Come on, really? Still people thinking that Air is for browsing and fancy stuff? Air is capable of most of the stuff you throw at him (obviously not the heaviest tasks).
So you are the typical who thinks that if it has a Pro in its name it means it's designed for professional people and capable of handling professional tasks... And if it has Air in its name, it can't be used to work, only for searching kitties in google and watching YT videos.

So, this might blow your mind sir: a 8gb ram Air with an i7 is almost the same as a basic rMBP (13", 8gb...). And it costs almost 100 bucks less. The retina might be 5-10% more powerful in benchmarks (which are CPU stressing tests, and normally the difference is less in the reality). Yes, you get a better screen in the retina, but more smoothness in the Air because of moving the half amount of graphics. If you always work on a external display (like some do), the difference between Air and the basic retina is almost 0.

And now, tell me that if you want to work with a desktop Mac you have to get a Mac Pro, because iMacs (5K included) are "fancy machine every chick wanted to browse Facebook". Good luck with that

 

[motrek]

Come on, really? Still people thinking that Air is for browsing and fancy stuff? Air is capable of most of the stuff you throw at him (obviously not the heaviest tasks). ...

Agree and disagree.

The first MBA (circa 2008) had a relatively slow processor and inadequate cooling which meant that doing anything intensive on it slowed it to a thermal-throttled crawl. The benchmark numbers really were pretty awful.

The 2010 redesign gave the MBA processors that were slow and outdated at the time. At least they had better cooling than the 2008 and were generally faster for that reason.

The 2011 MBAs were finally given Core i5s and i7s, but got them back into a thermal throttling situation so if you were doing anything intensive, they ended up being much slower than a MBP.

Since 2013, the MBA has had Haswell processors which are power-efficient (i.e., cool) enough that they can run at full turbo boost indefinitely so yes, they are now competitive with MacBook Pros in terms of CPU performance. Anybody saying that a current MBA is a toy that can't be used for real work is sorely misinformed. But it is valuable to remember that MBAs weren't always this competitive.

 

[Cubytus]

Come on, really? Still people thinking that Air is for browsing and fancy stuff? Air is capable of most of the stuff you throw at him (obviously not the heaviest tasks).

So that would exclude any serious web browsing

This aside, it's no secret that applications are only getting heavier and slower as years fly, and that a CPU-constrained machine will inevitably lose much of its attraction as its gets older.

So you are the typical who thinks that if it has a Pro in its name it means it's designed for professional people and capable of handling professional tasks... And if it has Air in its name, it can't be used to work, only for searching kitties in google and watching YT videos.

That's was the "Pro" moniker was meant to mean in the beginning. Admittedly, this has changed drastically in recent times and as you point below, the "Pro" is no longer designed with heavy-duty professionals in mind, but rather with a slight edge over the Air.

So, this might blow your mind sir: a 8gb ram Air with an i7 is almost the same as a basic rMBP (13", 8gb...). And it costs almost 100 bucks less. The retina might be 5-10% more powerful in benchmarks (which are CPU stressing tests, and normally the difference is less in the reality). Yes, you get a better screen in the retina, but more smoothness in the Air because of moving the half amount of graphics. If you always work on a external display (like some do), the difference between Air and the basic retina is almost 0.

Also, I don't get the point of buying a laptop if it must stay attached to an external display at all times. There's the Mini for that. Oh wait. Now I am wrong on this one . RIP Mac Mini.

And now, tell me that if you want to work with a desktop Mac you have to get a Mac Pro, because iMacs (5K included) are "fancy machine every chick wanted to browse Facebook". Good luck with that

No chick in her right mind would ever buy a desktop computer

Agree and disagree.

The first MBA (circa 2008) had a relatively slow processor and inadequate cooling which meant that doing anything intensive on it slowed it to a thermal-throttled crawl. The benchmark numbers really were pretty awful.

The 2010 redesign gave the MBA processors that were slow and outdated at the time. At least they had better cooling than the 2008 and were generally faster for that reason.

The 2011 MBAs were finally given Core i5s and i7s, but got them back into a thermal throttling situation so if you were doing anything intensive, they ended up being much slower than a MBP.

All correct, but you forgot to mention this reputation stuck for years.

Since 2013, the MBA has had Haswell processors which are power-efficient (i.e., cool) enough that they can run at full turbo boost indefinitely so yes, they are now competitive with MacBook Pros in terms of CPU performance. Anybody saying that a current MBA is a toy that can't be used for real work is sorely misinformed. But it is valuable to remember that MBAs weren't always this competitive.

And you forgot to mention that Apple cut the most powerful MBPs' capabilities, making them comparatively less attractive.

 

[Woochoo]

Also, I don't get the point of buying a laptop if it must stay attached to an external display at all times. There's the Mini for that. Oh wait. Now I am wrong on this one . RIP Mac Mini.

Well, the main reason is that you can carry it wherever you want and work, and when you get home just attach it to the external display. As you say, seeing that a Mac Mini actually is a MBA in a box, there's no reason to buy a laptop + desktop if you can do it all with a laptop.

No chick in her right mind would ever buy a desktop computer

Here, we agree

Btw motrek I agree, Airs haven't been always the machine that are now, just recently Airs have become "competitive".

 

[Cubytus]

Well, the main reason is that you can carry it wherever you want and work, and when you get home just attach it to the external display. As you say, seeing that a Mac Mini actually is a MBA in a box, there's no reason to buy a laptop + desktop if you can do it all with a laptop.

Alas. There was a time when the Mini was a Pro in a box. On a positive note I used to recommend the Air to anyone who had a good desktop machine, and a more substantial laptop if no desktop is available. I stuck to that principle until now when I bought this top of the line MBP. My only regret is not getting the 15" matte when it was available and I had the money

I see it the other way: what's the use for a fine laptop if it's not to stay mobile? After all there's a large premium to pay for the battery+screen in the Air, which are the only changed parts from a Mini.

 

[TPadden]

I'd like to know how much people still use their 2010 MBAs with 64GB of storage and 2GB of RAM in a daily basis. ......

Both my wife's and mine (13 and 11) sit in a drawer, both video's went out shortly after the warranty expired .... Mine lasted about 6 months longer than hers.

 

[ybmacbook]

Coda

Reader, I bought it (MBA with maxed out specs).

In the end, I felt that the advantage of being able to use a highly portable machine right now, outweighs other considerations.

Thanks everyone for their input!

 

[Boyd01]

Good decision…. "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush".

 

[SavMBP15]

I would absolutely get 16GB at this point. My 6 year old macbook has 8GB and I cannot see getting a new computer with the same amount of ram. As it is I am often bumping against the limit (swap), fortunately the ssd keeps things smooth.

Swap files are not just used when hitting the limits of the memory. For 99% of users, 16gb is overkill.

 

[crazzapple]

Swap files are not just used when hitting the limits of the memory. For 99% of users, 16gb is overkill.

For me 16GB is the minimum of what I would get, for you, you might be good with 2GB for all I know or care.