2012 8G ram vs 2011

[andreydzung]

I'm getting my first Macbook ever but having some trouble deciding between which macbook air to get. I'm having the following options:

1) Refurbished air 13 inch 2011: 256G SSD but has only 4G ram and out of dated processor/USB ports

2) Air 2012 with 8G Ram and 256SSD: this is my ideal laptop but it is $400 more expensive.

My main work would be programming in both mac/windows/linux (therefore 256G is a must) and do a lot of data mining for research. Is 4G Ram would be enough or I need to go for 8G ram?

Actually I just got the first option, the computer is really nice but it gets hot very easily and the fan is noisy. Is the 2012 one is quieter somehow? I'm in the 14 days window, so if that's necessary I'll return the 2011 one and get the 2012.

 

[Calot]

The new one is quietter and runs a bit cooler.

Get the new one. It really is faster.

 

[RightMACatU]

Much faster SSD and USB3 on the 2012 blows the 2011 away IMO.

 

[Calot]

Much faster SSD and USB3 on the 2012 blows the 2011 away IMO.

I've had both 2011 and 2012 ultimates, and the difference is noticeable. Gaming is like night and day.

 

[andreydzung]

Thank you all! But the 2012 would be $1600 compared to $1200 of 2011 one! Is that be a worthy upgrade?

 

[LYFK]

Thank you all! But the 2012 would be $1600 compared to $1200 of 2011 one! Is that be a worthy upgrade?

I was in the same predicament, and just sprung for the 2.0Ghz on top of it, as well as a USB3 2TB portable external. It came to about $1870?

The reason I went with the newer MBA was primarily for USB3 and 8GB of RAM. But I figured I might as well complement those features with a slightly faster processor and a massive external.

So now, on top of having a thing & light computer, I have a bit more of a workhorse on my hands. If you think about it, it's a matter of paying $400 extra for a computer you don't feel is major improvement, to paying $700 extra (if you count the external) for a no-compromise machine (unless you count a fully-loaded 13" but that's just exorbitant)

 

[Calot]

I was in the same predicament, and just sprung for the 2.0Ghz on top of it, as well as a USB3 2TB portable external. It came to about $1870?

The reason I went with the newer MBA was primarily for USB3 and 8GB of RAM. But I figured I might as well complement those features with a slightly faster processor and a massive external.

So now, on top of having a thing & light computer, I have a bit more of a workhorse on my hands. If you think about it, it's a matter of paying $400 extra for a computer you don't feel is major improvement, to paying $700 extra (if you count the external) for a no-compromise machine (unless you count a fully-loaded 13" but that's just exorbitant)

I agree. Paying $500 for an extra 256GB SSD is an insult. I insted paid 100 bucks for a Go Flex external hdd 7200rpm 750GB USB 3, and it's great!

That said, the i7 8GB 256 is a very noticeable jump from the 2011 i7.

 

[iAppl3Fan]

I had both machines you mentioned. Everyday usage seem the same to me. The only time there a difference that noticeable is when something intense is going on like installing a large app. It's only noticeable if you're doing a side by side comparison. I only upgraded because I'm trying the annual upgrade model.

 

[Calot]

I had both machines you mentioned. Everyday usage seem the same to me. The only time there a difference that noticeable is when something intense is going on like installing a large app. It's only noticeable if you're doing a side by side comparison. I only upgraded because I'm trying the annual upgrade model.

What in the poop is anual upgrade model?

Did you just name something that you do?

I did it, I sold my 2011 and got the 2012, all by myself, am I doing the anual upgrade program... ?

 

[thekev]

What in the poop is anual upgrade model?

Did you just name something that you do?

I did it, I sold my 2011 and got the 2012, all by myself, am I doing the anual upgrade program... ?

I believe he means order one without upgrades of any kind or Applecare, then sell a year later when the new one comes out due to how many people pay too much for used Apple stuff. Of course this doesn't always work. I've pointed out the used values of a 2011 15", especially the early ones. People will still ask a lot, but that's starting to change.

 

[andreydzung]

I guess my question boiling down to: what should I sacrifice between these?

1) RAM 8G-->4G
2) SSD 256-->128
3) Money $400

Thanks all for the help!

 

[Calot]

I guess my question boiling down to: what should I sacrifice between these?

1) RAM 8G-->4G
2) SSD 256-->128
3) Money $400

Thanks all for the help!

I would deeply suggest going ALL OUT! i7 8GB 256.

And commit yourself to not spending money on stupid things for 2-3 months (getting wasted, weed, porn channels, $4 coffees) And maybe if you're lucky, you could even SAVE money.

That is what I did and I'm so happy. Two months of sacrifices < 2 years of having an ultra awesome laptop.

 

[iAppl3Fan]

What in the poop is anual upgrade model?

Did you just name something that you do?

I did it, I sold my 2011 and got the 2012, all by myself, am I doing the anual upgrade program... ?

I did the same thing you did. Sell the 2011 and bought a 2012.

 

[plucky duck]

If budget allows, go all out. If budget doesn't allow and you have time, save a bit more and get what you really want. If budget doesn't allow and/or you don't feel it's worth the money then be prepared to make adjustments.

 

[iAppl3Fan]

I believe he means order one without upgrades of any kind or Applecare, then sell a year later when the new one comes out due to how many people pay too much for used Apple stuff. Of course this doesn't always work. I've pointed out the used values of a 2011 15", especially the early ones. People will still ask a lot, but that's starting to change.

You are correct. That why I'm still trying it out like a pilot program.

 

[bubbleboyjones]

I guess my question boiling down to: what should I sacrifice between these?

1) RAM 8G-->4G
2) SSD 256-->128
3) Money $400

Thanks all for the help!

General thoughts about the order of importance weighing bangforbuck are;

1) RAM 8G-->4G
2) SSD 256-->128
3) CPU i7--->i5


As far as historically pricing goes users are very lucky about the mere $100 8GB upgrade. The SSD....not some much but I think 128GB would at time. Its managable though.

 

[thekev]

You are correct. That why I'm still trying it out like a pilot program.

I get you and I totally understand why people do it. It works even better if you can find a deal on from a third party retailer, claim a student discount, or buy the current generation refurbished. It doesn't seem to work so well for 15" owners. I've suggested before not to bet on the residual value of computing devices. It's just at the lower end with the Air and 13" Pro, you've got that market of people who want a Mac yet can't really afford one.

None of those people will be interested in paying 80% on a 15" from the prior year, and Apple has really bid down some of the 15" models with their refurbished offerings. If you note the marketplace, sometimes people get angry and start saying they need to sell something now when they're still asking more for a used computer than you would pay for a refurbished unit with a year warranty. I get that macs are somewhat of commodities. It's just that people must be realistic. Those on a Mac forum are unlikely to over pay.

 

[soulreaver99]

I would deeply suggest going ALL OUT! i7 8GB 256.

And commit yourself to not spending money on stupid things for 2-3 months (getting wasted, weed, porn channels, $4 coffees) And maybe if you're lucky, you could even SAVE money.

That is what I did and I'm so happy. Two months of sacrifices < 2 years of having an ultra awesome laptop.

Could not have said it better!

 

[iAppl3Fan]

I get you and I totally understand why people do it. It works even better if you can find a deal on from a third party retailer, claim a student discount, or buy the current generation refurbished. It doesn't seem to work so well for 15" owners. I've suggested before not to bet on the residual value of computing devices. It's just at the lower end with the Air and 13" Pro, you've got that market of people who want a Mac yet can't really afford one.

None of those people will be interested in paying 80% on a 15" from the prior year, and Apple has really bid down some of the 15" models with their refurbished offerings. If you note the marketplace, sometimes people get angry and start saying they need to sell something now when they're still asking more for a used computer than you would pay for a refurbished unit with a year warranty. I get that macs are somewhat of commodities. It's just that people must be realistic. Those on a Mac forum are unlikely to over pay.

Excellent points! I learn the hard way with the original top of the line iPad 1. The market is more for people with base configurations and I totally agree with the Air and 13" Pro models as they are more entry level. Now you're starting to have me think whether I should keep the RMBP or wait until next year since I've already got my hands on a 2012 Air.

 

[thekev]

Excellent points! I learn the hard way with the original top of the line iPad 1. The market is more for people with base configurations and I totally agree with the Air and 13" Pro models as they are more entry level. Now you're starting to have me think whether I should keep the RMBP or wait until next year since I've already got my hands on a 2012 Air.

It depends on your requirements. If the Air in any configuration will not meet your needs, the choice is obvious. If the pricing is kind of close like you're looking at a high Air configuration and X retailer has a promotion on the rMBP, it can be a tedious choice. Just don't buy something expensive with the anticipation of selling it for almost as much. It's silly when I go looking for something in the marketplace or CL and some random jackass is asking more than Apple charges refurbished. In the case of CL they also like to label in misleading manners.

 

[andreydzung]

Thank you everyone! I have decided to return the 2011 one and get the 8G ram and 256 hdd 2012. This would be a nice gift for myself, especially as I'm majoring in computer science

 

[Calot]

Thank you everyone! I have decided to return the 2011 one and get the 8G ram and 256 hdd 2012. This would be a nice gift for myself, especially as I'm majoring in computer science

Excellent choice! You will not regret it.

 

[KPOM]

Thank you everyone! I have decided to return the 2011 one and get the 8G ram and 256 hdd 2012. This would be a nice gift for myself, especially as I'm majoring in computer science

A potential option is to get the 128GB/8GB model and then get a USB 3.0 flash drive. This model is pretty fast and goes for $160. I've seen similar-speed 64GB models for about $70. It could be an option for virtual machines.

 

[lewdvig]

I would deeply suggest going ALL OUT! i7 8GB 256.

And commit yourself to not spending money on stupid things for 2-3 months (getting wasted, weed, porn channels, $4 coffees) And maybe if you're lucky, you could even SAVE money.

That is what I did and I'm so happy. Two months of sacrifices < 2 years of having an ultra awesome laptop.

Good for you. It's nice to read about people making some sacrifices to get what they want.

 

[andreydzung]

Just heard the news that Macbook Pro 13 inch retina is on the way this October I'm considering return the macbook air (still in the 14 days window) and wait for one more months. What do you guys think? The price for that should be around 1600, with similar specs, only with a more beautiful screen.