256GB vs 512GB rMBP?

[thiagoah]

Hello,

I'd like to purchase my first Mac but I wanted to see if I can get a few opinions on which model would be more ideal for me. I plan on using it for minimum 3 years.

- Graphic design (Adobe products + AutoCAD)
- Web development
- Photo editing
- Media storage (video, songs, photos, etc)
- Multiple tab browsing
- Lots of video streaming

It is between the following two models:

$1440 CAD (TAX INCLUDED)
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released October 2013
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD camera
Intel Iris Graphics

$1700 CAD (TAX INCLUDED)
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.6GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released October 2013
13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
512GB Flash Storage1
720p FaceTime HD camera
Intel Iris Graphics

Which model do you think I should go for? The 256GB is $200 less but half the space and a difference of .200GHz compared to the 512GB model. How convenient are external hard drives and is the .200GHz and extra built in storage noticeable down the road or worth paying an additional $200 for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hustler1337]

There isn't really much difference between the two, except the .2ghz increase in clock speed and the disk place. So ultimately, you would need to consider whether you will/may use all the 256GB of storage and will need a 512GB. Based on your media-intensive storage, I would presume you'd need above 256GB, but it'll all depend on how big or how much files you anticipate on using.

If you're a bit tight on your budget, then the external hard drive option to expand storage is always there if you need it in the future. Best used if you're mainly working from a desk and don't mind having a cable sticking out of your MBP.

 

[thiagoah]

There isn't really much difference between the two, except the .2ghz increase in clock speed and the disk place. So ultimately, you would need to consider whether you will/may use all the 256GB of storage and will need a 512GB. Based on your media-intensive storage, I would presume you'd need above 256GB, but it'll all depend on how big or how much files you anticipate on using.

If you're a bit tight on your budget, then the external hard drive option to expand storage is always there if you need it in the future. Best used if you're mainly working from a desk and don't mind having a cable sticking out of your MBP.

If I'm constantly moving around, is an external HD ideal? Also in regards to the .2GHz increase, would that be something very noticeable?

I guess my only worry is solely on disk space and whether I want to be carrying an external HD everywhere I go in case I need a specific file.

Do you think paying an additional $200 for that built in space & .2GHz increase is worth it? Or should I just stick to purchasing a external HD for less than $50?

Thanks again!

 

[Sifinity]

up to you , if your budget allows the 512 gb get that if not get the 256gb

 

[gbkrip]

With that kind of load, you may consider looking at the 16GB RAM option as well (maybe instead of 512GB HDD - especially if you're planning on an external anyway).

 

[Hustler1337]

If I'm constantly moving around, is an external HD ideal? Also in regards to the .2GHz increase, would that be something very noticeable?

I guess my only worry is solely on disk space and whether I want to be carrying an external HD everywhere I go in case I need a specific file.

Do you think paying an additional $200 for that built in space & .2GHz increase is worth it? Or should I just stick to purchasing a external HD for less than $50?

Thanks again!

There are many portable hard drives available on the market for relatively cheap. As long as you don't mind carrying around the hard drive with you, then i'd say go for the 256GB version and save yourself some dosh, although your usage hints that you may need some extra RAM. :|

The .2ghz will barely be noticeable for the general consumer, so don't worry about that.

 

[thiagoah]

With that kind of load, you may consider looking at the 16GB RAM option as well (maybe instead of 512GB HDD - especially if you're planning on an external anyway).

That's definitely a possibility! I am just not sure if I will need 16GB ram considering the amount of threads posted on here and how 8GB is more than enough.

 

[thiagoah]

There are many portable hard drives available on the market for relatively cheap. As long as you don't mind carrying around the hard drive with you, then i'd say go for the 256GB version and save yourself some dosh, although your usage hints that you may need some extra RAM. :|

The .2ghz will barely be noticeable for the general consumer, so don't worry about that.

Great! Thanks for your help

 

[capathy21]

Go with the 1st option.

 

[Meister]

256gb more ssd and a higher clockspeed for $200 is actually a very good deal.
If you can easily afford it go for it. If you dont want to spend the money, dont.
Its not complicated.

 

[nostresshere]

Why not the 15"?

 

[Samtb]

I have the same question but with the 2015 models. Should I get 128gb with external drive, 256gb or 512gb? I want portability and I've used up 205gb on my current PC which has 512gb.