Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

AznTakumi

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 4, 2011
192
16
I'm thinking about getting a new stock MacBook air 11" but I notice there are two ram options. I was wondering if 4gb of ram would be fine?
 
I'd argue that 4 GB is simply not a good option for a brand new computer in 2016, especially considering that you can't upgrade it later (ever). If you want the 11", I'd first wait until end of October (JUST in case there happens to be any updates/price cuts/etc.), and if you want to still buy it then, purchase the 8 GB addon. It'll make a lot of things faster and you won't regret it.
 
I wouldn't buy a machine with 4GB RAM in 2016. With a look into the future and the background that you might use that machine for a couple of years I'd go with the 8GB option.
 
I'm thinking about getting a new stock MacBook air 11" but I notice there are two ram options. I was wondering if 4gb of ram would be fine?
I own a 2014 4GB/128GB 11" MBA and have used it on-the-go for everything that I use my iMac for. I render video, I edit/create graphics, run virtual machines, etc. It is quite a little beast... runs macOS Sierra extremely well and is just as snappy as the day I first bought it.

One reason I didn't opt for the 8GB RAM was because (a) it wasn't going to be my primary machine and (b) because of the price I paid for the 4GB model, $475 brand new out-the-door-taxes-included, the additional $200 to bump it up to 8GB was a bit excessive IMO.

If you plan on heavily using the MBA and keeping it a long time, I'd recommend going for the 8GB model.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fluamsler
I own a 2014 4GB/128GB 11" MBA and have used it on-the-go for everything that I use my iMac for. I render video, I edit/create graphics, run virtual machines, etc. It is quite a little beast... runs macOS Sierra extremely well and is just as snappy as the day I first bought it.

One reason I didn't opt for the 8GB RAM was because (a) it wasn't going to be my primary machine and (b) because of the price I paid for the 4GB model, $475 brand new out-the-door-taxes-included, the additional $200 to bump it up to 8GB was a bit excessive IMO.

If you plan on heavily using the MBA and keeping it a long time, I'd recommend going for the 8GB model.

Where did you find such a good deal.
 
IMHO the fact that Apple bumped up the 13" MBA to 8gb of RAM standard is very telling. Even Apple doesn't really think anyone should buy a computer with only 4gb of RAM anymore.

It will be fine for a year at least. After that is anyone's guess. If you plan on using the computer for longer than a year I would get 8gb of RAM. Even with these super fast SSDs when you run out of RAM it is very noticeable. Not a good experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: arefbe
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.