512 GB Flash Storage vs 1TB?

[nanogirl21]

Hi All,

I am purchasing one of the new 13” rMBP. However, I am a little stumped regarding an appropriate storage. My main device, a windows laptop, is using about 325 GB. This number was after I cleaned up the machine and got rid of all unnecessary files/programs and transferred some things to my external drive. Would the 512 GB Flash Storage be okay or would you guys recommend spending another $500 on 1TB? I want to future proof my device for at least 2 years. However, saving money is always enjoyable. Since these laptops are non-upgradable I don’t want to get in a situation where I run out of room. I know there is a 2 week return period, but I know for sure I wouldn’t use 100+ GB in a 2 week period to know if the size is too small. Also, would 1GB on a HDD take up the same space if it was on a Flash Storage device? This sounds like a super dumb question and I am sure 1GB is 1GB no matter where it is. I just want to make sure.

Thanks!

 

[aquilc]

First of all, 1GB is the same storage space an any type of memory, be it RAM or SSD (both Flash Storage devices) and HDD (mechanical Storage device)

Secondly it all depends on what your computing needs are. If you have a lot of data like videos/movies (especially high-resolution videos), pictures and music, you could always spare the $500 and get the 512GB model and get an external storage device. You can also use the external HDD for backup purposes, and also you do not need to store items which you would not currently need on your rMBP if you have an external HDD.

 

[MacMandy]

I think you'll be fine with 512Gb, $500 is way too much. So much cheaper to buy an external USB3 drive if you need it. OS X and apps seem a tad smaller than windows in my experience

1GB is the same on any media

 

[DiCaprioAngel]

When I purchased my rMBP, I went with the highest storage and ram possible; 16GB ram and 1TB flash storage. I do have a lot of movies/TV shows that I download and watch on my downtime, so I knew that I needed enough storage to work with. Yes, I do have an external hard drive with the same 1TB storage, so yes, I could have gotten the 512GB storage and lived with that, but it feels good knowing that I have all my media where I want it without having to worry about transferring it to my external hard drive to make space for my laptop. I love my laptop and I'm grateful that I spent the extra cash for the highest storage. I say, if you could afford to, go for the 1TB. I see no wrong in spending an extra $500 - only if you have the money to spend it on. If you're tight on money, but have enough for the 512GB storage, then by all means go for that - I'm sure either will meet your needs perfectly fine.

 

[someoneoutthere]

Would the 512 GB Flash Storage be okay or would you guys recommend spending another $500 on 1TB?
Thanks!

512 gigs here. 1 TB is faster, at least there are a few users out there that have posted speed tests and everything. I honestly don't care about the difference; don't think it's worth $500.
You can get 10 TB (5 x 2 TB) of USB 3.0 external hard disks for the same/less price.

 

[lcseds]

512 gigs here. 1 TB is faster, at least there are a few users out there that have posted speed tests and everything. I honestly don't care about the difference; don't think it's worth $500.
You can get 10 TB (5 x 2 TB) of USB 3.0 external hard disks for the same/less price.

Keep in mind if it is a new Macbook Pro 13, it will use 4 lane SSD so the speed will not be faster with the 1TB option as it was in the past.

 

[campyguy]

OP, a year ago I asked the same question when I wanted a new rMBP, but I kept bumping up against a 450 GB ceiling on my 512 GB on my older rMBP.

I ended up buying a refurbished rMBP from Apple with a 1 TB SSD for about $200 less than the new Macs with a 512 GB SSD. The 1 TB is so much faster than the 512 GB SSD. Same warranty, perfect laptop.

There will be some of the new MBs on Apple's refurb site soon - buyer's remorse, etc. - and you can snag one at a discount. My next Mac will be a refurb too...

 

[Derived]

This is kind of a question only you can answer...I mean, what do you do with your laptop? You might find yourself wanting to do more with this one, and running out of space. Really, the best advice (and this always holds true) is buy as much computer as you can afford. $500 is a lot, but so is doubling your space from 512 gb to 1 tb. And, it will have better resale value as well. It might make the difference in the long run. If you can't afford it, don't sweat it, buy a $150 external drive that holds 2-3 tb and you'll be fine.

 

[Hieveryone]

Hi All,

I am purchasing one of the new 13” rMBP. However, I am a little stumped regarding an appropriate storage. My main device, a windows laptop, is using about 325 GB. This number was after I cleaned up the machine and got rid of all unnecessary files/programs and transferred some things to my external drive. Would the 512 GB Flash Storage be okay or would you guys recommend spending another $500 on 1TB? I want to future proof my device for at least 2 years. However, saving money is always enjoyable. Since these laptops are non-upgradable I don’t want to get in a situation where I run out of room. I know there is a 2 week return period, but I know for sure I wouldn’t use 100+ GB in a 2 week period to know if the size is too small. Also, would 1GB on a HDD take up the same space if it was on a Flash Storage device? This sounds like a super dumb question and I am sure 1GB is 1GB no matter where it is. I just want to make sure.

Thanks!

Go on ahead and get that 512, and transfer all your data to an external drive. I'm talking movies, music, and all those English essays you ain't ever going to look at. Head on over to Amazon and get a 500 GB Western Digital. You'll be saving some cash and getting a lot of storage.

You can thank me later.

 

[Derived]

Go on ahead and get that 512, and transfer all your data to an external drive. I'm talking movies, music, and all those English essays you ain't ever going to look at. Head on over to Amazon and get a 500 GB Western Digital. You'll be saving some cash and getting a lot of storage.

You can thank me later.

The thing is, many of us like to have at least our music on the machine...I'd be out of luck if I had to tote around an external hd every time I wanted to listen to my iTunes library (which is every day).

 

[Queen6]

More storage is always better, equally the cost gets higher, if you can go for the 1TB without being concerned about the cost go for it, equally as you feel the need to post it`s clearly a concern.

You are very unlikely to run into space issues with the 512 SSD unless you choose to fill it up with movies etc, as the OS and application software will only occupy a fraction of the drive. The 1TB is faster, however unless you are constantly moving massive files (10Gb-20Gb) around the drive the difference is intangible in real world usage.

My opinion go with the 512 and save on the $$$, Apples in-house upgrade are alway notoriously expensive...

Q-6