512gb or 256gb and LaCie external SSD

[TC1989]

Hello everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've ordered a 2016 15" tb MacBook Pro, 2.6ghz/ 512gb/ 450, with the US keyboard layout (personal preference, wanted try something different from the UK layout I'm used to). I like to think I'm fairly tech savvy, although this will be my first mac, I've been using iOS devices for several years and Windows since I was a child.

I plan on using the MacBook for the following:-

Learning to code in one or more of python, Objective C, JavaScript, Swift, HTML5;
Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations;
Light gaming (e.g. Rome 2 total war, empire total war, Star Wars galaxy at war, and similar RTS);
Storing music/ videos/ photos;
Probably some armature photo/ video editing.

My question is, the Mac I've ordered isn't available until January, but I could get the same model with a 256gb hard drive and UK layout tomorrow. The LaCie external SSDs (scratch that, just realised these are just hdd) look good, portal and reasonably priced, so does anyone have any thoughts on whether or not I should cancel my custom order and go for the readily available model?

Thanks!

 

[fat jez]

I would wait. There's nothing wrong with the LaCie drives (I rate them), but for portability and convenience you'd be better with it all in one unit.

 

[TC1989]

Thanks Jez - I do think you're right, just getting a bit impatient now. I've been waiting to upgrade my laptop for a long time (still on windows vista - the pain!) so I guess a few more weeks won't hurt...

 

[kis]

I had to make the decision between 512gb + Laie and 1tb without. Went with the former because I simply couldn't justify the horrendous cost of upgrading the SSD config. I don't think it'll ever be a problem and right now, I'm glad I went with the smaller SSD / lower price point model. That said, I think 256gb aren't enough unless you're just a casual user, to be honest. I fail to see how they can still be selling 256gb models, especially when they're this expensive. Before everyone switched to SSD from a traditional hard drive, we were at 2-4 TB of storage in laptops - and suddenly 256gb are supposed to be enough. That's simply a cruel joke.

 

[fat jez]

I agree, I think 512GB is the minimum I'd look at. 1TB would make Bootcamp comfortable.

 

[thesaint024]

Agree that Apple pricing is high for upfront upgrades. Looks like they're moving towards iPhone model, which is good for Apple, not so much for us. If money is a real issue, there's your answer. If you could squeeze it, get the extra SDD space since there's no turning back. You will never regret it, but you could regret not getting it. Getting the external is clearly a better value, but get the extra space and have no regrets (if money is not an overwhelming concern).

 

[TC1989]

Thanks everyone. It wasn't so much the money (an extra £100 at this price range doesn't make that much of a difference in the long run), more a lack of patience! I think I'll stay the course with the 512gb. Another temptation was to pay a little extra for the 2.7ghz and get it immediately (or near enough), but I don't think the slight processor speed bump and GPu bump is worth it, especially given the option to upgrade the 2.6 to the 460. I use a PS4 for heavy gaming though, so no need for gaming ability beyond the odd RTS. Also, I do like the idea of the US keyboard layout.