A few questions about RAM vs SSD options.

[MauriceMoss]

It was my understanding that the sandforce controllers on some of the SSDs function like a or in place of a TRIM type system. The OWC SSD is one of the higher rated SSDs for a Mac, an even for PCs that use TRIM.

I could be totally wrong, but based on my limited research, those are the conclusions I came to.

 

[jlc1978]

Hello!

I'm either buying a 15" or 17" core i7 HR/Anti-Glare this next week and had a few more questions.

Here's a good link for SSD comparisons:
http://macperformanceguide.com/Reviews-SSD.html

On a side note, do you really need an SSD? I run Adobe eLearnsuite 2 (mac an Windows via Parallels) on my i5 (4gb until yesterday, now 8gb)and it's fast enough.

I have a 7200 rpm HD that's dual partitioned. A small 1st partition for the OS, scratch disk and programs and a larger 2cd for data. Dual partitioning takes advantage of the drives mechanical properties - the outer edge has faster data transfer speeds (what you want from an SSD); but you need to keep it small to get the best performance.

The details can be found here:

http://macperformanceguide.com/Storage-WhyYouNeedMoreThanYouNeed.html

Best of all, this is a no cost solution - you simply dual partition the installed HD; or buy an inexpensive fast HD, partition and install it and use the other HD as external storage.

An added plus is you'll quickly find out if 60 or 80gb is enough space before you lay out a big chunk of cash for an SSD. If you find it's to slow then you can upgrade; based on your needs and budget.

As for memory, it's getting cheaper so there is no real compelling reason, INMO, to start with 8gigs. You can get 8gb for less than $200 now; upgrading is easy. Again' I'd wait until you see how the stock i7 performs unless you can get a sweet deal at time of purchase (unlikely from Apple).

That's what I did and am happy - YMMV.

 

[MauriceMoss]

Do I really NEED an SSD? Probably not.

Do I really NEED 8Gb RAM? Probably not.

Do I really NEED a 17" Screen. Hell no.

Do I really NEED a 15" Screen. Maybe?

But it sure would be nice to have all that stuff!!!

I don't really NEED any of these things to do the limited amount of stuff in CS5 that I am going to do. I guess photoshop and indesign run fine on a 13" C2D... My main programs will be word and safari.
But for the times I am going to use CS5 and FCE, it sure would be nice to blow everyone out of the water with my blazing speed and performance....

Great reason to spend money eh?

 

[green86]

Do I really NEED an SSD? Probably not.

Do I really NEED 8Gb RAM? Probably not.

Do I really NEED a 17" Screen. Hell no.

Do I really NEED a 15" Screen. Maybe?

But it sure would be nice to have all that stuff!!!

I don't really NEED any of these things to do the limited amount of stuff in CS5 that I am going to do. I guess photoshop and indesign run fine on a 13" C2D... My main programs will be word and safari.
But for the times I am going to use CS5 and FCE, it sure would be nice to blow everyone out of the water with my blazing speed and performance....

Great reason to spend money eh?

Sounds like you found what your looking for. And your right, a 13" would be fine for that. Not to derail you now...... but... the i5 is a huge leap over the C2D. You may not NEED it today, but maybe down the line. Plus the extra screen space is really nice... speaking from experiance here. I'd say get the base 15", upgrade the HD to ANY 7200 RPM drive, and call it a day. You'll stay under 2K and your needs will be met for awhile.

 

[jlc1978]

Sounds like you found what your looking for. And your right, a 13" would be fine for that. Not to derail you now...... but... the i5 is a huge leap over the C2D. You may not NEED it today, but maybe down the line. Plus the extra screen space is really nice... speaking from experiance here. I'd say get the base 15", upgrade the HD to ANY 7200 RPM drive, and call it a day. You'll stay under 2K and your needs will be met for awhile.

I concur - that's what I did and am very glad I went that route. The i5 and bigger screen is worth the extra, but not the i7, IMHO. With 7200 rpm disks starting at around $50, it's cheaper than letting Apple do the upgrade and add a case and you have an external drive for backup.