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Base rMBP or $1499 model?...

S

slick316

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 28, 2005
377
28
I travel a lot and my 15" MBP is becoming a pain to lug around, so I thought I would turn it into my "desktop" computer by leaving it connected to my external monitor, and get something smaller and lighter.

I was going to buy the Air, but when I saw how thin and light the 13" rMBP was, I was sold.

My only issue is with the RAM. The base has 4GB, and since I can't upgrade it in the future, I was wondering if I should get the next model up with 8GB? I don't do a lot of heavy stuff, maybe just some simple photo editing in Aperture and really basic editing in iMovie. I was just thinking about future OS releases. I wouldn't want 4GB of RAM to be the reason I can't surf the web properly anymore.

Do I have reason to think 4GB wouldn't last me for a few years on a laptop meant for email, word processing and web surfing? The standard 128GB SSD is good enough, I can always use iTunes Match or Google Music to access my music on the cloud, plus I always have my iPod with me.
 
This review might help: http://bgr.com/2013/11/18/apple-13-inch-retina-macbook-pro-review-late-2013/

And for questions about the usefulness of extra ram you might wanna look anywhere here ;) :

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1661841/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1679074/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1677342/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1676379/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1674620/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1700457/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1672540/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1701330/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1663530/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1659895/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1658626/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1658044/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1652401/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1662700/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1629455/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1599554/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1702313/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1700462/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1698538/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1700551/

The mid configuration with 2.4 / 8gb /256gb is still the best bang for the buck BUT a lot of people know this and thats why I think you will be able to get the lowest config on a sale and save several 100,- !

So if it boils down to: 1300,- for 4/128 and 1500,- for 8/256 i would spend the extra 200 but be aware its probably in vain. You do not need to worry about basics like word, web surfing and email - a phone can do this. In any case you will be good for the next years
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info!

I want a refurb, but the mid range model isn't there anymore, only the base at $200 off is.

I will wait a couple days to see if the mid range model appears on the site, if not, I'll probably just get the base. I'm sure it will work for me.

Thanks again.
 
slick316 said:
Thanks for the info!

I want a refurb, but the mid range model isn't there anymore, only the base at $200 off is.

I will wait a couple days to see if the mid range model appears on the site, if not, I'll probably just get the base. I'm sure it will work for me.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

The first link in my previous post to the review was wrong. I fixed it. I think its what you are looking for.
 
Thanks a lot for the help Meister, I think I'll wait for a mid range refurb.

Hungry&Foolish, I appreciate that link a lot!
 
For your needs the base model will suffice.

However since you are going refurb, I would wait for the mid model.
 
The midrange model really is a great buy. I purchased mine new with the education discount. I'm also a pretty average user. I probably use 5gb of the 8gb of RAM, but it's better to have more than you need than not enough, right? I also needed the 256 as opposed to the 128.
 
slick316 said:
Thanks for the info!

I want a refurb, but the mid range model isn't there anymore, only the base at $200 off is.

I will wait a couple days to see if the mid range model appears on the site, if not, I'll probably just get the base. I'm sure it will work for me.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

I think the mid range refurb is the best value. You get twice the HD space and 4gb more ram for $170 more. I say be patient and wait. THe late 2013 refurbs are showing up quite a bit more often in the refurb store
 
The mid-range 8GB/256GB rMBP will be back on the refurb website any day now for $1269 - only $170 more than then 4GB/128GB model. Check the refurb site twice a day so you don't miss out. I snagged one Jan. 30 and it's supposed to arrive at the Apple store I selected for pickup on Feb. 6.

When running an app like iMovie, OSX will take up nearly all the 4GB of RAM. And OSX + the standard apps that come with all rMBP's take up 40GM of SSD space leaving only 80 GB free on the 128GB model.

So the 8GB/256GB model will not be squeezed nearly as much for RAM and SSD space, plus it will be easier to resell when that day comes.
 
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