Getting a new MBP should I get 4GB or 8GB of RAM?

[decoyman]

In the near future, I'll be springing for a new MBP 17" with the i7 upgrade to replace my aging '06 MBP. I was just playing with the configuration over my lunch (for maybe the 600th time this month, haha), and began thinking about RAM.

I'm a graphic designer, so I use my MBP for paid design work – web and print mostly, but there'll be some video work too. I will be also be switching to Adobe CS5 soon…

So, would the difference between 8GB and 4GB be worth an extra $360?

P.S. – I know RAM is super-easy to upgrade… but with only two slots, I'd have to buy all-new RAM anyways to go to a higher capacity (2x4GB), meaning I'll have two 2GB sticks of RAM laying around. I'm just wondering if it'd be simpler/smarter to go with 8GB right out of the gate…

 

[thomashw]

I would upgrade the RAM myself, and sell the old sticks to get some money back.

Apple charges way too much for upgrades.

 

[Hellhammer]

Buying 8GB from 3rd party is still cheaper, as low as ~250$ if you trade-in your old RAM. I would try with 4GB and upgrade if needed

 

[GadgetGeek71]

^ Ditto...although memory is getting more $$$$$!!!

 

[decoyman]

Thanks, guys! That sounds like a good plan. Last time I bought, I didn't have to deal with this: my MBP came with 1GB of RAM… but it was 1X1GB, and the max was 2GB anyways, so I just bought an extra stick on my own later on. Did save some cash that way.

Wow, that was a long time ago.

One other thing… am I reading this right – is there a trade-in service with some RAM sellers?