Help me choose....

[pshady]

2017 MacBook with m3, 256gb storage for $799

OR

2017 MacBook with i5, 512gb storage for $1199

I have a 2015 MacBook 1.2ghz with 512 and I only have about 100gb left in free storage so that's why I'm hesitating on the first option.

 

[Jack Neill]

I would choose the i5 and 512. The upgrade to i5 and 512 would be worth the 400$ difference in the long run.

 

[Neodym]

With FileVault active, disk speeds on a 2015 i5 were significantly faster than those on a 2017 m3. Not sure whether it's the SSD size (number of chips) or whether the i5 chip has some functionality that the m3 is lacking, but I would opt for the i5/512 in your comparison.

 

[pshady]

With FileVault active, disk speeds on a 2015 i5 were significantly faster than those on a 2017 m3. Not sure whether it's the SSD size (number of chips) or whether the i5 chip has some functionality that the m3 is lacking, but I would opt for the i5/512 in your comparison.

Never heard of this issue with the 2017 m3 MacBooks. Thanks for letting me know!

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

I think today's Apple News will probably help you to decide on which direction to go.

 

[msp3]

>2017 MacBook with m3, 256gb storage for $799

This is the lowest historical price

>2017 MacBook with i5, 512gb storage for $1199

Lowest historical price is $999, check AppleInsider for price history

 

[maflynn]

I have a 2015 MacBook 1.2ghz with 512 and I only have about 100gb left in free storage so that's why I'm hesitating on the first option.

If you're tight on 512GB with your MBP, then definitely consider the second option.

 

[oneMadRssn]

@pshady Have you considered getting a NAS to store your files that don't require immediate and fast access at all times? For the price difference between a 256GB and 512GB model, you can get a good expandable NAS and a starter 4TB drive easily.

 

[537635]

@pshady Have you considered getting a NAS to store your files that don't require immediate and fast access at all times? For the price difference between a 256GB and 512GB model, you can get a good expandable NAS and a starter 4TB drive easily.

They did lower the upgrade price for 256->512->1024 substantially just now though. NAS is great, but being tight with disk space on an non-upgrade-able laptop isn't. With turnover times nowadays I would say that when buying a new device, you should have at least 50+% free space when you install your current setup to account for future data expansion.