Keep 512GB storage or return for 256GB?

[bearington]

My i7/16GB/512GB storage MBA is currently on its way but I didn't realise that you could upgrade the the lower spec i3 to i7. I started with the higher i5 spec, with the smallest storage size being 512GB. I'm upgrading from a 7 year old 11" MBA with 128GB storage, but it still has 30GB+ of storage as it was mainly used for web browsing. That said, I don't plan to change this MBA for at least 5 years, so should I keep the 512GB storage or return it and order the 256GB instead? Returning would be hassle but £180 for 256GB doesn't seem that worth it.

 

[motm95]

Everybody's use case is different. Sounds like you definitely want the i7 and are wondering whether 256GB or 512GB is worth the price difference. For my use case, onboard storage is key, and I doubt I'll notice much difference between the i5 and the i7. So for me, the i5/16GB/512GB seems to be sweet spot between tech and price. I believe it's a $50 difference between i5/16GB/512GB and i7/16GB/256GB.

 

[geesus]

Personally I'd rather have the storage space over the processor bump.

 

[Patcell]

I would keep it if it’s already on the way... then you have a lot of breathing room as far as storage is concerned over the next 5 years. How tight is your budget?

 

[Dhonk]

I don’t use much on-Mac storage. Most reviews say i3 is ok, i5 is best, i7 unnecessary in the Air. You’ve already got 16g RAM. Sounds like it’s just a matter of is it worth the hassle and wait to re-order and return the current device. Is that worth the money to you?

 

[Ericdjensen]

If you’re going to use it the same way, you might as well get the base model and save a few hundred bucks

 

[deeddawg]

Completely depends on whether you'll see any value in the larger storage amount. Only you can answer that question for yourself.

... though if you're mainly using it for web browsing, why on earth are you paying for 16GB and i7? Base model will do that just fine.

 

[bearington]

I would keep it if it’s already on the way... then you have a lot of breathing room as far as storage is concerned over the next 5 years. How tight is your budget?

The price isn't a problem but it feels like poor value when you can buy a 1TB portable SSD for less than £150, whereas with Apple it's £180 for 256GB.
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Everybody's use case is different. Sounds like you definitely want the i7 and are wondering whether 256GB or 512GB is worth the price difference. For my use case, onboard storage is key, and I doubt I'll notice much difference between the i5 and the i7. So for me, the i5/16GB/512GB seems to be sweet spot between tech and price. I believe it's a $50 difference between i5/16GB/512GB and i7/16GB/256GB.

It's just that extra storage can be added via an external, whereas you can't upgrade processor at a later date. If I had known that it was possible to customise upgrade the i3 to i7, I would have done and gone for the 256GB. For me, i7 and 16GB are more for futureproofing, just in case.
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I don’t use much on-Mac storage. Most reviews say i3 is ok, i5 is best, i7 unnecessary in the Air. You’ve already got 16g RAM. Sounds like it’s just a matter of is it worth the hassle and wait to re-order and return the current device. Is that worth the money to you?

I'm now leaning towards keeping it... Probably not worth the hassle of returning and ordering another.

 

[TechieGeek]

The price isn't a problem but it feels like poor value when you can buy a 1TB portable SSD for less than £150, whereas with Apple it's £180 for 256GB.
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It's just that extra storage can be added via an external, whereas you can't upgrade processor at a later date. If I had known that it was possible to customise upgrade the i3 to i7, I would have done and gone for the 256GB. For me, i7 and 16GB are more for futureproofing, just in case.

Onboard storage will be many times faster.

 

[motm95]

Onboard storage will be many times faster.

Plus way more convenient. I don't want to have to carry around an external drive if I can help it. That's why I'll get as much onboard storage as I can afford.

 

[bearington]

Completely depends on whether you'll see any value in the larger storage amount. Only you can answer that question for yourself.

... though if you're mainly using it for web browsing, why on earth are you paying for 16GB and i7? Base model will do that just fine.

Futureproofing mostly. I can't upgrade the processor/RAM later so might as well get the highest specs, whereas I can just plug in an external for more storage.
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Onboard storage will be many times faster.

Plus way more convenient. I don't want to have to carry around an external drive if I can help it. That's why I'll get as much onboard storage as I can afford.

Good points... I'll keep the 512 then! Thanks everyone 😄

 

[KPOM]

Onboard storage will be many times faster.

Not necessarily. With a Thunderbolt enclosure (I got one on NewEgg for about $70 a few months ago), an M2 NVME SSD can rival the speed of the internal storage. Even with 10Gb/s USB it will be pretty fast.

 

[deeddawg]

Not necessarily. With a Thunderbolt enclosure (I got one on NewEgg for about $70 a few months ago), an M2 NVME SSD can rival the speed of the internal storage. Even with 10Gb/s USB it will be pretty fast.

Still something else to drag around and balance on your lap or tray table.

IMHO external is fine for desk /docked scenarios but cumbersome for mobile usage.

Get the internal storage you need for the majority of usage.

 

[nill1234]

Onboard storage will be many times faster.

Not at all, the onboard storage is as fast as a usb c 3.1 gen 2 drive. I got the 256 and bought an external 512 ssd for 77€. But it all depends on your usecase, i only use it foe dev work and i still have a gaming tower pc.