Macbook Air - question about selecting hard drive size

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

Hey guys,

I'm buying a new notebook and it seems like the MBA is a good choice.

Is there any performance difference that comes from selecting a larger hard drive? Sorry if this is a basic question.

This won't be my primary machine, as I purchased an iMac back in March. My concern is that with a 256 GB SSD that it may slow down over time due to normal every day usage and updates. I don't know if this actually happens with SSD though... hence the question.

I'm by no means a power user, I don't have many apps installed besides microsoft office, spotify, and basic things like that. This notebook is primarily for travel, work, etc.

Is the minor investment in a 512 GB or even 1 TB hard drive worth it for performance or resale value?

And if I were to upgrade, is there a benefit to upgrading from the 8 GB ram to 16 GB ram?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nbd1790]

Even as a light user, I'd recommend upgrading both the hard drive as well as the Ram. Resale value will certainly be better.

As a general rule of thumb, you want your hard drive to have a minimum of 15% of its capacity free at all times in order for it to run efficiently. I think 250 fills up quickly, and you don't even have 250 available from when you first turn it on. I think 512 is a sweet spot for most people, but I don't think the 1tb is worth it unless you see yourself needing the additional internal storage.

With the 512 SSD and 16gb of Ram, it's a great machine and reselling it will certainly be easier as it can be a suitable machine for someone who intends to use it for more intensive tasks.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

There's not going to be an overall performance difference between a 256 GB SSD and a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD - read/write speeds, etc. will be the same.

The primary difference in performance would come when the hard drive is nearly full. When a drive is full/near-full it may lack the free storage space necessary to perform some tasks (as many tasks require the use of temporary "scratchpad" space). Some activities may bring the machine to a grinding halt, others (like automatically syncing with cloud storage) may not take place at all.

Basically, if you buy an overly-large HD you've spent more money than you need to. If you buy an under-sized HD then you may have to spend time cleaning house in order to have enough space to download and install an OS update. But there's a basic human tendency to allow a HD to fill up, no matter how large it is.

Many people double the storage capacity each time they buy a new computer. That way they can copy everything from the old machine and still have room to "grow" on the new machine. The question is, would it have been better to do some house cleaning rather than blindly copy everything?

The cost of SSD storage has always been higher than traditional magnetic HDD storage. In order to produce SSD-based computers at an acceptable price point, computer makers dialed-back on HD sizes. The first SSD-equipped MacBook Airs had 64 GB SSDs at a time when most people were buying laptops with 250 GB or larger HDDs. It was soon obvious just how impractical 64 GB was, and 128 GB soon became the minimum. 128 GB is still tight - there's not a lot of space left for data when the typical user needs at least 60 GB for OS and apps. Apple only recently switched to 256 GB SSD as the entry-level minimum.

I consider 256 GB manageable for most casual users. 512 GB has become fairly affordable, so if you can afford it, why not? 1 TB is sufficiently expensive that only people who know they need it should buy it (and no, "I don't want to house-clean" doesn't qualify as knowing they need 1 TB).

Cloud storage has become a substitute for large internal HDs (whether on iPhone/iPad or Mac) - all data is stored in the cloud, while the OS executes automated "optimize storage" techniques for traditional HD hogs like photos and the Documents and Desktops folders. The OS will monitor space on the HD and automatically remove photos and documents from the HD that have not been accessed in a while. Those infrequently-accessed items are then automatically downloaded from the cloud when they're needed.

Cloud storage can be cheaper than a large SSD, and by having photos and the Desktop and Documents folders in the cloud, they can also be accessed from other computers and mobile devices. Instead of having copies of all your stuff on all your devices, you have one copy in the cloud - perhaps 200 GB shared storage instead of paying for larger-sized storage capacities on each and every device.

 

[Buck987]

Certainly a machine with more RAM and hard drive space will bring more back when reselling. But this will depend on what else is out there when you decide to sell. If you intend to keep the AIR more than 4 years I don't believe the resale value should be used as a buying criteria. I also agree that with cloud storage the amount physically present in the machine is less critical. The 16 GB would be my first choice. Not really necessary in an AIR but a nice to have choice.

 

[Supra Mac]

If you are going to upgrade the storage and RAM, might as well spend an extra $100 and get the 10th gen MBP on sale from Best Buy @ $1599.

 

[ignatius345]

Hey guys,

I'm buying a new notebook and it seems like the MBA is a good choice.

Is there any performance difference that comes from selecting a larger hard drive? Sorry if this is a basic question.

This won't be my primary machine, as I purchased an iMac back in March. My concern is that with a 256 GB SSD that it may slow down over time due to normal every day usage and updates. I don't know if this actually happens with SSD though... hence the question.

I'm by no means a power user, I don't have many apps installed besides microsoft office, spotify, and basic things like that. This notebook is primarily for travel, work, etc.

Is the minor investment in a 512 GB or even 1 TB hard drive worth it for performance or resale value?

And if I were to upgrade, is there a benefit to upgrading from the 8 GB ram to 16 GB ram?

Thanks in advance!

I have kind of the same situation: an iMac with lots of storage as my main computer, and a MacBook Air with a smaller SSD which is secondary. For what you're talking about (work documents and stuff) I think 256 is probably doable if you don't cache a lot of your Spotify playlists or accumulate a ton of media. And like @ApfelKuchen above says, you can always offload documents to iCloud or whatever if you need to.

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

There's not going to be an overall performance difference between a 256 GB SSD and a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD - read/write speeds, etc. will be the same.

The primary difference in performance would come when the hard drive is nearly full. When a drive is full/near-full it may lack the free storage space necessary to perform some tasks (as many tasks require the use of temporary "scratchpad" space). Some activities may bring the machine to a grinding halt, others (like automatically syncing with cloud storage) may not take place at all.

Basically, if you buy an overly-large HD you've spent more money than you need to. If you buy an under-sized HD then you may have to spend time cleaning house in order to have enough space to download and install an OS update. But there's a basic human tendency to allow a HD to fill up, no matter how large it is.

Many people double the storage capacity each time they buy a new computer. That way they can copy everything from the old machine and still have room to "grow" on the new machine. The question is, would it have been better to do some house cleaning rather than blindly copy everything?

The cost of SSD storage has always been higher than traditional magnetic HDD storage. In order to produce SSD-based computers at an acceptable price point, computer makers dialed-back on HD sizes. The first SSD-equipped MacBook Airs had 64 GB SSDs at a time when most people were buying laptops with 250 GB or larger HDDs. It was soon obvious just how impractical 64 GB was, and 128 GB soon became the minimum. 128 GB is still tight - there's not a lot of space left for data when the typical user needs at least 60 GB for OS and apps. Apple only recently switched to 256 GB SSD as the entry-level minimum.

I consider 256 GB manageable for most casual users. 512 GB has become fairly affordable, so if you can afford it, why not? 1 TB is sufficiently expensive that only people who know they need it should buy it (and no, "I don't want to house-clean" doesn't qualify as knowing they need 1 TB).

Cloud storage has become a substitute for large internal HDs (whether on iPhone/iPad or Mac) - all data is stored in the cloud, while the OS executes automated "optimize storage" techniques for traditional HD hogs like photos and the Documents and Desktops folders. The OS will monitor space on the HD and automatically remove photos and documents from the HD that have not been accessed in a while. Those infrequently-accessed items are then automatically downloaded from the cloud when they're needed.

Cloud storage can be cheaper than a large SSD, and by having photos and the Desktop and Documents folders in the cloud, they can also be accessed from other computers and mobile devices. Instead of having copies of all your stuff on all your devices, you have one copy in the cloud - perhaps 200 GB shared storage instead of paying for larger-sized storage capacities on each and every device.

This is an extremely informative and helpful explanation! Thank you very much for taking the time to respond! Makes it an easier decision, I'll definitely go for the 512 GB in that case. I do use cloud storage, but might as well ensure that I don't need to houseclean.

If you are going to upgrade the storage and RAM, might as well spend an extra $100 and get the 10th gen MBP on sale from Best Buy @ $1599.

I'm not sure I'd get any benefit from a MBP. Is there something I'm missing? My understanding is that it's mainly for power users.

Certainly a machine with more RAM and hard drive space will bring more back when reselling. But this will depend on what else is out there when you decide to sell. If you intend to keep the AIR more than 4 years I don't believe the resale value should be used as a buying criteria. I also agree that with cloud storage the amount physically present in the machine is less critical. The 16 GB would be my first choice. Not really necessary in an AIR but a nice to have choice.

I think I'll go for the 16 GB no matter what after reading a bit more about it, simply because I want this to keep running quickly.

I have kind of the same situation: an iMac with lots of storage as my main computer, and a MacBook Air with a smaller SSD which is secondary. For what you're talking about (work documents and stuff) I think 256 is probably doable if you don't cache a lot of your Spotify playlists or accumulate a ton of media. And like @ApfelKuchen above says, you can always offload documents to iCloud or whatever if you need to.

Great input, thank you! I think I'll end up doing the 512 GB just because it's quite inexpensive all things considered.

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

Even as a light user, I'd recommend upgrading both the hard drive as well as the Ram. Resale value will certainly be better.

As a general rule of thumb, you want your hard drive to have a minimum of 15% of its capacity free at all times in order for it to run efficiently. I think 250 fills up quickly, and you don't even have 250 available from when you first turn it on. I think 512 is a sweet spot for most people, but I don't think the 1tb is worth it unless you see yourself needing the additional internal storage.

With the 512 SSD and 16gb of Ram, it's a great machine and reselling it will certainly be easier as it can be a suitable machine for someone who intends to use it for more intensive tasks.

This is exactly what I'll do. Thank you very much!

 

[ignatius345]

Great input, thank you! I think I'll end up doing the 512 GB just because it's quite inexpensive all things considered.

Yeah, always nice to have breathing room! And as you say it may well make the machine more saleable and more useful for whoever owns it after you.

 

[ghanwani]

FWIW, when you trade in a machine through Apple's program, they ask about SSD size only. They don't adjust the price for processor or RAM upgrades.

 

[SkiHound2]

If you are going to upgrade the storage and RAM, might as well spend an extra $100 and get the 10th gen MBP on sale from Best Buy @ $1599.

I know I'm late here but that's what I'd do as well. It comes with 16gb ram and 512gb SSD. Much better cooling and a faster processor. To me, the Air is more of a tool for doing routine tasks that don't require much in terms of resources. The high end standard Air configuration is $1499 if you add ram. The Air is slightly lighter and some folks prefer the wedge shape when typing. But the difference between that $1499 Air and the $1599 (on sale at Best Buy) pro in terms of performance is pretty dramatic.

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

I know I'm late here but that's what I'd do as well. It comes with 16gb ram and 512gb SSD. Much better cooling and a faster processor. To me, the Air is more of a tool for doing routine tasks that don't require much in terms of resources. The high end standard Air configuration is $1499 if you add ram. The Air is slightly lighter and some folks prefer the wedge shape when typing. But the difference between that $1499 Air and the $1599 (on sale at Best Buy) pro in terms of performance is pretty dramatic.

I'd love to, however I live in Canada and unfortunately that sale isn't happening here.

However after playing around with an MBA for a couple days, I do think pro is the right move. I am not doing anything intensive with the air (using an i5, 256 gb one from costco), it is heating up noticeably doing zoom calls.

I know I'm late here but that's what I'd do as well. It comes with 16gb ram and 512gb SSD. Much better cooling and a faster processor. To me, the Air is more of a tool for doing routine tasks that don't require much in terms of resources. The high end standard Air configuration is $1499 if you add ram. The Air is slightly lighter and some folks prefer the wedge shape when typing. But the difference between that $1499 Air and the $1599 (on sale at Best Buy) pro in terms of performance is pretty dramatic.

This is GREAT information to know. Thank you! Definitely keeping this in mind.

 

[Bazza1]

More RAM is almost always useful, but much depends on how you use your notebook as to whether the added expense is worth it. If you're planning on using a lot of memory-intensive software, like Photos, iMovie, GarageBand and Chrome, or playback / streaming movies - especially when multi-tasking - constantly, then it might be worth the cost. If you're using it for basic internet, WP Suites, some light tweaks to the occasional photo and maybe a game or two, not so much.
8 GB RAM should suffice.

As far as storage is concerned, well, let's look at my Mac Air with 256 GB SSD: I've got 7800 documents, 4000 pictures, 2000 songs, 63 movies, plus OS and other software on it, and still have 150 GB free.

It's true I have an eternal drive where I keep stuff I don't access all that often (like I access everything on my Mac every day...🙄), but that hardly counts. And if you are - as you say - not using this as your primary computer, I just don't see the value in paying the additional.

Oh, and check out Apple's online Refurb store before you buy anything. Fully checked-out Macs at often a 15% discount, and that are treated as new. Eligible for AppleCare. Store stock always changing - https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

Just my 2¢ - which is cheaper than the Apple Tax.

 

[NewUsername]

I have a 128GB MacBook Air, but I have everything on iCloud. Is it doable? Yes… but I regret not paying extra for 256. I usually only have a few GB left, so every time I need to install a macOS update I need to manually delete iCloud downloads. And Boot Camp is not an option; I did that in the past but it’s basically undoable.

256GB is much better, and it’s good it’s the minimum now. For most people, it will be sufficient, but if it’s your primary device it is still not a lot (I only use my MacBook Air occasionally, my main device is an iMac). On a desktop, you can just attach an external drive, but on a laptop that’s a lot less convenient.

If your budget is tight, go for 256, but if you have the money, go for 512.

1TB is mainly useful if you really don’t want an external drive for basically anything. And more than 1TB is expensive, not worth it for 99% of the people.

Memory: I think 8GB is still fine for almost everyone in 2020. But we are seeing the switch to 16GB as a minimum; after all, 8GB is hardly more RAM than an iPhone has. You need to pay 200$ extra for 16GB, which might not be worth it right now, but if you plan to use your computer for a few years it will definitely improve longevity a lot. I find it difficult to recommend 8GB in 2020 for a new computer with non-upgradable RAM. But if your budget is tight, you should be fine with 8GB for the foreseeable future if you don’t do very RAM-intensive things.

CPU: is up to you. The i5 and i7 upgrades are relatively cheap, and the i5 upgrade in particular seems to give a huge boost in performance. But: I’ve also read that those improvements are just on paper and in practice you’ll mostly notice the heat and fan noice. I don’t know what to say about that because I never used the 2020 models. Personally, I would go for the i5. But the i3 will probably be fine as well.

Edit: also, don't forget about Apple's switch to Apple Silicon. If you don't need a MacBook Air right now, it might be better to wait for an AS MacBook Air. But we still know absolutely nothing about release date, specs, and price, so it's difficult to give advice on that.

 

[Isamilis]

Basic model now is 256gb, which should be sufficient for light users. You can extend to icloud / other cloud storage especially for important files.

 

[jazz1]

I’ve always wondered if using the iCloud storage would bring back photos, and documents back to the cloud after the user was done editing. Regardless, I go for the 512GB. Apple upgrades aren’t cheap of course.

I join the others that suggest waiting for the ARM Apple laptop. I am waiting as I lament over my 12” MacBook that is ”to expensive to fix” due to dead battery, and liquid damage courtesy of my kid. I will certainly be looking for 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.