MacBook Pro Retina 8 vs 16 RAM

[TTyylleerr]

Im sure everyone is tired of questions like this but here goes

I'm a student in my final year of College, which is primarily what I'm buying this computer for. Business courses, so nothing crazy intensive in terms of computer usage.

Anyway, I generally will use it for web browsing (8-10 tabs), checking email school projects in MS word or PowerPoint, light gaming, etc

The most intensive use-case will probably be 8-10 tabs in Safari, iTunes, plus 8-10 tabs in chrome running under windows 7 in paralles, a few MS word documents, and a PowerPoint or two, and a couple email clients all at once.

I plan on keeping this computer for three years, I'll likely sell it when after that point. I'm not overly concerned about resale value

For the above scenario, will 8 gigs suffice?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[eric/]

Im sure everyone is tired of questions like this but here goes

I'm a student in my final year of College, which is primarily what I'm buying this computer for. Business courses, so nothing crazy intensive in terms of computer usage.

Anyway, I generally will use it for web browsing (8-10 tabs), checking email school projects in MS word or PowerPoint, light gaming, etc

The most intensive use-case will probably be 8-10 tabs in Safari, iTunes, plus 8-10 tabs in chrome running under windows 7 in paralles, a few MS word documents, and a PowerPoint or two, and a couple email clients all at once.

I plan on keeping this computer for three years, I'll likely sell it when after that point. I'm not overly concerned about resale value

For the above scenario, will 8 gigs suffice?

Thanks for any advice.

I do that with 4gb on my MBA, you'll be fine.

 

[randomhkkid]

Im sure everyone is tired of questions like this but here goes

I'm a student in my final year of College, which is primarily what I'm buying this computer for. Business courses, so nothing crazy intensive in terms of computer usage.

Anyway, I generally will use it for web browsing (8-10 tabs), checking email school projects in MS word or PowerPoint, light gaming, etc

The most intensive use-case will probably be 8-10 tabs in Safari, iTunes, plus 8-10 tabs in chrome running under windows 7 in paralles, a few MS word documents, and a PowerPoint or two, and a couple email clients all at once.

I plan on keeping this computer for three years, I'll likely sell it when after that point. I'm not overly concerned about resale value

For the above scenario, will 8 gigs suffice?

Thanks for any advice.

8gigs will be plenty, 16gb will only really benefit if you are doing large photo editing or video production.

 

[Vantage Point]

8gigs will be plenty, 16gb will only really benefit if you are doing large photo editing or video production.

Exactly!!!

 

[calaverasgrande]

from what I understand the ram in the MBP Retina is not upgradeable. It's soldered on the mainboard. So I would go with the max configuration if you expect to be using this laptop in a few years.
At least that is my plan when I get around to ordering one.

 

[bigjnyc]

from what I understand the ram in the MBP Retina is not upgradeable. It's soldered on the mainboard. So I would go with the max configuration if you expect to be using this laptop in a few years.
At least that is my plan when I get around to ordering one.

I agree, being that you can't upgrade I would go with the max you can get. That is of course if you can afford it.

 

[TTyylleerr]

Thank you all for your replies.

I ended up calling Apple again to update from 8 to 16 gigs. With the student discount, it's only $180. Doubtful ill need the extra, but it will be nice with Parallels, give me peace of mind, and assure I won't have any RAM problems in the future.

Plus the Apple rep offered to send me a Super Drive free of charge, which made my day.

Unfortunately the delivery is now another week out, being July 19th to 25th, and I go on holidays on the 24th. Oh well

 

[wiznet]

Thank you all for your replies.

I ended up calling Apple again to update from 8 to 16 gigs. With the student discount, it's only $180. Doubtful ill need the extra, but it will be nice with Parallels, give me peace of mind, and assure I won't have any RAM problems in the future.

Plus the Apple rep offered to send me a Super Drive free of charge, which made my day.

Unfortunately the delivery is now another week out, being July 19th to 25th, and I go on holidays on the 24th. Oh well

I did the same. It'll be worth it in the end, especially in promoting the longevity of the device... you might not need the extra 8 now, but you might a few years down the road!