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MBA - 4GB vs 2GB - How important really?
- Thread starter netdog
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I agree. If Apple includes 4Gb of RAM with the humble entry level 2.4Ghz 13 inch MBP, one wonders why the couldn't have done the same with the MBA. The silver lining to this cloud, though, is that Apple charges only $100 to upgrade the MBA from 2Gb of RAM to 4.
I fully understand the value of $100 and when looked at in isolation it is a lot of money; however, if you look at it over the life of the machine**, which having the extra RAM can arguably extend, its around the cost of one good cup of coffee per month.
If you are happy with the specs of the 11" Air then buying it and upgrading the RAM does make good financial sense.
** Assuming my needs haven't drastically changed, my average upgrade cycle is 2 years
This is the fear I am talking about.
As I can recall, 512MB users demanded that 1GB should be the norm for computers. Time went by, then 2GB was the norm. Even my Mac Pro '08 came with a 2GB; it did not perform any less, now that I have 18GB of ram, I care less actually. Ooh you might think thats way too much RAM but look again.
Now 4GB is the norm to make 2GB of ram seem incapable. In two years 8GB of RAM will be the norm and 4GB seems low.
The same happend to the iPad. Everyone's was expecting of a 512MB RAM instead of 256MB. It does not perform any less. Why did you guys not complain iPad not having 1GB or 2GB. You will in the future.
With the ever increasing speed of SSD, RAM in the future will be irrelevant as RAM=SSD.
Actually, the frequent reloading of browser tabs on the iPad is its most common complaint and that is specifically because of RAM issues.
Is this from True Romance? haha I am also stuck on whether to go for the stock or upgrade the ram...
But it won't happen on the Air, because they tabs just get cached on the SSD. Also, download iCab Mobile. Way way better than mobile Safari.
I was specifically referring to the iPad because that's what the person I was replying to specifically mentioned.
My guess is because they can hit 4GB on the 13-inch MBP using 2 2GB modules. Perhaps the MBA has only a single RAM slot?
The early word seems to be that the new MBA's memory is not user upgradeable, just like the old one. This leads one to suspect that even the additional 2Gb will be soldered, just like the original. This is just one more reason why I am going to hold off on buying the new MBA until the technical press and posters here learn more about it and explain them to us.
It is NOT user replaceable, although the SSD is.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-Model-A1370-Teardown/3745/1
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-Model-A1370-Teardown/3745/1
It is if you assume the price is $100 more than what's listed on Apple's site. There really is no difference between a 999 Air with the BTO upgrade and an 1100 Air that comes with 4GB RAM.
Majority of MBA users don't need 4GB. Even some of those who think they do are really just lost in numbers hype.
That said, I would upgrade to 4GB myself.
That said, I would upgrade to 4GB myself.
That's the 11 inch model. I seem to remember seeing somewhere that the 13 inch model could have the 2Gb of extra RAM added in an Apple Store, although the additional RAM has to be added to the 11 inch model at the factory. If so, then there is apparently a method to do it on the 13 inch model without soldering. Time will tell, I guess.