MBA M2 SSD choice and Thuunderbolt Adapter

[Skint02001]

I will be buying a new MBA M2 as my old laptop is 6 years old and has a few issues.
I won't be doing gaming nor video, so nothing too demanding but I do want to keep my machine for years.

QUESTION 1:
Regarding the SSD, I heard about the slow 256gb SSD vs the 512.
Should I get the 512gb directly (with 10 core) or should I get the 256gb (8 core) and select the 512gb as an upgrade (comes cheaper, faster SSD but 8 cores vs 10).

QUESTION 2:
I like to connect my laptop to an external monitor for extended display and more comfort, my current monitor is old but still works great, it has VGA, DVI and HDMI connectivity.
I believe HDMI is the best out of all 3 but I do NOT have any thunderbolt adapters.
I would also need to occasionally plug in USB external drives.
WHICH / WHAT adapter or accessory do I need to be able to connect to my external monitor and occasionally use USB devices?

Thank you

 

[BanditoB]

As to question no. 1: The 8-core GPU option, as you said, would be a bit cheaper than the uprade to the better SOC. That being said, there really is no need to upgrade to the 512 GB SSD if you’re just using the system for normal day-to-day activities. The slower speed, in the 1,500 GB/sec is still a fast SSD and for most activities it won’t cause issues for the user experience. I think that all the hype about this is quite overblown. Apple doesn’t guarantee the SSD speed, but generally try to provide an excellent user experience with their hardware and software and the M2 is set to deliver this regardless of the SSD‘s speed.

Question no. 2: You will need one cable and one adapter. You will want to find a USB-C to HDMI cable to attach your monitor to the MacBook Air.

Here’s an example: https://www.amazon.com/JSAUX-Thunde...refix=usb-c+to+hdmi+cable,aps,124&sr=8-8&th=1

For your older USB-A devices you’ll want a USB-C to USB-A adapter like the one Apple sells.

Enjoy!