New Macbook Pro memory and storage options

[eedoxies]

Currently using an old MacBook Pro. The battery is bad, I mostly use it plugged in. As of yesterday, have developed colored vertical lines across display and must now use laptop hooked up to TV (where lines don't appear). I did not want to put a battery in and certainly can't justify a new display so looking at new M1 MacBook Pros. Thought by upgrading from 8 GB to 16 and bumping storage up to the 512 option would future proof my purchase. However, that configuration will not be delivered until 12/30. Not sure if I can continue to use current device - if lines worsen won't be able to see where to sign in, etc... Perhaps should consider the 8GB/512 option - any recommendations/thoughts - thank you in advance.

 

[mikethebigo]

If you need something now and have the cash to spare, the Apple Store stocks a hidden third configuration at the physical stores, of 16 GB and 1 TB drive. They usually sell out quick, but you can always check for stock by going to the Apple site, selecting those options (start with the $1,499 MBP and change the RAM and SSD to the right options) and then clicking "check other stores" under in store pickup. Usually store inventory updates around 6-7 AM so that's a good time to check for one in stock nearby. If you see it, buy it quick, and then go pick it up.

In order to answer if 8 GB is good enough for you, we'd need to know a little more about what you do on your computer.

 

[brianmowrey]

Whether the 16GB upgrade is and will be impactful for low/medium -end use will be anyone's guess for a few years. At the moment, plenty of 8GB users/reviewers seem tickled at how the M1 essentially simulates limitless memory via superfast swap. If such great performance only improves through future OS upgrades, as more apps go native, then the 16GB upgrade is essentially a trap to pump up Apple's revenues (if any usage that can tax the 8GB will tax the 16GB as well, so there's no benefit).

You can buy an 8GB and try it out for a week, return it in favor of an upgrade if it feels cramped.

 

[mikethebigo]

Whether the 16GB upgrade is and will be impactful for low/medium -end use will be anyone's guess for a few years. At the moment, plenty of 8GB users/reviewers seem tickled at how the M1 essentially simulates limitless memory via superfast swap. If such great performance only improves through future OS upgrades, as more apps go native, then the 16GB upgrade is essentially a trap to pump up Apple's revenues (if any usage that can tax the 8GB will tax the 16GB as well, so there's no benefit).

You can buy an 8GB and try it out for a week, return it in favor of an upgrade if it feels cramped.

The OS might continue to get optimized over time but program file sizes continue to grow, as do website sizes. Ask yourself this, why isn’t 4 GB of RAM enough swap is so fast? I mean that’s barely enough on a phone that spends half its time force purging apps in the background.

Truth is as program complexity and media fidelity increases data sizes increase too. I can see the argument that 8 GB is okay for the moment, but I do not see the argument that RAM needs will somehow decrease over time instead of increase.

 

[brianmowrey]

The OS might continue to get optimized over time but program file sizes continue to grow, as do website sizes. Ask yourself this, why isn’t 4 GB of RAM enough swap is so fast?

It may well be. But even if it's not, the "simulation" of limitless memory can plausibly require 8 but not benefit from 16. If you hire one hundred genius assistants to move every potential document you will ever need on and off of your desk instantly, you no longer need everything on your desk at once but still need a certain size desk to do tasks. That's conjecture. But we can't infer with certitude that 8 isn't enough just because it's a lot more than 4.

 

[mikethebigo]

It may well be. But even if it's not, the "simulation" of limitless memory can plausibly require 8 but not benefit from 16. If you hire one hundred genius assistants to move every potential document you will ever need on and off of your desk instantly, you no longer need everything on your desk at once but still need a certain size desk to do tasks. That's conjecture. But we can't infer with certitude that 8 isn't enough just because it's a lot more than 4.

Yep so increasing file complexity means the documents are getting larger and the desk space is remaining the same, until you can’t keep all the documents you need on the one desk at the same time, and then extra genius assistants can’t even help even though they’re available because every assistant is sharing the one desk.

I’m just saying this is Bill Gates 640k kind of thinking and it’s been proven inaccurate many times in the past.

 

[moldy lunchbox]

You can buy an 8GB and try it out for a week, return it in favor of an upgrade if it feels cramped.

Purchases made as of Black Friday are within the extended return period upto Jan 8, 2021. I bought a M1 MBP with 8GB and changed my mind for a 16GB model. I'll be keeping the 8GB one until the new computer arrives Dec 23 then likely play with them both for a few days before returning the first.

 

[eedoxies]

Appreciate responses everyone. The 16 GB/512 storage delivery date has moved up from Dec 30 to Dec 23.
Not a heavy user, just thought the 16 GB would help to future proof machine.
Whatever I decide it will be nice to have a new macbook - it has been a long time and anything will be a pleasant upgrade.