Refurb M1 MacBook Air - 8GB Enough in 2022?

[Yebubbleman]

More than enough. I think techy people forget that normal people do normal things on computers. Somehow many think you can't open more than one Chrome tab without at least a M1 Max MacBook Pro with 32 GB of RAM 🤣.

I think non-techy people forget that RAM requirements change over time and that you can't upgrade RAM after the fact. 🙄

Also...huge difference in terms of price between an M1 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and an M1 Max MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM. Those of us who know how computers work aren't advising that level of overkill. Just a $200 upgrade to prolong the life of your already $1000 computer by two-ish years. A bargain, if you really stop to think about it.

 

[russell_314]

I think non-techy people forget that RAM requirements change over time and that you can't upgrade RAM after the fact. 🙄

Also...huge difference in terms of price between an M1 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and an M1 Max MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM. Those of us who know how computers work aren't advising that level of overkill. Just a $200 upgrade to prolong the life of your already $1000 computer by two-ish years. A bargain, if you really stop to think about it.

8 GB of RAM will still be plenty for light use for the entire supported lifespan of the Mac. That's why I said it was it was more than enough. More than enough will become just enough towards the end of it's life. It's amazing how that works. Of course if you want to spend an extra $200 then by all means I'm sure Apple wouldn't mind.

 

[h.gilbert]

I think 8GB would be plenty enough for her needs. I'm still on a 2016 machine with 8GB and it has been fine for browsing, spreadsheet work and even browser based games and Final Cut Pro.

 

[moro30]

I think you have to take it at least with 16GB of ram, but the 24GB cut would be more suitable, to have a much wider longevity of use

 

[VaruLV]

I think you have to take it at least with 16GB of ram, but the 24GB cut would be more suitable, to have a much wider longevity of use

If she intends to keep it for 10 years and watch 8+K HDR Netflix shows on it(regarding 24GB of RAM).

 

[Technerd108]

It really depends on use case doesn't it and future ram requirements of MacOS.

However I really don't think 8 gb base models are going away at least for a few years. I am sure Apple understands a lot of their user base buys base model Macs and they are not going to make their experience terrible because it would kill off a lot of sales.

So if the person the OP is asking about just uses basic tasks like office documents, email and light web browsing on doesn't really multi task or have 20 tabs open in Chrome they should be fine.

RAM is important but CPU is more important. I would buy a base model m2 air over an m1 with 16gb ram. But if they can wait until next year the new M3 MBA should have M3 chip on 3nm which should be a significant upgrade from m1 and m2. If they need a laptop now an m2 air base model on sale should serve them better and last longer than a base m1 mba.

 

[EugW]

It really depends on use case doesn't it and future ram requirements of MacOS.

However I really don't think 8 gb base models are going away at least for a few years. I am sure Apple understands a lot of their user base buys base model Macs and they are not going to make their experience terrible because it would kill off a lot of sales.

So if the person the OP is asking about just uses basic tasks like office documents, email and light web browsing on doesn't really multi task or have 20 tabs open in Chrome they should be fine.

RAM is important but CPU is more important. I would buy a base model m2 air over an m1 with 16gb ram. But if they can wait until next year the new M3 MBA should have M3 chip on 3nm which should be a significant upgrade from m1 and m2. If they need a laptop now an m2 air base model on sale should serve them better and last longer than a base m1 mba.

While I agree that 8 GB is actually OK is for most people, Apple sometimes keeps shipping machines with low RAM amounts for too long IMO. In 2014 Apple still shipped 4 GB machines and many thought that was too little even back then, and perhaps it should have been at least 6 GB. Yes, 4 GB would work for entry level, but 4 GB in 2014 was IMO worse than 8 GB is in 2022.

As for the CPUs, I think the main advantages of M2 over M1 are these three aspects:

1. M2 offers the 24 GB option. M1 is limited to 16 GB maximum. However, this is not the discussion here since we're talking about 8 vs 16 GB.

2. M2 offers hardware ProRes acceleration. M1 does not.

3. M2 machines will get macOS support for longer.

However, I don't think M2 is inherently better for most people (ie. those who don't need ProRes or 24 GB RAM). The reason it is better is because Apple cuts off macOS support based on age of machine. In terms of CPU performance, M1 will likely be more than fast enough in 4 years, but it will likely no longer get full macOS updates at that time. As for M3, I would be a little surprised if it gets released before 2024.

To put it another way, IF #3 weren't a real factor, for a laptop I'd choose a 16 GB M1 MBA over an 8 GB M2. In fact, historically I've noticed that with my usage, I've run into memory limitations before I've run into CPU/GPU limitations.

 

[Technerd108]

While I agree that 8 GB is actually OK is for most people, Apple sometimes keeps shipping machines with low RAM amounts for too long IMO. In 2014 Apple still shipped 4 GB machines and many thought that was too little even back then, and perhaps it should have been at least 6 GB. Yes, 4 GB would work for entry level, but 4 GB in 2014 was IMO worse than 8 GB is in 2022.

As for the CPUs, I think the main advantages of M2 over M1 are these three aspects:

1. M2 offers the 24 GB option. M1 is limited to 16 GB maximum. However, this is not the discussion here since we're talking about 8 vs 16 GB.

2. M2 offers hardware ProRes acceleration. M1 does not.

3. M2 machines will get macOS support for longer.

However, I don't think M2 is inherently better for most people (ie. those who don't need ProRes or 24 GB RAM). The reason it is better is because Apple cuts off macOS support based on age of machine. In terms of CPU performance, M1 will likely be more than fast enough in 4 years, but it will likely no longer get full macOS updates at that time. As for M3, I would be a little surprised if it gets released before 2024.

To put it another way, IF #3 weren't a real factor, for a laptop I'd choose a 16 GB M1 MBA over an 8 GB M2. In fact, historically I've noticed that with my usage, I've run into memory limitations before I've run into CPU/GPU limitations.

I would agree with most of your post except M2 also has better GPU, better efficiency cores and higher single core score.

The higher single core score makes a difference in a lot of things a simple user would do and web browsing. The better gpu will also help overall performance long term. The efficiency cores boost overall performance and battery life.

So I think the M2 has a number of significant advantages over M1 plus what you mentioned.

 

[EugW]

I would agree with most of your post except M2 also has better GPU, better efficiency cores and higher single core score.

The higher single core score makes a difference in a lot of things a simple user would do and web browsing. The better gpu will also help overall performance long term. The efficiency cores boost overall performance and battery life.

So I think the M2 has a number of significant advantages over M1 plus what you mentioned.

Nah. For most people it's pretty much irrelevant. Diminishing returns. M1 is already so fast and efficient, it's outpacing i7s and i9s of a couple of years ago. M1 also runs cooler.

 

[Technerd108]

Nah. For most people it's pretty much irrelevant. Diminishing returns. M1 is already so fast and efficient, it's outpacing i7s and i9s of a couple of years ago. M1 also runs cooler.

Both M1 and M2 have similar heat profiles. M2 doesn't slow or heat up unless under conditions you would never use an air for anyway.

I don't agree it is irrelevant since a lot of people do some photo editing and light creative tasks I think the better GPU is significant.

The higher clock speeds are relevant now and certainly into the future not to mention the m2 MBA has Magsafe and slimmer bezels which might be more important than performance to a lot of average consumers.

Of course both are on sale in USA and for $799 for the M1 it is hard to argue against it at that price. The M2 is $250 more for brighter and larger screen, magsafe, new design and slightly faster cpu.

I agree the M1 will perform well for a lot of people for several years.

 

[TailsToo]

Hey Everyone,

As the subject states, I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a refurb M1 MBA with 8GB of Ram for my wife. She will mainly use the laptop for basic stuff (surfing, music, email, Netflix, etc.).

Question:
I wanted to find out if 8GB is enough for her? I've seen mixed reports that say that for 'normal' usage, people should really try and grab a 16GB model if possible.

Thanks in advance to everyone for your time and help, it is greatly appreciated!

I used to by the lowest spec model and upgrade over time. Now, you can’t do that anymore so to future proof, you should buy the most RAM and SSD space you can.

 

[TailsToo]

16GB should probably be the base in 2022.

 

[Likeaboss7]

Good way to see current ram usage is when using your Mac in your normal usage pattern to open the Activity Monitor app and click on the memory tab. Will tell you how much ram currently using with your work flow pattern. Have yet to see that I surpassed my 8gb ram and I have a lot of stuff open at once.

 

[VaruLV]

16GB should probably be the base in 2022.

This and 512GB SSD, regardless of how well 8/256GB Mac's are supposed to perform for basic tasks in a year or two.
Apple just being Apple, its how they got to be trillion+ dollar company with billions of cash taking up space in banks without any good use for it.

 

[Bodhitree]

8 GB is fine for your kind of use. I ended up spec'ing 16 GB for my M1 iMac and so far have not gotten out of the green in memory pressure despite playing a bit with Unity 3D and a few other more heavyweight apps.

 

[3401122]

Hmmm... Well... That might be a decent deal in other countries, but in the US, you can get those brand new for US$799.

It seems he checked it personally and said "lightly used", so if it was in pristine conditions with few battery cycles, I would put those 100$ back in my pocket.
On the long term lifespan is going to be exactly the same, especially if wife needs basic things.

 

[Donfor39]

While I agree that 8 GB is actually OK is for most people, Apple sometimes keeps shipping machines with low RAM amounts for too long IMO. In 2014 Apple still shipped 4 GB machines and many thought that was too little even back then, and perhaps it should have been at least 6 GB. Yes, 4 GB would work for entry level, but 4 GB in 2014 was IMO worse than 8 GB is in 2022.

As for the CPUs, I think the main advantages of M2 over M1 are these three aspects:


2. M2 offers hardware ProRes acceleration. M1 does not.

3. M2 machines will get macOS support for longer.

Pre Purchase decision.
I have decided 8 gb ram is enough for my home needs.
From your 2nd point, is 256gb ssd going to be enough to enjoy short Pro Res Editing.
(which matches iPhone 14 Pro 256gb.

thanks

 

[EugW]

Pre Purchase decision.
I have decided 8 gb ram is enough for my home needs.
From your 2nd point, is 256gb ssd going to be enough to enjoy short Pro Res Editing.
(which matches iPhone 14 Pro 256gb.

I'm not sure what short ProRes editing will mean, but honestly, I'd recommend a 16 GB / 512 GB machine for you. Plus, the 512 GB model will be faster. The 256 GB M2 MacBook Air only has 1 SSD chip, which means it runs at half the speed of the 512 GB model. That might be OK for speed actually, but I'd still go for 512 GB.

Apple says the 10-bit 4K ProRes video from the iPhone is roughly 6 GB per minute. So, just 10 minutes is 60 GB.

 

[Donfor39]

I'm not sure what short ProRes editing will mean, but honestly, I'd recommend a 16 GB / 512 GB machine for you. Plus, the 512 GB model will be faster. The 256 GB M2 MacBook Air only has 1 SSD chip, which means it runs at half the speed of the 512 GB model. That might be OK for speed actually, but I'd still go for 512 GB.

Apple says the 10-bit 4K ProRes video from the iPhone is roughly 6 GB per minute. So, just 10 minutes is 60 GB.

Thanks only used 'short' description as I've only started using Pro Res over a few minutes.
Need to re check if Final Cut trial is still live.
I'll consider 512 gb SSD, didn't know of half speed info.

Thanks

 

[Boidem]

More than enough. I think techy people forget that normal people do normal things on computers. Somehow many think you can't open more than one Chrome tab without at least a M1 Max MacBook Pro with 32 GB of RAM 🤣.

Innit doh! I know plenty of people using less than 4Gb, and doing ok. Techy types just automatically think 'moar powr!', without considering what others actually do with their computers. I know 2 people using M1 MBAs with just 8Gb, both are doing fine. One is a techynerd at Cambridge studying Computer Stuff, so...

 

[StoneJack]

I went from 16GB M1 Air to 8GB M2 Air. I found absolutely no difference in my everyday work, which is office apps, Microsoft Teams, calls, word processing, etc. I like a slightly bigger M2 Air screen though. I found that it is slightly more difficult to sell customized M1 Air (mine had 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD), so I just this time bought a fully standard 8/256 M2 Air.

 

[Mrbobb]

Another "surfing" user here. Trying to make the same decision.

Got an actual long-term experience, still on my 2011 Air 4 Gig and never cursed not buying the 8G machine from the get go, BUT the machine has SLOWED down. The machine doesn't slow down but the UPDATED BROWSERS ask the same hardware to do more-and-more over time, sometimes my browser FREEZES up. New machines always feel fast until they throw more bloated software at you.

Having said that, I still don't know whether to go 8 or 16 for 2022. For you, am thinking if the laptop is gonna stay with you for 5 years or less, 8G maybe suffice, but if going the distance, perhaps 16G.

 

[A4orce84]

I appreciate all the discussion points everyone. To be clear, I purchased an 8GB model a few weeks ago for my wife.

Thank you everyone for your time and help, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[Ethosik]

8 GB is good enough for some 4k editing and photoshop work. So it will be fine for basic needs too.

 

[StoneJack]

8 GB is good enough for some 4k editing and photoshop work. So it will be fine for basic needs too.

yes, if 8GB is enough for video editing, it is more than enough for light browsing and wordprocessing. Which is what I do on my MBA m2. After using various models of cars and computers, I understood one thing clearly - any company wants to upsell so they will offer more RAM, storage and for cars, larger engines or whatever things. But for general usage - the base configuration always wins in terms of performance for budget. So I am using Word and Outlook on 8GB and my mail doesn't fly slower because of 8GB 🙂 and my SUV has 2.7l motor, not 4L, and I am driving just fine 🙂