Should I return a base 2012 13" 128 GB for a 256GB model?

[ducatiti]

I was able to purchase a new base 2012 13" with 128GB for only $999 from Best Buy. Well they have the 256GB model now for $1324 (75 off + 100 with student discount). I mostly just edit photos and videos via Aperture and Final Cut Pro. I am currently storing my 80GB iPhoto library on my network drive.

Now would it be wise to spend an additional $325+ just to upgrade to a 256GB SSD? One advantage maybe is that I may be receiving a Samsung SSD. Also a BTO 8GB is of ram is out of the question since I wouldn't be able to avail a similar discount as Bestbuy's.

 

[mertyz]

Did you consider using an SD card? You could get more storage with SD cards for $325 but obviously it wouldn't be as fast.

 

[dcorban]

$325 for 128GB more storage is madness unless you literally need 200+GB worth of data accessible at all times. You can buy a SanDisk 64GB card for $80 or less at retail. I bought a 32GB SanDisk class 6 card for $25.

I'm not saying 256GB is not useful. I'm saying that paying 33% more for the MacBook is a bad value.

 

[Gamrpro]

I would if I had the money. Today I had 500MB left on my 128GB SSD! I really need an external HD lol.

 

[gametime10]

Another option is to get the an 240GB SSD Upgrade from OWC for $299:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Aura_Pro_Air_2012

You can then keep the 128GB SSD as an external drive, or try to sell it on eBay, along w/ the free enclosure.

 

[tiwizard]

I would also agree with gametime10. The OWC SSD would be the same price and you should be able to sell off your old 128 GB SSD (or keep it for extremely fast external storage).

Obviously, you would have to install it yourself and I'm not 100% sure if PowerNap works with the OWC SSDs, so you'd have to check on that.

Alternatively, you could pretty cheaply buy an external HDD if you don't mind carrying one around or only having access to those files at home/your office. You can also try and use cloud services to cut down on the stored data on your machine, though you would need internet access to get those files.

More info on saving HDD space.

 

[whoknows87]

I was able to purchase a new base 2012 13" with 128GB for only $999 from Best Buy. Well they have the 256GB model now for $1324 (75 off + 100 with student discount). I mostly just edit photos and videos via Aperture and Final Cut Pro. I am currently storing my 80GB iPhoto library on my network drive.

Now would it be wise to spend an additional $325+ just to upgrade to a 256GB SSD? One advantage maybe is that I may be receiving a Samsung SSD. Also a BTO 8GB is of ram is out of the question since I wouldn't be able to avail a similar discount as Bestbuy's.

325 no, just get an external anywhere from 320GB-750GB , put it in enclosure and you are set, a regular HD would cost you what? 50-100 bucks better than spending the 325 since you already bought the laptop , if you really want the up model then go for it, just keep in mind new refreshment out the laptop will lose value like a car that just left the lot

 

[ducatiti]

325 no, just get an external anywhere from 320GB-750GB , put it in enclosure and you are set, a regular HD would cost you what? 50-100 bucks better than spending the 325 since you already bought the laptop , if you really want the up model then go for it, just keep in mind new refreshment out the laptop will lose value like a car that just left the lot

Good advises guys. Appreciate your comments. I have lots of 2.5 hard drives lying around the house. I might just purchase USB 3.0 HD enclosures and wait for the aftermarket SSD prices to drop, or wait for the Haswell rMBP update. Thanks!

 

[iAppl3Fan]

You'll positively will get a samsung SSD for the 256 capacity. If you don't need it, just use an external drive.

 

[stchman]

I was able to purchase a new base 2012 13" with 128GB for only $999 from Best Buy. Well they have the 256GB model now for $1324 (75 off + 100 with student discount). I mostly just edit photos and videos via Aperture and Final Cut Pro. I am currently storing my 80GB iPhoto library on my network drive.

Now would it be wise to spend an additional $325+ just to upgrade to a 256GB SSD? One advantage maybe is that I may be receiving a Samsung SSD. Also a BTO 8GB is of ram is out of the question since I wouldn't be able to avail a similar discount as Bestbuy's.

I did. I sold my base MBA and got an i7/8GB/256GB SSD.

 

[TimeWaster101]

I did. I sold my base MBA and got an i7/8GB/256GB SSD.

Where did you buy yours? Trying to find the best deal possible on that exact setup. THanks

 

[stchman]

Where did you buy yours? Trying to find the best deal possible on that exact setup. THanks

Macmall.com, they offer BTO Macs as well. They also give free shipping and no sales tax.

 

[tiwizard]

Macmall.com, they offer BTO Macs as well. They also give free shipping and no sales tax.

I've recently been buying all of my Macs from them because of the no-tax in my state. Also, check on Apple Insider-- they offer an additional 3% off of MacMall.