So, 2gb or 4gb??

[gdeputy]

Knowing the MBA can't be upgraded after a purchase what do you guys think?

I want a nice portable light laptop and although I like the MBP, it's bulkier and also due for an update. Also, much pricier than the MBA

Do you guys think 2gb will cut it? Seems like 4 is standard in this day and age

 

[jav6454]

.... 4 is standard in this day and age

'nuff said.

 

[dmelgar]

4

 

[teski]

Have you run a search? There are a lot of threads on this. You've said it yourself that 4GB is the standard these days and you can't do it later. But of course, you haven't mentioned anything you do with your machines.

 

[alust2013]

Also, much pricier than the MBA

The 13" MBP is significantly cheaper than the MBA of comparable spec.

 

[teski]

The 13" MBP is significantly cheaper than the MBA of comparable spec.

Not true. Add the solid state drive and you are paying more.

 

[alust2013]

Not true. Add the solid state drive and you are paying more.

That is true. Although you can get a 256GB SSD that is better than Apple's for way less than $800

 

[The Final Cut]

I got the 4gb, rather waste 100, than 1000 in case it lags or stutters

 

[teski]

That is true. Although you can get a 256GB SSD that is better than Apple's for way less than $800

Fair enough.

 

[spacepower7]

I can't believe Apple sells the 13" without 4GB standard, for $1299 in 2010. It's a classic upsell.

Shame on Steve.

 

[The Viking]

I don't get tired of saying it: 4. I use 1.5-2GB in extremely light use (mail, web, iTunes). Just because the iPad can get away with 256MB doesn't mean OS X can thrive with 2GB. $100 and some patience buys you the headroom that should have been included out of the box.

 

[Spyharpy]

For $100 more, it's a no brainer. If you plan on keeping it for a long time or may run more demanding software, you're prepared.

Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

 

[halledise]

****t

I can't believe Apple sells the 13" without 4GB standard, for $1299 in 2010. It's a classic upsell.

Shame on Steve.

you are kidding surely.

if you want cheap, buy a pee.cee
if you want quality, buy a Mac

MBPro 4gb memory $1199
MBAir 4gb memory $1399

not everyone requires 4 gb - some are content with 2 gb + flash storage

what's your problem

 

[iEdd]

I've never found 2 or 4 gram-bits to be useful as memory.

 

[hcho3]

Mac book air has by far the best screen with high resolution for laptop at this size. Uare paying for their choice of materials and brand. So stop whining.

 

[darngooddesign]

I can't believe Apple sells the 13" without 4GB standard, for $1299 in 2010. It's a classic upsell.

Shame on Steve.

So would you rather it cost 1299 +100, or 1399 but come with 4GB standard?

 

[silverblack]

If you bother reading the 50 other threads on the exact same topic, you'll find:

Those who bought the 2 GB model found it absolutely sufficient, the FS is so fast that they never felt a lag when the MBA utilize vm.

Those who bought the 4 GB model only have one thing to say, future proof. In other words, merely for their piece of mind.

 

[maflynn]

If for nothing else, peace of mind. I'd opt for the 4gb. You'll be wondering if you made the right decision when ever you notice your laptop slowing down for what ever reason.

 

[uniforms]

I speak from experience! I bought the 13" MBA 2g ram, 256 flash. I use filemaker Pro most of the time. I found the 2g of ram slow and lacking. I traded it in for the ultimate and it's FAST! No lag time at all. Then I decided I had to have the 11". I bought the 2g with 128 flash from Best Buy. I thought maybe, just maybe it would be different. It was worst than the 13. I then went to Apple and bought the 11" ultimate. Same result as the 13. Much faster and not the lag time using the 11. I will say that after using both I am thinking I made a mistake with the 11. I really love having the screen real estate and longer battery life without that much more weight. Good luck, but do go with the 4...without question or regret.

 

[foidulus]

Used value

Think of it this way, if you get the 4 your MBA will almost certainly be worth 100 mire when you go to sell it. It's essentially a "free" upgrade.

 

[ghostwriter]

The rule has always been, "buy as much RAM as you can afford".

 

[0007776]

If you can afford it go with the 4GB unless you are planning on replacing the computer after 1 or two years. 2GB is fine for now, but it won't be for long.

 

[nightfly13]

2GB only for light use (secondary machine)

I've wanted a MBA for years, but the former 2GB limitation always stood in the way, even 2 years ago. However, if this was really just for light usage (ie. no photo/video editing or heavy multi-tasking) then it's not foolishness to buy the 2GB model.... but if you're buying it for that purpose, the iPad is pretty perfect, imho...

 

[KPOM]

When in doubt, go with 4GB. It will come in handy now when you open a lot of programs, or if you use a virtual machine. It will come in handy later if you upgrade the OS and/or start using more 64-bit programs.

 

[Truffy]

I speak from experience! I bought the 13" MBA 2g ram, 256 flash. I use filemaker Pro most of the time. I found the 2g of ram slow and lacking. I traded it in for the ultimate and it's FAST! No lag time at all. Then I decided I had to have the 11". I bought the 2g with 128 flash from Best Buy. I thought maybe, just maybe it would be different. It was worst than the 13. I then went to Apple and bought the 11" ultimate. Same result as the 13. Much faster and not the lag time using the 11. I will say that after using both I am thinking I made a mistake with the 11. I really love having the screen real estate and longer battery life without that much more weight. Good luck, but do go with the 4...without question or regret.

Wow. You found that maxing out the RAM on the 13" improved performance, then when you had the opportunity to purchase another MBA you still went for 2GB first time 'round?

I mean, WOW!