Storage Options

[scrappydoo93]

With all my work files being available on dropbox, I'm still deciding whether I should go with the 256 or the 512GB Storage option.

At this point, I'm not really sure how much of a difference can I expect from the 1.1 and 1.2Ghz processor.

What are your thoughts? 256 or 512? Is it worth spending the extra $$ on getting the 512 and 1.2Ghz if I plan to keep this laptop for atleast 2 years.

 

[tom vilsack]

I voted 1.1GHz 256gig.

I've been using a chromebook that only has 16gig ssd...I never find it's a issue...I upload everything to googledrive or external drive...

 

[iRun26.2]

If you can afford it, I'd get the additional storage. You might need it and it will make the resale value higher.

 

[maflynn]

What are your thoughts? 256 or 512? Is it worth spending the extra $$ on getting the 512 and 1.2Ghz if I plan to keep this laptop for atleast 2 years.

Can you live within 256GB now and possibly in the future, i.e., does your storage requirements grow year to year to the point where 256 seems insufficient?

I'm rocking with a 256GB SSD in my rMBP but my needs and uses are not yours. Only you can tell how much space you need now and in the future.

 

[Dubba]

I am planning to buy the stock 512GB.

I am currently on a 13MBA / 256GB, and only have 20GB free on this machine, and about 35GB of photos on an external drive.

Ideally, I'd like everything on one machine, so the 12MB/512 makes sense, but I don't think it makes sense to pay for the extra 0.1GHz in processor speed.

Also, for replacement / repairs, I've always thought a stock machine is easier to get replaced / fixed.

Thoughts?

 

[iRun26.2]

I am planning to buy the stock 512GB.

I am currently on a 13MBA / 256GB, and only have 20GB free on this machine, and about 35GB of photos on an external drive.

Ideally, I'd like everything on one machine, so the 12MB/512 makes sense, but I don't think it makes sense to pay for the extra 0.1GHz in processor speed.

Also, for replacement / repairs, I've always thought a stock machine is easier to get replaced / fixed.

Thoughts?

I tend to think that the faster speed versions are worth it. A 20% improvement is something should be noticeable in day to day computing needs. However, I do worry about the computer getting warmer with a faster processor.

 

[technosix]

Choose a moderate capacity "working drive" then offload your completed files to your NAS equipped personal network. I've saved so much money avoiding Apple's high upgrade prices because I never keep everything on my laptop or desktop, that's what the network and it's backup routine is for. One of many benefits of investing in your data.

 

[iRun26.2]

Choose a moderate capacity "working drive" then offload your completed files to your NAS equipped personal network. I've saved so much money avoiding Apple's high upgrade prices because I never keep everything on my laptop or desktop, that's what the network and it's backup routine is for. One of many benefits of investing in your data.

For me, being able to have all of my data with me at all times is worth it. If they had a 1TB SSD option for an additional $500 I'd be tempted to buy it (but obviously they won't).

 

[PDFierro]

For me, being able to have all of my data with me at all times is worth it. If they had a 1TB SSD option for an additional $500 I'd be tempted to buy it (but obviously they won't).

I have a 1TB SSD on my rMBP now. But I'll definitely be OK going down to 512GB.

 

[technosix]

For me, being able to have all of my data with me at all times is worth it. If they had a 1TB SSD option for an additional $500 I'd be tempted to buy it (but obviously they won't).

What do you need to see constantly throughout the day?

 

[newellj]

For _me_ and _my_ needs, there's no advantage to going up to 512gb. If there were a 1tb option, I might do that, but between that and 256gb is more or less wasted space. I get along very well with 256gb now in my rMBP. YMMV.

 

[iRun26.2]

What do you need to see constantly throughout the day?

I don't need it constantly and most of the time I don't need it at all but I do travel with my computer and then it is nice to have it with me.

I have a large amounts of test data files that I use for development of DSP processing algorithms in Matlab. I may have an idea come to me when I am on the go and it nice to be able to try it out. It's also nice not to have to worry if I have a specific flash drive with me.

 

[tx26257]

I'm going with the bigger storage since there is no way to upgrade it later

 

[Traverse]

If I get one, it will be a portable compliment to my 15" rMBP so I'll get the cheapest one available.

256GB of storage is enough for my Music, TV Shows, and synced documents.

 

[iRun26.2]

I'm going with the bigger storage since there is no way to upgrade it later

That by itself is reason enough to upgrade if one can afford it.

I'm already thinking that I'm going to upgrade to the second version (with Skylake) when it is released. Having the additional storage will mean my current model is easier to sell.

 

[newellj]

That by itself is reason enough to upgrade if one can afford it.

I'm already thinking that I'm going to upgrade to the second version (with Skylake) when it is released. Having the additional storage will mean my current model is easier to sell.

I've never made a study of it, so I could easily be wrong, but my impression is that the original cost to resale ratio declines as the original cost goes up. My hunch is that a 256gb version will be easier to sell and will sell for a higher percentage of original cost than an upgraded model. Very open to contrary thoughts on that.

 

[gregvet]

I've never made a study of it, so I could easily be wrong, but my impression is that the original cost to resale ratio declines as the original cost goes up. My hunch is that a 256gb version will be easier to sell and will sell for a higher percentage of original cost than an upgraded model. Very open to contrary thoughts on that.

This has always been my experience.

If an option cost £200 new, when selling it often only seems to add maximum £100 to the second hand price, even when sold only a year or two down the line.

If the lower spec model has retained 75% or its original value (for eg), an extra £100 for the option that cost £200 originally actually means the more expensive model has lost more money than the lower priced one.

So what I do, is if I intend to buy and keep for only a year or two, I buy the base model. If I intend to keep it for years (and use the hell out of it) then I buy higher spec.

 

[technosix]

I don't need it constantly and most of the time I don't need it at all but I do travel with my computer and then it is nice to have it with me.

I have a large amounts of test data files that I use for development of DSP processing algorithms in Matlab. I may have an idea come to me when I am on the go and it nice to be able to try it out. It's also nice not to have to worry if I have a specific flash drive with me.

I can relate, I travel extensively internationally about 50% of my year while also being a working creative leader of our 80 member team of engineers. Using my Ph.D. specializing in GBCB (Genomics, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology) I work with very large complex files yet have connectivity with the work server and my personal server that contains my unique patent formulas amongst a plethora of additional resources.

Suffice to say there's lots of options, no way is the wrong way, I was just curious since you prefer to keep it resident on your computer...

 

[ByteTheBooty]

I dont need the storage, I have an iMac with 1TB at home..im good lol and I dont want to pay extra for 0.1 gHZ..

 

[shenan1982]

I went with the base.. mainly because FINALLY I didn't have to CTO to get 8gb of RAM, and that was the most important thing to me on the old model.

Since it doesn't have many USB ports, if I were using this as a primary computer, I'd have upped to 512gb, but it's simply my travel\secondary machine, so 256 is plenty. I always CTO'd my MB Air 11" with 8GB ram and 256GB SSD, so I was thrilled to see the base model launch with that as standard on the Macbook. It's really the perfect config for me, so I'm excited.

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For _me_ and _my_ needs, there's no advantage to going up to 512gb. If there were a 1tb option, I might do that, but between that and 256gb is more or less wasted space. I get along very well with 256gb now in my rMBP. YMMV.

HEHE... so math question...

512-256=256 ..... 256 = wasted space

1024-256=768 ..... 768 = ???

Seems like the solution is more wasted space.

I'm just teasing you, but the way you phrased it was funny.

 

[newellj]

This has always been my experience.

If an option cost £200 new, when selling it often only seems to add maximum £100 to the second hand price, even when sold only a year or two down the line.

If the lower spec model has retained 75% or its original value (for eg), an extra £100 for the option that cost £200 originally actually means the more expensive model has lost more money than the lower priced one.

So what I do, is if I intend to buy and keep for only a year or two, I buy the base model. If I intend to keep it for years (and use the hell out of it) then I buy higher spec.

That's more or less where my thinking is pointed right now. Combine that with the fact that here in the States you can get a Best Buy coupon to take 10% off the list price of a stock model and resale gets into the "probably not significantly painful" zone.

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HEHE... so math question...

512-256=256 ..... 256 = wasted space

1024-256=768 ..... 768 = ???

Seems like the solution is more wasted space.

I'm just teasing you, but the way you phrased it was funny.

But you put your finger on the problem (for me). My needs are either well under 256gb or 1tb+, so why pay for an additional 512gb of wasted storage? I need at least 1tb to store parts of my photo/video/music library. Other people will analyze it differently but that's how it works for me, and having lived with a 256gb rMBP for the last year I know that I've got that pegged correctly.

 

[Dubba]

I tend to think that the faster speed versions are worth it. A 20% improvement is something should be noticeable in day to day computing needs. However, I do worry about the computer getting warmer with a faster processor.

Thanks for your input.

That's an interesting consideration. I have some time between the 10th and the 29th (when I get to the US), so will see what the reviews are. If it's only $100, definitely worth considering given your experience.

 

[newellj]

I tend to think that the faster speed versions are worth it. A 20% improvement is something should be noticeable in day to day computing needs. However, I do worry about the computer getting warmer with a faster processor.

To me, it looks like the real upside on the CTO CPUs is not the increase from 1.1gHz to 1.2 or 1.3, but the much greater increases in turbo speeds, which the Core M seems to be intended to take advantage of. What I don't know is how often it would kick in on things I do.

 

[iRun26.2]

I've never made a study of it, so I could easily be wrong, but my impression is that the original cost to resale ratio declines as the original cost goes up. My hunch is that a 256gb version will be easier to sell and will sell for a higher percentage of original cost than an upgraded model. Very open to contrary thoughts on that.

You are right. I Really just want the extra storage for me. . I thought it sounded like a great excuse. Maybe my wife will get my old one.

I've never sold my old laptop. I use them until they are dead.

I see, though, that Skylake is supposed to have dramatically better GPU power and I may decide that the first generation rMB is a bit too weak in the GPU department. We will see.

 

[pasadena]

One or two. I don't need the extra storage (I was originally planning on getting a new MBA with 256Gb anyway, and then only because I want to try out Win10 in Bootcamp).

As for the CPU, it will depend on the price, and the first reviews.