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What is the big difference if any [8gb vs. 16]
- Thread starter lthomas926
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this. But in a serious note, if you have the money and want to future proof, why not just max out a 13" rMBP
Despite what some have said in this thread, the "middle" standard model is 2.4ghz (not 2.6) / 256 SSD / 8 gb RAM. I'd just get that one, given what you say about your usage. It is definitely more than enough for what you say you do with the computer (if you don't care about the screen, you could also save money and get an Air).
I definitely wouldn't shell out money for the processor upgrade, since it is really a tiny difference (technically 8.3%, and Geekbench suggests that it's really more like 6%) and won't make any difference in your experience or the longevity of your computer.
I definitely wouldn't shell out money for the processor upgrade, since it is really a tiny difference (technically 8.3%, and Geekbench suggests that it's really more like 6%) and won't make any difference in your experience or the longevity of your computer.
Another ram thread 
How many are there...?
You do realize that except for the ssd everything is soldered in the new macbooks.
In the future the bottleneck will be the pathetic dualcore and gpu, so if you know you cant upgrade and you want something that lasts longer you should get a maxed out 15". (I have a feeling that these are not gonna last noticably longer either but thats just a hunch...)
All macbooks come with a standard 4gb / 8gb. (Even the 15")
Some people need 16gb and thats why this option is offered as an upgrade.
With your needs you are just upgrading for the hell of it.
Kinda like donating money to apple
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Because its still gonna be a dualcore.
Having 2.8ghz duo and 16gb is a bit ram-heavy.
"Future proof" is nonsense.
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The above is very sound advice!
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You should do what agaskew suggests if you:
1. Have unlimited resources
Or
2. Just fell good giving apple money
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--> he could strap a macpro to his back
How many are there...?
You do realize that except for the ssd everything is soldered in the new macbooks.
In the future the bottleneck will be the pathetic dualcore and gpu, so if you know you cant upgrade and you want something that lasts longer you should get a maxed out 15". (I have a feeling that these are not gonna last noticably longer either but thats just a hunch...)
All macbooks come with a standard 4gb / 8gb. (Even the 15")
Some people need 16gb and thats why this option is offered as an upgrade.
With your needs you are just upgrading for the hell of it.
Kinda like donating money to apple
----------
Because its still gonna be a dualcore.
Having 2.8ghz duo and 16gb is
a bit ram-heavy."Future proof" is nonsense.
----------
The above is very sound advice!
----------
You should do what agaskew suggests if you:
1. Have unlimited resources
Or
2. Just fell good giving apple money
----------
no wonder why so many people are in poor financial circumstances today.
16 GB won't last you long. With your use, I'd suggest at least a 128 GB RAM configuration, to keep up with web browsers, and excel documents, widely known to require top notch hardware.
--> he could strap a macpro to his back
This is a very good idea for the OP! Ipad Air has retina, much cheaper and more than enough for his use. I would consider this or maybe a low level mba.
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your not approaching the limit because you need it, the Mac will use more ram if its available, if you only had 8GB it will manage in accordingly
Actually I think its pretty spot on. In both models, CPU upgrades only offer 10-20% increase in performance over the base and probably even lower in real-world use. The GPU performance is all the same, and even the 750M performs arguably worse than Iris Pro in work apps. The only thing thats going to make any noticeable difference with your money is more storage space and RAM. 8 GB should be the minimum, and most people can get by with that. 128GB SSD is just too small, thus 8GB/256 is the optimal minimum config that doesn't break the bank.
The fact is though, any person who really knows what he/she is doing would know the exact(or almost) specifications right off the bat. If someone was using program x for so many years they should know what it takes to run the stuff that they do. All these 16GB vs 8GB threads are ridiculous.(Not a knock to the OP specifically, just in general)
This video is on HAM radios, but its principle is the same:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC2RT6kwFgU
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Thats what i wanted to write.
The op needs 16gb of ram as much as he needs a golden toilet bowl.
after all gold is better then plastic, its future proof and u might have to take a dump on precious metal.
And of course you cant upgrade later. U can always upgrade the seat but not the bowl. Thats cemented.
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1. Ram threads are fun and there is always one going on.
2. Theres nothing wrong with that.
3. 8gb of RAM is certainly not the minimum thats plain wrong! (<- this is why people need advice over and over again)
4. The 8gb/256 base model is the best bang for the buck. Everyone knows this.
5. The best choice for the OP is an iPad! (Provided his video and photo editing is really basic like he stated!)
I know people who have his needs and know nothing about computers.
They love their iPads and are very happy with it.
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1) Well I'm glad at least someone is having fun.
2) Fair enough. Though a person who knows nothing about computers wouldn't be making 8 vs 16GB RAM threads. Fact. The people who aren't doing anything with their computers just get a MBA or a base cMBP 13" and call it a day.
3) If you are spending $1300+ on a laptop, 8 should definitely be the minimum.
4) Obviously not everyone.
5) No comment.
I would like to thank everyone that was nice in trying to help out. Like I said this is my first Mac being a windows user all my life now. So to you Meister I guess because of that again I will insinuate that I'm dumb and know nothing about computers.
This is the reason why I almost didn't create this post. So many forums are flooded with ignorant people like Meister and it just puts a bad taste in your mouth about the community. Again lastly I would like to thank all those that were helpful and not trying to put me down. I will let it be known that I have a four year degree and work with computers everyday. Just never with mac or the software so how a processor runs on OS X or memory is used on OS X I was lost. Once I make my purchase I will post with what I decided and why I made that choice.
1) Well I'm glad at least someone is having fun.
2) Fair enough. Though a person who knows nothing about computers wouldn't be making 8 vs 16GB RAM threads. Fact. The people who aren't doing anything with their computers just get a MBA or a base cMBP 13" and call it a day.
3) If you are spending $1300+ on a laptop, 8 should definitely be the minimum.
4) Obviously not everyone.
5) No comment.
1)
2) they obviously do! Read the threads. They get confused by the specs and upgrade options i think.
3) for 1300 + you usually get the 8gb ram anyway. But you can spend less and be happy with 4.
4) true!
5) No comment = he should get an ipad??
I wouldn't take it personal. We are just jabbing fun at all the RAM threads. Really, though, we need to put a sticky thread at the top about 8 vs 16 RAM.
I never said that you were dumb but i assumed you knew nothing of computers.
When you assume you make an ass out of u and me and i did make an ass out of myself with that post.
I apologize and edited my post.
I still think that you should consider getting an ipad.
1)
2) they obviously do! Read the threads. They get confused by the specs and upgrade options i think.
3) for 1300€ + you usually get the 8gb ram anyway. But you can spend less and be happy with 4.
4) true!
5) No comment = he should get an ipad??
Can't argue with this post.
I never said that you were dumb but i assumed you knew nothing of computers.
When you assume you make an ass out of u and me and i did make an ass out of myself with that post.
I apologize and edited my post.
I still think that you should consider getting an ipad.
No Issues here I just wanted to state that you cannot just figure because someone asks a question that you perceive as being common sense that is must be. But I appreciate all the help. In my eyes I look at it this way when iPhones first came out I always got the cheapest and in turn I was always needing more as time went on. Where as now I have the 64 and very happy. Me not familiar with OS X I was not sure what the system resources were like and if it was a memory hog not to mention all the apps. Give me some slack coming from windows
I have to be somewhat smart lol I'm switching.As far as iPad no way don't like the tablet form factor at all to big to be holding in my hands, yes I know they make docks with keyboards and such but just not my thing. MBA was a good recommendation my only concern is that I want this to last me long as my current desktop purchased late 2006 is still running strong with no upgrades or repairs, call my lucky but my dell has been good to me, on the other hand windows I'm just tired of. This is the reason that I brought of the whole 8 vs 16 not just would I use it but for the longevity of the computer. The process upgrade I knew was a very small incremental thing with not much of a performance increase. I have no problem with 2.4 i5 and 256 GB but RAM was always in the back of my head and I was always questions if 8 was good enough. And lastly the retina after seeing it, its hard not to want one.
Just a fun fact
I have ran ubuntu and fedora to name a few and know non GUI
I have built a couple custom pcs for family
So your assumptions were way off buddy
No Issues here I just wanted to state that you cannot just figure because someone asks a question that you perceive as being common sense that is must be. But I appreciate all the help. In my eyes I look at it this way when iPhones first came out I always got the cheapest and in turn I was always needing more as time went on. Where as now I have the 64 and very happy. Me not familiar with OS X I was not sure what the system resources were like and if it was a memory hog not to mention all the apps. Give me some slack coming from windows
As far as iPad no way don't like the tablet form factor at all to big to be holding in my hands, yes I know they make docks with keyboards and such but just not my thing. MBA was a good recommendation my only concern is that I want this to last me long as my current desktop purchased late 2006 is still running strong with no upgrades or repairs, call my lucky but my dell has been good to me, on the other hand windows I'm just tired of. This is the reason that I brought of the whole 8 vs 16 not just would I use it but for the longevity of the computer. The process upgrade I knew was a very small incremental thing with not much of a performance increase. I have no problem with 2.4 i5 and 256 GB but RAM was always in the back of my head and I was always questions if 8 was good enough. And lastly the retina after seeing it, its hard not to want one.
Just a fun fact
I have ran ubuntu and fedora to name a few and know non GUI
I have built a couple custom pcs for family
So your assumptions were way off buddy
If u want to run ubuntu u should get a program called refit on mac.
I would discourage linux on your macs though because it tends to mess up your bios.
(Refit does. If you run it on a thumbdrive it shouldnt)
I ran ubuntu on my mini and it was atrocious. Also windows with bootcamp i didnt like.
Stick with mac OS and apple software and you are always happy!
I come from 20years of windows, too and i always thought ram = longevity and speed.
On macs i see no difference. Everything runs more than fine with 4gigs, in fact with 2gigs!
I spend 18 hours a day on various computers and i use my ipad mini about 9 hours every day.
It runs out of juice by the end of the day and i charge it over night.
Thats y i recommend it.
Its almost a laptop replacement if you know how to use it and it fits in your coatpocket.
Consider it!!
I would never install Windows onto my Mac, and had no intentions to do any linux distro. I work on computer all day so when I come home all I want to do is basic stuff and enjoy the computer. I have wanted OS X for 10 years, not to mention I successfully install OS X on my windows box mostly everything working. Just not the same without the actual product. So if I went 2.4/8/256 you are confident then I would be happy for 5 years that is if I went with macbook pro and not the air. Still leaning towards Retina and iPad no way.
Three months ago i bought my rmbp 8/256 2.4 and i bought my gf the mba 4/256 i5 1.3.
I insured my rmbp for 4years and we are planning on keeping them for longer.
We both dont use our machines for entertainment but for work. (Ipads and minis are for entertainment)
So yes i did in fact put my money into my prediction that all current macbooks (even the baseline ones) will last for at least five years.
Remember: this is based on our usage. None of us use VMs though and we dont use weird ram hoging apps.
For mainly entertainment (because you dislike the ipad for some reason) even the baseline macbook 4/128 will last you five years easily! And you might be able to get a great deal on it since everyone is going for the 8/256 2.4 .
This review might help: http://bgr.com/2013/11/18/apple-13-inch-retina-macbook-pro-review-late-2013/
(Remember that you can connect the ipad to a screen via adapters and its great to use on a couch and in bed.)
I am approaching the limit because i need it. For example, I use Stata, which I need to allocate 5gb, and several other programs that use a lot of ram. Personally 16 has been great for me.
That was a very good read. One of the best reviews I have come across. I feel as though my choice is set in the 2.4/8gb/256 I know you stated I should be fine with 4 (I currently run 3 in my windows machine) I just to be safe incase say next year something changes and I need that extra and have no choice because I cant upgrade the Ram.
As for getting a great deal, I just spoke with a friend that works for apple and will be using his family and friends discount so 15% off. Do you know if the 15% applies to apple-care and accessories as well?
That was a very good read. One of the best reviews I have come across. I feel as though my choice is set in the 2.4/8gb/256 I know you stated I should be fine with 4 (I currently run 3 in my windows machine) I just to be safe incase say next year something changes and I need that extra and have no choice because I cant upgrade the Ram.
As for getting a great deal, I just spoke with a friend that works for apple and will be using his family and friends discount so 15% off. Do you know if the 15% applies to apple-care and accessories as well?
For Apple care go with amazon or B&H (you'll save a hundred and five bucks and it's legitimate, both are Apple certified resellers). I paid $244 (vs. $349 @ Apple)-- so even better savings than the 15%. I'd take that into consideration. To me, it sounds like you know what you're doing with a computer. Doesn't take 'much' to get addicted to FCP, Logic, Aperture...or Adobe's creative suite when you own such a beautiful machine. Five years is a long time. Five years ago, 2GB was fairly common for excellent performance and little paging, pending your task. At that time, 4GB was considered 'high end'... 8/16GB+ was reserved mainly for workstation laptops and desktops. Five years from now, it's feasible 8GB is considered the 'base' for current OS'es and/or software you're planning to use, where 16GB is healthy, common place and 'non-limiting' to your workflow regardless of what you're doing at that time.
There's no rewind. You get what you get. To me, with the $100 savings on A/C and the 15% savings you're going to enjoy, that's MORE than enough to add the 16GB...& still come out on top (considering a $1500 computer, saving $225 @ 15%~$100 with A/C....total savings of $325 +/-
Add 16GB, $200, you can buy a nice case with the other $125
If you're planing to keep it that long, to me there's only one choice. The more RAM you can afford the better (up front). NO one here knows what five years from now will looks like when it comes to necessary specs.
Good luck
I'm an owner of a 2012 15" with 16GB without regrets, concerns or issues. That's another 'option'. Save on last year's models in Apple's refurb shop!
J
For Apple care go with amazon or B&H (you'll save a hundred and five bucks and it's legitimate, both are Apple certified resellers). I paid $244 (vs. $349 @ Apple)-- so even better savings than the 15%. I'd take that into consideration. To me, it sounds like you know what you're doing with a computer. Doesn't take 'much' to get addicted to FCP, Logic, Aperture...or Adobe's creative suite when you own such a beautiful machine. Five years is a long time. Five years ago, 2GB was fairly common for excellent performance and little paging, pending your task. At that time, 4GB was considered 'high end'... 8/16GB+ was reserved mainly for workstation laptops and desktops. Five years from now, it's feasible 8GB is considered the 'base' for current OS'es and/or software you're planning to use, where 16GB is healthy, common place and 'non-limiting' to your workflow regardless of what you're doing at that time.
There's no rewind. You get what you get. To me, with the $100 savings on A/C and the 15% savings you're going to enjoy, that's MORE than enough to add the 16GB...& still come out on top (considering a $1500 computer, saving $225 @ 15%~$100 with A/C....total savings of $325 +/-
Add 16GB, $200, you can buy a nice case with the other $125
If you're planing to keep it that long, to me there's only one choice. The more RAM you can afford the better (up front). NO one here knows what five years from now will looks like when it comes to necessary specs.
Good luck
I'm an owner of a 2012 15" with 16GB without regrets, concerns or issues. That's another 'option'. Save on last year's models in Apple's refurb shop!
J
... And this is y the ram threads never end.
OP narrows down his options to a sensible conclusion.
--> someone suggests to blow some money on a senseless ram upgrade, because you never know ...
Really keeps me entertained on my way to work.
If you get addicted to adobe premier or fcp by god! get a macpro. No laptop is gonna cut it for you.
(Or wait for the new macmini with quadcore)
With those savings i would get an ipad mini and see how it changes your life.
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I went for 8GB for my MBP. I was heavily considering 16GB, if only for bragging rights, but decided against it. I have 16GB in my desktop PC, which I do far more intensive tasks on than my MBP, and even on that I very rarely go over 8GB of usage (and even then, it's usually because of a memory leak).
For the usage you've described, 8GB should be fine.
For the usage you've described, 8GB should be fine.