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Which to get - SSD / HDD ?

L

lincolnchee

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 13, 2008
66
0
Singapore
My mind is set to get an Air !!! However, I am not sure on which to get ? Should I get the SSD model or the HDD model? Is the SSD model well worth the extra 700+?

These are how I intend to use my Air:
- VMWare (WinXP+Office+NetBean+Tomcat ...)
- Surf the Web (Video/Flash intensive sites)
- Watch videos
- Build applications
- Some graphic editing using Gimp
 
I've ordered the new 1.86Ghz without the SSD and I have pretty much the same needs as you do. As of what I've heard about the old 64 SSD, it didn't influence the program performance, only the startup.

However after watching the 128SSD benchmark I've begun to hessitate, because the score is kinda amazing...

So the only way we can make sure whether it's worth it or not, is by watching a benchmark for the 120GB and see how big the difference is...A score difference at 30+ would make me regret my purchase.
 
If you have to ask, than no. Not being sarcastic here.

That extra $700 can be used to buy the Air's Superdrive, a USB - Enet dongle, software and a display, maybe an extra USB drive to use as a Time Machine backup....

As much as I love mine, it was a company purchase and don't think if it was coming out of my pocket directly I could justify it. I think the base model is a good buy and should do what you've described well.
 
I have to agree with the two above posters.
I too have questioned SSD or HDD? Honestly, company purchase or not it's one of those things where I think I am blinded by the fact that the money is already out of my account since I returned my MacBook. The refund came on a gift card and technically it'd look like I was spending a lot less if I paid the difference out of pocket. We both know that's not the case.

For my computing needs, which I would say are even less than yours since I have a MacPro sitting here, I do not need the SSD. The SSD is great for people who travel often, there's that nice layer of protection with the "no moveable parts" bit. Then of course the performance of launching applications is nice. I would say to some degree there is other performance enhancements, but not enough for me to warrant a $700 price increase.

As it was also stated, there is a lot more you can buy with that $700. Accessories, copy of windows if you need it, bags, dinner for some chick, etc.

I don't think you need it personally, but if you have the money and you're not opposed to shelling out the cash then get it. If this is all coming up because the bastards at Apple are delaying the HDD model on account of the increased SSD model sales (their plan worked) then just wait.
 
lincolnchee said:
My mind is set to get an Air !!! However, I am not sure on which to get ? Should I get the SSD model or the HDD model? Is the SSD model well worth the extra 700+?
Click to expand...

It depends. Do you care if your browser launches in one second instead of three? Do you care if your Air boots in 25 instead of 35 seconds?

I'm estimating here, I don't have the exact numbers, but those are benefits of the SSD model.
 
I bought my 1st MBA, version 1, with the SSD. I like it and I'm not sorry I bought the SSD.

If I were to buy a version 2 MBA, I would buy it with the stock hard drive. Why?

Two reasons:
1) The SSD , and hard drives on version 2 use the SATA interface, which means..
2) That as SSD prices drop, and they will, maybe even lower than what was expected because of our recession, I'll pull the HD, and replace with the, now, much cheaper SSD.
 
joegomolski said:
I bought my 1st MBA, version 1, with the SSD. I like it and I'm not sorry I bought the SSD.

If I were to buy a version 2 MBA, I would buy it with the stock hard drive. Why?

Two reasons:
1) The SSD , and hard drives on version 2 use the SATA interface, which means..
2) That as SSD prices drop, and they will, maybe even lower than what was expected because of our recession, I'll pull the HD, and replace with the, now, much cheaper SSD.
Click to expand...

Yes great, but

Apparently, the SATA drive is a LIF SATA (a rather odd connector that may not become mainstream, hence effected buy big price drops)

There is an extreme space constraint in the Air that makes it niche even in this dept.

Certainly you could have Apple do it though.....boy that will save you money :D
 
I just replaced the crappy HD in my GEN 1 with a Samsung 32GB SSD and the difference is dramatic.

It feels faster than a 7200. (which surprises me a bit as i didn't expect much from that gen SSD)
 
I'm sorry but where on Apple's website does it say the SSD price is $700.00. For the Air it's $500.00 U.S? If the $700.00 price tag is being referenced for a different country then please state?
 
HLdan said:
I'm sorry but where on Apple's website does it say the SSD price is $700.00. For the Air it's $500.00 U.S. If the $700.00 price tag is being referenced for a different country than please state?
Click to expand...

He seems to be referring not just to the SSD, but the difference between the 1.6ghz and 1.86ghz models (the latter of which includes the SSD).
 
Chaszmyr said:
He seems to be referring not just to the SSD, but the difference between the 1.6ghz and 1.86ghz models (the latter of which includes the SSD).
Click to expand...


Ahh I see, however he could get the 1.6 and pay $500 for the SSD through CTO. ;)
 
Price in Singapore

The HDD model costs S$2888 while the SSD model costs $3988. It is not just $700+ in difference, it is >$1K.
 
Well after trying them side by side today...It took about 3 seconds to decide I would buy the SSD and I had no intention of buying the SSD when I walked in there.:rolleyes:
 
stealthman1 said:
Well after trying them side by side today...It took about 3 seconds to decide I would buy the SSD and I had no intention of buying the SSD when I walked in there.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

the SSD is FAST isn't it?

But you have to be aware that write times can on occasion be slower than HDDs.

After much research I came to the conclusion that SSD is the better option long term. Super fast random reads, Less moving parts. And almost near silent operation.
 
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