Macbook Pro 8gb or 16gbRAM? 128gb or 256gb Flash?

Hi, I am buying a macbook pro for the first time ever and I was wondering what I should get. I am set with the macbook pro with Retina display but do not know if to upgrade to 16gb Ram or leave it as it is. Also, how about flash, 128gb or 256gb? What is the difference?
(Also I am a freshman in college and want it to last at least until I graduate in 4 years)
Main uses:
Writing Papers in Microsoft Word (will be saving these on the computer, maybe 2 papers a week, but will delete/transfer the info to a usb drive after each year)
Making PowerPoints
Roaming the internet (No more than 15 links opened at once)
A bit of photography editing
Mainly Internet use and note taking while in class.

Some may suggest that you backup or make viable duplicate files as well
as Time Machine incremental backups, plus use suitable hardware to
create and maintain a bootable copy of your computer system & content.
This would be an externally enclosed hard drive with chipset friendly to
OS X system, in a fast configuration so you could use it to run the Mac.
However, in the basic sense, do not wait a year to remove your important
files to archives outside of the computer; and make more than one copy.
Not all copies are created equal, so a backup is more than drag/drop.
A wireless Time Capsule arrangement may be a good partial backup
solution, in that you could arrange to archive off the MB/Pro SSD, &
then be sure your archive is accessible, before erasing the originals.
Also, macsales OWC has some solid options for wired backups. I'm
of a mind to not totally invest in off-site online iCloud archives since
they are just that. Totally dependent on the internet & ISP access.
Four years may be a stretch, for most computers nowadays. If you get
the extended optional AppleCare plan, then three years may be OK.
Plan on a backup computer, that can share workloads and files.
Good luck & happy computing!

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Can i expand the SSD on my late 2012 Retina Macbook Pro from the current 128GB to 256GB or more

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www.macsales.com

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Hello everyone,
I have checked and tried some advices here on "discussions", about playing video on youtube for example on a MacBook Pro lion. I have the latest Flash player but it still doesn't work. Please help. Thanks in advance..

Hi,
if you are using a SAFARI you don't need to install a flash player, it comes insatlled already, you can check that on safari toolbar.
Help>Installed Plug-ins> and then check for shockwave flash player etc.
i have a early 2011 macbookpro and have never needed to install any flash payer unlike on windows.
that's if your are using safari.
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dunno, Lynn--maybe Etrecheck. trying running disk utility to verify the status of your hard drive. That may give you a basic idea. Perhaps tech tool pro. As for it running hot, I can't say for sure. try shutting it down and using a vacuum clearner +crevice tool around the back of it. It's been my experience that hard drives usually fail without a lot of warning, luckily you have a backup. Afterwards you can say "Yup, that went bad". I've done a little research and found out that your MacBook Pro doesn't come with a conventional hard drive as such, but an SSD (solid state device) . It's upgradeable (up to 1 TB ) but not cheaply
go here for more info (OWC) :http://eshop.macsales.com. For right now, I'd recommend resetting the SMC/PMU, maybe zapping the pram . to do that, reboot, hold down Apple+Option, P+R keys while rebooting. Hold down for 3 chimes, let go and let it boot. as for the SMC thing....
I'm assuming your battery isn't removeable-shut down computer, plug in MagSafe cable . On built in keyboard, on left side, press Shift-Control-Option and power button at the same time. release all the keys and the power button. press power button again to turn on computer
that is all
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MacBook Pro 13 with retina 128GB + 16GB vs 250GB + 8GB

Hi first time post here so bare with me.
I am starting a new course in IT. Web Design advanced IT and software is the main topics of the course and will run 2 years and I'd like the laptop to perform and last that long. I will be buying the new iteration of the MacBook Pro 13 with a retina display.
So my questions is this if anyone can help me, with new software and updates coming out all the time what would be best. Either the configuration of 128GB + 16GB with an added 128GB SDXC card to bring the total storage to 256GB which works out cheaper or the 256GB +8GB. My budget can't really go any higher than the cost of these.
Is 16GB overkill even for future proof or is 8GB and the 256GB more than enough and the better combination.
Thanks and all replies appreciated.

I tend to agree. The rule of thumb is: Always get as much RAM as you can afford. In this case its even more true, since it cannot be updated after purchase.
Any storage space issues can be easily handled by an external drive.
so go for the 128GB + 16Gb RAM. You can always upgrade SSD drive later, fortunately.

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Hello, everyone! I´m about to buy the new Macbook pro 17-inch and really need help deciding wich upgrade is best for me: SSD or 8Gb?
Ok, so this is what I need this computer for: run an intensive graphics application under Windows 7 64-bits via Paralles 6, windows installed after Paralles and not in bootcamp (I didn´t want to partition my drive).
This is exactly what I have now in my 2010 i7 Macbook pro 4Gb RAM and it´s struglling to run the program... I need to shut down any other application and still get that annoying spinning ball all the time.
*So what I want with my new mac? To run this Windows program smoothly as if it was installed directly on my macOS system! So I thought of an upgrade, either 8Gb RAM or an 128Gb SSD, as I can´t afford both at the same time.* Which upgrade would be best for my needs, any thoughts?
Thanks for your help! Cheers!
Message was edited by: rgobrasil

I'm using mac for 4 years, and my major filed is graphic rendering on 3dsmax. my suggest is run your windows via boot camp. parallel or VMware is not a good option. i got my parallel but its useless after released of bootcamp (i need 100% of RAM, Graphic and processor for graphic rendering) . bootcamp is the best way if you wanna do something "heavy" on windows. what i'm doing is after i have done my works, then i run OSX for others job, keep restarting your machine isn't that bad. Also, you dont have to worry about RAM has been shared by 2 OS.

Macbook Pro Retina 13" w/ 128GB big enough?!?

Hey guys, I just purchased a Macbook Pro Retina 13" at the size of 128GB. I couldn't afford the next size up due to the fact that their already at retail of about $2000 with Applecare. I need to know if I need an external hardrive (if available, I really don't know because I'm a first mac owner) or some type of Card or USB to hold data.
Now, I'm using my laptop for multiple things such as the usual: Facebook, Social Networks, Email, iTunes, Skype, iPhoto (not too many photos), Safari, also Minecraft which I don't think will take to much space up, and stuff like that. Mainly though, I purchased this laptop for video editing software. I'm going to be using iMovie a lot. I can delete some of my footage after I upload it to Youtube if I don't have enough space. I mean I won't be downloading to many things from the internet. I just will have a lot of songs and videos.
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Thanks!
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If you buy an external drive, say about 1GB (for a low as $100 if you shop around), then you can partition it to hold a Time Machine backup of your internal as well as use the remaining space for storing your documents, photos, movies, etc.
I think you'll be just fine with 128GB - I have a 512GB SSD and if I were to put my 178GB of music on an external, I would have about 300GB free: all of my apps, documents, etc., really only take up about 200GB. Keep you system (naturally) and your apps on your 128GB drive and everything else on that partitioned external. You can even keep your iMovie footage on the external. But do partition it so that you have at least 256GB dedicated to a Time Machine partition - backups are important.
Good luck - I'm sure that you'll enjoy your new machine.
Clinton

Macbook Pro retina 13.5 128GB!?

Hello!
I have purchased a Macbook Pro with retina display with an 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD. This is my first mac and i'm a bit worried about the storage. I will be using if for college work, pictures, surfing the web, listening to music, watching films, and that's about it. Of course none of you know how much i am looking to store on in yet (i don't either) but there isn't a huge amount of everything and i just wanted to hear if anyone has 128GB and if it works for them!? I use Google drive at my college, so a lot of my documents are on there.
I am also looking to sync my iPhone to my Macbook (unsure how to do this yet) so will that take up even more space?
Thank you all!

OWC is a trusted vendor and offers upgrades, and can do the upgrades.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3_160 0MHz_SDRAM
Your system has Thunderbolt which can offer fast external storage.
there should be small fast SSD, and a small "case' for your old SSD (you can clone your system).
This is not the MacBook Pro forum, get a lot of their users here.
MacBook Pro
I think 128GB is so small only a tablet, maybe a really cheap MacBook Air should.
getting a larger M.2 SSD blade that plugs in should help. This is for 2013, only an 'example' and alternate company to OWC
http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-JetDrive-Upgrade-Macbook-display/dp/B00JKCHMMS/r ef=pd_sim_sbs_e_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1DGQCNJTZ42QXMWC1W54

Please update the specs for the MacBook Pro - 8GB RAM Max

Hello,
Someone needs to upgrade the specifications for the MacBook Pro now that 4GB laptop SoDIMMs are shipping and compatible with the MacBook Pro.
See my blogpost on the subject at http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs/archive/2008/07/05/testing-my-apple-macbook- pro-with-8gb-of-ram.aspx.
Thanks,
Keith Combs
Microsoft

Hello again,
Regarding having them update the specs, one can dream. Dreams are free. LOL. Hopefully the memory makers will update their specs as more makers start supporting a large memory configuration.
The 4GB sticks I am using are http://shop.kingston.com/partsinfo.asp?ktcpartno=KTL-TP667/4G
I did not do an extended test of the sticks in my MBP. Their home is in the ThinkPad I have because it is running Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V.
As you can see from the link above, these little suckers are pricey. But consider the price of 2GB SoDIMMs were $950 when they entered the market a couple of years ago. The price will drop.
I asked the Kingston rep that sent these to me if online sites like newegg.com would have them soon. She indicated no, but the corporate buying sites like CDW and Zone would. So check around. They just started shipped a couple of weeks ago so be patient.
If you have any other questions, please stop by http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs/archive/2008/07/05/testing-my-apple-macbook- pro-with-8gb-of-ram.aspx and ask there. I'll see them much more quickly.
Cheers,
Keith Combs
Microsoft

Need Help for New Purchase - Macbook Pro 8gb & express slot

Hello All,
I needed some advise or rather clarification on a new purchase of a Macbook Pro.
I became a bit disheartened ever since the new Macbook Pros replaced the express slot with the SD card reader.
I want a 15" Macbook Pro , with 8gb of expandable ram (Or at least have the option) , 512 video - graphics memory , & the express slot.
I DO NOT WANT the 17' because it becomes too bulky.
Here is what i was looking at: (15" macbook pro - 2.93ghz core 2 duo, 512 video, express slot, 4gb ram, etc) -$1,949 - Basically the model just prior to the new line with the express slot instead of the card reader.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0GR3LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw
In this description , it states that the ram is limited to 4gb , but i find that hard to believe, seeing as how the previous model (early 2009) allowed for upto 8gb of ram i believe.
Secondly, the link below (toward the bottom) outlines that the Macbook Pro, depending on the processor (2.66 or above) , do allow for 8gb or ram.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Pro
I have gotten mixed information, and needed to clarify before i make this large investment.
Any advise that can be offered would be a big help.
Thank you.
-Parag

I saw your post and thought I could definitely help ya out on some of your questions.
First of all, yes - All the latest MBP's support up to 8GB RAM. (I'd recommend buying the RAM at "Other World Computing" as opposed to upgrading through Apple though. It's about 60% cheaper and is quite easy to install)
I find it very frustrating that the 13" & 15" MBP's no longer have a way to expand functionality via an Express-Card slot. There's really no work around on this other than going with the 17". However, I know how bulky that, and I love my 13" in comparison. The only other possibility would be to find a 15" from their previous series of MBP's (they come with only 4GB RAM, but actually will support up to 6GB).
I do love my new 13", and unless you definitely need the Express Card reader, I definitely reccommend the purchase. Good Luck!

Which one to buy Macbook Air 13' 4gb or Macbook Pro 8gb for Computer Science Course

I'm starting university in July and I'm considering purchasing a rMacBook Pro 13" or a MacBook Air 13" to use during my study. I just can't decide which to go for.
The problem with Macbook air is that it is available in only 4gb RAM in India(no option for 8GB yet ) so for 8gb of RAM i have no other option but to go for the much expensive rMBP which costs arnd 600$ more than the MBA here after the student discount.
I will be mostly be using it for coursework, development purpose and movies, not into gaming that much. Wont be using it for photo-editing or video editing purpose, so the doubt that 4gb of RAM would be enough for the next 3+ years. Maximum usage would be running a linux or Win VM and IDE running in it along with maybe an IDE running on the OSX too. Thats the max usage i could think of.
MBA costs arnd 1060$ and rMBP 1685$. So is the rMBP 8gb worth it for my usage as it is expensive or the MBA would be sufficient enough to last me arnd 3 years according to my usage.

Should the recent or (whenever next) future models have the same limits and inaccessible upgrade design, while highly engineered and nice to look at, as the late 2013; that will turn some to look into finding new-old-stock older models that have removable battery (not glued in) and replaceable or upgradeable RAM where they didn't solder in the chips.
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/25/teardowns-of-late-2013-retina-macbook-pros-r eveal-no-improvements-in-accessibility/
You may have to consider an earlier model if you can locate one, that has access to upgrade RAM chips as you see a need develop for greater capacity for specific use; and one that does not have a glued in battery. The ability to upgrade the hard disk drive or have an SSD replaced without major issue or high costs, is another factor to an end-user and one who may not be able to afford to buy anything this costly every year as needs or situations change, or as issues develop in use and demands on the unit present shortcomings for some users.
Subtle hardware change can occur in an existing model line, but we'd have no way of knowing it here, and main media or news releases would be the main source of information; short of knowing someone at a retail store or the online store when you may get a rare opportunity to pre-order a new computer, after news of its pending arrival has hit the streets. By then, the specs are already set in metal, plastic, and retail price.
If there were a source for restored or renewed products of a few years ago, at good discount, with some kind of warranty or guaranty that had a local service on the ground there, I'd suspect that'd be a consideration. In the US, there are several companies who repair and sell repaired computers, in their web site, and get some from lease returns that they can refurbish; these are independent companies such as powermax, wegenermedia, and others who advertise in a limited circle of market.
I wonder if there are any options to order from another country or region Apple Store online where they may offer more inventory; but have no insight or answers to that kind of thinking. We're user-to-user volunteers and sometimes the information is missing to any of us here, that a retail product expert would know.
Wish I could be of more help, but I don't see how at this point.
Good luck & happy computing!

Macbook Pro 8gb of ram?

So I am looking to pick up a new MacBook pro. Currently I edit videos and do schoolwork on a desktop with 4gb of ram... I have begun to run into a few problems when it comes to video editing. So, if I buy the MacBook pro with 8gb of ram and an i5, can I edit videos do schoolwork, and some website designing with 8gb of ram? For how long? I need something that will last for at least 4 years. If not what would last for 4 years with the tasks that I need to be completed???

Yes. That should be sufficient. I can't guarantee it will be sufficient for 4 years given how quickly the equipment and software are upgraded. On the other hand many of us are using computers more than four years old, and they are quite satisfactory.
Because the new models are not upgradeable you should consider what your future needs will be. If you think you may require 16 GBs in a couple of years, then you should get the computer with 16 GBs, not 8 GBs, because in two years you can't change what you have except by buying a newer computer. I would say the same thing about storage, although you can add external storage.

15' Retina MacBook Pro: 8GB or 16GB RAM?

I am looking into buying a 15' Retina MacBook Pro. I am wondering whether or not I should get 16GB of RAM. I would like this computer to last for 4 years. I will do occassional video editing using iMovie, and I will be using iPhoto. Also, I would install Windows 7 using Boot Camp for gaming purposes. I would not use a VM to run windows. Also, for processor upgrades, is the 2.8Ghz worth the $ from the 2.7Ghz? Thanks!

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
For your uses, you can save the money for the 16 GB of RAM and the better processor. The MacBook Pro with Retina display and its default configuration is enough for your uses, as iPhoto and iMovie don't require the same as Aperture and Final Cut Pro. You will be fine with 8 GB of RAM.
Also, Windows 7 will run without any problem with 8 GB of RAM. Just make sure you install a 64-bit Windows version in order to take advantage of the 8 GB of memory. Also, note that the MacBook Pro is not a computer designed to play games as it overheats quickly, so be careful with this, although games will run

Should I get a 128gb or 256gb flash storage MBPr?

I am about to purchase a new MBPr, but I am stuck on the question... Which is the best option for me? I am a college student who will have to do projects and papers, browse the web, watch videos, listen to music, etc. The real question is... Will 128gb flash storage be enough for my photos and videos that I edit in my spare time or should I get the 256gb MBPr? I take more than enough photos and videos to fill up space as photography is a hobby of mine. Thanks for the help and opinions in advance.

Youre really looking at the wrong way.
The SSD of the Air and macbook Pro Retina SSD are "working platform" storage.
Your best practical option is buying a 1TB external HD for $65
128gig is PLENTY enough......for all your APPS and working files. Buy as much as you can reasonably afford, just remember that LARGE files are best kept off the macbook and on external storage, which is far cheaper.
You, regardless of internal HD or SSD, need an external backup for time machine and same for important file storage.
The "low" capacity of the SSD on the Air and entry level Retina are meant to be working platforms for these computers.
Meaning ALL your programs and your working data (stuff you use at least every week).
To try to use either the Air or Retina as a massive storage platform of any kind (lots of pics, music, movies etc.) is both not indicated or practical.
external storage, quality too, is absurdly cheap right now.
superslim external HD.
see this: only 7mm thick
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Portable-External-Drive/dp/B009F1CXI2/ref=s r_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1377642728&sr=1-1&keywords=toshiba+slim+500gb
Or better still this HUGE HD, which is very small, very reliable and very cheap:
2 Terabytes, 2.5" and only $119
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Basics-Portable-HDTB120XK3CA/dp/B00ARJD56K
Or for $7 more is updated "design" casing cousin for $127
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Connect-Portable-HDTC720XK3C1/dp/B00CGUMS48 /ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1379182740&sr=1-4&keywords=2tb+toshiba

Macbook Pro 8gb or 16gbRAM? 128gb or 256gb Flash?

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