Do I really need 256GB for the MBA?

[BlueWeasel]

MBA 13" w/ 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM - $1300
MBA 13" w/ 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM - $1600

I'm really close to buying my first Mac, the new 2012 13" MBA. I'll use the laptop for general use only - OSX, basic apps, office suite, and Dropbox. There will be no games on it nor will I use it for mass data storage. The majority of my files will reside on a USB drive or SD card.

Given that, I'm having a hard time justifying the $300 premium for a 256GB SSD. Obviously, the SSD can't ever be upgraded like a typical laptop, but I don't see me using even half of the space on the 128GB drive. Thoughts?

Also, what's the typical HD space taken up by OSX. I figure after OSX, office, and a few other apps, I'll have what, 90-100GB free on the SSD?

 

[vi edit]

My year old 128g Air has a couple thousand pictures, a couple iPhone backups and a full parallels install of win7 on it and I still have aroud 55 gig free.

 

[MontyAC]

128 gig is plenty, unless you play on storing tons of movie files.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

If you don't plan on using bootcamp and keeping most of your media off the SSD it should be fine. Myself I enjoy using both OSX and bootcamp for casual gaming, so for me 128GB would be cramping. I would rather go for the 2011 Air 256GB model for $1300, as opposed to $1229 for the 2012 128GB Air.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

128GB will be fine for a secondary computer, and/or if you're relying on cloud-based storage for Media.

That said, USB 3.0 + External SSD will work in a pinch.

 

[TheStu]

You can replace the SSD in the Air, it is just that no one has released one yet.

However, here is a question for you, do you currently have a laptop? How much space are you using?

 

[cl-scott]

It's up to you, but if you find you need more internal storage later, there are a few third party options available. However, the one place I checked showed a 240GB drive for a little over $300, so if you think there is even a chance you may need more internal storage, it would probably be cheaper to buy it with the unit.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Aura_Pro_Air_2012

 

[TheStu]

It's up to you, but if you find you need more internal storage later, there are a few third party options available. However, the one place I checked showed a 240GB drive for a little over $300, so if you think there is even a chance you may need more internal storage, it would probably be cheaper to buy it with the unit.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Aura_Pro_Air_2012

That option only works with the 2010 and 2011 MacBook Airs. The 2012, or Ivy Bridge Airs use an ever so slightly different connector, just to be annoying. However, if anyone is going to offer a 3rd party option, it will be those guys.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

If you think there is even a 20% chance that you may need more than 100gb space, go for 256

 

[BlueWeasel]

You can replace the SSD in the Air, it is just that no one has released one yet.

However, here is a question for you, do you currently have a laptop? How much space are you using?

I've currently got a Thinkpad T410 with a 128GB SSD that I'm selling prior to getting the Air. It's got Win7 Pro x64, Office 2010, work apps, and Dropbox installed on it. There's currently 90GB free on the SSD.

I could see me having both OSX and Win 7/8 on the Air, however. That's why I'm considering the 256GB SSD. However, at most, I can't see me having more that 20GB of data (apart from the OS and applications) on the drive.

OSX and apps = 20GB
Win7/8 and apps = 20GB
Data = 20GB
Total = 60GB (50% of a formatted 128GB SSD)

 

[Emulex]

get 512gb now! and 8gb of ram. for sure.

 

[vshin]

If this is not going to be your "desktop replacement," then 128 should be plenty. No games, no media, just office software.

 

[cl-scott]

That option only works with the 2010 and 2011 MacBook Airs. The 2012, or Ivy Bridge Airs use an ever so slightly different connector, just to be annoying. However, if anyone is going to offer a 3rd party option, it will be those guys.

They CLAIM that one will work with the 2012 model, but I obviously cannot claim any firsthand knowledge. At the very least, it's the most likely source for SSDs compatible with the 2012 model when someone starts producing them.

 

[notposting]

You could look on Apple's refurbed portion of the store and get a 2011 with 256. The fully loaded 13" 2011 is only $1199.

 

[Deeko]

If you won't be using Boot Camp you'll be ok with 128GB...I went with that one, and with boot camp splitting it and the OS taking big chunks of each smaller partition, I'm definitely wishing I'd paid the extra now.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I would get 256 for piece of mind. But it does depend on how long you think you're going to be keeping the MBA.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

I would rather spend $1250 and get the 2011 model with 256gb SSD, better value to be had there if you're not dead set on the latest and greatest.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

But remember you could always go to OWC and upgrade your own SSD later on down the road, but it is relatively expensive.

 

[lokiju]

After the Steam summer sale I'm kicking myself for not getting the 256GB honestly.

If I could do it again I'd pay the extra and get the bigger SSD.