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I'm going to be purchasing my first MacBook which is going to be the new Air and I am trying to decide between 8GB and 16GB memory. Primary use of the laptop: Writing novels, storing documents (not a lot), and occasional Netflix, Hulu, watching. Help?
MacBook Air (2018 or later)
Since the computer cannot be upgraded later you need to think not just about today but for the next couple years. Based on my previous experience with Mac notebooks, you should be able to continue using this new MBA for at least 5 years. If Apple continues to operate has it has in the past 10 years, we will see 5 new versions of Mac OS and at least 2 of those will require significantly more RAM than the version before it. Your programs will also be upgraded during that time and they too will tend to require more RAM.
So while 8GB is sufficient today, will it be sufficient during the last several years you own it? My experience suggests not. I just purchased a new Mac mini and it has 16GB, not because I absolutely need it now, but because I expect I absolutely will in a couple years down the road.
Since the computer cannot be upgraded later you need to think not just about today but for the next couple years. Based on my previous experience with Mac notebooks, you should be able to continue using this new MBA for at least 5 years. If Apple continues to operate has it has in the past 10 years, we will see 5 new versions of Mac OS and at least 2 of those will require significantly more RAM than the version before it. Your programs will also be upgraded during that time and they too will tend to require more RAM.
So while 8GB is sufficient today, will it be sufficient during the last several years you own it? My experience suggests not. I just purchased a new Mac mini and it has 16GB, not because I absolutely need it now, but because I expect I absolutely will in a couple years down the road.
Hey there!
8GB of memory sounds fine for what you'll be using your MacBook for. More memory is only really necessary when using high intensity programs like Final Cut Pro X or the Adobe suite which requires lots of processing power.
Go with dbw's advice. The more RAM the merrier.
Conditions change.
See for example an old thread from 2007 and two replies:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/can-you-have-too-much-ram.383680/
YES you can have too much ram! If you only use your Mac for browsing the internet, listening to music and watching movies, than 4 GB RAM is absolutely useless. So it depends on what you use your Mac for.
and another view (same thread)
Short - NEVER
Long - You can NEVER have to much RAM!
I'm with dwb on this. You will never regret having more RAM.
8GB vs 16GB memory?
