Need advice switching from iMac to 13 inch MacBook Air

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Need advice switching from iMac to 13 inch MacBook Air

So my 2019 21.5" iMac is having issues (running out of storage especially--246 GB being used of 250GB). I've since learned that an SSD drive needs at least a buffer of about 30% to run well. 🤷‍♀️ I tried deleting stuff and moving a lot to iCloud but I'm still stuck. I've decided to switch to a 13" MBA for portability and rearranging my home office; I used a 13" MBP for years in my last job so the size suits me fine. Question--is it overkill to get this configuration: 13" M3 MBA with 24GB Memory and 2T storage? I do NOT like storing everything in the cloud to save space. The jump from 1TB to 2TB of storage is steep but since I can't add more storage later I am hoping this will be the way to go.

Thanks for any advice.

MacBook Air (M3, 2024)

Posted on Jan 24, 2025 3:50 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Tesserax

Level 10

158,592 points

Jan 24, 2025 6:10 PM in response to smartblondegirl

I definitely do not think it would be overkill. Since the new Silicon Macs do not allow for upgrading either memory or storage once they are built, it's best to get what you need now.

Should 2T not be enough storage (always a possibility), external storage, whether directly attached or available on the local network, is also a sound investment. This is where a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device will come in handy.

Enjoy your new MBA!

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Answer 2

Jan 24, 2025 3:57 PM in response to smartblondegirl

Storing files in iCloud does not free up space on your computer. Get an external drive and store files on it. Using an external drive will free up storage space on your computer.

Here are some ways to free up storage space: Free up storage space on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

228,036 points

Jan 24, 2025 4:59 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

BobTheFisherman wrote:

Storing files in iCloud does not free up space on your computer.

I wouldn't agree with that entirely...

You can choose to optimize your local storage. If you're running out of room, documents will be stored in the cloud until needed.

Get an external drive and store files on it. Using an external drive will free up storage space on your computer.

Here are some ways to free up storage space: Free up storage space on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Jan 24, 2025 5:32 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thanks. I do have an external drive that I back up to using Time Machine......but once before I had one that died and so I use it as a redundant back up.

I do want to switch to a MBA anyway.....so I still would like to know if a 13" M3 MBA with 24GB Memory and 2T storage is overkill.

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Answer 5

Jan 24, 2025 5:55 PM in response to smartblondegirl

Well, I am out of storage (249GB/250GB) and cannot open Mail, or Podcasts to delete, etc. Guess I'll head up to the Apple store tomorrow...

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Answer 6

Jan 24, 2025 6:26 PM in response to Tesserax

Thanks--can't wait to switch.

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Need advice switching from iMac to 13 inch MacBook Air

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