256 or 512 GB flash storage?

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Level 1

95 points

256 or 512 GB flash storage?

Hi -- I'm about to purchase a 13-inch MacBook Pro. I WAS gonig to go with the regular (so to speak) hard drive, as I have more than 500 GB on my existing 2008 aluminum unibody MB and had to upgrde the hard drive in that one last year. Obviously, I like my stuff with me!

However, I've been talked into the retina display and flash storage as the wave of the future, and my daughter (who is in grad school) loves the Air she/we got her last fall, and that has flash storage.

I'm seriously thinking of upgrading to 512. Yes, I know I can put stuff in Dropbox and on externals, but given my propensity to have everything with me, would I be not wasting money to bump up to 512 GB?

Decisions, decisions...

Mostly this laptop stays home, but I take it on client visits 2-3 times a month, and to a jobsite 2-3 times a month.

Posted on Apr 12, 2013 1:02 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 12, 2013 1:11 PM in response to Beth Bales1

If you have a lot of files/data/music/videos - then i suggest going with the 512GB Flash Storage.

I do however, suggest you go with the 13 Inch non Retina Macbook Pro.

The difference between the two - 13 Inch Retina - not really user upgradeable in terms of RAM. No CD/DVD drive.

13 inch non Retina Macbook Pro - RAM and Hard Drive is user upgradeable. Has a CD/DVD drive.

in the end - it's all up to you.

In any event, whichever you decide to purchase, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

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Answer 2

Beth Bales1 Author

Level 1

95 points

Apr 12, 2013 3:10 PM in response to Bimmer 7 Series

Bimmer7 -- This is what I'm struggling with! As I said, I'm replacing a 13-inch MacBook purchased in 2008, right when they came out. Obviously, I tend to use my machines for quite some time. The only way this was possible was via upgrading the RAM and the hard drive a year ago. (And it's still kind of slow ... but quite serviceable.)

Still conflicted.

Do you think Apple will continue to make MacBook Pros with traditional hard drives?

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Answer 3

Apr 12, 2013 3:15 PM in response to Beth Bales1

To be honest - I think the Macbook Pro with traditional hard drive will be offered for a bit longer.

Have you considered upgrading your hard drive to SSD? That's what I did to my old 2008 Macbook Unibody and when I bought my late 2011 13 inch and 15 inch Macbook Pro, the first thing I did was ordered a SSD for both Macbook Pro and installed them myself when I got them.

You'll see a huge difference in speed once you upgrade the RAM and changed your hard drive to SSD in your old Macbook - will cost you around $250 - $450 max - based on 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB SSD.

Still much cheaper than buying a new Macbook Pro.

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Answer 4

Beth Bales1 Author

Level 1

95 points

Apr 12, 2013 3:30 PM in response to Bimmer 7 Series

I had not realized updating with an SSD drive was an option until today, believe it or not.

I'm definitely leaning toward the traditional hard drive. That means a waiting period -- those were last updated last June, so I don't want to buy now. (If they don't upgrade until October, I'll be more than a little miffed ...)

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Answer 5

Apr 12, 2013 3:46 PM in response to Beth Bales1

yes - you can upgrade your standard hard drive to ssd.

see images below for speed differences - first image - 1TB 5400 RPM Hard Drive - second image - 240GB SSD.

you can play the waiting game if you're not in a rush and your old macbook is still working for you.

good luck.

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