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Do I need 128GB or 256GB PCIe-based flash storage for MacBook Air 2015?

I'm thinking about buying the newest MacBook Air 13" 2015 and I'm trying to decide if I need the 256GB PCle-based flash storage or if 128 GB will be enough? I'm a pretty basic computer user, loved my MacBook 2009 and it's just now running slow. I store some photos, do some basic Photoshop, use the internet for blogging, tumblr, and mostly how I watch movies on Netflix, etc. I download very little music and need basic word processing programs. I will pay $100 for an upgrade to the 8GB Memory but do I need the 256GB of PCle-based flash storage for another $200? I think I'm fine with the 1.6GH processor speed. I have an external HD 1TB, but not sure the PCle-based flash storage is the same thing?? Thanks for any advice that helps to make this decision! Saving money is important but I want a computer that will last as long as possible.

Posted on Aug 16, 2015 4:19 PM

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Posted on Aug 16, 2015 5:02 PM

In most cases more is better. If this is going to be your primary machine, spring for the extra storage in addition to the extra RAM. If it's a secondary machine, and you're willing to manage what you keep local on the machine, then 128 may be just fine for you.


I have a 2014 11" MBA with 4 GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It works just fine for me as a secondary machine. I keep virtually no media on it at all. Much of my document storage is in the cloud. I have a 64GB USB 3 thumb drive for whatever I need to take with me that I don't want to store on the internal drive.

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Aug 16, 2015 5:02 PM in response to ateliermj

In most cases more is better. If this is going to be your primary machine, spring for the extra storage in addition to the extra RAM. If it's a secondary machine, and you're willing to manage what you keep local on the machine, then 128 may be just fine for you.


I have a 2014 11" MBA with 4 GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It works just fine for me as a secondary machine. I keep virtually no media on it at all. Much of my document storage is in the cloud. I have a 64GB USB 3 thumb drive for whatever I need to take with me that I don't want to store on the internal drive.

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Aug 16, 2015 5:07 PM in response to ateliermj

While 128 GB may sound ok right now, most users end up putting a lot on their machines...which doesn't leave you with many options with a MacBook Air...you would be far better off spending extra today for more storage than run out in the future.


Go for the memory upgrade and the larger storage option so you don't regret it later when you start running out of space.

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Aug 16, 2015 6:30 PM in response to ateliermj

Saving money is important but I want a computer that will last as long as possible.

In that case you practically answered your own question: the answer is "yes", get both 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Neither one can be upgraded later. Use the 1 TB external for a Time Machine backup.

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Do I need 128GB or 256GB PCIe-based flash storage for MacBook Air 2015?

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