Vicki Johnston

Q: New Macbook Pro need more storage!

I bought a Macbook Pro with Retina Display recently and just started to import all my photos and artworks for editing.

 

However I discover that my previous Macbook Pro had storage of 318 GB and this 2016 model has only 120GB.

I guess I should have purchased more storage capacity when buying it but didn't realise there was such a difference and I bought my previous laptop in 2011 so had forgotten about the extra storage.

 

What is the best way to add space - I know I can use externals etc but I like to travel with just the laptop.

 

Disappointed I didn't realise the huge difference

MacBook Pro

Posted on Apr 2, 2016 9:03 AM

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Q: New Macbook Pro need more storage!

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  • by my ginger,

    my ginger my ginger Apr 2, 2016 9:23 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Apr 2, 2016 9:23 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    If the idea of an external drive seems like too much extra to carry around, you could go with flash drives. They can be from 2 GB up to 1TB is size. depending on your need and budget. On further research, I don't know if the 3.0 Flash drives go as high as 1 TB. But I did see one that was 256GB.

  • by leroydouglas,

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Apr 2, 2016 9:20 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 7 (22,894 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 2, 2016 9:20 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    You can return the purchase if within 14 days.

     

    You could sell it and replace with larger storage.

  • by Vicki Johnston,

    Vicki Johnston Vicki Johnston Apr 2, 2016 9:40 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 2, 2016 9:40 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    Thank you - just disappointed at purchase I didn't realise the difference in storage capacity.

     

    I like everything being 'under one roof' so to speak for ease of finding things  - of course I also back up to external storage for safety but I would prefer to have more storage in this new laptop.

  • by leroydouglas,

    leroydouglas leroydouglas Apr 2, 2016 9:55 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 7 (22,894 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 2, 2016 9:55 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    Vicki Johnston wrote:

     

    Thank you - just disappointed at purchase I didn't realise the difference in storage capacity.

     

    I like everything being 'under one roof' so to speak for ease of finding things  - of course I also back up to external storage for safety but I would prefer to have more storage in this new laptop.

    Understandable.  Storage capacity for new Retina is point of purchase only.

     

    It takes years for 3rd party SSD to be  market ready. For example OWC has just released SSD replacement for the 2012-2013 MBP.

     

    User replaced SSD while void your Apple warranty.

     

    I do see this:  http://blog.macsales.com/35431-owc-unveils-aura-ssd-flash-storage-upgrades-for-m id-2013-and-later-macs

     

    You can ask OWC about your new 2016(?) MBP.

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro-retina-display/2013

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 2, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 9 (52,101 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 2, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    The somewhat unfortunate situation you are is is that for a retinal MBP, installing a larger capacity SSD will void the  warranty.  However many MBA users take advantage of the SD slot and install large capacity SDXC cards.  Investigate that option and I am certain that you can at least double the in-house storage:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204384

     

    It is not the best of all worlds, but it just might suit your needs.

     

    Ciao.

  • by Vicki Johnston,

    Vicki Johnston Vicki Johnston Apr 2, 2016 11:18 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 2, 2016 11:18 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Thanks will look into it all and try and make it a better fit for my use.

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Apr 2, 2016 11:36 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Apr 2, 2016 11:36 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    Do note that the concept of using an SDXC card as supplemental storage was much frowned upon in other forums here on the ASC by "some persons" best left unnamed. They claimed that the reliability of those cards was suspect.

     

    Fortunately, my 512GB still have 160GB free and I have not had to test those allegations. Did get a large external drive of reputable brand and have kept up-to-date full-disk backups just in case, though.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 2, 2016 12:00 PM in response to Courcoul
    Level 9 (52,101 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 2, 2016 12:00 PM in response to Courcoul

    Courcoul wrote:

     

    Do note that the concept of using an SDXC card as supplemental storage was much frowned upon in other forums here on the ASC by "some persons" best left unnamed. They claimed that the reliability of those cards was suspect.

     

    That is interesting.  One of our colleagues who has a MBA, uses this approach to supplement his storage, is in my opinion one of the very competent participants on these forums.   He is the inspiration for my suggestion.  I suppose it depends upon who one consults.

     

    Ciao.

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Apr 2, 2016 12:04 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Apr 2, 2016 12:04 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Well, the frowning upon happened up where only the eagles dare. Go figure...

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 2, 2016 12:06 PM in response to Courcoul
    Level 9 (52,101 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 2, 2016 12:06 PM in response to Courcoul

    Yes. 

     

    Ciao.

  • by Vicki Johnston,

    Vicki Johnston Vicki Johnston Apr 2, 2016 11:40 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 2, 2016 11:40 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

    What I don't understand is how much storage is taken up when I have only just begun using the laptop.

     

    For example after two days of usage - (only items I put in are photos, not included in comparison below)

    Other - 38 GB

    Apps - 16 GB

    Backups - 8GB

     

    As opposed to my last 2011 MBP heavily used for five years -  now at

    Other - 49GB

    Apps - 9 GB

    Backups - 2GB

     

    Why are Backups and Apps taking up so much room?

     

    Basically by turning the machine on already around 60GB of storage is accounted for!

  • by Leopardus,

    Leopardus Leopardus Apr 3, 2016 1:37 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 4 (1,087 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 3, 2016 1:37 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    Vicky,

     

    As alluded previously by some posters, get yourself at least a 256GB card to supplement your storage. Take note that it will be noticeable slower ito R/W speeds than your SSD, whether SATA or PCI as it works at USB speed. In that sense, external storage via Thunderbolt will be much faster. However for normal document or even audio storage, it is fast enough. Not for high quality video though, that is best on your built-in or Thunderbolt connected storage devices.

     

    Leo

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 3, 2016 2:56 AM in response to Vicki Johnston
    Level 9 (52,101 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 3, 2016 2:56 AM in response to Vicki Johnston

    I cannot comment on the specific difference between your two Macs since I do not have them available for inspection.

     

    This will explain what BACKUPS are:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204015

     

    You can essentially ignore them.

     

    If you are using the display fro 'About this Mac', it is often inaccurate and should not be relied upon.  Often, but not always, Spotlight reindex will correct it:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201716

     

    For accurate information I suggest that you download from the Internet OmniDiskSweeper and Grand Perspective (both free) and open them. They will show all of your files and the respective sizes.

     

    Ciao.