New Macbook Pro need more storage!

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.

You can return the purchase if within 14 days.

You could sell it and replace with larger storage.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Yes. 😁

Ciao.

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

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.