Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Another "Help Me Configure My Laptop Thread" (Macbook Air)

DownhillGoat · 06-15-2013, 01:10 AM

So I'm planning on purchasing a new Macbook Air and was hoping for some collective CP insight.

The biggest issue I'm having is deciding if I should go with the 8gb of ram or 4. Normally I'm a big proponent of "buy the biggest engine available", but I'm not sure in this case. The problem I have is that the 8gb isn't a stock option, so I would have to have it shipped from Apple. Due to timeline and a number of other constraints, shipping isn't a really good option for me. I understand that the ram cannot be upgraded.

Planned usage:
- basic websurfing/netflix/email
- backing up photos while travelling or to take along in the camera bag
- second computer - I've got an MBP for everyday use and for heavier applications, but I travel a lot for work and vacations, and would like something that is easy to cart around and use on an airplane, and leave the MBP at home.
- My most intensive app is likely to be Adobe Lightroom.
- If it matters, I'll be going with the i5 chip and 256 SSD.

I'm leaning towards the 4gb just for ease of purchase, but will I regret it shortly after? Or would the 4gb be plenty for what I'm using it for for a few years?

Also, any opinions on the 11" vs 13"? I'm leaning towards the 11 for portability's sake, but the 13 has a larger battery capacity. Will the 13" be unusable on an airplane snack tray?

Thanks in advance.

06-15-2013, 01:10 AM	#1
DownhillGoat Franchise Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Exp:	Another "Help Me Configure My Laptop Thread" (Macbook Air) So I'm planning on purchasing a new Macbook Air and was hoping for some collective CP insight. The biggest issue I'm having is deciding if I should go with the 8gb of ram or 4. Normally I'm a big proponent of "buy the biggest engine available", but I'm not sure in this case. The problem I have is that the 8gb isn't a stock option, so I would have to have it shipped from Apple. Due to timeline and a number of other constraints, shipping isn't a really good option for me. I understand that the ram cannot be upgraded. Planned usage: - basic websurfing/netflix/email - backing up photos while travelling or to take along in the camera bag - second computer - I've got an MBP for everyday use and for heavier applications, but I travel a lot for work and vacations, and would like something that is easy to cart around and use on an airplane, and leave the MBP at home. - My most intensive app is likely to be Adobe Lightroom. - If it matters, I'll be going with the i5 chip and 256 SSD. I'm leaning towards the 4gb just for ease of purchase, but will I regret it shortly after? Or would the 4gb be plenty for what I'm using it for for a few years? Also, any opinions on the 11" vs 13"? I'm leaning towards the 11 for portability's sake, but the 13 has a larger battery capacity. Will the 13" be unusable on an airplane snack tray? Thanks in advance.