Buying a MBA, will the base configuration be enough for me?

[iObama]

AS is not magic. It doesn’t turn 8 gb into 16 gb. RAM is RAM. Is it more efficient? Maybe. But it ain’t more and the GPU has to share it, too.

This - much more succinctly than I said it haha.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

If anyone says you need more memory or more storage, ask if they will give you the money for the extra cost.

This right here. 👆

 

[chmania]

I'm not an expert in this area, but here's a basic overview:

The OS/apps will often "use" as much RAM as it has available for caching files and applications. Unless you're noticing slowdowns, I wouldn't worry too much about what your computer is using.

RAM is RAM – the only difference here is that the RAM is all part of one unified architecture, which at a very basic level means that there's less "stuff" in between the RAM/CPU/SSD while they're communicating. Between that and the fact that SSDs have gotten really fast (which helps with something called "swap" – essentially using the SSD as RAM), you're less likely to notice once you run out of RAM, but you will start to have slowdowns.

If cost is not an option, more RAM is better.

If "RAM is RAM" would Apple create the M chip? And, that "RAM is RAM" is that Intel (or AMD) era thinking, as a separate chip. M chips are here only 4 years, not much time to get used to them, other than "oh, they are fast."

 

[Zaydax333]

I have a feeling that RAM in an Intel Mac is somewhat different to RAM in a silicon Mac. I am not sure, and as you are an IT guy, hope you can explain. I am using a 15" Intel 2018 (made in April 2019), and it is still doing well after 5+ years. Sure, it has 16GB Ram, but with an older 8th gen i7. I'm doing more than what the OP has mentioned he'd do, and that MBP is running about 15 hours a day. The memory pressure never been to yellow. The MBP gets heated up, only when an OS update is going on, and after that it cools down, sometimes the palm rests are too cold. At that time, this MBP was manufactured, there were no silicon Macs. Of course, it was supposed to be quite high-end then.

Anyway, one day, I'd have to buy a silicon Mac. Not because this Intel MBP would die, but because of curiosity, just to try one out. Let's say, if I buy one in 2025, I'd be still doing the same work, and leisure use of that machine. I find the 16GB RAM Intel MBP is still too much for what I do with it. Because it has 16GB RAM, sometimes macOS would use ~12GB of that. If I do the same work on a Windows 11 laptop with 8GB RAM, that Windows laptop won't use even 6GB of it. I have 2 of them, a Lenovo and a Dell, which has 10gen and 11gen intel processors. When I use Linux on those laptops, they work even better.

I don't do any video editing ever. Some image editing, either with Preview or GIMP. I use Excel, Word and Skype, which maybe the biggest memory hoggers, not being native macOS. So, would 15" MBA with the M2/M3 chip 8GB RAM would be enough? Would the RAM on a silicon chip works differently than RAM with an Intel chip?

It's a little confusing, but it IS different and it is NOT different at the same time. Let me explain:

(I may explain some really basic stuff here as well, it's not meant to condescending in any way to you specifically, just more a of a better explanation to someone else who may come across it not knowing much)

For reference I'm a computer engineer.

Computers with separate discrete GPU's come with their on RAM for the GPU, so we're not really going to talk about that, that is a whole separate category. But that does tell us something important, when a GPU does its compute, it's needs a pool of RAM to work with. Usually referred to as v(video)RAM.

Laptop CPUs generally have "integrated graphics" This means the graphics "card" is combined with the CPU on the same chip.

In Intel computers this usually means that the vRAM comes from the CPU RAM amount. So that 8GB/16GB/24GB number we talk about. This is the same for Apple Silicon.

The difference comes in how they USE IT. On an Intel Mac, even though the RAM and vRAM are physically using the same chip, the chip/firmware/OS treat them as different pools of memory. So it reserves usually somewhere in the amount of 1-2GB for vRAM for GPU and then is leaving the rest of the RAM for the CPU.

The difference is that Apple Silicon includes the RAM itself also on the same chip die. This means that it is physically closer to the CPU and GPU. Which means the CPU/GPU can access it a bit faster than usual. Also, Apple has done some optimization in the designs here. By treating the RAM as a UNIFIED POOL. This means you get the functionality you highlighted in a different post:

Unified memory is about minimising the redundancy of data copied between different sections of memory used by the CPU and GPU. Copying is slow and wastes memory capacity. With a traditional memory implementation, part of your RAM is reserved for the GPU. Apple solves this problem, making memory allocation more fluid and increasing performance. The unified memory approach truly revolutionises performance by allowing all components access to the same memory at the same place. In addition to integrating RAM physically, the new unified memory architecture allows more efficient use of available memory. Placing all memory in a single pool means that any component can ramp up usage when needed, seamlessly allocating resources where needed.

Edit: Whoops post accidentally went though even though I wasn't done typing, let me finish in another post edit.

Edit: Continuing:

Because of everything highlighted above, Apple's philosophy of 8GB on MAC is == to 16GB on Windows is just false.
Because of the advantages listed in the highlighted block above. 8GB on Mac is more equivalent to like 10GB on Windows machines. Because they're reducing that 1-2GB of vRAM of stuff that needs to be duplicated into that same 8GB of pool that the CPU is using and accessing.

A couple of additional notes:
The OS will always just use the "swap" partition when it runs out of RAM. This means a small portion of the SSD that is being used as an extension of RAM. It's not going to be as fast, so you may notice sluggishness in more performance intensive tasks that access larger files. It also introduces an additional source of wear and tear on the SSD, though realistically most people won't ever really hit those limits that the drive is rated for even in this scenario.

Also the OS will cache more things in RAM if you have more RAM. If there is more RAM around it's going to try and use it in the most effective way it can. That is why you see people saying yes I am a light user and have 16GB of RAM and I'm using 11GB or whatever. The OS is just caching stuff it thinks is useful.
----

At the end of the day. RAM is still RAM. When you buy a computer you should know how much you want to spend and how long you expect it to last. Software generally tends to get more resource hungry as time moves on. This isn't Apple's fault only, this is all software. If you want your computer to keep up with this and expect to keep it for several years, then you should get more RAM.

I personally can't fathom buying a new laptop that I plan to keep for 5+ years with 8GB of RAM even if I were just using it for lightweight tasks like OP is stating.

 

[ab22]

I agree, I work for a university and I'm planning to go to our local Apple store and get the educational discount along with the $150 Apple gift card. Seems too good of a deal to pass up.

If you plan to get applecare - make a second transaction to use the giftcard & still get 20% off

 

[chmania]

It's a little confusing, but it IS different and it is NOT different at the same time. Let me explain:

(I may explain some really basic stuff here as well, it's not meant to condescending in any way to you specifically, just more a of a better explanation to someone else who may come across it not knowing much)

For reference I'm a computer engineer.

Are you a computer hardware engineer?

 

[jz0309]

My eyes are getting older and I don't think I could realistically use a 13" anymore. 14" would be the absolute smallest I would use (I use an older 14" Chromebook and my wife's 14" MBP and that is definitely the smallest I would want). Definitely 15" Air is the best display size for me.

go to the Apple Store and compare a 13 iPad with the MBA, looking at the same content, webpages ... you might be surprised ...

 

[Iwavvns]

I keep looking at the base configuration for a 15" MBA with 8gb/256gb. This computer will strictly be a "sitting on the couch surfing the internet while watching tv" type computer. I will be looking up sports scores, posting on forums, shopping on Amazon, random google searches, Youtube videos, and reading the occasional email (gmail). I use Safari for my browser fyi. Normally I do this stuff on my Iphone 15 Plus but it would be nicer to do it on a laptop with a 15" display and with a real keyboard to type on.

I will probably install Adobe Reader to look at the occasional PDF. I may or may not install MS Office for Word, but this won't be a work machine at all.

I will never use it for anything more than what I listed. With that said, is the base configuration enough for me and should last me 5 or more years? I have been reading on the topic of RAM and so many people are saying "you need 16GB of RAM, you never know what you will want to do on the machine in the future, and you need 16gb for this and that, etc". All the stuff people mention doing, video stuff etc I will never do.

I just want a laptop that I can have at most 5 tabs of Safari open and that's pretty much it, and the computer run smoothly.

With that said, should I spend the extra money for 16gb of RAM for the sake of Safari web browsing, or in my situation is that literally a waste of money?

I have a base model MacBook Air M1 and use it for a bit more than your outlined plans. This machine has served me perfectly and continues to amaze me by what it can do without problems. It can even handle the occasional complicated video editing session. I think you’ll be happy with it.

 

[Zaydax333]

Are you a computer hardware engineer?

I've done both computer hardware and software engineering over the last 8 years since I graduated college with a BS in Computer Engineering. Love poking around the forum and just helping out with facts where I can.

 

[Siliconguy]

If your 2024 needs will remain your 2029 needs, then base 2024 specs will likely be fine. But what if your 2029 needs go beyond some Safari tabs?

For what you are describing, a PC or Chromebook can easily do all of that. Or a base iPad with a keyboard if you want an Apple-based device.

iPad plus keyboard is more than a MacBook Air. The base model Airs have been appearing on sale on a regular basis. The 8 GB is definitely enough today, predictions are difficult, especially about the future.

If you are still nervous about the base model upgrade to 16 GB RAM. External storage is cheap, and shuffling movies in and out of an external drive is easy enough. I have half of my 256 GB still free. An external 1 TB SSD is like $100 if you need it. Apple's markup is ludicrous. With RAM you don't really have a choice, with storage you do.

 

[Iwavvns]

I'll counter the crowd here since you yourself are thinking about the future not only about right now. You are correct in doing so because when you buy a Silicon Mac, you are not buying for 2024 needs but for up to 2032 or so needs too. Unlike Intel Macs where we often had an ability to add some RAM or more storage later, what you buy in this Mac is all it can EVER be internally. If 4 years from now, you absolutely need more RAM, there's no adding it then.

So, I agree with all posts for what you've described you need right now, base specs will be fine.

I'll disagree with all by then asking: "what will you need it to do in 2028? 2030? 2033?" Or are you ready to buy a whole replacement Mac in those years... because that's the answer when needs evolve: replace the entire thing instead of only evolve the one you already own with more RAM or more SSD inside.

This crowd around here always pushes what Apple has for sale now. It's like it's some kind of rule to "help" the richest company in the world sell more of what is for sale now. "We" also are quick to put down anything & everything Apple does NOT have for sale right now... but then flip flop as soon as Apple launches whatever it is. In other words, "we" are quite the biased bunch with regards to helping Apple sell what they want people to buy now.

My best advice is to do your best mental time traveling and ask yourself what you need from this computer in at least 2029 (only 5 years from now, when you'll likely still have whatever Mac you buy in 2024). Will base specs do THAT well? If not, buy the 2029 specs you need and they'll probably be overkill for your 2024 needs but then be there for you when you get to what 2029 needs your Mac to do.

Find one of them perfectly healthy 70-year-old smokers of "3 packs a day" and ask him if smoking is bad for you. He'll probably laugh at the concept and offer himself up as evidence. A biased crowd always answers questions with their biases. Apple fans are fans of Apple. If Apple believes base specs are enough... they are enough.

There are strong rumors that the very next generation of Macs is going to raise base specs to 12GB (possibly 16GB). That M4 iPad just released has 12GB of RAM inside of it with half of it disabled. As soon as Apple bails on 8GB as base specs, "we" will then put down 8GB RAM in support of the great need for at least 12GB (must help Apple drive all of them Mac upgrades from under-powered 8GB Macs).

See iPhones when 4" was the "perfect" screen size and phablets were collectively deemed "abominations"... until Apple embraced phablet sizes and some of the very same people then referred to the old "perfection" as "how did we ever get by with those puny screens?" Soon that will be "how did we ever get buy with a puny 8GB or RAM?" When will that be? As soon as Apple evolves base specs... possibly- maybe probably- with M4 Macs about to be launched.

"Think different" and buy wisely.

And one more thing: with such simple 2024 needs, if money is driving your thinking here, consider a PC or Chromebook or similar. They can easily do what you need and will cost a fraction of a MBair. Kick the can for a few years and when your needs get beyond such basics, maybe buy yourself an M7 Mac with specs that can last for the life of the device.

Always buy the correct tool for the job. Never go overboard for something that may happen in the future. I once spent a lot of money on a computer for a workload that I thought I would have a year later. It turns out that workload never materialized and I was stuck with the computer that had tons of power that I would never use.. it was a waste of money.

 

[iObama]

It's a little confusing, but it IS different and it is NOT different at the same time. Let me explain:

(I may explain some really basic stuff here as well, it's not meant to condescending in any way to you specifically, just more a of a better explanation to someone else who may come across it not knowing much)

For reference I'm a computer engineer.

Computers with separate discrete GPU's come with their on RAM for the GPU, so we're not really going to talk about that, that is a whole separate category. But that does tell us something important, when a GPU does its compute, it's needs a pool of RAM to work with. Usually referred to as v(video)RAM.

Laptop CPUs generally have "integrated graphics" This means the graphics "card" is combined with the CPU on the same chip.

In Intel computers this usually means that the vRAM comes from the CPU RAM amount. So that 8GB/16GB/24GB number we talk about. This is the same for Apple Silicon.

The difference comes in how they USE IT. On an Intel Mac, even though the RAM and vRAM are physically using the same chip, the chip/firmware/OS treat them as different pools of memory. So it reserves usually somewhere in the amount of 1-2GB for vRAM for GPU and then is leaving the rest of the RAM for the CPU.

The difference is that Apple Silicon includes the RAM itself also on the same chip die. This means that it is physically closer to the CPU and GPU. Which means the CPU/GPU can access it a bit faster than usual. Also, Apple has done some optimization in the designs here. By treating the RAM as a UNIFIED POOL. This means you get the functionality you highlighted in a different post:


Edit: Whoops post accidentally went though even though I wasn't done typing, let me finish in another post edit.

Edit: Continuing:

Because of everything highlighted above, Apple's philosophy of 8GB on MAC is == to 16GB on Windows is just false.
Because of the advantages listed in the highlighted block above. 8GB on Mac is more equivalent to like 10GB on Windows machines. Because they're reducing that 1-2GB of vRAM of stuff that needs to be duplicated into that same 8GB of pool that the CPU is using and accessing.

A couple of additional notes:
The OS will always just use the "swap" partition when it runs out of RAM. This means a small portion of the SSD that is being used as an extension of RAM. It's not going to be as fast, so you may notice sluggishness in more performance intensive tasks that access larger files. It also introduces an additional source of wear and tear on the SSD, though realistically most people won't ever really hit those limits that the drive is rated for even in this scenario.

Also the OS will cache more things in RAM if you have more RAM. If there is more RAM around it's going to try and use it in the most effective way it can. That is why you see people saying yes I am a light user and have 16GB of RAM and I'm using 11GB or whatever. The OS is just caching stuff it thinks is useful.
----

At the end of the day. RAM is still RAM. When you buy a computer you should know how much you want to spend and how long you expect it to last. Software generally tends to get more resource hungry as time moves on. This isn't Apple's fault only, this is all software. If you want your computer to keep up with this and expect to keep it for several years, then you should get more RAM.

I personally can't fathom buying a new laptop that I plan to keep for 5+ years with 8GB of RAM even if I were just using it for lightweight tasks like OP is stating.

This guy knows ^ I'm just a lowly IT guy, this guy's an engineer lol.

 

[Zaydax333]

It's a little confusing, but it IS different and it is NOT different at the same time. Let me explain:

(I may explain some really basic stuff here as well, it's not meant to condescending in any way to you specifically, just more a of a better explanation to someone else who may come across it not knowing much)

For reference I'm a computer engineer.

Computers with separate discrete GPU's come with their on RAM for the GPU, so we're not really going to talk about that, that is a whole separate category. But that does tell us something important, when a GPU does its compute, it's needs a pool of RAM to work with. Usually referred to as v(video)RAM.

Laptop CPUs generally have "integrated graphics" This means the graphics "card" is combined with the CPU on the same chip.

In Intel computers this usually means that the vRAM comes from the CPU RAM amount. So that 8GB/16GB/24GB number we talk about. This is the same for Apple Silicon.

The difference comes in how they USE IT. On an Intel Mac, even though the RAM and vRAM are physically using the same chip, the chip/firmware/OS treat them as different pools of memory. So it reserves usually somewhere in the amount of 1-2GB for vRAM for GPU and then is leaving the rest of the RAM for the CPU.

The difference is that Apple Silicon includes the RAM itself also on the same chip die. This means that it is physically closer to the CPU and GPU. Which means the CPU/GPU can access it a bit faster than usual. Also, Apple has done some optimization in the designs here. By treating the RAM as a UNIFIED POOL. This means you get the functionality you highlighted in a different post:


Edit: Whoops post accidentally went though even though I wasn't done typing, let me finish in another post edit.

Edit: Continuing:

Because of everything highlighted above, Apple's philosophy of 8GB on MAC is == to 16GB on Windows is just false.
Because of the advantages listed in the highlighted block above. 8GB on Mac is more equivalent to like 10GB on Windows machines. Because they're reducing that 1-2GB of vRAM of stuff that needs to be duplicated into that same 8GB of pool that the CPU is using and accessing.

A couple of additional notes:
The OS will always just use the "swap" partition when it runs out of RAM. This means a small portion of the SSD that is being used as an extension of RAM. It's not going to be as fast, so you may notice sluggishness in more performance intensive tasks that access larger files. It also introduces an additional source of wear and tear on the SSD, though realistically most people won't ever really hit those limits that the drive is rated for even in this scenario.

Also the OS will cache more things in RAM if you have more RAM. If there is more RAM around it's going to try and use it in the most effective way it can. That is why you see people saying yes I am a light user and have 16GB of RAM and I'm using 11GB or whatever. The OS is just caching stuff it thinks is useful.
----

At the end of the day. RAM is still RAM. When you buy a computer you should know how much you want to spend and how long you expect it to last. Software generally tends to get more resource hungry as time moves on. This isn't Apple's fault only, this is all software. If you want your computer to keep up with this and expect to keep it for several years, then you should get more RAM.

I personally can't fathom buying a new laptop that I plan to keep for 5+ years with 8GB of RAM even if I were just using it for lightweight tasks like OP is stating.

I will also add to this. The take I wrote at the end there, only exists because I know how this stuff works, and doing a bunch of small tasks at the same time can push an 8GB system to its limits. Will most non tech savvy people notice or care? No. Will I? Yes.

Those people that don't notice or care though, are also the most likely to blame Apple for crap software in a few years when their machines starts to get slower as software in general gets more intensive and eats up more RAM. When really, they should've brought more RAM. Or realistically Apple shouldn't have been so damn stingy keeping 8GB as the base for so long and charge horrendous prices for RAM upgrades.

Of course I hope all devs can strive to make their software more RAM usage friendly but, it's not always so easy.

I have an M1 Pro 14 inch MBP. I really do love it. but I just bought the base model with 16GB/512.
However, I'm seriously considering a Framework Laptop as my next laptop. That repairability is *chefs kiss*.

 

[Zaydax333]

This guy knows ^ I'm just a lowly IT guy, this guy's an engineer lol.

All good my dude Your summary was still good, and much shorter than my multi paragraph rant haha.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

“It's like it's some kind of rule to "help" the richest company in the world sell more of what is for sale now.”

How is Apple’s bottom line relevant to his purchase?

For a bunch of Apple users, a lot of people on this forum spend a lot of time beating up on Apple for having too much money. It’s strange.

Apple fans are pushing a base specs that many of us already believe is about to rise just a few weeks from now... at which point, many arguing how perfectly fine 8GB is now... will no longer be doing so as soon as Apple is pushing 12GB (or perhaps 16GB Macs).

The point is that OP is asking Apple fans if he should buy an Apple product. Automatically the answer is YES. If this was a Windows crowd, he'd automatically get a different answer.

Are base specs enough? Since Apple are selling these base specs, yes. But as soon as Apple evolves base specs, "we" will evolve our opinions- sometimes quite passionate opinions- to go right with whatever Apple has for sale at the time. See how suddenly iPhones with "perfect" 4" screens were called "puny" but those who had argued so passionately for them and against phablets, once Apple embraced phablet sizes.

I suspect this "first Mac" buyer is young and may not have enough experience with computers to know that what he imagines doing with it in 2029 being no different in 2024 is probably NOT going to be the case. As soon as we get to 2029 (or 2027) and he realizes he has insufficient specs for whatever he wants his Mac to do then, this crowd has no other remedy for him but "buy a new Mac" because that's the only option with this Mac.

The counterpoint is trying to get him to "think different" than 2024 needs = 2029 needs because they will probably NOT be the same. Even macOS may evolve beyond 2024 base specs. My opinion is buy for 2029. And if OP is in doubt, go read threads of people who were sold on base specs 5 years ago now dealing with an insufficient Mac and read the recommendations being offered to that person: buy a new Mac.

If OP is good with buying a new Mac when he needs more RAM or SSD inside, then fine. But if not or if unsure, scrounge up some added cash to make a first Mac purchase that he can use for 5-8 years instead of setting himself up to potentially have to scrounge up the full price again to replace the Mac with potentially "not enough specs" as so many others face who bought minimum spec Macs 5+ years ago.

 

[chmania]

I've done both computer hardware and software engineering over the last 8 years since I graduated college with a BS in Computer Engineering. Love poking around the forum and just helping out with facts where I can.

So tell us why the base model 8GB RAM M1 Mac is better than 16GB RAM i9 Intel Mac? Or is it the 16GB RAM in the Intel Mac is worse/better than the 8Gb RAM in a M1 Mac? Or, that the M1 chip is better than the Intel i9, whatever the size of the RAM? Or, that Intel i9 couldn't run with 8GB RAM? Or...?

Like I said here, I might be buying a base model M chip 15" MBA in 2025, so your "knowledge" would be helpful proving that 8GB RAM on a M2/M3 chip is not enough for my work.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

as is spending money buying capabilities you will not use; it’s all about the intended use over the life cycle.

Going from 8 GB to 16 GB RAM in 2024 is not really about "buying capabilities you will not use," because over the life cycle of the box (if not immediately) one will use the RAM over 8 GB. Operation will be smoother and faster, especially when using more than one app at a time.

Sure the OS will always be able to compromise operation and make 8 GB work using tricks like swapping to SSD, but IMO no one should do that on purpose unless financial constraints are extreme.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

iPad plus keyboard is more than a MacBook Air. The base model Airs have been appearing on sale on a regular basis. The 8 GB is definitely enough today, predictions are difficult, especially about the future.

Base iPad NOT on sale but full Apple Store price is $349
An abundant variety of bluetooth keyboards to make an iPad work like a laptop are on Amazon for under $70.

Both are less "on sale"

$349 + $70 = $419 (I'll just forego any adjustment for sale or refurb pricing)

Best sale price I can find for base spec M3 15" MBair today is $1099. OPs talking Edu store where that's $1199 with $150 gift card.

He could throughly spec up that iPad and not get to $1099 but a relatively basic iPad is easily going to do what he wants to do. Max Spec Basic iPad is $479 with no sale discounts. Step up a much more loaded M2 iPad Air 13" with 512GB of storage (update) and it is $999 new... so add a keyboard for it to get near that $1099 price... before seeking out any sales.

If it has to be 15" and a laptop, a Chromebook will do the basic needs stuff he identified and cost MUCH less... and likely still do the same in 2029 too.

Maybe its different where you are?

 

[macbookj0e]

I came into making this thread with this exact thinking. I just wanted to know the probability of if in "2029" or whatever year if I will be able to use a base spec machine that I'm buying now to run 2-5 Safari tabs. I think the answer is yes. If it doesn't work out that way in 5-6 years then I trade the MBA into Apple and put the money towards a new one.

One thing Apple hardware has going for it is longevity, at least in my experience.

The base 15 will be fine for your (existing) needs in 2029 without doubt.

 

[ab2c4]

If you plan to get applecare - make a second transaction to use the giftcard & still get 20% off

Didn't know that, thank you.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Always buy the correct tool for the job. Never go overboard for something that may happen in the future. I once spent a lot of money on a computer for a workload that I thought I would have a year later. It turns out that workload never materialized and I was stuck with the computer that had tons of power that I would never use.. it was a waste of money.

Now try the same "what if" the other way (it writes and reads just as easily):

Always try to anticipate how you will use a tool for future jobs. Take best shot at anticipating what you will need it to do. I once assumed I would not need a $1000 computer to do things that only a year later I needed it to do. It couldn't. It turns out that that computer couldn't be upgraded so I had to come up with another $1500 to replace it with a computer that COULD do what I needed it to do. I was stuck being out well over twice as much money because I didn't anticipate my future needs well. Lesson learned. I'll err to the "what if" going forward and always buy a little more than I know I need now when I'm buying something to hopefully use for 5-10 years. I hate wasting money.

 

[ab2c4]

go to the Apple Store and compare a 13 iPad with the MBA, looking at the same content, webpages ... you might be surprised ...

I never enjoyed using Ipads actually. I have had two over the years they never felt right to me.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

If anyone says you need more memory or more storage, ask if they will give you the money for the extra cost. For your needs the base machine is more than enough. Others really like to spend other people’s money by recommending expensive upgrades.

No. The statement "If anyone says you need more memory or more storage, ask if they will give you the money for the extra cost" is very misleading. No one should expect someone else to "give you the money for the extra cost." All you are getting is free advice.

What you can do is ask: What would you do? In my case I bought max of 96 GB RAM in my M2 MBP, just like I bought max of 16 GB RAM in my 2016 MBP. IMO it makes no sense to intentionally cripple a laptop with less than optimum RAM.

TBH I take offense at "Others really like to spend other people’s money by recommending expensive upgrades." Most here give their honest (free) opinions.

 

[Iwavvns]

Now try the same "what if" the other way (it writes and reads just as easily):

Always try to anticipate how you will use a tool for future jobs. Take best shot at anticipating what you will need it to do. I once assumed I would not need a $1000 computer to do things that only a year later I needed it to do. It couldn't. It turns out that that computer couldn't be upgraded so I had to come up with another $1500 to replace it with a computer that COULD do what I needed it to do. I was stuck being out well over twice as much money because I didn't anticipate my future needs well. Lesson learned. I'll err to the "what if" going forward and always buy a little more than I know I need now when I'm buying something to hopefully use for 5-10 years. I hate wasting money.

Well, some of us aren’t like you rich folks who can just throw your money away whenever you think you might need it. I understand the need to plan ahead, but I also know that making assumptions is never a good thing without having all the facts.

 

[Iwavvns]

What you can do is ask: What would you do?

First of all, that only works when you have two people with the exact same workload, habits, and expectations.. which is almost never the case.

Secondly, nobody cares if you take offense at something, you can get glad in the same boots you got mad in. People get offended at every minor little thing these days and some of us quit caring a long time ago. If you get offended that easily, then stay off the Internet.