Do I need to upgrade to 16GB for first Mac?

[Mojer]

My usage is light (email, web surfing, documents, Spotify, Netflix and light photo stuff). It’s not uncommon for me to have about 10-15 safari tabs open. I keep going back and forth and saying it’s only another $200, but then I start thinking it would be nice to put that $200 into accessories and I do have a limited budget. I want to keep this machine (I’m looking at the MBA) for at least a few years. So any opinions are much appreciated so I can maybe order it tonight. Thanks!

 

[kidchop3]

My usage is light (email, web surfing, documents, Spotify, Netflix and light photo stuff). It’s not uncommon for me to have about 10-15 safari tabs open. I keep going back and forth and saying it’s only another $200, but then I start thinking it would be nice to put that $200 into accessories and I do have a limited budget. I want to keep this machine (I’m looking at the MBA) for at least a few years. So any opinions are much appreciated so I can maybe order it tonight. Thanks!

If your only keeping it for 2-3years and based on your usage, I wouldn’t bother with 16GB.

When you come to resell your laptop, upgraded macs depreciate more compared to base models.

 

[Weaselboy]

For your described usage 8GB will be just fine.

 

[KaliYoni]

One way you can think about this decision is to assess the best use, for you, of the $200. If there is an accessory that will add a lot of value to your workflows, say a high capacity SSD for media storage or a new Wi-Fi router, the benefit to you might be higher than buying more RAM. If, on the other hand, you think you will be extending how you use your Mac, say, for creating and editing videos, in the future, more RAM will make your experience better. Or, instead of buying AppleCare, put the $200 in the bank. Then you can use the money to pay for repairs, if needed. If not, you'll have $200 + interest to spend when you replace the 2020 MBA.

 

[iHorseHead]

One way you can think about this decision is to assess the best use, for you, of the $200. If there is an accessory that will add a lot of value to your workflows, say a high capacity SSD for media storage or a new Wi-Fi router, the benefit to you might be higher than buying more RAM. If, on the other hand, you think you will be extending how you use your Mac, say, for creating and editing videos, in the future, more RAM will make your experience better. Or, instead of buying AppleCare, put the $200 in the bank. Then you can use the money to pay for repairs, if needed. If not, you'll have $200 + interest to spend when you replace the 2020 MBA.

I got MacBook Air M1 8GB because for the money of 16gb I would've gotten the Pro.
After I heard about SSD failures and SSD problems I got an Apple Care anyway…

 

[pacmania1982]

I would say for your purposes, 8GB should be fine. I have 8GB in my 2017 13" non Touch Bar MacBook Pro and its fine. I think these days with the speed of SSDs it doesn't make much difference when your Mac needs to page virtual memory.

 

[svish]

I think for the use cases mentioned, 8 GB RAM will do. Save the $200