RAM advice for a second 'travel' computer

DEVONthink
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Hi everyone,

I’ve done the requisite search here for perspectives and insights, but thought I would ask anyway.

As a second ‘travel’ computer, I’m looking to pick up a 13" MacBook Air, likely an M3 or perhaps an M4 (if I take too much time deciding and the M3s are either gone or available only via the refurb store).

I’m stuck on RAM. I’m spoiled with a 16" M3 MacBook Pro with 36GB that, quite frankly, doesn’t miss a beat, but am struggling with whether to go with 16GB or 24GB in the travel machine.

Here are some specifics on my three most used databases, all of which are usually open simultaneously:

Database 1: 5.5GB @ 46m words
Database 2: 3.5GB @ 12m words
Database 3: 18.8GB @ 77m words

This is all no problem for my MacBook Pro, of course. When all three databases are open on it, DTPO sits at about 560MB in Memory section of the Activity Monitor.

So, for the travel computer, am I better off with 24GB or can I get by with 16GB? I’m fortunate in that the cost is not an issue, but I’m also hesitate to spend unnecessarily.

Anyway, keen for anyone’s thoughts, experiences or advice.

David

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While not specific to your question, my philosophy is it’s always better to have more and not need it, rather than end up with not enough.

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@celsee is correct here. Get as much RAM as you can comfortably afford.

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Thanks both! Sounds like it will be the 24GB model, then.

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It all depends on how deep your pockets are. Apple RAM is very expensive, on the other hand, RAM is not an upgradable item (unless you are extremely skilled)
The new Mac will last you 8yrs plus (on average replacement cycle) so plan for your needs 6 years into the future.

So my advice is to get the 24GB RAM and quietly weep (having paid the Apple tax) :grinning:

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Update.

Had an M4 Air with 24/512 delivered today.

Everything is syncing nicely.

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Congrats and enjoy!

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I bought the same about a year ago. But I paid even more Apple tax for a 2TB ssd. It’s just me, I think 512 GB are too less. Not that I like to stuff it with tons of files, but I like to be less anxious about space :slightly_smiling_face:

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You’re not wrong, Osiris. My primary machine is 2TB and the price made my eyes water when I bought it.

This new Air is strictly a travel/back-and-forth-to-work machine. With 512, I’m good for the databases that I use on a regular basis.

Welcome to the forums, by the way! You’ll like it here. Lots to learn. Some of us (cough) have been around for a long time and we still learn new things.

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A second welcome :slight_smile:

With the size of portable hard drives, I think there’s little to be anxious about nowadays. One of my Macs has an extra 6TB of storage (2TB and 4TB) attached on drives small enough to fit in my pants pocket.

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Thanks :slightly_smiling_face:

I just bought the new Mac Mini. Now I’m prepared to use DT. My last Mac Mini is ancient.

You’re right, no really need to be with stationary computers. On the road it’s better to have some space so you don’t need an extra device all the time.