What size SSD for MBP 13?

I am going to get a SSD and I wanted the 80GB from intel, but Kingstons 64GB can be had for 140ish
I would use it for only apps and the OS
I could get a portable hard drive or flash drive (32GB+) for Media..
Would this be a good decision or should I just get the 80, or should I save more and get a 100GB+ SSD?

 

I don't understand the questions I see on these forums ... How are we supposed to know how much storage you need? We do not know your computer habits ... And you haven't even bothered to tell us.

This is a question only you can answer.

 

I dont understand the answers by you? Why do you bother reading them then?
I said I would only use it for the apps and OS and use a separate piece for media...

Is buying separate drives an internal and a USB okay it or is it worth the money to get a large SSD to cover all of my needs previously stated. Same question different wording, thanks.

 

Well this is just me but, while SSDs are great, I would much prefer a HDD large enough that capacity will not be a problem.

I don't hoard media files, I delete them once I'm done with them but that might be different for you ... If you must have an SSD, 64 GB is pushing it ... I would go for at least 80 GB. Last thing you want is having to choose between what programs are worthy to stay on your computer because you're running out of space.

If I were to get an SSD, I would get at least 80 GB, but I'll be comfortable with 128 GB.

 

just using it for apps and OS is vague. Some people install 1gb worth of apps on their machine... some people install 200gb worth of apps on their machine... we don't know what your going to be doing.

if you really think 64GB is big enough, then go for it.

 

If you don't use the dvd a lot, you can go for a second internal drive, and even convert your internal dvd/superdrive to an external one. I've ordered http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/ (even thought many say it's expensive, they're offering the dvd usb case so I think it's ok) at the same time I ordered the MBP. Still waiting on both, so I can't comment on the quality of the OptiBay, but I'm sure you can find reviews around.

 

At least a 80GB SSD.

But I am glad I switched from a Intel 80GB SDD to a 500GB Hitachi 7K500. Performance is a little less but it saves me a lot of hassle with deleting files and attaching external storage.

 

It really does depend on what you are using your computer for.

If you are making your living on the machine I would say 128GB and up for a system drive as there are just too many large software suites out there.

If you really don't feel like you will use the space, 64GB might be ok.

 

Thanks for the replies, I can see me getting more apps but I dont think its going to be more than 40 GB as its not my main computer. I do hoard Media files though, except for bad movies...

I haven't hear this argument before, I thought the SSDs from what I have read have epic speed, is there really not that much of a difference?
What about the volume of your 500GB is it loud?
Has your battery been noticably affected by the upgrade?
Thanks,
Chris

 

HDD technology is so mature that engineers have had decades to get it right. While SSD is theoretically better ... A decent HDD would suffice for most users. Keep it defragged and worst case scenario it takes you ~0.5 seconds less to open up certain applications.

 

hmm well in that case I will hold off and wait till prices come down and tech goes up, thanks.
Chris

 

Well performance isn't the only advantage SSDs have over HDDs ... For instance, they're relatively maintenance free (not that it matters to most users), and they are not sensitive to physical impacts like HDDs are.

Still these advantages are so situational that owning a HDD in this era isn't really seen as behind the times.

 

The SSD is much faster but only when you're waiting for your hard drive. That's when I boot or start applications. The rest of the time the difference is minimal/non existent. Whether Firefox boots in 3 seconds or 1 second is not a big deal to me.

If I look at the time and hassle I save by not having to connect external storage all the time, the HDD is probably faster overall.

The Hitachi 7K500 is fairly quiet (not dead silent) and has very minimal vibration. Battery life went down by 10 minutes on 5 hours. My notebook is a 13" HP DM3.

 

I don't know, I have noticed web pages loading faster and working with files in and out of Photoshop seems snappier even though they are stored on the mechanical drive.

 

Point of clarification - a SSD is not the solution for a slow computer. If you computer is old, it will make little or no difference on speed. However, if you are using current hardware, it can bring a powerful computer up to its full potential.

 

yes the SSD made things snappier here too, but when surfing the web the difference is minimal in my opinion.

But keep in mind that my mechanical drive is a Hitachi 7K500 that reads with up to 109 MB/sec. Different ballgame than a standard 5400 rpm drive.