“Stop right there!”
Too often, I wish I could’ve spoken those words in the critical moments before a client has tapped the “purchase” button on a new Apple computer with insufficient storage to meet their computing needs.
Apple has released some impressive updates to their computer line in the past few months, including the 15" MacBook Air and the M3 iMac. It’s a great time to consider a purchase, and I love helping clients transition to a new computer that is lighter, brighter, faster, and better in every way.
Except when it’s not.
Because there are few things worse than starting the migration process only to discover that there isn’t enough room on the new computer to hold all of the files from the old device.
After nearly 35 years of helping people choose and set up new computers, I’ve learned that one of the most important questions to answer—and the one people most often get wrong—is “How much storage do I need?” Here’s how to find the correct answer:
• Look at how much storage you are using on your current computer.
• Calculate how much more you are likely to need in the lifetime of the new computer.
• Make sure you get enough to accommodate the new total, with room to spare.
With just one exception (the Mac Pro), you can no longer add internal storage to new Apple computers. What you order is what you’ll have to work with for the life of that device. So, please, look at what you are currently using and what you might need in the next 5-8 years, and plan accordingly. (And save the packaging until you’ve completed the migration and are happy with your purchase, in case a return is necessary.)
As always, I am happy to help. If you are at all uncertain how to calculate your future storage needs or anything else regarding a new computer, get in touch. You’ll save time, money, and headaches down the road if you make the right decision from the start!
More on Scams
I’m considering writing about scams every month until I stop getting reports of clients falling for them. Just this week a client in Maine called after getting a warning that their machine was infected while they were “just reading the local paper.” They called the number on the screen, and only really got suspicions when the “Apple” agent insisted on knowing the balance of their checking account.
Please stay alert for these scams. You will never (and I really mean never) get a legitimate warning pop up on your screen that there is a security breach on your computer. No Apple employee (or any other credible caller, tech support or otherwise) is going to want to know, let alone see, your online banking details. Remember that any emails that have grammar or spelling mistakes are always suspicious. And no one is going to tell you to stay on the phone. You can always hang up and call a friend (or me) if you are concerned.
As always, if you have questions or need help, please reach out. You can email me at hugo@heriz-smith.com or text/call (207) 691-7788 (US) or 07943 199484 (UK).