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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > iPod, iPhone & iPad > iPhone 4GB - How much ACTUAL storage?

iPhone 4GB - How much ACTUAL storage?
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Jul 26, 2007, 09:49 AM
 
Hi all! I'm deciding between the 4 and 8GB iPhones and I was wondering how much space after formatting and OS X that you have to store things.

Also - could you give me some examples of what you have sotred on there? Is it out of the question to put 500 songs and a movie on there?
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Posting Junkie
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Jul 26, 2007, 03:47 PM
 
A "4 GB" iPhone offers ~3.73 GB of actual storage (this is due to the moronic way HDD manufacturers use the term GB). The OS needs about 300 MB which leaves you with ~3.4 GB to use in total.
     
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Jul 26, 2007, 07:46 PM
 
If you have the extra $100, I suggest that you get the 8gb version.
My opinion is that if it was 4 versus 6gb then the extra $100 would be worth more thought. Since you're getting double the space the extra $100 for 4gb is well worth it.

I have playlists for music setup which copies about 4.5gb of music across, a few photo albums, and all unwatched podcasts and tv shows. I have about 500mb free on my 8gb version.
     
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Jul 26, 2007, 07:56 PM
 
On my 8GB I have 501 songs on it right now, about 2.35GB worth. I usually have at least 1 full length film, about 1GB or so. Lately I've had about 3GB worth of Battlestar Galactica series that I'm catching up on. I also have a few photo albums, and 2 TV shows and a couple audio podcasts. I always have extra space. I have yet to get under 1GB available.

I would also highly recommend the 8GB version over the 4GB. Even if you don't think you will fill the ~3.4GB worth of space, you never really know. I found that since I got the iPhone I'm watching many more video files than I was. I'm downloading more TV shows and such. You gotta plan for what you might find you do more of once you get the iPhone. Plus, the more music you have on your iPhone, the cooler Cover Flow is to flip through.
     
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Jul 26, 2007, 08:41 PM
 
If you want to use video, don't even think about getting the 4GB model. Don't get me wrong, it's perfectly usable in general, but if you're like me you'll always be kicking yourself for not spending the extra hundred to double your storage. I paid the 10% restocking fee to go from a 4 to an 8 (they ran out of 8s on launch day) and I don't regret it at all. Of course you'll have to be selective whichever model you choose, but the 8GB gives you enough extra breathing room to be comfortable.
     
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Jul 27, 2007, 02:05 AM
 
I agree with the other posts here. You should get the 8 GB model. If you plan on putting some music or video onto the iPhone it won't offer enough storage anyway. You might as well get as much as you can.
     
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Jul 28, 2007, 11:48 PM
 
Originally Posted by Simon View Post
I agree with the other posts here. You should get the 8 GB model. If you plan on putting some music or video onto the iPhone it won't offer enough storage anyway. You might as well get as much as you can.

Very true, very true...

I have 2GB in KISS music that has to be with me at all times lol. So I saved up for an 8GB model, and can knock out my iPod repiar while at the store.
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Jul 29, 2007, 07:40 AM
 
Originally Posted by stwain2003 View Post
I have 2GB in KISS music that has to be with me at all times lol.


Anything else would just be inappropriate.
     
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Jul 29, 2007, 01:48 PM
 
Originally Posted by analogika View Post


Anything else would just be inappropriate.
Gonna need a lot more tapes for 2GB worth!
     
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Jul 30, 2007, 09:40 PM
 
You'd need about 45-50 tapes for all of my KISS music
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Jul 31, 2007, 01:46 AM
 
That's a problem I'm glad I don't have.


(wouldn't want to have to dupe forty hours of Bowie and thirty hours of Aphex onto tapes, though )

(and I just finally threw out about 150 cassettes last weekend)
     
   
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