Just Got a New MBP, good deal, any advice?

[Steve Jobless]

After months and months I finally got a mac, a MBP 1.83 GhZ 512 MB 80 GB and 128 MB vram, alabeit its not my dream machine (1 GB 100 GB and 256 MB) but its close enough. I got it new from Amazon for 1499(after rebate) which I consider a steal. But now I'm worried about problems that may come from the system since it is one of the older systems but it has been collecting dust on their shelves. Should I be worried? Also I'm aware that the HD isnt user replace able [BOOO] without taking the system apart, but is the RAM? I rarely hear anything about MBP ram being upgraded. Also I read somewhere hear that a user with a system exact same specs as me managed to get upgraded to 2.16 GhZ model (my ideal system) could it be true?

[viccles]

You can definitely update the ram no probs :) I had mine upgraded from 512 to 1.5

[daneoni]

You can upgrade the HDD if you're brave enough. The MBP is quite easy to get into compared to PowerBooks.

[Steve Jobless]

how so?

[pianoman]

i got one from the apple store and the battery programs i downloaded says it's 7 weeks old - i got it 3 weeks ago. no problems - just download all the updates and you should be fine.

as for the RAM, i bumped mine from 512 to 2GB no regrets. it was very easy to do - you should be fine... there are instructions online and videos, too, if you're interested (search the forums for a link).

good luck!

[Steve Jobless]

I'm debating if i should get a 1gb upgrade or a 512 mb upgrade, I know there wont be much difference in performance but its $50..... also I've read it doesnt matter but should I go crucial or owc? (looking for feedback)

[daneoni]

how so?

Follow the instructions on this (http://www.macsales.com/clicks/fclick.php?id=96) video

[The Senator]

their great machines. I've had mine since march 15th, no problems I love this computer and all my friends think its the tightest thing ever. People will cry and bitch about the earlier models but theres really nothing wrong with them there were a couple of bugs at first but nothing serious. The thing is great now. Apple send me a new batterey and I havent even put it in yet I dont see why I need a new batterey. Its a great machine you will be very happy with it. the 2.16 model is not that better for the price.

[steamboat26]

go owc (its cheaper, and you still get a lifetime warranty) and get a 512 MB to start to see if thats enough. Apple doesn't reccommend that you combine different size RAM, something about not getting enough performance from the larger stick, all though it seems to depend on the computer.
Enjoy your new computer!

[Steve Jobless]

Follow the instructions on this video
thanks but the quicktime player isnt working on my browser

[indigoflowAS]

go owc (its cheaper, and you still get a lifetime warranty) and get a 512 MB to start to see if thats enough. Apple doesn't reccommend that you combine different size RAM, something about not getting enough performance from the larger stick, all though it seems to depend on the computer.
Enjoy your new computer!
While not neccesarily recommended (Mac or PC), it does it no harm & the performace increase of 1GB + 512MB is better than a paired 512MB running in dual channel mode. I say go for the 1GB stick to make 1.5GB, then when you have enough cheddar, replace the 512MB w/ another 1GB :) . That way you don't have two 512s to dispose of down the line...my thoughts:)

Hard drive upgrades are fun, in my opinion, if you have some experience w/ such things. And then you can put the 80GB in an external enclosure as a mobile drive, lovely:)

Also, if your MBP is gonna go everywhere w/ you, as mine does...get yourself a nice sleeve for the computer, there is nothing like the sad moping that one does when your pristine laptop get its first dink...*sigh*

[extraextra]

go owc (its cheaper, and you still get a lifetime warranty) and get a 512 MB to start to see if thats enough. Apple doesn't reccommend that you combine different size RAM, something about not getting enough performance from the larger stick, all though it seems to depend on the computer.
Enjoy your new computer!

Someone did a test and found that matching RAM (like two 512 sticks, two 1GB sticks, etc.) increased the performance by like .01%. Maybe not that low, but it was pretty nominal.

[FFTT]

Spend some time learning about your system and it's capabilties.
http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Beginner%27s_Guide

Mac OSX thrives on RAM.

Install as much Apple compatible RAM as you can afford, for maximum
performance.

If you're running PPC applications that have not been updated to universal binary, you'll need that 2 GB RAM to counteract the RAM cravings of Rosetta.

All you need is clean, static free hands and then follow the DIY instructions.

[KingYaba]

New EGG has 1GB modules for 79.99 G.Skill RAM

[Steve Jobless]

how reliable is g.skill? also what if I have a problem with the ram? do i talk to g. skill for the replacement or new egg?

Also, if your MBP is gonna go everywhere w/ you, as mine does...get yourself a nice sleeve for the computer, there is nothing like the sad moping that one does when your pristine laptop get its first dink...*sigh*

whats a good sleeve? i really like the shinzu one

[FFTT]

NewEgg offers some fantastic prices, but you must know exactly what you want.

I've done O.K. there buying specs only, but you have to be careful.
Generally NewEggs prices on special purchases of Crucial RAM are reasonably
safe.

NewEgg does not strictly guarantee Apple compatibility, so if your purchase does not work, you'll be stuck with return shipping fees and restocking fees.

[NATO]

Also, if you're likely to run Parallels, go for 2GB as you'll ideally want 1GB do dedicate to each OS. I found 1.5 -> 2.0GB was beneficial for Parallels.

[BackInTheSaddle]

Definitely go with 2GB. I'm running Parallels and Adobe apps under Rosetta and both suck up huge memory. I used to always be a big fan of Kingston and Crucial memory, but I tried OWC and it seems to work just fine. They have a lifetime warranty too.

[indigoflowAS]

whats a good sleeve? i really like the shinzu one
The Shinza ZeroShock looks quite nice, seems to be popular (sold out on their site at the moment). I found myself w/ a Booq sleeve (http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=1406)...but it's a little more expensive than I think may have been necessary.

About the RAM, OWC all the way, never had an issue.:)

[Steve Jobless]

im fully aware of newegg's policies and thats why i asked the queston above^ as for windows, bootcamp,because of games. Noone has feed back on the g.skill ram new egg offers? Its $80, i usually hate generic things. Also i wont be using adobe apps except for reader

[indigoflowAS]

G.Skill is quite reputable...hardly generic, so that may give you a little piece of mind...but as to placing it in a Mac, that is unknown.:o

[Lucky8]

I too been looking to get this 1.83 MBP for $1,499 AR at amazon but not sure if I shoud just wait for the next rev since many ppl saying they're coming out with totaly new designed case.
Should I jump on this amazon deal?

[indigoflowAS]

I too been looking to get this 1.83 MBP for $1,499 AR at amazon but not sure if I shoud just wait for the next rev since many ppl saying they're coming out with totaly new designed case.
Should I jump on this amazon deal?
$1500 is a great deal, you shoud jump on the Amazon deal if you want to avoid spending ~$1900 on a new one. $400 is hardly something to toss to the wind.

Ask yourself...is a possible new case, updated processor, updated graphics worth your $400?. Money will be your deciding factor, I say.:)

Keep in mind, the 1.83 MBP will hardly be obsolete for a good while.

[Steve Jobless]

$1500 is a great deal, you shoud jump on the Amazon deal if you want to avoid spending ~$1900 on a new one. $400 is hardly something to toss to the wind.

think of it this way its like getting a blackbook but for the same price

[Cygnus311]

That's a sweet deal. I may do this...

[Lucky8]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on this $1,499 Amazon 1.83 MBP deal with 2-day delivery. Should be here on Wednesday.
What should I check as soon as I get it besides the whine and heat issues?

[indigoflowAS]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on this $1,499 Amazon 1.83 MBP deal with 2-day delivery. Should be here on Wednesday.
What should I check as soon as I get it besides the whine and heat issues?
Congrats, you will fall in love w/ her (be sure to give her a name :p). Only thing I can think of checking is to see if it happens to fall under the 15in MBP Battery Exchange Program (https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/index.html). I somewhat doubt it, but check...just in case:)

[Steve Jobless]

what if my mbp has those issues? I'm sure my dad wont be too happy taking me to the apple store for a one week old mbp. (such a pesimist, i know i just wanna get upgraded haha)

[indigoflowAS]

what if my mbp has those issues? I'm sure my dad wont be too happy taking me to the apple store for a one week old mbp. (such a pesimist, i know i just wanna get upgraded haha)
Oh rubbish...no need to go to the Apple store, call them and they come to you :). Actually they will probably be more helpful. But hey, problems/issues come with the territory, the 1.83 MBP you are looking at is just as likely to see issues as, say, a Rev. A Core 2 MBP.

What it boils down to is...if you don't mind forking over those $400 for the revised technology that is just over the horizon, wait....if not, get the $1500 Amazon deal:)

[FFTT]

I took my daughter down to the Tyson's Corner Apple Store this afternoon.

I wanted to see if she preferred the iMac or the MacBook.

She REALLY liked the BlackBook, so I may be stuck spending a bit more for a
refurb BlackBook 2.0 GHz

Now if only Apple would offer a BlackMacPro external keyboard.

Fortunately, she doesn't mind holding off for a few more weeks
to see what happens with new processors.

Her older sister is also getting a MacBook for her birthday the
first week in September, but it looks like she may be getting an Apple
gift certificate and then go shopping 2 weeks later.

You 'lil varmits is expensive

[indigoflowAS]

You 'lil varmits is expensive
I know that they are likely the most rewarding thing in the world...but boy am I not looking forward to having children wanting a cellphone (or the 2025 equivalent of a celly) as soon as they can talk:eek:

[Steve Jobless]

You 'lil varmits is expensive
haha, sadly its true. this is my belated birthday present. but im 17 and off to college soon so i guess it all works out in a way.

hows the tysons store? ive only been to the one in arlington and wasnt too impressed with the service there?^

[FFTT]

The Tyson's Store is always busy, but very well stocked.

I generally visit the store for accessories, repairs and Window shopping.

It all sounds and looks good on the web catalogs, but I always see what I'm buying hands on before calling my Apple Rep.

I was impressed with the BlackBook myself, for it's sleekness and the matte
black finish.
I have to buy two so, they may have to settle for white 2.0 Ghz refurbs.
They also have to have at least 1 GB RAM each and a bag, so yeah it adds up.

Their other sister just started college this week a Va Tech, so I may have holes in my own shoes, but my kids get what they need for their education.