I'd seen the deal on amazon while price-comparing, but I didn't realize how much of a deal it was until I read your post because I hadn't been investigating upgrading the processor or SSD (I'd been trying to decide between base model and base+16GB RAM). Thanks for being so excited about it, because I went back and looked at it again. Even though I didn't "need" the updates, it was about $250 more than the base model with the education discount and tax, so I ordered it right before bed: just couldn't pass it up! When I woke up this morning, it had sold out.
So thank you again!
No problem, man
! Glad we both got in while the "gettin" was still good! I was in the EXACT same boat as you. I priced out a base 15" rMBP in the education store and played with the RAM options. I took a break and decided to just browse Amazon for their Gold Box deals and was shocked to say the least to see the price.
$389 off is about 14% off which is only 1% less than what the Refurb Apple Store would charge. Yet you STILL have to pay tax and you would have to wait until the next gen rMBPs are released before Apples sells refurbs.
Keep in mind that the 3.6Mhz processor upgrade from the base is about $100 which means you essentially pay about $137 for the 512Gb SSD upgrade, at least in my situation. I believe it's a $500 option if you got the base configuration. That's just ludicrous.
And if you used a CC that extends your OEM warranty, you can simply skip Applecare, which will be fine especially if you plan on selling it before the 2nd year of ownership. Of course you would have to deal with your CC company should you need repairs. But at least you have that option.