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apple care replacing a 17" they gave me options, what do you think?
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rMBP
Get a retina macbook pro and you'll never regret
It is one wonderful machine!
Ive had a number of issues with my Early 2011 17" MBP and applecare wants to replace it.
CURRENT SPECS:
Early 2011 17" MBP
i7 2.3 Ghz (upgraded from the 2.2 Ghz)
4 GB ram
500 GB HDD 7200 RPM
High Rez Matte screen (Upgraded from glossy)
these are the options that they have given me:
refurbished Early 2011 17" (exact same as mine except for HDD)
i7 2.3 Ghz (upgraded from the 2.2 Ghz)
4 GB ram
750 GB HDD 5400 RPM
High Rez Matte screen (Upgraded from glossy)
New higher end 15" MBP
i7 2.6 Ghz
8 GB ram
750 GB HDD 7200 RPM
high rez matte screen
Low end Retina MBP
i7 2.3 Ghz
8 GB ram
256 Flash Storage
I have the option of upgrading anything it will jus cost me the upgrade price E.G. id probably go with the upgrade to the Ram on the Retina to 16 GB for the $200 extra (in canada) should i go with the retina route
Also they are giving me the option of transfering my apple care to the new unit or getting a refund for the remaining time left and buying a new apple care for the new machine (sounds like this would also work for the refurbished early 2011 17")
Any thoughts on what they are offering? Im looking for opinions here
Thanks
Get a retina macbook pro and you'll never regret
It is one wonderful machine!
I think I would go for retina, second for the 15"
Both will give you newer connectors like TB and USB3 (if I'm not completely wrong).
Both will give you newer connectors like TB and USB3 (if I'm not completely wrong).
Two things here:
1. Neither the 256gb SSD nor the 8gb of RAM is big enough - I just traded my entry-level rMBP in for one with better specs. You won't be able to upgrade the Retina.
2. If you're planning on running Bootcamp a lot, the Retina is not the best option. Due to the high resolution and Windows' inability to scale properly, playing games or even doing basic office work is a pain in BC.
Peter
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Get a retina macbook pro and you'll never regret
he might, if he chooses the 256gb / 16gb model.
rMBP! for sure! About the CPU usage talk, forget that. When I use spotify, safari, word, so nothing much, the CPU is at 97% idle.
So the CPU is not the one working hard to provide the pixels, that's the IGPU. But it has never been an issue for me either way. Mine really is smooth as butter! Never had a single issue.
So the CPU is not the one working hard to provide the pixels, that's the IGPU. But it has never been an issue for me either way. Mine really is smooth as butter! Never had a single issue.
Do you mind sharing what were the issues with your MBP that triggered the replacement? Did you have to ask for it, or was it offered?
If you only use the laptop as a standalone, with no external monitors, then definitely the Retina. Though I would fully upgrade it, depending on your usage.
If you use Parallels, it's still not stable on Retina display.
If you only use the laptop as a standalone, with no external monitors, then definitely the Retina. Though I would fully upgrade it, depending on your usage.
If you use Parallels, it's still not stable on Retina display.
Ive had a number of issues with my Early 2011 17" MBP and applecare wants to replace it.
CURRENT SPECS:
Early 2011 17" MBP
i7 2.3 Ghz (upgraded from the 2.2 Ghz)
4 GB ram
500 GB HDD 7200 RPM
High Rez Matte screen (Upgraded from glossy)
these are the options that they have given me:
refurbished Early 2011 17" (exact same as mine except for HDD)
i7 2.3 Ghz (upgraded from the 2.2 Ghz)
4 GB ram
750 GB HDD 5400 RPM
High Rez Matte screen (Upgraded from glossy)
New higher end 15" MBP
i7 2.6 Ghz
8 GB ram
750 GB HDD 7200 RPM
high rez matte screen
Low end Retina MBP
i7 2.3 Ghz
8 GB ram
256 Flash Storage
I have the option of upgrading anything it will jus cost me the upgrade price E.G. id probably go with the upgrade to the Ram on the Retina to 16 GB for the $200 extra (in canada) should i go with the retina route
Also they are giving me the option of transfering my apple care to the new unit or getting a refund for the remaining time left and buying a new apple care for the new machine (sounds like this would also work for the refurbished early 2011 17")
Any thoughts on what they are offering? Im looking for opinions here
Thanks
Man... And over here my 15" 2010 MacBook Pro just refused to die on me...
Since the 17" i.sn't really a necessity for you, I'd suggest the following, assuming you're planning on keeping the machine for more than one or two years:
If you've got the cash, get the retina with the RAM and SSD upgrade. You won't be able to upgrade the RAM at all, and the SSD upgrade will be expensive.
If you don't, get the 15" cMBP. It should be quite usable now with its current specs, and you'll be able to cheaply and easily upgrade the RAM and HDD/SSD if you so choose. If apple chooses to completely do away with the classic line in 2013, the 2012 may continue to carry some clout as the last and fastest upgradeable portable with the classic legacy ports
If you've got the cash, get the retina with the RAM and SSD upgrade. You won't be able to upgrade the RAM at all, and the SSD upgrade will be expensive.
If you don't, get the 15" cMBP. It should be quite usable now with its current specs, and you'll be able to cheaply and easily upgrade the RAM and HDD/SSD if you so choose. If apple chooses to completely do away with the classic line in 2013, the 2012 may continue to carry some clout as the last and fastest upgradeable portable with the classic legacy ports
If you wanted to get the retina and 256gb wasn't enough and you don't want to plug in an external hdd all the time you could get a NAS drive to store big files on.
I have a 240gb ssd in my CMBP and use a 2tb NAS to store all my films/tv shows and pictures which leaves plenty of space on my MBP with the added advantage of being able to stream the media to my xbox/DLNA devices without having to have my MBP on all the time.
And it can be used by any other pc's/Mac's on the network.
That is my setup and i love it. I have the speed of the SSD and still have plenty of storage.
I have a 240gb ssd in my CMBP and use a 2tb NAS to store all my films/tv shows and pictures which leaves plenty of space on my MBP with the added advantage of being able to stream the media to my xbox/DLNA devices without having to have my MBP on all the time.
And it can be used by any other pc's/Mac's on the network.
That is my setup and i love it. I have the speed of the SSD and still have plenty of storage.
Started out early after I bought it had some issues with hard crashing. Apple store thought it was related to a controller (can't remember what). They changed that... no fix. Back in ended up replacing the logic board ... Fixed that issue. At same time had issue with dark spots at bottom of screen. Swapped out screen for the first time. Didn't fix it. Delt with it for a bit. New apple store opened closer to me and I brought it in again about the screen. Tech said they couldn't see the prob but changed the screen out anyways. No fix. Still has dark spots at the bottom of the screen in 2 places. Finally called into apple care and talked to them about it sent in photos of it in various programs and lighting and verified it was a hardware issue not software they decided after 4 major component replacements that they would exchange the mbp out for a different one
Excuse the grammar and typos as I'm doing this on my phone ATM
I'd get the retina. As an rMBP owner, I think half the people in this thread saying it has too many problems a) don't even own one and b) are just parroting the more sensationalist BS on this site because they have no insight of their own.
Whenever there is a poll asking retina owners if they are happy with their machine, the overwhelming majority are. Frankly it's the nicest laptop I've ever owned by a considerable margin. USB 3.0 means that transfers to an external hard drive are super fast, although I'm nowhere near filling mine up yet, even though I bought the 256GB version, and have a bootcamp partition.
I'm pretty sure that most people don't need to carry quarter of a terabyte of files around with them at all times.
Whenever there is a poll asking retina owners if they are happy with their machine, the overwhelming majority are. Frankly it's the nicest laptop I've ever owned by a considerable margin. USB 3.0 means that transfers to an external hard drive are super fast, although I'm nowhere near filling mine up yet, even though I bought the 256GB version, and have a bootcamp partition.
I'm pretty sure that most people don't need to carry quarter of a terabyte of files around with them at all times.
I didn't know you have to own one to make a comment! I think the upgradability of the cMBP vs the rMBP can easily be made without retina ownership.
The reason I don't own one yet, is because of all the COMMENTS on this forum. All they all lies, and the rMBP is without problems, and owners returning 3-6 rMBP to find 1 good one not true?
Help me understand this, because I am on my way to Bahrain this weekend to make a purchase, and currently leaning toward the cMBP. Thinner, lighter, HDMI, retina not a real concern of mine. All cosmetic. Tell me how much more powerful the rMBP is compared to the cMPB, then maybe Ill swing the other way. From my point of view, INSIDE they are the same. True?
And for me, the NEX only sells the preconfigured models, so no option to upgrade to the 16G ram, which I consider essential.
Ive had a number of issues with my Early 2011 17" MBP and applecare wants to replace it.
CURRENT SPECS:
Early 2011 17" MBP
i7 2.3 Ghz (upgraded from the 2.2 Ghz)
4 GB ram
500 GB HDD 7200 RPM
High Rez Matte screen (Upgraded from glossy)
these are the options that they have given me:
refurbished Early 2011 17" (exact same as mine except for HDD)
i7 2.3 Ghz (upgraded from the 2.2 Ghz)
4 GB ram
750 GB HDD 5400 RPM
High Rez Matte screen (Upgraded from glossy)
New higher end 15" MBP
i7 2.6 Ghz
8 GB ram
750 GB HDD 7200 RPM
high rez matte screen
Low end Retina MBP
i7 2.3 Ghz
8 GB ram
256 Flash Storage
I have the option of upgrading anything it will jus cost me the upgrade price E.G. id probably go with the upgrade to the Ram on the Retina to 16 GB for the $200 extra (in canada) should i go with the retina route
Also they are giving me the option of transfering my apple care to the new unit or getting a refund for the remaining time left and buying a new apple care for the new machine (sounds like this would also work for the refurbished early 2011 17")
Any thoughts on what they are offering? Im looking for opinions here
Thanks
In my opinion, the higher 15" is the best choice. 300MHz faster than Retina.
And you cannot upgrade CPU later.
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Retina MBP provides less power for more money.
In the OP's case, it is 300MHz less. But a lot of people would prefer a shiny screen.
Also, Retina MBP is not repairable at all!
iFixit Repairability score: 1 from 10.In my opinion, the higher 15" is the best choice. 300MHz faster than Retina.
And you cannot upgrade CPU later.
----------
Retina MBP provides less power for more money.
In the OP's case, it is 300MHz less. But a lot of people would prefer a shiny screen.
Also, Retina MBP is not repairable at all!
Thanks, just what I needed.
Good old English idiom: "There is no smoke without fire"
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I completely agree with your previous post about upgradeability.
Would like to upgrade to 32GB RAM after several years, and with Retina it is not possible!
There is a dark future for all the Retina MBPs: no repairability, no upgradeability.
cMBP is a lot better in these terms, and you can always buy an external pretty screen.
It could even be possible to buy Retina LCD panel and install it on cMBP so you have best of both worlds!
Good old English idiom: "There is no smoke without fire"
----------
I completely agree with your previous post about upgradeability.
Would like to upgrade to 32GB RAM after several years, and with Retina it is not possible!
There is a dark future for all the Retina MBPs: no repairability, no upgradeability.
cMBP is a lot better in these terms, and you can always buy an external pretty screen.
It could even be possible to buy Retina LCD panel and install it on cMBP so you have best of both worlds!
Can you upgrade to 32GM RAM with a cMBP then? Why no, you cant.
Change the Hard drive? Yes. For what - SSD? Already in the rMBP.
Why recommend buying another screen to overcome the limits of the built in cMBP one? You could equally buy a pretty screen to go with the rMBP - so what?
Or even, buy a retina panel and try to fit that in a MBP - you have got to be kidding there my friend
Don't get me wrong - the rMBP is expensive and as a 1st gen product it does have a few kinks to be ironed out. It also doesn't have a mechanical hard drive or an obsolete optical drive. The whole commoditisation of computers has been coming for a very long time now, this is another step along the way.
Yes, I can. CPU supports up to 32GB - and, since Sandy Bridge, the memory is connected directly to CPU.
The hard drive is using a proprietary connector.
That means, every time you buy a hard drive, you will need to buy "special edition for Mac" hard drive, which could be 1.5x times more expensive than usual hard drive with the same specs.