Best Buy MBP vs Apple Store MBP

[coolbreeze2]

I want to purchase a 2018 MBP 13-inch model with Touch Bar. BTW Apple notebooks take a licking and keep on ticking! My current MBP is 3 /1/2 years old but dropped more times than I care to count (replaced the cracked screen affordably at a mom-and-pop retailer). It still performs as well as it did when I first purchased it! It's ready to be handed-down.

I noticed that Best Buy and Apple Store sell the 2018 MBP 13-inch model with Touch Bar that I want at the same price of $2299. However, looking more closely there are some actual differences. Here are the specs:

Apple Store

• 2.7GHz quad‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz (Core i7-8559U)
• Retina display with True Tone
• Touch Bar and Touch ID
• Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
• 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
• 256GB SSD storage
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Backlit Keyboard - US English

Best Buy

• 2.2GHz quad‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz (Core i7-8750H)
• Retina display with True Tone
• Touch Bar and Touch ID
• AMD Radeon Pro 555X
• 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
• 256GB SSD storage
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Backlit Keyboard - US English

I've always been told that dedicated graphics is better than integrated graphics. So since the Best Buy version has a dedicated graphics card and the Apple Store version is not, then Best Buy version wins for graphics. But for the record here is the comparison for graphics:

AMD Radeon Pro 555X/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655

768/384
CORES

48/48
TMUS

16/6
ROPS

4096 MB/System Shared
MEMORY SIZE

GDDR5/System Shared
MEMORY TYPE

128 bit/System Shared
BUS WIDTH

Now that leaves to compare the processors. At first glance the Apple Store version looks like it's a stone-cold winner. I thought that until I entered the processors into user.benchmark.com and compared. Follow this link to see the all results: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-8750H-vs-Intel-Core-i7-8559U/m470418vsm543591

The part that interest me the most. The Avg. Multi Core Mixed Speed for the Best Buy version was HUGELY faster! Not by a small amount but way faster!

Therefore it looks like Best Buy version wins although it is a slower processing speed. Do you agree with me? What's making the difference is that Apple Store version has 4 cores but the Best Buy version has 6 cores.

So am I crazy to buy the Best Buy version which is marketed at a lower speed just because it has more cores and dedicated graphics?

 

[jerryk]

Looks like you are comparing a BTO 13" TB with a 15" TB MBP base model

The 15" is a 6 core CPU and is considerable faster than the quad code in the 13". Decide on size (13" or 15") if the specs you posted are correct.

 

[coolbreeze2]

OMG!! You are right!!! Ok back to the drawing board!
[doublepost=1535210721][/doublepost]So If I plan to do a lot video editing and recording/mixing audio (the software for audio mixing is graphics-intensive), should I purchased MBP with dedicated graphics?

Ok now that I am correctly comparing identical MBP's, I can see the prices and specs are the same with Best Buy maybe $100 cheaper when it's on special. Oh well. Thanks for setting me straight.

 

[DaveMike11]

You best bet to buy would be at the following stores. Based on what you are planning to use people would recommend to go with the dedicated GPU 15" model. The below is the current prices of the 15" base model.

B&H - $2129 (no tax) but cannot return

BB - $2150 (after $150 edu coupon)

Adorama - $2249 (no tax)

Apple Store - $2249 with beats with edu student discounts

 

[coolbreeze2]

With the education discounts, how do they verify? I do have a daughter in graduate school who could qualify me to get the discount. However, she attends school in another state which could be a hassle to get verification of her attendance.

With B&H because its on sale and because there is no tax and free shipping, I beat Apple's regular price by $461. The sale ends tomorrow, so I have to make up my mind quickly. Does B&H frequently have sales? Or is this rare?

 

[DaveMike11]

With the education discounts, how do they verify? I do have a daughter in graduate school who could qualify me to get the discount. However, she attends school in another state which could be a hassle to get verification of her attendance.

With B&H because its on sale and because there is no tax and free shipping, I beat Apple's regular price by $461. The sale ends tomorrow, so I have to make up my mind quickly. Does B&H frequently have sales? Or is this rare?

These kind of sale comes regularly if you follow the prices of the macbook. Best Buy has the similar promo as Apple's education discounts with free beats. I went to my local best buy & asked them and they were willing to do the same promo.

 

[coolbreeze2]

These kind of sale comes regularly if you follow the prices of the macbook. Best Buy has the similar promo as Apple's education discounts with free beats. I went to my local best buy & asked them and they were willing to do the same promo.

Ok I just read that Apple education discount is easily verified, basically they take your statement as eligibility. Is Best Buy's that simple too. Best Buy is my preferred option only because I have a cc that would get me 0% for 18 months. Spreading the cost over 18 months would be better than spending the cash at once with Apple or B&H. So how does Best Buy verify student eligibility?

 

[deeddawg]

With the education discounts, how do they verify? I do have a daughter in graduate school who could qualify me to get the discount. However, she attends school in another state which could be a hassle to get verification of her attendance.

It'd be worth calling the campus store at that school to see if you can order a computer for her, having it shipped to home. Get the edu discount, potentially get AC+ at a substantial discount, and get the free-Beats-headphones promo which at minimum is money in pocket from reselling them if you don't have a need for them yourself.

I ordered such a package from my old undergrad school's store, in a different state. They simply verified that I was an alumni and took the order.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Ok I just easily qualified for the Best Buy educational discount of $150. The computer is on sale for $2,099.99 that takes it all way the down to $1949.99. With taxes and free shipping it will cost $2110.86. Apple's costs with educational discount is $2249 (and you get free Beats) with taxes is $2417. So it appears the deals are about even. I could go to Best Buy store and see if they will match by adding beats but they will say their price of $2099.99 is less than Apple's. B&H no tax offer is very tempting but I would have to pay entire purchase now. Considering the fact that I already have a Best Buy cc that gets me 0% for 18 months, it looks like I will go with Best Buy. For 18 months I will be paying only $2110.86/18= $117.27 per month. I'm stating all this to practice telling my significant other what I have purchased and why I had to buy it now to advantage of sale!! I will still probably get verbally reprimanded but I will have my new MacBook!!

 

[DaveMike11]

Ok I just read that Apple education discount is easily verified, basically they take your statement as eligibility. Is Best Buy's that simple too. Best Buy is my preferred option only because I have a cc that would get me 0% for 18 months. Spreading the cost over 18 months would be better than spending the cash at once with Apple or B&H. So how does Best Buy verify student eligibility?

Best Buy is very simple. They did not ask for any proof from me. I'm also Best Buy rewards member hence I went in that route.go to the store & ask them to match apple edu discounts promo.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Best Buy is very simple. They did not ask for any proof from me. I'm also Best Buy rewards member hence I went in that route.go to the store & ask them to match apple edu discounts promo.

Yea but Best Buy has it on sale for $2099 while Apple's is $2249. Won't they say theirs is cheaper? In other words to match Apple's offer I would be asking them to increase their price by $150 and through in free Beats. Here is the sale:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-...sh-storage-space-gray/5721702.p?skuId=5721702

They are knocking $300 off the price and allowing $150 more off for student discount.

Now if they added the Beats and kept the price at $1949 that would be great!!! Do you think they will? I will go and try.

 

[DaveMike11]

Yea but Best Buy has it on sale for $2099 while Apple's is $2249. Won't they say theirs is cheaper? In other words to match Apple's offer I would be asking them to increase their price by $150 and through in free Beats. Here is the sale:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-...sh-storage-space-gray/5721702.p?skuId=5721702

They are knocking $300 off the price and allowing $150 more off for student discount.

**Note: The above model you linked is a 2017 model and not the latest one. You better get the 2018 model.

 

[coolbreeze2]

**Note: The above model you linked is a 2017 model and not the latest one. You better get the 2018 model.

Oh I did not notice that!!!! I thought it was!!! Dayyyyyymmmm!!

You all keep helping me not make stupid mistakes with this purchase. I am so glad and came here first and posted questions before I made the purchase. You are correct. The $300 off is last year's model and still a great machine but not quite as good as 2018.

So now I will have to go to Best Buy store and see if they will match Apple's offer. Also this brings B&H and BB no tax offers back into the picture. I will have to pay all at once but the price difference might be worth it.

 

[DaveMike11]

Oh I did not notice that!!!! I thought it was!!! Dayyyyyymmmm!!

You all keep helping not make stupid mistakes with this purchase. I am so glad and here first posted questions before I made the purchase. You are correct. The $300 off is last year's model and still a great machine but not quite as good as 2018.

So now I will have to go to Best Buy store and see they will match Apple's offer. Also this brings B&H and BB no tax offers back into the picture. I will have to pay all at once but the price difference might be worth it.

good luck.

 

[coolbreeze2]

The Adorama - $2249 (no tax) is now Adorama - $2099. That's a big savings. However, I have never heard of them.

 

[DaveMike11]

That must be a 13" model. When you buy from B&H or Adorama pls check their return policy. I think they dont accept the returns. Adorama is an apple authorized seller and a popular retailer for camera products.

 

[coolbreeze2]

That must be a 13" model. When you buy from B&H or Adorama pls check their return policy. I think they dont accept the returns. Adorama is an apple authorized seller and a popular retailer for camera products.

Here it is. What am I overlooking?

https://www.adorama.com/acmr932lla.html?emailprice=t&utm_source=rflaid66542

Here is their return policy. It says 30 days.

https://www.adorama.com/help/returnPolicy

They also offer a credit card with zero financing for 12 months to consider.

What are your thoughts?

 

[IngerMan]

Here it is. What am I overlooking?

https://www.adorama.com/acmr932lla.html?emailprice=t&utm_source=rflaid66542

Here is their return policy. It says 30 days.

https://www.adorama.com/help/returnPolicy

They also offer a credit card with zero financing for 12 months to consider.

What are your thoughts?

Non returnable items

Following items cannot be returned once opened

Software, Film, Paper, DVDs, Bulbs, flash tubes, Batteries, Ink cartridges, Notebooks, Netbooks, Tablets, iPads and Computers, Memory cards, any item which has been removed from its "blister-pack".

Printers cannot be returned once toner has been installed.

Underwater equipment cannot be returned once it has been used in water

 

[DaveMike11]

Oh i did not see this model. Yes this is the correct one. Its a very good price and the current lowest price. You could do a price match with Best Buy for this price. only difference would be you will save Tax money with Adorama whereas at Best Buy you will be charged the tax. Either one of the places you can buy them.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Oh i did not see this model. Yes this is the correct one. Its a very good price and the current lowest price. You could do a price match with Best Buy for this price. only difference would be you will save Tax money with Adorama whereas at Best Buy you will be charged the tax. Either one of the places you can buy them.

Yipeeee!!! Forget Best Buy! I need the savings. As far as not being able to return, I won't return unless it's something wrong with it out of the box. In that situation it couldn't be returned?

 

[DaveMike11]

Non returnable items

Following items cannot be returned once opened

Software, Film, Paper, DVDs, Bulbs, flash tubes, Batteries, Ink cartridges, Notebooks, Netbooks, Tablets, iPads and Computers, Memory cards, any item which has been removed from its "blister-pack".

Printers cannot be returned once toner has been installed.

Underwater equipment cannot be returned once it has been used in water

See the above posts. Call them and find out if Macbooks can be returned. It would be safe for you to price match and buy at Best Buy being a rewards member you will get the 5% rewards or 18 months interest free option.

 

[deeddawg]

Here it is. What am I overlooking?

https://www.adorama.com/acmr932lla.html?emailprice=t&utm_source=rflaid66542

Here is their return policy. It says 30 days.

https://www.adorama.com/help/returnPolicy

30 days... if unopened.

Also note it is a 15" model, which isn't what your OP references.

Adorama is a long-time well respected camera vendor. I would never hesitate to buy from them, but would make sure it was what I wanted due to the return policy.

The only other part for me is that 256GB SSD is too small IMHO. Your needs may be different. Once you upgrade the savings are less.

 

[DaveMike11]

Yipeeee!!! Forget Best Buy! I need the savings. As far as not being able to return, I won't return unless it's something wrong with it out of the box. In that situation it couldn't be returned?

I have never brought it at Adorama. But I'm guessing if something is really wrong they should replace it a new one. Its better to call customer service and clear all your questions.

 

[coolbreeze2]

30 days... if unopened.

Also note it is a 15" model, which isn't what your OP references.

Adorama is a long-time well respected camera vendor. I would never hesitate to buy from them, but would make sure it was what I wanted due to the return policy.

I made a mistake earlier. I need the 15-inch model and not the 13-inch model. The thing I need to know is this: If I buy from Adorama can I return if for example the machine won't boot or it's not the configuration advertised or there is something wrong with the screen?
[doublepost=1535233925][/doublepost]

See the above posts. Call them and find out if Macbooks can be returned. It would be safe for you to price match and buy at Best Buy being a rewards member you will get the 5% rewards or 18 months interest free option.

Good point. If they price match even though I would pay taxes I would get 18 months to pay with no interest. Something to think about. Adorama site says it's card is zero % for 12 months. Reading further it's a Comenity Bank card which has a reputation for granting low starting limits. They could approve me but not the whole $2099. But I guess part of bill financed coupled with no taxes could be worth it. Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!
[doublepost=1535234703][/doublepost]I've got the answer. I will get Best Buy to price match the $2099 and then scan the student discount!. The discount will cover the taxes and I will get 18 month zero financing. Yes!!! If this works I will upload a nice picture of my new machine.!!

 

[deeddawg]

You'll have to ask Adorama about returning if defective -- I'd expect at most they'd exchange it.

Good luck on the BB price-match. Generally price matches are for the lowest price and not stackable; i.e. they'd include the student discount on the way to matching Adorama, but you'd then pay tax. Don't expect BB to hit a price below Adorama with a price match. I could be wrong, give it a try and report back.