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sigamy

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Mar 7, 2003
1,401
187
NJ USA
Sorry if this is an FAQ. I've been out of the scene for a while. Can I add RAM to June 2017 MBP 13" that comes with 8GB? I'm looking at Apple Refurb store.

I need two of these for teens. I need a good machine that will last 4-5 years.

Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Retina display - Space Gray
Originally released June 2017
13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch
8GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
128GB PCIe-based onboard SSD
720p FaceTime HD Camera
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640
 
No is the answer.

not sure if the ssd is soldered too, it could very well be.

No the non touch bar base mbp does have removable ssd unlike the touch bar versions however I think there are currently no third party replacements available.
 
If it's for teens could you get an educational price that's cheaper than refurbished?
 
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OP wrote:
"I need two of these for teens"

My advice and my opinion only:

DON'T buy either a 2016 or 2017 design MacBook for the kids.
They are going to DESTROY the keyboards, which on the new design are problematic to begin with. Expect to have to do one or more returns on both of them.

Instead, get them Apple factory-refurbished 2015 design MacBook Pro 13" models.
These have robust keyboards that you're not going to have trouble with over 4-5 years.
They also have all the "legacy ports" the kids will need.

Consider yourself as having been "duly warned" !! ;)
 
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RAM has been soldered on for quite sometime now, so the configuration you buy is the one you're stuck with. Also noticed that PC manufactures are going this route as well.
 
You can replace the SSD in the 13in model. Not sure if its limited to the nTB but do some research. I don't see why you wouldn't just pay Apple for a 256 and not worry about the hassle. If there come's a time ... 2-3 years into the future where your kids NEED more than you can upgrade at a later date.
 
No, all retina MB and MBP since 2012 have soldered RAM.

The nTB MBP of the new models is the only one where u can change the SSD. But as there is no company producing one the only way is to buy original Parts from eBay e.g. Which are very limited.

Thank Apple for being so environmentally friendly /s
 
No, all retina MB and MBP since 2012 have soldered RAM.

The nTB MBP of the new models is the only one where u can change the SSD. But as there is no company producing one the only way is to buy original Parts from eBay e.g. Which are very limited.

Thank Apple for being so environmentally friendly /s

Apple is environmentally friendly, the great robust design of their machines and their longevity, means that they are replaced less often and often bought and used second hand for many years beyond the original owner. Being able to upgrade a bit of ram means nothing if that computer is going to be replaced totally in 3 to 4 years anyway because its fallen to bits or the difficulty selling a second hand PC and low resale value means many are just thrown away. Also the all metal construction makes them far more recyclable than plastic that will be around for tens of thousands of years. Minimal ports smaller slimmer lighter all mean they are using less resources in the first place.

Environmentally friendly takes many more things into account than upgradeabilty.
 
OP wrote:
My advice and my opinion only:

DON'T buy either a 2016 or 2017 design MacBook for the kids.
They are going to DESTROY the keyboards, which on the new design are problematic to begin with. Expect to have to do one or more returns on both of them.

Instead, get them Apple factory-refurbished 2015 design MacBook Pro 13" models.
These have robust keyboards that you're not going to have trouble with over 4-5 years.
They also have all the "legacy ports" the kids will need.

Consider yourself as having been "duly warned" !! ;)

Good point. I've heard of all the issues with the keyboard on ATP podcast. Apple doesn't have any 2015's so I will look around.
 
Apple is environmentally friendly, the great robust design of their machines and their longevity, means that they are replaced less often and often bought and used second hand for many years beyond the original owner. Being able to upgrade a bit of ram means nothing if that computer is going to be replaced totally in 3 to 4 years anyway because its fallen to bits or the difficulty selling a second hand PC and low resale value means many are just thrown away. Also the all metal construction makes them far more recyclable than plastic that will be around for tens of thousands of years. Minimal ports smaller slimmer lighter all mean they are using less resources in the first place.

Environmentally friendly takes many more things into account than upgradeabilty.
Of course but Apple was more environmentally friendly. Soldered RAM since 2012 and SSD since last year will shorten the life significantly.

U can recycle as much as u want but it will be beaten by a computer which can be upgraded and so extend its life.

They could do better but they would loose money
 
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