Finally Pushed The Button...

[kyle.tyrrell]

Pushed the button on a 2017 MBr, fully specced up, took advantage of the free beats offer. Arrived 21st-23rd August or shortly after. Still surprises me why they don't have some of these specced ones ready to ship rather than built to order, its not like there are a ton of options for this model. Anyway...

Its replacing a late 2013 13" MBPr which was fully specced also and has been a workhorse for the past 3 and a half years. I have gone with the MBr for now as i am off travelling and so wanted something light to carry around which can manage mainly e-mail and office but also some occasional video and photo editing. When i return i am going to sell it and pick up a 13" MBP TB so again use as a daily driver.

Anyway, great to hear that the 2017 version had improved form the earlier versions and I'm looking forward to taking it for a spin in a few weeks. Countdown is on...

I am still considering which cables, docks and cases I need for it so any recommendations are welcome as its a bit of a minefield.

Best Wishes,

Kyle

 

[Erdbeertorte]

Hi Kyle,

I am using the Caldigit USB-C Dock on my Early 2016, it's working fine except the Ethernet port what needs a driver that is stated to only be supported up to El Capitan for know (it's still version 1.0).
But I am on High Sierra, so I can't say if it's working for Sierra. I am using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter connected to the dock for now what is working without any driver or issue.

http://www.caldigit.com/usb-3-1-usb-c-dock/

(website seems to be down at the moment, at least for me)

You can find it on Amazon. Any TB3 dock or Thunderbolt only device/adapater/cable isn't accepted by my MacBook. Don't know if it changed for the new ones but I don't think so.

 

[willmtaylor]

A maxed out 2013 only lasted you 3.5yrs?

 

[kyle.tyrrell]

A maxed out 2013 only lasted you 3.5yrs?

No, its a great machine but I tend to upgrade fairly regularly at least every few years, I have left it a bit longer to see how the TB pros evolved and since then I have decided to go travelling for a period of time so my requirements have changed hence going with a maxed out 2017 MBr and I will sell the 2013 MBP. When I return I expect i will sell the 2017 MBr and get a MBP TB 13in.

Hi Kyle,

I am using the Caldigit USB-C Dock on my Early 2016, it's working fine except the Ethernet port what needs a driver that is stated to only be supported up to El Capitan for know (it's still version 1.0).
But I am on High Sierra, so I can't say if it's working for Sierra. I am using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter connected to the dock for now what is working without any driver or issue.

http://www.caldigit.com/usb-3-1-usb-c-dock/

(website seems to be down at the moment, at least for me)

You can find it on Amazon. Any TB3 dock or Thunderbolt only device/adapater/cable isn't accepted by my MacBook. Don't know if it changed for the new ones but I don't think so.

Brilliant thanks for that, ill take a look.

 

[willmtaylor]

No, its a great machine but I tend to upgrade fairly regularly at least every few years, I have left it a bit longer to see how the TB pros evolved and since then I have decided to go travelling for a period of time so my requirements have changed hence going with a maxed out 2017 MBr and I will sell the 2013 MBP. When I return I expect i will sell the 2017 MBr and get a MBP TB 13in.



Brilliant thanks for that, ill take a look.

That makes more sense. Best of luck and enjoy.

 

[kyle.tyrrell]

That makes more sense. Best of luck and enjoy.

Thanks Mate

 

[KPOM]

Pushed the button on a 2017 MBr, fully specced up, took advantage of the free beats offer. Arrived 21st-23rd August or shortly after. Still surprises me why they don't have some of these specced ones ready to ship rather than built to order, its not like there are a ton of options for this model. Anyway...

Its replacing a late 2013 13" MBPr which was fully specced also and has been a workhorse for the past 3 and a half years. I have gone with the MBr for now as i am off travelling and so wanted something light to carry around which can manage mainly e-mail and office but also some occasional video and photo editing. When i return i am going to sell it and pick up a 13" MBP TB so again use as a daily driver.

Anyway, great to hear that the 2017 version had improved form the earlier versions and I'm looking forward to taking it for a spin in a few weeks. Countdown is on...

I am still considering which cables, docks and cases I need for it so any recommendations are welcome as its a bit of a minefield.

Best Wishes,

Kyle

I've found that I use docks and adapters a lot less than I originally thought. That said, for occasional use the Apple docks are fine. I have the VGA one. I also have a hub from a company called QacQoc. It includes 3 USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card and USB-C (power in). It requires a driver for Ethernet that seems to work fine in Sierra and the High Sierra beta. The USB ports are a little tight but it seems to work. It's $73 on Amazon but I've seen them new on eBay for less.

 

[kyle.tyrrell]

I've found that I use docks and adapters a lot less than I originally thought. That said, for occasional use the Apple docks are fine. I have the VGA one. I also have a hub from a company called QacQoc. It includes 3 USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card and USB-C (power in). It requires a driver for Ethernet that seems to work fine in Sierra and the High Sierra beta. The USB ports are a little tight but it seems to work. It's $73 on Amazon but I've seen them new on eBay for less.

Thanks KPOM, I might just get a couple of the apple one to keep in the bag and see how I get on. As you said I might not have much need for one on a regular basis.
[doublepost=1502448928][/doublepost]Great news... it’s shipped. Arrives Monday. A week or so earlier than expected... I wonder why the lengthy estimate when I ordered it?

 

[Bug-Creator]

Still surprises me why they don't have some of these specced ones ready to ship rather than built to order, its not like there are a ton of options for this model. Anyway...

They probraly have and "your" unit might allready been in a container in the middle of the Pacific when you placed that order.

4 colors, 3 CPUs, 2 RAM and 3 storage levels (even if not all can be combined) make quite a few possible configs and it's hard to predict in advance how many will be sold of each one.

 

[kyle.tyrrell]

They probraly have and "your" unit might allready been in a container in the middle of the Pacific when you placed that order.

4 colors, 3 CPUs, 2 RAM and 3 storage levels (even if not all can be combined) make quite a few possible configs and it's hard to predict in advance how many will be sold of each one.

I see what you are saying but this is one of the largest companies on the planet, they ships tonnes if this gear every day, I’m sure they have some statistical model which tells them roughly how many of each are going to be ordered. To show a lead time on top spec models of nearly 3 weeks is poor when you can have the bottom spec shipped within 24 hours. Just have a couple in stock ready to go... rather than basically drop shipping them from China or Ireland on nice they have been custom built.

 

[Bug-Creator]

If it was really custom build you would be waiting longer than 3 weeks.

 

[kyle.tyrrell]

If it was really custom build you would be waiting longer than 3 weeks.

OK - keep an eye on the shipping estimate and let me know if for a top spec one it ever drops below 3 weeks whereas the other 'stock' options ship in 24 hours... its always around 3 weeks... if its not custom made then why the delay over stock options.

Anyway - Arrived on Monday, wonderful bit of kit, not had much chance to play with it yet as busy with work and working away but will set it up this weekend. Also picked up a satchi hub, a apple USB C to lightening cable and an inateck sleeve.

 

[Bug-Creator]

It maybe "custom shipped", as in some units sitting in a central hub that may on demand be shipped worldwide.

Or maybe demand is still so high that they haven't build up an inventory near you.

Just tried in the Apple Store app with a fully loaded space grey, would ship between the 28 and 30th so within 2 weeks.

Quite sure that unit isn't still in parts in some chinese factory.

 

[kyle.tyrrell]

It maybe "custom shipped", as in some units sitting in a central hub that may on demand be shipped worldwide.

Or maybe demand is still so high that they haven't build up an inventory near you.

Just tried in the Apple Store app with a fully loaded space grey, would ship between the 28 and 30th so within 2 weeks.

Quite sure that unit isn't still in parts in some chinese factory.

Wow you're boring me now.

Well it must seem they never satisfy demand for high spec products because there is always a significant (when compared to 24 hour shipping) lead time.

I am not sure what your argument is other than to argue? My point is that i am surprised that Apple doesn't have this stock on hand to deliver quickly yet base models ship in 24 hours, I am sure a small stock of specced models in the local distribution centres wouldn't be too difficult. I wasn't intending on a full blown debate on how Apples supply chain works which neither of us know for sure.

Turn it in and have a nice day. Im off to play with my new toy!