Help me find a new notebook

[boomhower]

Well my 2012 MacBook Pro is officially dead. It's suffered the GPU problem that has claimed so many. I'm just not paying $800 to fix it. So I need another one. Obviously I don't want anything that has the same issue. Problem is money, I'm pretty broke at the moment. I'd really prefer another 15 but I don't know if it'll fit in the budget, which is as cheap as I can get away with. I'm open to refurb. Looks like the cheapest apple has is a 13" retina but it only has 128gb hard drive. Are they standard or proprietary? Any other source of quality refurb?

 

[yjchua95]

Well my 2012 MacBook Pro is officially dead. It's suffered the GPU problem that has claimed so many. I'm just not paying $800 to fix it. So I need another one. Obviously I don't want anything that has the same issue. Problem is money, I'm pretty broke at the moment. I'd really prefer another 15 but I don't know if it'll fit in the budget, which is as cheap as I can get away with. I'm open to refurb. Looks like the cheapest apple has is a 13" retina but it only has 128gb hard drive. Are they standard or proprietary? Any other source of quality refurb?

The mid-2012/early-2013 rMBPs have upgrade kits available from OWC or Transcend.

The late-2013/mid-2014 rMBPs have proprietary non-M.2 PCIe SSDs, no upgrade kits are available yet.

The best place to start would be the Apple refurb store.

I got bummed by Radeongate too, but I sent it off for a reball with leaded solder and had the thermal paste reapplied on both the CPU and GPU. Now it's running smoothly again.

 

[boomhower]

The mid-2012/early-2013 rMBPs have upgrade kits available from OWC or Transcend.

The late-2013/mid-2014 rMBPs have proprietary non-M.2 PCIe SSDs, no upgrade kits are available yet.

The best place to start would be the Apple refurb store.

I got bummed by Radeongate too, but I sent it off for a reball with leaded solder and had the thermal paste reapplied on both the CPU and GPU. Now it's running smoothly again.

What did the fix cost you? I take it upgrade kits don't mean a 2.5 SSD?

 

[capathy21]

Well my 2012 MacBook Pro is officially dead. It's suffered the GPU problem that has claimed so many. I'm just not paying $800 to fix it. So I need another one. Obviously I don't want anything that has the same issue. Problem is money, I'm pretty broke at the moment. I'd really prefer another 15 but I don't know if it'll fit in the budget, which is as cheap as I can get away with. I'm open to refurb. Looks like the cheapest apple has is a 13" retina but it only has 128gb hard drive. Are they standard or proprietary? Any other source of quality refurb?

What is your max budget? Are you in the U.S.? What does your workflow look like, or what specs are you hoping to land?

 

[boomhower]

I'll say max is $12

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What is your max budget? Are you in the U.S.? What does your workflow look like, or what specs are you hoping to land?

I'll say max is $1200 but would really like to keep it under a grand but doubt that will happen. My workflow is generally light now days. When I bought my last I was encoding a lot of stuff but not so much anymore. I do some heavy unraring occasionally but nothing daily. I could technically get by with a 13 air but it's the screen size that gets me. If they had a 15 air it would work. At this point with my budget I'm pretty sure it's going to be 13. It's just to get 256 it seems to expensive for what you get. If I could slide my 2.5 if I'd be good. I just don't want another with the same issues I have now. I hate to but will give up screen for reliability. I this is killing me. I've never had a windows laptop crap out on me but now I've had the most expensive computer I've bought with Apple recognition take a dump.

 

[capathy21]

I'll say max is $12

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I'll say max is $1200 but would really like to keep it under a grand but doubt that will happen. My workflow is generally light now days. When I bought my last I was encoding a lot of stuff but not so much anymore. I do some heavy unraring occasionally but nothing daily. I could technically get by with a 13 air but it's the screen size that gets me. If they had a 15 air it would work. At this point with my budget I'm pretty sure it's going to be 13. It's just to get 256 it seems to expensive for what you get. If I could slide my 2.5 if I'd be good. I just don't want another with the same issues I have now. I hate to but will give up screen for reliability. I this is killing me. I've never had a windows laptop crap out on me but now I've had the most expensive computer I've bought with Apple recognition take a dump.

I can completely understand your frustration. The only Mac that would allow you to put your 2.5 in it would be a non-retina, mid 2012 13 inch. The display quality is okay but the resolution is 1280x800. It is heavier than the newer models but it does allow for user upgrades with ram and hard drive.

I wouldn't recommend it simply because its processor and such are already 2 years old. The Air display isn't bad, it just isn't near as good as retina. Below are a couple of links I would check out if I were you. Your best value would be the 2013 rMBP 8/256 model for 1189. If you need to keep it under a grand, check out the Air.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/F...nch-macbook-air-13ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5

http://store.apple.com/us/product/F...nch-macbook-pro-24ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5

 

[yjchua95]

What did the fix cost you? I take it upgrade kits don't mean a 2.5 SSD?

Believe it or not, the fix only cost me US$ 85 in Malaysia (I was based there before moving to Melbourne).

Upgrade kits for the rMBPs are blade-shaped SSDs.

 

[sporadicMotion]

Well my 2012 MacBook Pro is officially dead. It's suffered the GPU problem that has claimed so many. I'm just not paying $800 to fix it. So I need another one. Obviously I don't want anything that has the same issue. Problem is money, I'm pretty broke at the moment. I'd really prefer another 15 but I don't know if it'll fit in the budget, which is as cheap as I can get away with. I'm open to refurb. Looks like the cheapest apple has is a 13" retina but it only has 128gb hard drive. Are they standard or proprietary? Any other source of quality refurb?

I used to only use 15" machines but I've been on the 13" models for 3 years now and my shoulder thanks me daily. Unless the dedicated GPU is essential, the grunt supplied by most modern CPU's is surprisingly sufficient. You might be pleasantly surprised

 

[boomhower]

I used to only use 15" machines but I've been on the 13" models for 3 years now and my shoulder thanks me daily. Unless the dedicated GPU is essential, the grunt supplied by most modern CPU's is surprisingly sufficient. You might be pleasantly surprised

I don't travel but a couple times a year so that isn't something that really effects me, I prefer a larger screen. It's just the cost of that screen that is getting me. It's unfortunate that the only one that fits my price range is what I have that has a flaw Apple refuses to address. I'll at least give dell credit when they had this problem they made it right. I'm still undecided. The Air is more I'm what I want to pay but it's a massive step down in performance from what I have.

 

[boomhower]

Would I be crazy to go with the newest non retina 13"? Best Buy has them on sale for $1k. I could slide in my 8GB of ram and my SSD. I'd like a retina but am pretty satisfied with the quality of the standard 15" I have now. Also are the 2012 15" aflicted with the same issue. Reburbs on those are a little rarer but would fit what I want a little better, it's $1109 at Apple right now.

 

[capathy21]

Would I be crazy to go with the newest non retina 13"? Best Buy has them on sale for $1k. I could slide in my 8GB of ram and my SSD. I'd like a retina but am pretty satisfied with the quality of the standard 15" I have now. Also are the 2012 15" aflicted with the same issue. Reburbs on those are a little rarer but would fit what I want a little better, it's $1109 at Apple right now.

Some would say yes but I say it's a decent option. If you aren't used to retina, you won't miss it. BB does have it on sale for 999 this week. Also, you need to get the 100 off student discount and or the movers coupon.

Not sure if you have an edu email address but if you do, you will get an additional 100 off. Also, you can use a 10 percent off coupon at best buy on Mac's. They can be gotten through your local post offices change of address packet, or on ebay.

If you don't have the edu email, you can still use the 10 percent off coupon which would essentially save you another 100 making it 899 before tax. I have an extra 10 percent off code. If you need it, pm me and i'll give it to you.

 

[boomhower]

Some would say yes but I say it's a decent option. If you aren't used to retina, you won't miss it. BB does have it on sale for 999 this week. Also, you need to get the 100 off student discount and or the movers coupon.



Not sure if you have an edu email address but if you do, you will get an additional 100 off. Also, you can use a 10 percent off coupon at best buy on Mac's. They can be gotten through your local post offices change of address packet, or on ebay.



If you don't have the edu email, you can still use the 10 percent off coupon which would essentially save you another 100 making it 899 before tax. I have an extra 10 percent off code. If you need it, pm me and i'll give it to you.

I do have an edu address and could swing by the post office and pick up a movers package. That seems and easy 20% off. How does the edu deal work in store? Do these coupons stack? Would the one you have stack in top or is yours the movers one? Thanks for the help.

 

[capathy21]

I do have an edu address and could swing by the post office and pick up a movers package. That seems and easy 20% off. How does the edu deal work in store? Do these coupons stack? Would the one you have stack in top or is yours the movers one? Thanks for the help.

As far as stacking, it really depends on the store. For the edu, go to the link below and put your email in. It will send you a link to click on that populates an online use code and a bar code. If purchasing in store, either print out the bar code or just pull it up on your phone when you go in. They scan it right after they scan the Mac, and it takes 100 off.

I have successfully stacked the movers coupon on top of the student discount twice before. I tried to do it a 3rd time, and the associate said I could only use one or the other. As far as I know, their system will still accept both coupons if the associate is willing to scan them. If I were you, I would go ahead and get a movers coupon and give it a shot. The worst that can happen is they won't let you stack them and in that case you are still getting it for 899 which is a deal. If the stack works, you would get it for 809 which is even better

The stack will not work online, I tried it that way in hopes of an in store pickup and it only accepts one or the other online.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Global/College-Student-Deals/pcmcat276200050000.c?id=pcmcat276200050000

 

[boomhower]

As far as stacking, it really depends on the store. For the edu, go to the link below and put your email in. It will send you a link to click on that populates an online use code and a bar code. If purchasing in store, either print out the bar code or just pull it up on your phone when you go in. They scan it right after they scan the Mac, and it takes 100 off.

I have successfully stacked the movers coupon on top of the student discount twice before. I tried to do it a 3rd time, and the associate said I could only use one or the other. As far as I know, their system will still accept both coupons if the associate is willing to scan them. If I were you, I would go ahead and get a movers coupon and give it a shot. The worst that can happen is they won't let you stack them and in that case you are still getting it for 899 which is a deal. If the stack works, you would get it for 809 which is even better

The stack will not work online, I tried it that way in hopes of an in store pickup and it only accepts one or the other online.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Global/College-Student-Deals/pcmcat276200050000.c?id=pcmcat276200050000

Thanks a lot. I'm really debating between it and the 15" 1100 apple refurb. Neither of these have the same video card issue I have now do they?

 

[Samuelsan2001]

No video card in the 13

Thanks a lot. I'm really debating between it and the 15" 1100 apple refurb. Neither of these have the same video card issue I have now do they?

The 13 has integrated graphics only, and that 15 will be either 1012 with 650M or the 2013 with integrated Iris pro. Neither has been shown to have any graphics card issues as of yet, however it is only 2 years since the rMBP came out so they may develop on the 650M, intels integrated graphics are no more likely to fail than any other CPU.

 

[capathy21]

Thanks a lot. I'm really debating between it and the 15" 1100 apple refurb. Neither of these have the same video card issue I have now do they?

If you don't need the extra power of the 15, I'd save some money and back strain and get the 13. With the integrated graphics, you won't have to worry about any issues down the road.

 

[boomhower]

If you don't need the extra power of the 15, I'd save some money and back strain and get the 13. With the integrated graphics, you won't have to worry about any issues down the road.

I could use the extra power but it's not a daily thing. I've got a server that does a lot of my heavy lifting now. This is my main computer so I hate to give up so much power. Right now I'm leaning towards the latest non retina 13.

 

[boomhower]

After some more searching found the ME865LL/A in the amazon warehouse sub $1200. 256/8 seems like a really good deal. I get the AC and USB 3 I've been wanting but still lack the screen size but I realize that just isn't going to fit my budget. So new 13" classic for $1085 or this one. Classic will have a 256SSD and 8GB installed by me. Or the new/used Retina ready to go out of the box. Thoughts now?

 

[niteflyr]

If your budget is tight, and your current machine is sufficient, ask about a "flat rate" repair.

http://nwsinglespeed.hubpages.com/hub/Do-You-Know-About-Apples-Flat-Rate-Repair-Pricing

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I'd go for the newer spec

After some more searching found the ME865LL/A in the amazon warehouse sub $1200. 256/8 seems like a really good deal. I get the AC and USB 3 I've been wanting but still lack the screen size but I realize that just isn't going to fit my budget. So new 13" classic for $1085 or this one. Classic will have a 256SSD and 8GB installed by me. Or the new/used Retina ready to go out of the box. Thoughts now?

Well the new spec has better graphics, AC wif,i haswell processors, better SSD, better battery life and that lovely retina display, I'd go for that.

You are already worried about losing a bit of power and this latest version is a fair bit better than the cMBP which si getting towards three years out of date component wise.

 

[boomhower]

Finally placed an order. Got a 13 retina last gen. Best I can tell it's the same as the current gen but with a 2.4CPU bs 2.6. I imagine it's likely getting less battery life but not a big deal. Got it from the Amazon warehouse with a slight scratch on the lid for a pretty good deal. Added a usb 3 2.5 case to transfer everything over. I can now turn on the AC wifi feature of my router. Should be here Monday. Can't wait.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Enjoy your new computer

Enjoy it I love mine.

 

[Freyqq]

After some more searching found the ME865LL/A in the amazon warehouse sub $1200. 256/8 seems like a really good deal. I get the AC and USB 3 I've been wanting but still lack the screen size but I realize that just isn't going to fit my budget. So new 13" classic for $1085 or this one. Classic will have a 256SSD and 8GB installed by me. Or the new/used Retina ready to go out of the box. Thoughts now?

While it has a smaller screen size, with scaling on the retina display, you can keep it at 1440x900 like the 15" cmbp.

 

[kage207]

Well my 2012 MacBook Pro is officially dead. It's suffered the GPU problem that has claimed so many. I'm just not paying $800 to fix it. So I need another one. Obviously I don't want anything that has the same issue. Problem is money, I'm pretty broke at the moment. I'd really prefer another 15 but I don't know if it'll fit in the budget, which is as cheap as I can get away with. I'm open to refurb. Looks like the cheapest apple has is a 13" retina but it only has 128gb hard drive. Are they standard or proprietary? Any other source of quality refurb?

This is why you always get Apple Care.

Though I highly recommend the MBA, it's great.

 

[boomhower]

This is why you always get Apple Care.

Though I highly recommend the MBA, it's great.

I looks it up and I was wrong, it was a 2012 refurb. Apple care would have been hit or miss. I doubt this one will qualify for apple care but will be looking into square trade.