Long term support for 17" MBP?

[theitsage]

Unless you can work on the 2011 15" and 17" MacBook Pro, don't buy them. I have two matte 17" display MBP in pristine condition that I'm keeping in my Mac collection because I like the form factor. They are not without issues.

The discrete GPU failure is a matter of when not if. Once that happens, it renders the machine useless. A reflow which involves removing the logic board to bake the dGPU back in place is a temporary fix. GPU reball lasts longer but it's hard to find parts nowadays.

 

[Shintsu]

So are the 2012 MBP's also affected by the dGPU problem? Specifically the 13" MBP that Apple kept making up until 2016 that was sold alongside the retina Macs.

 

[sunapple]

So are the 2012 MBP's also affected by the dGPU problem? Specifically the 13" MBP that Apple kept making up until 2016 that was sold alongside the retina Macs.

13 inch never had a dGPU. I guess the 15 inch from 2012 is fine though.

 

[ZapNZs]

So are the 2012 MBP's also affected by the dGPU problem? Specifically the 13" MBP that Apple kept making up until 2016 that was sold alongside the retina Macs.

The 15-inch MBP and MBP retina from 2012 (and the early 2013) both had the same type of dGPU issue as the 2011, but, according to several Apple-trained people that I trust very much, problems with the 2012s and early 2013s are much more rare than with the 2011 (which drop like flies.) Nonetheless, if you wish the computer to last for two to three years, buying from an Apple-certified organization that sells used MBPs and offers in-house warranties may be the safest bet (other than purchasing a second logic board as a spare...)

 

[maflynn]

he 15-inch MBP and MBP retina from 2012 (and the early 2013) both had the same type of dGPU issue as the 2011, but, according to several Apple-trained people that I trust very much, problems with the 2012s and early 2013s are much more rare than with the 2011

I don't have any inside info, such as you, but I agree with the assessment. I see fewer chatter on the interwebs about the 2012 rMBP having dGPU issues. I own one myself, and I've pushed it quite hard on a number of occasions and so far 5 years on, its still working like a champ

 

[dsc888]

Agreed, Apple had (keyword here) a repair program for the 2011 MBPs because the dGPU was defective. I'd stay away from that model regardless of the price. Add on to the fact that they now consider 2011 models vintage just adds more justification to avoid it.

Uh oh! So I guess Apple won't replace the battery in my now vintage early 2010 17" MBP that's barely holding a charge. I handed it down to my son and it still works great with the i7 and upgraded 8 Gb of RAM and a new 256 Gb SSD.
[doublepost=1491038285][/doublepost]

I don't have any inside info, such as you, but I agree with the assessment. I see fewer chatter on the interwebs about the 2012 rMBP having dGPU issues. I own one myself, and I've pushed it quite hard on a number of occasions and so far 5 years on, its still working like a champ

Likewise! I never had dGPU issues on my 2012 rMBP nor my early 2010 17" MBP either. Ultra reliable and it appears I'd better pay Apple to replace the battery in my 2012 now before they designate it as vintage. My 2010 may not even get a new battery at this point as I think Apple doesn't even carry the battery for it anymore. Does anyone know if that's true?

 

[Fishrrman]

There's no good reason to buy a 17" used MacBook Pro any more.
…unless one is a glutton for punishment!

Buy a 15" and be happy.

 

[maflynn]

Uh oh! So I guess Apple won't replace the battery in my now vintage early 2010 17" MBP that's barely holding a charge. I handed it down to my son and it still works great with the i7 and upgraded 8 Gb of RAM and a new 256 Gb SSD

Given them a call, you never know.

 

[ZapNZs]

Uh oh! So I guess Apple won't replace the battery in my now vintage early 2010 17" MBP that's barely holding a charge. I handed it down to my son and it still works great with the i7 and upgraded 8 Gb of RAM and a new 256 Gb SSD.


My 2010 may not even get a new battery at this point as I think Apple doesn't even carry the battery for it anymore. Does anyone know if that's true?

Have you called any local Apple Authorized Service Providers? I find that they are often great resources for getting Apple-certified parts even after a certain platform is no longer supported by Apple, and some seem to stock many of the regular wear items of vintage Macs (especially batteries) and they have Apple-certified techs to perform the service

 

[dsc888]

Given them a call, you never know.

Thanks. I will. I might even take it in as I live close to a few Apple Stores here in Boston when I bring in my 2012 rMBP to have its battery replaced.
[doublepost=1491065414][/doublepost]

Have you called any local Apple Authorized Service Providers? I find that they are often great resources for getting Apple-certified parts even after a certain platform is no longer supported by Apple, and some seem to stock many of the regular wear items of vintage Macs (especially batteries) and they have Apple-certified techs to perform the service

Thanks, Zap! That's a great idea. I considered doing it myself. I'm not sure if the battery in the 2010 is glued in place like it is in my 2012 rMBP. If not, I might consider an aftermarket one online.

 

[ZapNZs]

Thanks, Zap! That's a great idea. I considered doing it myself. I'm not sure if the battery in the 2010 is glued in place like it is in my 2012 rMBP. If not, I might consider an aftermarket one online.

I believe that the 2010 is held in with a single screw only, no glue or anything, and replacement is very straightforward as you do not have to remove anything except the bottom cover

 

[dsc888]

I believe that the 2010 is held in with a single screw only, no glue or anything, and replacement is very straightforward as you do not have to remove anything except the bottom cover

Thanks again, Zap! That's what I suspected when I upgraded the RAM and installed the SSD. I want my 17" to last a few more years especially since Apple did away with the Antiglare display.

 

[Sanpete]

There's no good reason to buy a 17" used MacBook Pro any more.

Unless you want a 17" screen.