MacBook Pro Upgrade At Photokina?

[aptar]

You're going to have to be aggressive about returning it. If I were you I would try to refuse accepting delivery and call your credit card company and tell them you don't want it so they will force Apple to accept your refusal to receive it.

Hehe, that sounds harsh.

I did call up today and talked to a customer service rep and he was saying, off the recordish, that they can usually accommodate people in those situations. But coming from them doesn't mean a lot, was wonder if anyone had any similar anecdotes.

I'm already torn, go with the upgraded MBP or stay with the existing one and have a free iPod to temper my suffering.

 

[generik]

Now, it will probably be around the 25th before I get, and I won't open it, but considering I have upgrades (so customization = no return) how hard do you guys think it would be for me to exchange it for an updated one?

It is always bad practice to CTO a machine, as it is if there are no faults with it you are not entitled to send it back...

 

[CyberB0b]

If MacRumors keeps predicting MacBook Pro updates, it will eventually come true.

 

[oneighturbo]

just did it

well i just placed my order for a 15" MBP 2.0 base model w/ an iPod 60GB

i chatted with a rep and pointed out that i have 14 days to return. i have 30 days to submit the iPod rebate (which requires a upc cut from MBP box)

so my status shows ship date of the 19th and arrival of the 26th!

so kinda in a pickle with dates but the 60GB will only cost me $120 in the end.

BTW, Im a first time mac buyer even though ive used em for years at work!

 

[aptar]

It is always bad practice to CTO a machine, as it is if there are no faults with it you are not entitled to send it back...

Yeah, I realize that now (and will keep it in mind for future).

On the flipside, with only a couple customizable options it's not like it wouldn't be appropriate for another consumer. The only thing modified is the RAM and it would take about 10 mins (for Apple) to get it back to stock.

 

[jaduffy108]

Dreaming really (note 1920 res. hack for PB thread here has over 100k views, Apple get a clue!), but hopefully the delay has more to do with better upgrades, vid chip (Nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GTX, 512 MB please), a true HD screen (WQUXGA would be even nicer, 4k res, yeah baby, just the ticket for Leopard and the 17in model), etc. ; than limited supply of Merom's...why put them in the iMac 1st when the profit margin is higher on the MBP's- which are in more need of an early upgrade than the iMac?



Dell already has these features in one of it's expensive laptops (though almost twice as thick, which makes it much easier to implement):
http://www.mobilityguru.com/2006/08/28/see_eurocom_emperor_fly_with_nvidia_sli/page2.html

### I hope you're right about a GO 7900 gtx, but it will shock me. Apple has always had limited choices (if any)...lower performance gpu's in their laptops compared to Dell or Alienware. *I* don't want 1920res...1680 is a nice res.

 

[timswim78]

Well, I thought that a 24' iMac was a crazy idea. I guess that maybe there could be a 19" MacBook Pro! (3Ghz G5 of course)

 

[Brick]

It is always bad practice to CTO a machine, as it is if there are no faults with it you are not entitled to send it back...

Yeah, but it's also the only way to get a 7200 rpm hard drive. I've read things about the hard drives not being user replaceable. Now I've taken apart several old Thinkpads and replaced motherboards and even the screens, but there warranties were up. I don't feel like voiding the warranty on my Mac.

I also think that this return policy is rather asinine. As another user stated, there are only 3 options to customize. Dell machines are highly configurable and they will refund you (minus 15% restocking fee though).

 

[ChickenSwartz]

I also think that this return policy is rather asinine.

I agree. I think a much better policy would be you have to pay the restocking fee no matter when you return. So that way they break even when they resell it at a 5% discount (plus labor to check and make sure you did f-it up).

 

[robotx21]

As I have always known it, the standard configuration gives you a 14 day return policy, full refund, or 15% restocking fee if it is opened. A BTO machine is considered an "Opened" machine by apple, since they take the standard configuration and change it. So if you buy a BTO machine, you can return it, but you will be subject to the 15% restocking fee. Just take it back to an apple store, show your receipt, and it should be fine.

 

[ChickenSwartz]

As I have always known it, the standard configuration gives you a 14 day return policy, full refund, or 15% restocking fee if it is opened. A BTO machine is considered an "Opened" machine by apple, since they take the standard configuration and change it. So if you buy a BTO machine, you can return it, but you will be subject to the 15% restocking fee. Just take it back to an apple store, show your receipt, and it should be fine.

From the Sales and Refunds Policy page:
"Configure-to-order, personalized or other customized product may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless DOA."

Other products:
"A 10% open box fee will be assessed on any opened hardware or accessory."

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html

 

[Rodstermac]

Hmm on Processor upgrade

I've been reading internet articles all day. Yesterday I ordered a MacBook which is set for delivery in Oct. I read an article that said Intel shipped the processors early to the manufacturers to first upgrade their entry level laptops and, as we have seen, that is the case with Dell and HP. According to the article, there was no supply issue with the new Core 2 CPU's. The MacBook though now supposedly is in short supply right now inventory-wise - Could be back to school or possibly a "refit" !! Well, who knows what they will do but I would hope they would just start shipping them with the new Core 2 CPU's soldered in place of the Core Duo - both laptops.

 

[HecubusPro]

Yeah, but it's also the only way to get a 7200 rpm hard drive. I've read things about the hard drives not being user replaceable. Now I've taken apart several old Thinkpads and replaced motherboards and even the screens, but there warranties were up. I don't feel like voiding the warranty on my Mac.

I also think that this return policy is rather asinine. As another user stated, there are only 3 options to customize. Dell machines are highly configurable and they will refund you (minus 15% restocking fee though).

Unfortunately, that's just the way it is with apple, and it's despicable.

I'm hoping with the next MBP update, they also tweak the enclosure to allow for an easily swappable HDD, like the macbook. It simply isn't fair that a lower end model gets a great feature like that and the higher end gets screwed. I would be sorely disappointed if this did not happen with the update.

Because of return policy issues, I will probably go ahead and get the 5400rpm drive. It seems like much less hassle to stay away from BTO systems if something goes wrong.

 

[Americanloti]

Hello everyone,

this is my first post, but I've been reading you all for a while now. I'm waiting for the MBP merom like most of the people here, but do you think there a possibility to see new Displays as well at Photokina? Maybe built-in iSight?

 

[robotx21]

I think new displays are a STRONG possibility. Digital Photos need NICE big displays :-D Just like video editing does. I think we will definately see new displays announced.

 

[knucles]

24' display

don't you think that is logic the realease of 24' displays?????'''

if imac have 24'; should acd get 23'??????????is coming soon

 

[ergle2]

I meant Geforce GO7800, a mistake on my part.

I did some more poking around, and apparently, a Go 7900 model (90nm) that has a TDP rated at around 10% more than the rated TDP of the X1600.

That might be possible. Based on that the Go 7700 80nm should easily consume less power than the current X1600, and given the base 7600 was faster than the X1600, the 7700 (based on the 7600GS) should offer significant speedup for 3D.

It'll be interesting to see if Apple favors Intel with the AMD-ATI merger/buyout, too.

Finally, there's always the (rather unlikely, admittedly) possibility that the MBPs (perhaps just the 17"?) would offer MXM slots; currently, MXM means nVidia.

 

[Multimedia]

You Are Buying The Old 60GB Obsolete Not Bright Screen Longer Battery Life iPod?

well i just placed my order for a 15" MBP 2.0 base model w/ an iPod 60GB

i chatted with a rep and pointed out that i have 14 days to return. i have 30 days to submit the iPod rebate (which requires a upc cut from MBP box)

so my status shows ship date of the 19th and arrival of the 26th!

so kinda in a pickle with dates but the 60GB will only cost me $120 in the end.

BTW, Im a first time mac buyer even though ive used em for years at work!

You couldn't buy the new 80GB iPod at the new lower price of only $349? Man you are buying an obsolete inferior iPod. That is plain lame short sightedness.

If I were you I would phone back and insist on the new 80GB model for sure.

 

[BWhaler]

Hello everyone,

this is my first post, but I've been reading you all for a while now. I'm waiting for the MBP merom like most of the people here, but do you think there a possibility to see new Displays as well at Photokina? Maybe built-in iSight?

No one knows for sure, but I doubt it. The displays just got a spec bump and price drop a month ago.

 

[Multimedia]

No Easy Access HD Bay No Sale

Unfortunately, that's just the way it is with apple, and it's despicable.

I'm hoping with the next MBP update, they also tweak the enclosure to allow for an easily swappable HDD, like the macbook. It simply isn't fair that a lower end model gets a great feature like that and the higher end gets screwed. I would be sorely disappointed if this did not happen with the update.

Because of return policy issues, I will probably go ahead and get the 5400rpm drive. It seems like much less hassle to stay away from BTO systems if something goes wrong.

MovieCutter told me that there is negligible difference in performance between the 5400 and 7200 high capacity dirves and that the 120GB 5400 is a better way to go - lower heat, higher capacity, lower power draw. I'm hoping the top models have a 160GB Seagate inside.

If there is no easy access HD bay in the new 17" 2.33GHz C2D MBP I will not buy one of these and opt for a 2GHz C2D MacBook when it ships or wait for the next 17" MBP revision. I feel so strongly about wanting this feature that I refuse to buy a mobile Mac without it.

 

[Multimedia]

I Doubt Merom Supplies Are Off Allocation Yet • Unlikely Apple Can Get All They Need

I've been reading internet articles all day. Yesterday I ordered a MacBook which is set for delivery in Oct. I read an article that said Intel shipped the processors early to the manufacturers to first upgrade their entry level laptops and, as we have seen, that is the case with Dell and HP. According to the article, there was no supply issue with the new Core 2 CPU's. The MacBook though now supposedly is in short supply right now inventory-wise - Could be back to school or possibly a "refit" !! Well, who knows what they will do but I would hope they would just start shipping them with the new Core 2 CPU's soldered in place of the Core Duo - both laptops.

I Doubt Merom Supplies Are Off Allocation Yet • It's Unlikely Apple Can Get All They Need yet. Therefore MacBook will get Merom later and mini last.

 

[ergle2]

Is a slim, slot loading, Blu-Ray drive even manufactured? I've seen a few tray loading externals and a tray loading internal, but not a slot loading Blu-Ray drive of any type.

No idea. Anandtech mentioned one on display at the CES 2006 which was back in January. I believe the timeframe for launch mentioned for release was 3Q06, which is now-ish.

The unit said 'Blu-Ray Disc, DVD Multi-Recorder', so I've no idea whether this means BD-ROM + DVD[+-][R/RW] or BD writable too. I'd guess at the latter as being more likely.

I still don't see it as likely to happen, except perhaps as a BTO option.

 

[aptar]

You couldn't buy the new 80GB iPod at the new lower price of only $349? Man you are buying an obsolete inferior iPod. That is plain lame short sightedness.

If I were you I would phone back and insist on the new 80GB model for sure.

I'm assuming this person is using a rebate. If so, no, you can't get the new model unless you want to pay full retail price for it.

I chose a 30gb (last gen) because it cost me less than $100

 

[ergle2]

I don't think you have to worry... I highly doubt a keyboard change. I would love a little more key travel on the current MBP keyboard, but obviously they would have to make the MBP thicker - so I'll live

I don't remember who said it (after reading over 200 posts!), but I agree that the MBP 15'' 1-3 day shipping vs the 17'' 5-7 (or was it 8-10) day shipping is merely due to lower stock on the 17'', not a sign of a 17'' only update. I would think they probably manufacture and sell at least 2X the number of 15'' vs 17'' MBP's.

Apple wants their Pro line to be visibly different at a glance. This has been true for years. I don't see that changing now. Based on that, I agree with you that it's unlikely they'd adopt an MB keyboard for the MBP. They certainly don't want people to think it's "just" a silver MB, after all!

I'd figure on the 15" sales being considerably higher than just double due to the 17" being considerably more expensive.

Of course, it's arguable they serve different markets with some overlap rather than being in direct competition...

 

[ergle2]

I Doubt Merom Supplies Are Off Allocation Yet • It's Unlikely Apple Can Get All They Need yet. Therefore MacBook will get Merom later and mini last.

Indeed. The big question is when they can update the MB?

Santa Rosa is currently expected no earlier than April. Assuming the MB's can't get Merom til, say, December, is it worth going C2D for ~4 months? (Assuming Santa Rosa is on-time -- which, to be fair, Intel's been pretty good at lately).

If the current enclosure is viable for Merom, then probably, but any late? Difficult to say.

The mini's probably less of a risk in that sense, and doesn't use CPUs in the same speed-range as the notebook systems, so it wouldn't surprise me to see it move up to C2D at the same time as the MB. I agree before the MB seems unlike for commercial reasons.