Which model is more 'recommended' the 2.53Ghz BTO MBP? Or the 2.8? I've been planning to get the higher-end one. Also, which hard-drive?
If, in the unlikely event you do have some issue with the new machine, I've heard that the BTO's are a PITA to replace. You could get a 2.53, and put in your own ram and hard drive yourself. If, God forbid, you have an issue, you can quickly swap it out for another off the shelf.
+2,..... never , ever , get a BTO from Apple , they are very difficult to replace if you should have an issue .
Like the man said , get a base machine and put RAM & HD in yourself ...it's easy ...couple of screws and your done ,.....good luck

....also which machine you get depends very much on what you use it for ... think carefully and don't be pushed ( by marketing or forum looneys) to believe that you must have the highest CPU etc etc ....
Ask away & start a thread of your own , list what you use the machine for etc and the MacRumors massive will help , I'm sure .
Scary.
I've been waiting for around 10 month without a computer for the new MacBook Pros to actually come out. And now I've no idea what to do - wait for Rev Bs? How long? Let alone all the complains and get the MBP? I'm in Italy, I don't know how much reliable will AppleCare be and if I get a defected machine how will they sort it out.. they're not very much understanding here, as it's not even an Apple Store. Any ideas?
Uh. God.
Buy one. You'll have to be unlucky to get one with a 'defect' because most of them will be perfect.
The biggest problem you could have is a slightly loose battery cover (which you can fix yourself) or slightly skewed keys (again which you can fix, check the forums).
There are no widespread serious issues with the new MBP's, buy with confidence. I bought a new MBP and it is flawless.
I agree with iONic , but I would also give this advice , go to the store in person if you can , buy the machine and check it in store , that way if you have a problem , it can be sorted out there and then .
Oh , and don't get a built to order ...see above .
good luck.
I seriously am beginning to wonder how many MBPs have physical defects compared to how many of Apple's customers have mental defects like O.C.D.?
LOL .... I tried a few machines in store and each one was damaged , period . no OCD ... I like my stuff to be nice and that's it , I care for the few possesions I have so they last longer , I don't expect to have dents and scratches out the box !.
OCD LOL
If you bought a car and it had a dent in the door or body work somewhere ...would you accept it ??? , I doubt it very much .