MP 7,1 Receiving Wheels plus Legs or Wheels minus Legs ?

[bxs]

I ordered my MP7,1 to have the wheels rather than the stock legs. My question is, do I also receive the legs as well ?

I'm assuming the price of the wheels is not internally discounted by the cost of the legs, and if so, surely I'm entitled to having the legs along with my order.

Another question is, the wheels add an extra inch to the overall height compared to having legs. So does this mean the box the machine is shipped in has enough room (height-wise) or are the wheels shipped in a separate box ?

Can the wheels be ordered as an accessory ?

This is kind of like ordering RAM over what comes as stock.

I'm also informed that having ordered wheels, the MP7,1 is customized with wheels in a China facility, and shipped from there rather than from Texas U.S. and will result in a shipping delay to allow extra time for installing the wheels.

 

[MacEx20]

Unfortunately, it does not appear that once you pick an option you will have the ability to also get the other. So if you ordered wheels, you will not be getting legs with the order and vice versa. It appears that the machine frame is built specifically to order based on which preference you pick at the beginning. I would like the option to have them removable/changeable at times, but it doesn't seem that way from the videos. But we will have to wait for the actual breakdown to see if they can be changed at a later point. In any event, at this time Apple is not selling the wheels as an accessory even if you could swap it out. So if you want legs and a faster delivery, get it now. If you want wheels, best to keep the order and wait out the delay.

 

[bxs]

Unfortunately, it does not appear that once you pick an option you will have the ability to also get the other. So if you ordered wheels, you will not be getting legs with the order and vice versa. It appears that the machine frame is built specifically to order based on which preference you pick at the beginning. I would like the option to have them removable/changeable at times, but it doesn't seem that way from the videos. But we will have to wait for the actual breakdown to see if they can be changed at a later point. In any event, at this time Apple is not selling the wheels as an accessory even if you could swap it out. So if you want legs and a faster delivery, get it now. If you want wheels, best to keep the order and wait out the delay.

Thanks for the clarification. What you post is what I was expecting.... but sure would be nice to have the legs as well. No matter, I will suffer the extra delay and be happy..... an expensive delay, right ?

Given the wheels add an extra 1 inch to the overall height my guess is that given the wheels are installed at the factory assembly place in China, the box the MP7,1 comes in will be slightly different from the box with a MP7,1 with legs, or that somehow the internal safety foam is molded differently.

 

[MisterAndrew]

I suppose it’s possible the frame with wheels is assembled in China, but the Mac Pro is assembled in Austin, Texas, USA.

 

[bxs]

I ordered my MP7,1 to have the wheels rather than the stock legs. My question is, do I also receive the legs as well ?

I'm assuming the price of the wheels is not internally discounted by the cost of the legs, and if so, surely I'm entitled to having the legs along with my order.

Another question is, the wheels add an extra inch to the overall height compared to having legs. So does this mean the box the machine is shipped in has enough room (height-wise) or are the wheels shipped in a separate box ?

Can the wheels be ordered as an accessory ?

This is kind of like ordering RAM over what comes as stock.

I'm also informed that having ordered wheels, the MP7,1 is customized with wheels in a China facility, and shipped from there rather than from Texas U.S. and will result in a shipping delay to allow extra time for installing the wheels.

From looking at some MP7,1 videos with the outer casing removed it appears the legs are simply an extension of the 4-corner SS round bars with rounded handles at top. So, I'm thinking if wheels are part of the MP7,1 these 4 corner bars (actually made in two pieces - each as an inverted U shape) at their base are very different from the legged MP7,1. Thus, the wheel option is quite a change from the MP7,1 with standard/stock legs, and this is why the whole MP7,1 assembly has to be done over completely vs. the stock legged MP7,1.

My guess is that the starting point for the MP7,1 assembly is the back and front bars with the rounded top handles (with wheels or leg) are held up in place and then other items are slid down over the invert U shaped bars. Given this, I suspect the legs are an integral part of the bars at the base and the option for wheels means a totally different inverted U bar has to be used, especially if the wheels are integral to the bars vs. being screwed in somehow.

If the above is correct, then a stock MP7,1 with legs cannot easily be changed to have wheels.... rather a complete new set of inverted U shaped SS bars have to be used that have wheels rather than legs/pads. This means a complete assembly has to be done that starts with the inverted U shaped bars with integrated wheels as a starting point.

Maybe the iFixit video tear down will make all of this clear.

 

[MacEx20]

Thanks for the clarification. What you post is what I was expecting.... but sure would be nice to have the legs as well. No matter, I will suffer the extra delay and be happy..... an expensive delay, right ?

Given the wheels add an extra 1 inch to the overall height my guess is that given the wheels are installed at the factory assembly place in China, the box the MP7,1 comes in will be slightly different from the box with a MP7,1 with legs, or that somehow the internal safety foam is molded differently.

Correct, the box/foam will likely be modified on the inside as opposed to a larger box being used. An inch is rather negligible so they likely just round out the foam from the legs to rounded for the wheels and place a support across to keep the weight off the wheels during shipping.

Regarding your other point, yes. I personally believe the wheels are expensive for what you get out of them. I could see a $50-100 charge difference...but $400 is rather steep. The debate about the $1k stand for the Pro Display is less of a controversy to me. Yes, a $1K stand is expensive and overpriced, but I consider the monitor to be a $6K monitor. The foolish marketing part on them is to have it sold separately. They should have just included the stand in the box and say its $6k. Most in the industry wouldn't complain as much because they don't see the actual price breakdown for the part. They also could have included a basic stand in the box to lessen the blowback and then charge the $1k for the "Pro Stand" had they made some exclusive features to it. For example, the stand could have added additional ports or something.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

I suppose it’s possible the frame with wheels is assembled in China, but the Mac Pro is assembled in Austin, Texas, USA.

I was in that factory back in October and I didn't see anything with wheels. I didn't look in every corner or anything so maybe they were there hiding but all the units I saw being assembled had feet. I haven't been in there recently so could have changed since too.

edit to add: this isn't to disagree with your thought that they'll be shipped over and assembled at Flex, I'd expect that to still be the case, just weren't any there that I saw back in October.

 

[majus]

Being one who tries to be practical about money I cannot see paying $400 for wheels. A person who has the tools can build their own sled with wheels for the unit or pay a good cabinetmaker to do it. Done right it won't add any more to the height than the factory wheels, maybe even less.

Then there will likely be someone who comes up with a mass-produced alternative, so save the $400 and be patient. All good things come in time.

 

[goMac]

Unfortunately, it does not appear that once you pick an option you will have the ability to also get the other. So if you ordered wheels, you will not be getting legs with the order and vice versa. It appears that the machine frame is built specifically to order based on which preference you pick at the beginning. I would like the option to have them removable/changeable at times, but it doesn't seem that way from the videos. But we will have to wait for the actual breakdown to see if they can be changed at a later point. In any event, at this time Apple is not selling the wheels as an accessory even if you could swap it out. So if you want legs and a faster delivery, get it now. If you want wheels, best to keep the order and wait out the delay.

The wheels are available post purchase and can be changed. They’re not part of the frame. The only catch is the Apple Store has to do the swap.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210556

I’m sure the store can also do a reverse swap.

 

[bxs]

Being one who tries to be practical about money I cannot see paying $400 for wheels. A person who has the tools can build their own sled with wheels for the unit or pay a good cabinetmaker to do it. Done right it won't add any more to the height than the factory wheels, maybe even less.

Then there will likely be someone who comes up with a mass-produced alternative, so save the $400 and be patient. All good things come in time.

I appreciate the practical aspect of spending money, and sure, a simple 2nd hand skate board could be used vs. the Apple wheels. My wheel option cost is but 3% of my total MP7,1 purchase price.

Yes, someone with skills could make a decent-looking well-designed wheel sled, or some future mass assembled sled or a well-designed wheel fixture to attach to the stock legs may come along.... but when ?

I personally like the seamless design of the Apple wheels to go along and complement the well-designed MP7,1 casing. This reasoning convinces me to spend the extra money.
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The wheels are available post purchase and can be changed. They’re not part of the frame. The only catch is the Apple Store has to do the swap.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210556

I’m sure the store can also do a reverse swap.

Yes, I read/found that several days ago. Having to take the MP7,1 with legs to the local Apple Store or aurthorized service provider takes time, a loss of computing time, and there no accounting at this time as to what would be charged for such a modification. I suspect knowing labor charges, this would not be cheap and could be as much as several hundred US dollars. I appreciate your posting, but does anyone know what the actual cost for doing this is ?

 

[MacEx20]

The wheels are available post purchase and can be changed. They’re not part of the frame. The only catch is the Apple Store has to do the swap.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210556

I’m sure the store can also do a reverse swap.

That is good to know! But I can't help but laugh at the irony of the Mac Pro again. One would think something like that would be user replaceable (and the SSD). Instead, they leave the two most basic tasks as an Apple replacement requirement. I'm sure most departments would be able to handle such minor fixes as opposed to something like rewiring a power supply or a full board.

 

[goMac]

That is good to know! But I can't help but laugh at the irony of the Mac Pro again. One would think something like that would be user replaceable (and the SSD). Instead, they leave the two most basic tasks as an Apple replacement requirement. I'm sure most departments would be able to handle such minor fixes as opposed to something like rewiring a power supply or a full board.

I'm guessing that Apple is worried about people flipping their Mac Pros over. If they make the wheels user changeable, then they have to deal with whatever warranty issues arise from that. Also hard to tell exactly where the mechanism is for attaching wheels. If it requires dealing with something inside the machine Apple might get more twitchy about the risk of damage during a repair.

At least if it's an Apple tech doing the swap, Apple knows that anything that goes wrong is their own fault.

 

[MacEx20]

I'm guessing that Apple is worried about people flipping their Mac Pros over. If they make the wheels user changeable, then they have to deal with whatever warranty issues arise from that. Also hard to tell exactly where the mechanism is for attaching wheels. If it requires dealing with something inside the machine Apple might get more twitchy about the risk of damage during a repair.

At least if it's an Apple tech doing the swap, Apple knows that anything that goes wrong is their own fault.

I would agree with this to a point, but I'm curious to know what the fee/expense for the swap is. I can't help but feel they are just doing certain things to nickel and dime customers. Similar to the way they manage SSDs. In most they solder it down so you have to upgrade and pay the premium from them directly at the time of purchase. In the Mac Pro it seems like the SSD is replaceable based on the support docs, but again probably at a fee and requires that you purchase the drive from them down the line as opposed to putting in your own ssd. It seems like they would use a line about "officially supported" or "apple genuine parts" as the ruse for that. I could be wrong, but it just seems strange with their approach. The same thing with their monitor stand debacle. At least with that it would have made more sense to include it with the display and charge the full price for marketing purposes as opposed to a stand being separate and not even a basic stand in the box.

 

[bxs]

I'm guessing that Apple is worried about people flipping their Mac Pros over. If they make the wheels user changeable, then they have to deal with whatever warranty issues arise from that. Also hard to tell exactly where the mechanism is for attaching wheels. If it requires dealing with something inside the machine Apple might get more twitchy about the risk of damage during a repair.

At least if it's an Apple tech doing the swap, Apple knows that anything that goes wrong is their own fault.

We need to hear from someone who has the wheelie MP7,1 and who can tell us how the wheels are attached.

For example...
1) Are they screwed in ?
2) Are they an integral part of the SS inverted U shaped bars ?
3) Do the wheels lock ?
4) Can owner remove the wheels if required ?
5) Can legs me purchased separately, and if so, how are they attached ?

 

[MisterAndrew]

The wheels are available post purchase and can be changed. They’re not part of the frame. The only catch is the Apple Store has to do the swap.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210556

I’m sure the store can also do a reverse swap.

I believe the frame for wheels is a different design. I don't believe the feet can be removed from the frame. Edit: My initial hypothesis was wrong. The feet can be removed with a single screw. https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac+Pro+2019+Teardown/128922

 

[goMac]

I believe the frame for wheels is a different design. I don't believe the feet can be removed from the frame.

I really doubt it’s a different frame. Otherwise the Apple Store would be transferring the entire Mac to a different frame and that seems... very improbable.

 

[bxs]

I really doubt it’s a different frame. Otherwise the Apple Store would be transferring the entire Mac to a different frame and that seems... very improbable.

I know this issue is likely to be a mystery until we get a response from someone who has the wheel option. However, from the fact there's a huge delay when MP7,1 is ordered with wheels, this tells me there's a significant change from the stock leg model.

 

[goMac]

I know this issue is likely to be a mystery until we get a response from someone who has the wheel option. However, from the fact there's a huge delay when MP7,1 is ordered with wheels, this tells me there's a significant change from the stock leg model.

Or they just don’t have the wheels ready to go. It’s not the first part delay they’ve ever had.

 

[bxs]

Or they just don’t have the wheels ready to go. It’s not the first part delay they’ve ever had.

That's certainly a possibility as well. I also wonder if the wheels are formed like a donut ?

 

[MisterAndrew]

Great news that the feet can be removed with a single screw. Too bad Apple wants you to bring your Mac Pro into the Apple store to install wheels on it though. We should petition them to offer the kit.

 

[bxs]

Great news that the feet can be removed with a single screw. Too bad Apple wants you to bring your Mac Pro into the Apple store to install wheels on it though. We should petition them to offer the kit.

Yes, just viewed iFixit MP7,1 tear down. The screw is somewhat awkward to get at, but is doable with the correct tool for doing so.

Now I wonder how the wheel is attached ? Will it be a simple screw as used for the leg or some other mechanism ? The bending force at the attachment point to the SS bar for the wheel is greater than for the leg because for the leg it's a vertical force. Also, the wheel can swivel presumably so some form of ball-bearing attachment will likely be used to make 'swiveling' smooth. I also wonder if there are locks for the wheels to prevent them from rotating.

 

[MisterAndrew]

I bet they attach the same way. There are 2 locating pins that keep them secure.

 

[bxs]

I bet they attach the same way. There are 2 locating pins that keep them secure.

If you're correct, it's a shame that the MP7,1 delivery is seemingly being delayed when wheels are ordered.

Maybe the wheel design is suffering from some sort of mystery fatigue and is undergoing further testing least they suffer from a similar fate the Boeing 737 MAX has run into.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Display is less of a controversy to me. Yes, a $1K stand is expensive and overpriced, but I consider the monitor to be a $6K monitor. The foolish marketing part on them is to have it sold separately. They should have just included the stand in the box and say its $6k. Most in the industry wouldn't complain as much because they don't see the actual price breakdown for the part. They also could have included a basic stand in the box to lessen the blowback and then charge the $1k for the "Pro Stand" had they made some exclusive features to it. For example, the stand could have added additional ports or something.

There will be those who vehemently disagree. Having done a fair amount of broadcast and recording facility design work... No, if every display came with a stand, and, say, 50% of users plan to install the displays in an existing VESA-mount facility (wall mount or other multi-display array), they'd be unhappy about having to dispose of a bulky, obviously costly, unnecessary component. For the intended market I think Apple did exactly the right thing, regardless of whether the stand was an inexpensive or expensive item.