So is it possible to replace the hard drive yourself on the new MBP?

[definitive]

Could I just buy the new MBP with the cheapest 5400 rpm hard drive that the model I'm interested in offers and then buy a SSD drive elsewhere at a lower price than what Apple wants and install it myself?

 

[soberbrain]

Yes.

 

[ColonelSmith]

Yes you can. The new MBP has the hard drive located just next to the battery for easy access.

 

[Minimoose 360]

Yes you can. I'm not sure if there are compatibility issues with SSDs if the issues even exist.

 

[definitive]